The much-anticipated 5th International Scientific and Delegates Conference of the Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates (GACOPA) enters its final countdown this week in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Hosted at Aston University from 27th – 30th August 2025, the four-day gathering is set to bring together delegates from over 20 countries, uniting policymakers, clinicians, regulators, educators, and students under the theme:
“One Vision, One Cadre: Standardizing Clinical Officers and Physician Associates for Universal Health Coverage.”
This year’s conference will feature strong delegations from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America — with representation from Ghana, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Malaysia, India, Zimbabwe, Canada, the United States, and the UK.
The programme opens with student-led research presentations, followed by a series of high-level sessions including:
The Legislative Health Assembly 🏛️ – a unique forum bringing together lawmakers and policymakers from multiple countries to discuss workforce regulation and government-to-government health agreements.
Keynote Address by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) – Ms. Una Lane, Director of Registration and Revalidation, will speak on the GMC’s “Road to Regulation”, with Zambia and Malaysia expected to follow the UK in securing cadre inclusion.
Under the Global Research & Innovation there will be cutting-edge presentations on digital health, accreditation, universal health coverage, public health emergencies, and workforce development.
Workshops & Networking set to take centre stage as practical sessions on airway management, clinical education, and healthcare digitalization, alongside opportunities to network with global peers.
The Gala Dinner – a cultural and celebratory climax on August 30th, with delegates donning national dress to showcase global diversity and solidarity.
“This is more than a conference — it is a turning point for our profession’s global recognition,” said Austin Oduor Otieno, President of GACOPA. “For the first time, Clinical Officers and Physician Associates from every continent will speak with one voice: One Vision, One Cadre.”
Aston University, a hub of innovation in medical education, provides the perfect backdrop for this landmark event. The conference will not only highlight the strides made in professional recognition but also set the agenda for future collaborations — from harmonizing training standards to creating pathways for international workforce mobility.
With momentum building and expectations running high, the 5th GACOPA Conference is set to be a milestone in advancing universal health coverage through the strengthening of the Clinical Officer/Physician Associate cadre worldwide.
Follow the journey here and join the conversation online with #GACOPA2025 #OneCadreOneVoice.