In 2009 Universal Medicine inaugurated the Esoteric Practitioners Association (EPA)*. The EPA* represents the members association, the practitioners association and acts as the accrediting vehicle for the Complementary Medicine modalities as taught by Universal Medicine.

Each year the Esoteric Practitioners Association* holds its annual conference, which is run by and for its members. The 4th annual EPA* conference was held recently on 20th July 2013 with over 150 members in attendance and many more participating by way of live webcasts in many regions and states of Australia.

I have attended numerous conferences over the course of my career, mostly because it is an obligation to keep my membership current or it is a compulsory part of my continuing professional education. Many a time I have felt as if I must attend a conference rather than truly wanting to.

At some like-intended events held by other associations I have come away feeling duped or disappointed with the conference content as I didn’t learn anything new or take away anything practical that I could apply to my work. Sometimes it feels like the speakers are just there to fill in the blanks between the trade show and the meals/drink breaks.

However, this is not the case with the EPA* conference, it is a day I look forward to knowing that this is an event that allows its members to come together, to share their experiences and support one another in their daily practice. I also appreciate that the conference is free to members, as the EPA funds it.

Funnily enough on that point, the theme of this year’s conference was appreciation…

At this year’s EPA* conference what struck me was how each presenter generously shared their knowledge, experience and expertise without the need to impress us with their credentials, Power Point presentation or their level of intelligence. This really opened the conference up to all, from student member to experienced practitioner, and allowed for great discussion, questions, feedback and humour.

This open format brought enormous input from the members and gave me many an insight into the great work that people are doing, as well as a few a-ha moments and ‘oh that’s a good point, I could apply that to my work and my life’.

The topics covered were vast and varied from the simplicity of how to keep and take good notes, mental health, wellness days for businesses, the Our Cycles App developed by Natalie Benhayon, to the difficult and often taboo topic of aging and death. Plus there was a bonus and impromptu A cappella performance by one of the presenters that was incredibly inspiring and unexpected.

I appreciate attending a conference that is about its members and not just the person up on stage or what’s for lunch. (Although I must admit that I did appreciate all the beautiful and healthy food that the attendees brought to share as way of a community get together.)

It was very refreshing and entertaining to be at a conference that incorporates and caters to all in attendance and actually gives back to its members. Bravo Esoteric Practitioners Association*!

Thank you to the EPA* members who make this event what it is, it is immensely appreciated.

by Dr Rachel Hall, Holistic Dentist and Esoteric Practitioner, Kenmore, Brisbane

* The EPA (Esoteric Practitioners Association) is the internal accreditation arm of Universal Medicine. It was instigated by Universal Medicine to monitor and accredit the modalities that were founded by Universal Medicine.