Grand Finale of the XLVIII Annual Meeting of the Mexican Academy of Neurology
On Saturday, November 9, the XLVIII Annual Meeting of the Mexican Academy of Neurology concluded, an event that gathers the world’s top neurologists. The event was held at the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center, organized by the President of the Mexican Academy of Neurology, Dr. Guillermo Albert Meza, and Secretary, Dr. Laura Ordoñez Boschetti, who oversaw this major event for the neurology field.
This annual meeting took place from November 4 to 9 this year in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, presenting an extensive academic program on topics of interest such as pediatric neurology, neurology, and more, featuring leading scientific and academic professors from Mexico and abroad.
The Mexican Academy of Neurology (AMN) comprises over 1,500 national and international neurologists who have studied in Mexico, representing the country's most prominent neurology association.
The XLVIII Annual Meeting of the Mexican Academy of Neurology 2024 in Puerto Vallarta was a significant event for the medical community, benefiting the city and its development in the medical field in various ways. The attendance of thousands of doctors and specialists from across Mexico and the world has meaningful impacts on both professional advancement and the local, economic, and social development of Puerto Vallarta, particularly for its health community, known as Pata Salada medicine.
One of the most immediate benefits of such events for Puerto Vallarta is the economic boost generated by medical tourism. Physicians, researchers, and professionals who attended the meeting not only used hotels, restaurants, and local services but also other infrastructure, invigorating the local economy. Besides direct tourism revenue, these events create a network of business opportunities and potential investments, offering greater opportunities for local businesses—from large companies to small ones like souvenir shops, transportation providers, and tourist services. Puerto Vallarta’s recognition as a destination for medical conferences strengthens its position as a diverse tourist center.
The scientific and academic advancements shared during this congress are of great importance to the Puerto Vallarta medical community, especially those involved in Pata Salada medicine—a colloquial term referring to healthcare professionals working in this region of the country, where healthcare systems may differ from more urbanized areas. This congress allowed local doctors to update themselves on the latest techniques, research, and therapeutic approaches related to neurology, contributing to the improvement of patient care quality.
Moreover, the opportunity to interact with colleagues from across the country strengthens professional networks, which can facilitate future collaborations, knowledge exchanges, and research projects. Continuing education, especially in highly specialized fields like neurology, is crucial to maintaining the quality of medical service in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas.
Hosting such a prestigious event in Puerto Vallarta also reinforces its reputation not only as a tourist destination but also as an academic and scientific hub. These gatherings attract the attention of the international healthcare community, positioning the city as a reference center for hosting congresses, conferences, and symposiums related to medicine. This could lead to an increase in health professionals visiting the region, not only to enjoy its tourist attractions but also to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the destination.
In the long term, this could contribute to the development of new medical initiatives in Puerto Vallarta, such as specialized clinics, preventive health programs, and broader access to high-quality services. Thus, the advancement of medicine in the region is seen as a continuous process, in tandem with the destination’s development.
For Puerto Vallarta residents, such events have a positive impact on access to updated medical information and enable better training for local doctors. The city benefits from cutting-edge knowledge and advancements in patient care, especially for those requiring specialized treatments. The result is a direct improvement in medical care for the population, evident in the treatment of both common illnesses and more complex conditions.
This event also opened doors for the establishment of alliances between the local medical community and educational institutions, research centers, and hospitals from other parts of the country. This can translate into collaborative projects benefiting Puerto Vallarta through medical studies, health research, and new treatments that could be implemented locally. Forming ties with academic institutions strengthens Puerto Vallarta’s healthcare ecosystem, benefiting its doctors and patients by connecting them with the latest scientific trends and advancements.
Hosting high-level congresses like this also positions Puerto Vallarta as a medical tourism destination, potentially increasing patients seeking specialized medical care, particularly in neurology. The local infrastructure, along with the quality of local doctors, can attract tourists seeking high-quality medical services, fostering the growth of health tourism in the region.
In this context, the concept of Pata Salada medicine—associated with the resilience, adaptability, and closeness of healthcare professionals to local communities—is enriched by exposure to innovations and ongoing education provided by events like the Mexican Academy of Neurology meeting. Interacting with doctors and specialists from other areas enables local professionals to become agents of change and improvement within their own community, creating a more professional and updated healthcare environment.
The XLVIII Annual Meeting of the Mexican Academy of Neurology 2024 in Puerto Vallarta not only benefited the participating doctors but also had a tangible impact on the city and its medical community. It reinforces Puerto Vallarta’s image as a world-class tourist and academic destination, promoting the development of Pata Salada medicine and offering opportunities for growth in healthcare infrastructure, quality of life for residents, and economic development for the destination.