HMC to Host First Surgical Society Symposium on February 25

Doha, February 11 (QNA) - Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) will host First Qatar Surgical Society Symposium and Third Annual Advanced Trauma Life Support Meet (ATLS) for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from February 25 to 27 here. Around 250 healthcare professionals are expected to gather at the event which will highlight state-of-the-art advances in surgery, and will allow the exchange of knowledge and expertise among different countries, HMC said Monday. The event will open with the first Clinical Research Workshop in Emergency, Trauma and Critical Care on February 25 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel which will be followed by a two-day scientific programme at Hajar Auditorium, HMC Education Center. The workshop, symposium and conference will feature 35 speakers from the MENA region, North America and Europe, including international experts well-known for their published articles. The programme offers a multidisciplinary approach to various topics including trauma, transplant, colorectal surgery and general surgery, as well as research. Head of HMC s Trauma Service and Chairman of the Scientific Committee Dr. Hassan Al Thani and Event Organising Committee Chairman Dr. Abdulwahab Al Musleh said, "We are honoured and excited about hosting this important event and we expect some significant outcomes to occur as a result of the event. We hope this will pave the way for establishing the Qatar Chapter of ATLS for MENA. This would be a significant and important event as we are working towards establishing an integrated trauma system in Qatar that will be verified as a Level 1 Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma." Speaking about causes for mortality, Dr Al Thani said, "Trauma is a leading cause of mortality in the region for people below the age of 40, coming ahead of cardiovascular causes. Under the National Health Strategy, prevention is a primary goal along with the development of our trauma system. To achieve these goals we are pursuing the education of healthcare professionals and working to raise public awareness about trauma in general, as well as issues of road safety." Mentioning the ATLS meet for MENA will be held in Qatar for the first time, Dr Al Thani highlighted the importance of establishing Qatar's own ATLS Chapter. "We have already previously established ATLS courses in Qatar - one of the first countries in the Middle East to do so, following Saudi Arabia - but these courses were considered part of the Saudi Chapter. Establishing our own chapter will allow the work of the HMC staff to be recognized on a higher level, not only locally but also internationally." Professor of Surgery and Trauma Service Medical Director Dr. Rifat Latifi said the establishment of an ATLS Chapter in Qatar will add more value to the educational process. Speaking on the upcoming event, Dr Latifi said, "The idea is to raise awareness on the role of the Trauma Service and the progress that we have made in advancing trauma care in Qatar since it was established in 2007. "We are building on the progress that we have achieved and the recognition that the Trauma Service has received internationally, such as those from Arab Health and the World Health Organization. The event will add to our own knowledge and help us in the process of our academic transformation. It will also be a step forward towards verification as a Level 1 Trauma Center." Participants will include physicians, surgeons, paramedics, nurses and educators. Registration has closed for all except doctors, who can register at the Trauma Service office on the ground floor of Quality Management building behind Women's Hospital. For more information healthcare professionals can call +974 44396152 or visit http://fqss.hamad.qa/en/ welcome.aspx (END)