Doha, 11 February, 2015

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), in collaboration with the American Urological Association (AUA), is hosting the AUA Segura Conference, which begins tomorrow at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). The conference has been designed to expand the skills and understanding of attendees by providing detailed information on treating urinary stone diseases.

More than 500 physicians, including participants from outside Qatar, are attending the conference, which continues until Saturday 14 February to discuss updates and latest advancements in kidney stone surgeries within the Gulf region. State-of-the-art presentations will cover advancements in all aspects of stone management, including symptom interpretation, best diagnostic modalities and appropriate treatment selection.

Speaking about the event, Dr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Head of Urology Surgery Section at HMC and Conference Chairman said this is only the second time that the biennial conference, organized by the American Urological Association, is being held outside the United States. Dr. Al Rumaihi noted that the advancement in nephrolith (related to kidney stones) minimal invasive surgeries at HMC is the reason the conference was brought to Qatar.

He explained that leading international urology and nephrolith surgeons from the United States, including Prof Arthur Smith, a renowned US-based nephrolith surgeon, Prof Tracseur (France), Prof De La Rosette (Holland), Prof Mahesh Dessayeh (India) and Prof Jihad Tawook (USA) are all participating in the conference.

Sixteen surgical operations, ongoing at Hamad General Hospital's operating theaters, will be shown live to conference participants. The surgeries will be conducted by international surgeons, who will be applying a range of new techniques for the first time worldwide. Also, on the closing day of the conference there will be a video showing surgeries conducted locally in Qatar as well as abroad.

"HMC's Urology Department will take part in the live surgeries to be shown to conference participants in QNCC. This is in addition to a number of resource papers to be presented by some of our urologists," said Dr. Al Rumaihi. He added that prior to the conference, a two-day training program was held for local and international residents on the subject.

In addition to local participants from HMC and the private sector, participants at the conference come from India, Nepal, Russia, Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria, South Africa, Libya, Jordan, Palestine, Yemen, Iraq and GCC countries. The internationally renowned conference speakers are from the US, Canada and Europe.

Dr. Adel Al Daleel from Saudi Arabia will speak at the conference on the topic: "Kidney Stones in Islamic Medicine History". In addition, a flex robotic surgery will be conducted for the first time in Qatar and the Gulf region during the conference.

Dr. Khalid Al Jalham, Assistant Head of Urology Surgery at HMC noted that an exhibition of the latest equipment, technologies and medications in the field of urolithiasis is also being held on the sideline of the conference.

-Ends-

About HMC
HMC has been the principal public healthcare provider in the state of Qatar for over three decades and is dedicated to delivering the safest, most effective and compassionate care to all patients.

HMC manages eight hospitals, incorporating five specialist hospitals and three community hospitals.  HMC also manages the National Ambulance Service as well as home and residential care, all accredited by Joint Commission International. While HMC continues to upgrade its facilities and services, it has also embarked on an ambitious expansion program, targeting the areas of need in our community.

HMC is leading the development of the region's first academic health system and is committed to building a legacy of healthcare expertise in Qatar. We collaborate with partners who are key experts in Qatar and beyond, including Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and Partners Healthcare, Boston.

We are also the first hospital system in the Middle East to achieve institutional accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education - International (ACGME-I), which demonstrates excellence in the way medical graduates are trained through residency, internship and fellowship programs.

For more information please visit: www.hamad.qa or contact Noimot Olayiwola, Media Project Manager Tel: (00974) 44390945; Mobile: (00974) 55568709; Email: nolayiwola@hamad.qa

© Press Release 2015