DOHA, 22 February, 2015

Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Bone and Joint Center in conjunction with the Orthopedic Surgery Department hosted the 2nd Qatar International Spine Conference to highlight the latest diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the management of spinal disorders.

The conference, held this weekend, gathered more than 250 healthcare professionals, including residents, specialists, consultants, neurosurgeons, radiologists, general practitioners and other allied health professionals.

Over the two-day event, delegates had the opportunity to discuss spine-related topics such as spine infections, deformities, tumors, trauma and injury, pain management and degenerative disc conditions. Distinguished international, regional and local speakers delivered state-of-the-art lectures and presentations underlining cutting-edge science pertinent to spinal issues.

Dr. Mohammed Al Ateeq Al Dosari, Conference Chairman and Director of the Bone and Joint Center at HMC said: "Following on from the success of last year's spine conference, were delighted to once again create a dynamic platform for leading spine surgeons and healthcare professionals from around the world to engage in discussions focused on the most advanced spine technologies, major developments and innovative research."

"We believe this conference contributes to the development of a global dimension to the ideas and opinions shared among international spine professionals. The exchange of in-depth knowledge and expertise will definitely reflect in enhanced patient outcomes in spine care," Dr. Al Dosari added.

Dr. Khaled Mabruk Faraj, Conference Co-Chairman and Senior Consultant in Orthopedics and Spine Surgery stated: "This endeavor is guided by our ambition to provide the safest, most effective and most compassionate care to patients affected with spinal problems. The conference has shed light on the most updated scientific and clinical research in the field encompassing surgical techniques, complications, outcomes and follow-up data for promising spinal procedures."

Dr. Faraj added that: "A key focus of the conference was the management of spinal trauma and injury as such cases are high in the region due to the high number of traffic accidents."

In parallel to the lectures, dedicated, hands-on workshops, as well as an exhibition showcasing novel surgical instruments for implantation and spine surgery, were organized.  

Dr. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Orthopedic Spine Consultant at HMC commented on the importance of the conference: "This was a wonderful opportunity for international collaboration as we were able to meet like-minded individuals in the spine community and had the chance to exchange and review exceptional quality scientific data, which will help us further introduce new ways of treating our patients."

"It was also exciting to present new research carried out at Hamad General Hospital, especially by HMC doctors on international fellowships as well as that carried out in the region and around the world, reflecting the role we have developed in the world of spine disorders," Dr. Faraj added.

For more details and information about the conference, please contact the organizing committee at spine@hamad.qa

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About HMC
HMC is 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