DOHA, 24 March, 2015: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) will tomorrow begin the 6th Gulf Nuclear Medicine Conference (GNMC) in Qatar, to showcase latest advances, novel technologies and cutting-edge research in the field of nuclear medicine.

Nuclear medicine involves the use of radioactive material and diagnostic technology to aid in the treatment and management of various health conditions including hyperthyroidism, tumors, bone pain, as well as some types of cancer.

During a nuclear medicine imaging procedure, patients are given radiopharmaceuticals that can be inhaled, injected or swallowed, which then emit gamma rays. These rays can be detected through specialized cameras that work in conjunction with computers to provide images of the area of the body being scanned. This offers the potential for physicians to identify disease in its earliest stages as well as determine a patient's immediate response to therapeutic interventions.

The conference, which will conclude on 28 March, is being organized by the Radiation Safety Section at the Occupational Health and Safety Department (OHS), in cooperation with the Radiology Department at HMC, and is expected to attract as many as 300 local and regional participants, including diagnostic radiologists, technologists, medical oncologists, medical physicists, radiation chemists, nurses, radiation residents and other allied healthcare professionals.

Chairperson of the 6th Gulf Nuclear Medicine Conference and Executive Director of OHS at HMC, Dr. Huda Al Naemi stated: "It is really exciting for HMC to organize this conference as it will provide a unique platform for healthcare professionals working in the area of nuclear medicine to share the latest knowledge from around the region and will foster future collaborations in this very promising medical science. The conference focuses on the safest use of technology in nuclear medicine and reaffirms HMC's commitment to providing the safest, most effective and most compassionate care to each and every one of our patients."

Dr. Al Naemi added: "This conference also provides a wonderful opportunity for the participants to discover Qatar's achievements in nuclear medicine, particularly the use of the state-of-the-art technologies within HMC, such as the Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/ Computed Tomography (CT) and the cyclotron machines, used in medical imaging for diagnosis and treatment. The availability of such modern technologies has benefitted many patients in Qatar who would otherwise have to travel abroad."

The four-day conference will feature a dynamic program with in-depth lectures, presentations, case discussions and dedicated workshops. A total of 14 distinguished regional and local experts will cover various topics such as history of nuclear medicine, the role of creativity and motivation in life, medicine and research, advances in multimodality molecular imaging, Parkinson imaging, and introduction to quality management in nuclear medicine. A review course for residents from around the region will also be held on the first day of the conference and will provide a thorough overview of nuclear medicine imaging techniques, established best practices and safety principles.

This is the first time Qatar will host the conference, which has been previously hosted by the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. According to Dr. Al Naemi, "This year the conference is attracting participants from not only the Gulf region but we have also received many abstracts from countries like Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia and Lebanon in addition to International Atomic Energy Agency experts from Korea."

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