10 March 2015
Doha - Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) will host the 2nd Qatari and 11th GCC International Conference in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) from 12 to 14 March at the Mariott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel.

The three-day conference is being organized by the ORL-HNS (ENT) Department at Rumailah Hospital and will shed light on latest advances, innovative surgical procedures, and cutting-edge research in the field of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery. Discussions during the conference will be centered on many different topics such as hearing assessment and screening, swallowing, speech disorders, nasal disorders, cancer in the head and neck, otology and ear disease.

Dr. Abdulsalam Al-Qahtani, Conference Chairman, Senior Consultant and A/Head of ORL-HNS (ENT) Department commented on the significance of the conference: "We are proud to once again organize this conference in Qatar. This dynamic event will convene over 300 local, regional and international ORL-HNS professionals and provide them with a unique platform to exchange knowledge and experiences pertaining to latest diagnostic and management trends for a variety of otolaryngology, head and neck, and audiology disorders."

"This is also a terrific opportunity for those attending the conference to learn about the progress we have made in this field at HMC and how we are continually establishing best practices to ensure our patients receive the best possible care," Dr. Al-Qahtani added.

Dr. Sara Ashkanani, Conference Scientific Committee member and Rhinology Specialist at ENT Department said: "The program for this year's conference comprises of 150 state-of-the-art lectures, which will be presented by more than 60 distinguished speakers and ORL-HNS experts from all over the world, including countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, India and other countries in the GCC region. The interactive sessions will allow delegates to gain advanced skills that will certainly enhance their practice."

Dr. Olfa Al Mannai, Conference Organizing Committee member and Swallowing Specialist at ENT Department noted: "This conference consolidates HMC's three main pillars; health, education, and research. We are trying to update and enhance the management within ENT service as well as incorporate new technologies in this field in Qatar. The continued education of our staff is one of our top priorities and this will certainly reflect in our services, enhancing patient outcomes."

Additionally, a full-day instructional course will also be held on 13 March at the Qatar Robotic Surgery Center to provide hands-on training to ENT surgeons on the Da Vinci Surgical System. This is a sophisticated robotic platform that is designed to expand the surgeon's capabilities and offer a high-tech minimally invasive option for major surgery.

The ENT Department is one of the biggest and busiest departments at HMC. On average, as many as 2,400 ENT surgeries are performed at the department each year and approximately 27,000 patients are seen at the ENT outpatient clinics.

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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.qaor contact Noimot Olayiwola, Media Project Manager Tel: (00974) 44390945; Mobile: (00974) 55568709; Email: nolayiwola@hamad.qa

© Press Release 2015