Press Release Oct, 9 2008
Celebrating the World Heart Day
SKMC organizes “Cardiovascular Risk Factors” Medical Symposium
The Department of Cardiac Sciences at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), managed by Cleveland Clinic organizes a symposium on cardiovascular risk factors on 10 October 2008 at Al Raha Beach Hotel in Abu Dhabi. The expected number of attendees is 250 targeting cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and Internal physicians.
The symposium was coordinated by Dr. Abdulmajeed Al Zubaidi, Senior Consultant (interventional cardiology), and Dr. Sherif Bakir, Consultant Cardiologist at SKMC. The program is accredited for four hours of Continuous Medical Education (CME). It will be divided into seven different presentations and panel discussions which will be chaired by SKMC Cardiac Surgeons and Cardiologists. The scientific presentations cover all essential topics in the field of cardiovascular risk factors definitions and prevention.
Dr. Norbert Augustin, Chair of Cardiac Sciences Department, praised the Cardiac Sciences Team for organizing this upcoming conference on the occasion of the World Heart Day. He pointed out that “what makes this symposium unique is that a wide spectrum of cardiovascular risk factors are covered”.
Dr. Augustin, avowed that “the establishment of the Cardiac Sciences Department at SKMC since May 2006 for Adults Cardiac Surgeries and since April 2007 for Pediatrics Cardiac Surgeries has reduced the medical requirement for overseas travel, as it provides comparable cardiac services to all UAE residents, and provides family members an opportunity to participate in the wellness process before, during, and after surgery. Health statistics show that the family is a vital part of the healing process and SKMC is happy to provide this service within the community. SKMC is committed continuous improvement of care to ultimately improve the health of the whole UAE population”, Dr. Augustin added. “SKMC Cardiac Sciences Division is willing to continuously organize Cardiovascular-related conferences, symposiums and activities. It is our department mission to encourage and promote scientific and medical education programs in addition to providing advanced cardiac services at SKMC that meets internationally recognized standards of excellence to the residents of the UAE.
Dr. Wael Al Mahmeed, Head of Adult Cardiology Department, stated that the symposium topics will cover obesity, smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes cardiovascular complications. He said “I believe this symposium will be well received by the audience. This unique and important conference illustrates SKMC’s commitment to state-of-the-art treatment and promotion of CME”.
Dr. Abdulmajeed Al Zubaidi, stated that “Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United Arab Emirates. As per recent studies, at least one or more of what we call cardiac risk factors are the reason of 90% of heart attacks and deaths world-wide. These risk factors include obesity, lack of exercise, diabetes, hypertension, smoking and high cholesterol. However, if these factors were identified early in life and controlled according to the scientific recommendations, it can lead to more than 70% reduction in number of heart attacks.”
“The prevalence of the above mentioned risk factors in UAE is considered high compared to other countries such as Diabetes and Hypertension. Moreover, sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise and easy access to food high in fat and calories are major reasons of high rates of obesity. The symposium organized by the Cardiac Science at SKMC will address these factors individually and raise the level of awareness among physicians, which will reflect on the patients care by detecting the unrecognized cases and treating those with risk factors to the normal standards”, Dr. Al Zubaidi added.
Continuous Medical Education
SKMC is accredited by Health Authority Abu Dhabi to provide continuous medical educations for physicians. This event is an accredited learning activity as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and has been designated for 7 hours of CME by Health Authority Abu Dhabi and the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada.
About the Department of Cardiac Sciences at SKMC
The Department of Cardiac Sciences is an ultra-modern, state of the art, all inclusive center of excellence providing cardiac services and specialties including Non-invasive Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Electrophysiology, and Cardiac Surgery. The Department consists of seven (7) Divisions including Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Adult and Pediatric Cardiology, Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care; and Cardiac Anesthesiology. The division of adult cardiology has distinguished itself in region in providing 24/7 primary angioplasty, electronic reporting solutions in invasive and non-invasive cardiology, and Electrophysiology studies and ablations. It is a testament to the commitment of SKMC, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company – SEHA and Cleveland Clinic to champion the on-going development of an accessible, comprehensive, sustainable, and fully integrated continuum of care for the population of the UAE.
About SKMC
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, operates under the management of Cleveland Clinic, named among the top hospitals in the USA by U.S. News and World Report. SKMC is owned by SEHA, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, recently established to oversee operations of all public hospitals in the Emirate. SKMC is the flagship institution for the public health system in Abu Dhabi and has several 'Centers of Excellence,' and aspires to practice contemporary medicine comparable to the best hospitals and medical centers in the world. SKMC provides comprehensive health care services in all of the disciplines relevant to the needs and priorities of the community to attain the highest levels of patient satisfaction.
SKMC consists of a 550-bed Acute Care Hospital and 14 specialized outpatient clinics accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). In addition, SKMC manages a 120-bed Behavior Sciences Pavilion, a 90-bed Rehabilitation Center, 9 primary healthcare centers and 2 dental centers distributed over the city of Abu Dhabi.