Press Release May, 8 2008

Two full years of Cardiac Surgery at SKMC

SKMC organizes “The Latest Updates in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease” Conference

The Department of Cardiac Sciences at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), managed by Cleveland Clinic organizes a conference on the latest updates in the treatment of Cardiovascular Disease on 09 Mary 2008 at Hilton Hotel. The expected number of attendees is 250 targeting Cardiologists, Cardiac Surgeons and Cardiac Nurses.

 The symposium was coordinated by Dr. Gregory P. Eising, Head of the Division of Adult Cardiac Surgery and Dr. Friederike v. Canal, Deputy Head of Cardiac Anesthesiology at SKMC. The program is accredited for seven hours of Continuous Medical Education (CME). It will be divided into four sessions which were chaired by SKMC Cardiac Surgeons and Cardiologists. The four scientific sessions cover all essential topics in the field of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology, both pediatric and adult.

Dr. Scott Strong, Chief Medical Officer at SKMC, praised the Cardiac Sciences Team for organizing this upcoming conference on the occasion of the second anniversary of implementing Cardiac Surgery at SKMC. He pointed out that “what makes this symposium unique is that we covered the full spectrum of Cardiac Surgeries and Cardiovascular Diseases. I believe it 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. Norbert Augustin, MD, PhD, Chair, SKMC Department of Cardiac Sciences avowed that since 01st of May 2006, we have performed 564 open heart operations: 412 adult cases, 152 pediatric. 333 patients (81%) out of the 412 adult patients had to undergo Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG). The 30 days mortality rate for CABG operations was 1.8% although the majority of patients were at higher risk. This is an excellent result, in comparison to the USA (2.1%) and other countries”.

“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.”

 Notes on Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death in UAE and make around 29.2% of total global deaths. The major cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease (heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (strokes), hypertension, heart failure and rheumatic heart disease.

 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, Cardiac Catheterization, and Cardiac Surgery.  The Department consists of five (5) Divisions including Adult and Pediatrics Cardiac Surgery, Adult and Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Anesthesiology.

The Department of Cardiac Sciences 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.

 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 SKMC

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, operates under the management of Cleveland Clinic, named one of the top three hospitals in the USA by U.S. News and World Report. SKMC is owned and operated by SEHA, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, recently established to oversee operations of all public hospitals in the Emirate.  It 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, a 120-bed Behavior Sciences Pavilion and the 90-bed Abu Dhabi Rehabilitation Center, in addition to more than 12 specialized outpatient clinics and ten primary healthcare centers around the city of Abu Dhabi.