Sidra Medicine and Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) will hold an international scientific conference on 25 and 26 November 2016 in Doha, to help local healthcare professionals improve the quality of care for women with diabetes and obesity in pregnancy.
The conference “Diabetes and Obesity in Pregnancy’ will feature experts from around the world who will share insights on primary prevention, novel interventions, research and innovation in diabetes and obesity care.
“The conference will be an opportunity to address possibly the most urgent issue in women and children’s health – gestational diabetes and obesity. Sharing research, knowledge and best practices in patient care is essential in tackling this epidemic. Education is one of Sidra Medicine’s founding pillars and this symposium is just one example of the training and knowledge sharing we are committed to offering our staff and the broader healthcare community in Qatar. As the world moves towards a consistent, streamlined approach to managing the epidemic, Sidra Medicine is embracing global best practices and ensuring that Qatar is keeping pace with new developments,” said Prof. Justin Konje, Executive Chair, Women’s Services Clinical Management Group at Sidra Medicine.
Known as the “twin epidemic”, obesity and diabetes are hazardous to fetal and maternal health. Together, they represent one of the most significant health challenges facing Qatar and the GCC.
According to the Conference organizers, the problem is exacerbated by limited understanding of what expectant mothers need to do before pregnancy, during pregnancy and after birth. The conference will address these gaps in knowledge among healthcare professionals, as well as explore best practice in the management of obesity and diabetes in expectant mothers, and identify key research areas. In doing so, Sidra Medicine will be offering access to the latest training and information to healthcare professionals in Qatar to ensure the best and safest care for patients.
“We have an impressive line-up of international speakers and participants. This is part of our joint effort to align our approach here in Qatar with that of the international healthcare community, which is essential for patient outcomes. We are engaging all stakeholders in this effort because no single institution or provider can tackle this epidemic alone,” said Dr. Vincent Boama, and Dr. Gbemisola Okunoye who are the co-organizers and senior attending physicians in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sidra Medicine.
A legacy of the conference is expected to be the formation of a GCC Clinical Research Network, which will see researchers from around the GCC discuss ways to collaborate. Talks will take place at a special session during the event. New research findings are also expected to be unveiled over the two days with the expectation that they will have a long term practical impact on patient care.
“From the physician to the pharmacist, each needs to be empowered in their specific area of clinical practice. We expect attendees to leave with tools and knowledge to improve patient care in their particular area,” said Dr. Mohammed Bashir, Chair of the conference scientific committee and a Senior Consultant Endocrinologist at Hamad General Hospital and QMI.
The registration fee for attendees is $165 online (or $190 for registration on site). The conference is accredited for 11.5 Continuing Professional Development/Continuing Medical Education (CPD/CME) credits.