Issue 74/ 208 - JAN/FEB 2024
Connected Medication Management: Unlocking Sustainable Healthcare
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Take precautions against health risks with a comprehensive health check that you will have once in the new year, and get the opportunity of early diagnosis and treatment for yourself and your loved ones.
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PHASES IN THE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL DEVELOPMENTS People usually set New Year’s resolutions and make appropriate plans to implement their work program. While not all of these resolutions and plans can be implemented, however, some will be applied and would make a difference from one year to another. This is how humanity always makes remarkable strides in achieving success. How is this accomplished in the medical sector? In fact, this is an open door to an integrated world, from the individuals to the hospital that seeks to provide health to humanity, to the medical personnel striving to implement this mission, to the nursing team and drug manufacturers, and everyone who contributes, directly or indirectly, to making the world a safer and healthier place. Hence, each one of the above-mentioned elements holds a major yet endless responsibility. Individuals must be more careful and attentive to their health and must strictly adhere to prevention guidelines. The hospital must demonstrate its keenness to rapidly transition from healing the sick to protecting the healthy all while by being more environmentally friendly. The medical and nursing staff should take pride in keeping up with successive events, in terms of pandemics or practices. “New Year’s resolutions are often abandoned almost as soon as they are made,” says David Creel, a clinical psychologist in Cleveland Clinic. “The problem could lie in how the resolutions were formulated, rather than a perceived lack of willpower.” Given that “Hospitals” magazine keeps pace with all these developments and changes, it bears witness to the driving force of this revolution on the global level, especially in the Arab world. The new year is expected to be an additional phase on the path of development, transformation, and success! The Publisher
President Simon Chammas schammas@tahmag.com Executive Vice President Mirna Khairallah mirna@tahmag.com Senior Editor Elham Najem editorial@tahmag.com Content Executive Jessica Achkar editorial@tahmag.com Editors Aline Debes, Mark Steven, Don Karn, Andrew Weichert, Colette Semaan, Abbas Moussa Content Marketing Manager Jessie Chlela jessie@tahmag.com Creative Director Rania Khalil rania@tahmag.com Business Development Manager Wadih Chammas wadih@tahmag.com IT Manager Elie Yammine elie@tahmag.com Photographer Hanna Nehme Advertising advertising@thearabhospital.com
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CONTENTS
26 Transparency and Automation: Drivers of Safer, Simpler,
and More Efficient Inpatient Medication Management
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64
Al-Ahli Hospital Award for Arab Pioneers in Medicine
Andre Daoud
Group CEO of Medica Group
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Dr. Heitham Hassoun
Advancing Hope and Healing:
Vice President and Medical Director, Cedars-Sinai International
NEWS
10 Joint Commission International (JCI) offers new Laboratory Accreditation Program
UCLA Health's Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
86 Advancing Hope and Healing: UCLA Health's Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program
42 LAU Medical Centers launched an awareness and
90 France at Arab Health 2024: Showcasing Revolutionary
vaccination campaign against the human papillomavirus
104 NewTom 7G - The world’s first Multi-Scan Body CBCT
Healthcare Solutions 92 Baylor St Luke's Medical Center… Shaping the Next 50 Years of Cancer Care 102 UChicago Medicine launches partnership with Emirates Health Services 106 ACIBADEM in 2023
INTERVIEWS
ARTICLES
MEDICAL TECH
88 Accuhealth; Managing COPD with Remote Patient Monitoring: Harnessing the Power of Peak Flow Meters
58 Arfan Ahmed, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Research in Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar 64 Andre Daoud, Group CEO of Medica Group 70 Dr. Naser Ammash, CEO of Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City 75 Dr. Heitham Hassoun, Vice President and Medical Director, Cedars-Sinai International 78 Jihad Tayara, EVOTEQ's CEO 110 Mr. Elie Medawar, Founder and CEO of MedboX 118 Dr. Mehmood Khan, CEO of Hevolution Foundation 122 Dr. Joan Mannick, CEO of Tornado Therapeutics 126 Mrs. Alice Yammine Boueiz, Chief Executive Officer of the Arab Hospitals Federation 136 Afiaa Al Masri, Chief Dietician, Hemya Center Manager at Al-Ahli Hospital 138 Dr. Sami Krimly, Head of dental Department, Specialist in Prosthodontics and Aesthetic Dentistry at Al-Ahli Hospital
26 Transparency and Automation: Drivers of Safer, Simpler, and More Efficient Inpatient Medication Management
54 Al-Ahli Hospital Award for Arab Pioneers in Medicine 94 ADAM: Al-AHLI Hospital Doctors’ Assistant Module (EMR) Overview... A Comprehensive Medical Assistance System 112 Revolutionizing Radiology: The Dedalus Journey with Sam Amory
FEATURES
96 Psychological Rehabilitation Centers against the effects of violence... Therapy sessions to bring patients back to life!
114 Aortic Dissection 132 A New Era in Gulf Healthcare 140 Machine Learning in Healthcare 142 The New Frontiers of Longevity 146 The Pinnacle of Precision
NEWS
Mansoor Al Mansoori: The success following PureHealth’s IPO reflects investors’ trust in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector
H
is Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), has praised the success following PureHealth’s debut on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, as the initial public offering (IPO) registered significant demand from local and international investors. This reflects investors’ trust in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector and cements its position as a reliable and attractive investment and economic destination, which further enhances and supports the national economy. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori said: “Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector is continuously marking new milestones thanks to the integration of its advanced legislative structure, high-quality healthcare strategies, and the attractive investment environment that has enabled many local companies to expand their global reach. PureHealth’s track record is another addition to the series of
Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori
success stories we’re seeing local and international companies experience within the sector; what it is witnessing now is similar to the successful IPOs of Burjeel Holding, and many others.” He added: “Such milestones allow Abu Dhabi’s healthcare companies to continue expanding to new markets, attracting investment, creating more job opportunities, undertaking international research, and leading clinical trials to serve communities around the world. Under the directives and support of our leadership, we are confident that other success stories on Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector will continue to come to light, marking its position as one of the major contributors to the Emirate’s social and economic development.” Al Mansoori emphasized DoH’s commitment to enabling and empowering the Emirate’s healthcare sector, and is calling on companies to pursue similar achievements and to continue playing a pivotal role in cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global healthcare destination.
American Hospital Dubai launches AI-led robotic surgery training centre
A
merican Hospital Dubai has officially launched its Center for Surgical Simulation, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, which provides training to medical professionals in the UAE and the region. A leader in robotic surgeries, American Hospital Dubai is currently training 20 Emirati surgeons in this advanced field. The program, to be completed by the end of 2024, comprises an online introduction, step-by-step training on modules, work on simulators and modules dry box, and hands-on and cadaver training by internationally renowned, certified robotic surgeon trainers. Having launched robotic surgery in 2020, American Hospital Dubai has conducted more than 1,500 surgeries. It is also the first private healthcare entity outside the US
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SHERIF BESHARA, GROUP CEO OF AMERICAN HOSPITAL DUBAI, SAID, “WE ARE PROUD TO HEAD TOWARDS THIS MILESTONE IN OUR PROGRESS AS A HEALTHCARE EDUCATOR. AMERICAN HOSPITAL DUBAI IS COMMITTED TO RAISING THE REGION’S HEALTHCARE SKILL QUOTIENT THROUGH KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE SHARING".
to gain accreditation for its Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (COERS) from the prestigious US-based Surgical Review Corporation. The hospital set up the first robotic surgical training hub in the Middle East and Africa in partnership with Robotics Surgical Systems (RSS) and UK-based CMR Surgicals. The multispecialty training program has held dozens of training sessions, bringing next-generation skills to the region’s surgeons. Recently, surgeons from Egypt, South Africa, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Jordan, and Kuwait underwent the training program that follows international standards and an accredited curriculum. It supported hospital trainees with multispecialty tutoring in urology, OB-GYN, orthopaedics, spinal and general surgery.
NEWS
Joint Commission International (JCI) offers new Laboratory Accreditation Program Program recognizes laboratories achieving ISO 15189:2022 requirements and JCI rigorous quality performance standards
zation for Standardization (ISO) for quality and competence in medical laboratories. The standards were developed with input from international scientific field experts in a variety of laboratory specialties, including pathology. Laboratories will be evaluated using JCI’s tracer methodology and survey process which evaluate a laboratory’s entire testing process, including how it interacts with other areas to deliver care to patients and how it mitigates risk.
J
oint Commission International (JCI) has launched a new addition to its Laboratory Accreditation Program based on ISO 15189:2022 requirements. The accreditation program, available to laboratories located outside of the United States and its territories, recognizes laboratories committed to providing a patient-centric experience and improving patient safety and quality of care. The new accreditation program combines ISO 15189:2022 requirements for laboratories and JCI evidence-based laboratory standards that go beyond regulatory requirements for patient-centered care, organization management, quality control and more. ISO 15189:2022 requirements are from the International Organi-
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“Laboratory services play a critical role in accurate diagnosis and appropriate course of treatment for patients around the world,” says Joel Roos, MD, MBA, MHCDS, CPE, Vice President of International Accreditation, Quality Improvement and Safety, JCI. “JCI’s new Laboratory Accreditation Program will help laboratories not only meet ISO 15189:2022 requirements but also align with JCI accreditation standards for hospitals and other healthcare settings, to best address and streamline patient safety and quality improvement processes.” In addition to being located outside of the United States and its territories for eligibility, a laboratory must provide services addressed by applicable JCI laboratory accreditation standards and hold a facility license or registration to conduct its services, if required by law. Applications are now being accepted for the JCI Laboratory Accreditation Program. For more information and full eligibility criteria, please visit the JCI website.
THE NEW ACCREDITATION PROGRAM COMBINES ISO 15189:2022 REQUIREMENTS FOR LABORATORIES AND JCI EVIDENCEBASED LABORATORY STANDARDS THAT GO BEYOND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR PATIENTCENTERED CARE, ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT, QUALITY CONTROL AND MORE.
Joint Commission International (JCI) Introduces New Laboratory Accreditation Program Joint Commission International (JCI) has launched a new addition to its Laboratory Accreditation Program based on ISO 15189:2022 requirements. This accreditation program, available to laboratories located outside of the United States and its territories, recognizes organizations committed to providing a patient-centric experience and improving patient safety and quality of care. This evaluation uniquely combines ISO 15189:2022 requirements and JCI’s rigorous, evidence-based, patient-centric standards, setting JCI apart from other lab accreditation programs.
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NEWS
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NEWS
Excellence in Healthcare Cedars-Sinai is proud to be recognized eight years in a row on the “Best Hospitals” Honor Roll and ranked among the top five in the U.S. in six specialties by U.S. News & World Report. As a global leader in healthcare, we offer a full range of services to patients from around the world. Whether we’re providing clinical services in your region, via video visits or at our main campus in Los Angeles, our mission remains unchanged: to give patients access to excellence in healthcare— wherever they may be.
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ARTICLES
Transparency and Automation: Drivers of Safer, Simpler, and More Efficient Inpatient Medication Management Amr Ashmawy. B.Pharm. Clinical Solution Specialist, Dispensing, Medication Management Solutions. Becton Dickinson Middle East and Africa.
Maged Farrag. BSc, ACIM. Business Development Manager - Medication Management Solutions. Becton Dickinson. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.. James Waterson. M.Med.Ed, M.HEc, RN. Medical Affairs Manager. Medication Management Solutions. Becton Dickinson, Middle East & Africa.
A
recent systematic review of the literature describes how facilities that have embraced automated drug dispensing technologies can streamline processes, minimize medication errors, and boost safety for patients and clinicians. The study was positive on the effect of automation on safety and efficiency but found some issues with the literature reviewed as much of the work undertaken was observational, and difficult to generalize upon as the studies assessed either the ward environment or the central pharmacy, without tracing the medication handling relationship between the two areas.1 The authors recognized the limitations of the review they undertook against the backdrop of a multifaceted landscape of activities that includes prescription, preparation, dispensing, and administration of medications to patients, as well as the requirement for observation of effectiveness and for adverse events or side effects.1 The review also recognized that manual dispensing often involves ward nurses and pharmacists in tasks that can be automated, and which may take them away from value-added clinical activities. In terms of the efficiencies and improved transparency of medication management that may be obtained through automation and by the implementation of integrated and connected medication management, the review’s authors suggest that the case for automation during dispensing from central pharmacy has been largely proven by the literature to date but that what is missing from the evidence base is
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a comprehensive analysis of the supplementary benefits and advantages resulting from implementing integrated solutions both in the centralized pharmacy and the ward. A recently published paper from our region2 has done a lot to fill in the gaps that have been previously missed in the scientific literature. The study, which was undertaken at the King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital (KFAFH) in Jeddah, in the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia, over a period of 21 months sought to identify the possible benefits of automation in nursing units through the deployment of BD Pyxis™ Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs), with integration of these units into the central pharmacy via BD Medication Knowledge Portal software. BD Medication Knowledge Portal provides analytical tools that specifically target health system analytics, inventory and cost reduction, safety and compliance. It provides a single access
BD MEDICATION KNOWLEDGE PORTAL PROVIDES AN ANALYTICAL VIEW OF AGGREGATED DATA AND RETROSPECTIVE REPORTING FOR UP TO TEN YEARS. IT HAS KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR (KPI) REPORTS RELATED TO INVENTORY MANAGEMENT, SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE, AND SYSTEM MAINTENANCE.
King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital is a 600-bed facility in Jeddah, that undertook a successful Six-Sigma change process for inpatient medication management using BD PyxisTM Automated Dispensing Cabinets with BD Medication Knowledge Portal software.
ARTICLES
point to analyze data from BD Pyxis™ ADCs, and can also access BD Pyxis™ Anesthesia stations, and BD Pyxis™ CII Safe units. We specifically discussed the value of all these units for controlled substance management in our article in November 2023 for "Hospitals" Magazine.3 BD Medication Knowledge Portal provides an analytical view of aggregated data and retrospective reporting for up to ten years. It has Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports related to inventory management, safety and compliance, and system maintenance. These can be powerful tools for assessing the benefits of change and the maintenance of gains made following the introduction of automation into a facility’s pharmacy system.
The KFAFH pharmacy team set out to tackle a number of incredibly important issues for medication management in their 600bed military hospital. A Six-Sigma approach was applied with the following goals to be achieved: The overall objective was to instigate automation and deploy staff reorientation, workflow change, and integration, and to measure any improvements in inpatient medication management service in terms of safety, efficiency, and costs.
Specific goals were: •
Change in the management of expensive and frequently misused medications.
THE STUDY, WHICH WAS UNDERTAKEN AT THE KING FAHAD ARMED FORCES HOSPITAL (KFAFH) IN JEDDAH, IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDIA ARABIA, OVER A PERIOD OF 21 MONTHS SOUGHT TO IDENTIFY THE POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF AUTOMATION IN NURSING UNITS THROUGH THE DEPLOYMENT OF BD PYXIS™ AUTOMATED DISPENSING CABINETS (ADCS), WITH INTEGRATION OF THESE UNITS INTO THE CENTRAL PHARMACY VIA BD MEDICATION KNOWLEDGE PORTAL SOFTWARE.
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ARTICLES
•
Implementation of a secondary approval process for restricted medications.
The primary outcome aims were: •
•
•
•
•
•
To decrease turnaround time from ordering to administration of regular and stat medications by more than 70% by the end of 2021. To decrease inpatient monthly consumptions by more than 20% by the end of 2021. To decrease the number of ward stock items by more than 70% by the end of 2021. To decrease the number of returned items by more than 70% by the end of 2021. To decrease loss due to expired medications in both the central pharmacy and the warehouse by more than 70% by the end of 2021. To decrease the number of delayed stat and regular prescription medication incidents to zero by the end of 2021.
The secondary aims were: •
•
To improve the percentage of effectively answered medication related calls handled by the pharmacy from nursing units by more than 70% by the end of 2021. To monitor nursing and pharmacy staff satisfaction with the new medication management processes, and to support acceptance and assurance with the solution through training and acting promptly on feedback.
Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) Risk Priority Numbers (RPNs), incident reporting, staff surveys, appraisal of the number of calls effectively managed by the pharmacy department related to medication management, and the metrics available from BD Pyxis™ and BD Knowledge Portal, as well as manual inventory counts during the switch to the new technology were used to triangulate the impact of the introduction of BD Pyxis™ ADCs. Of particular interest in the KFAFH study
JAN.FEB 2024 28
were the reengineered workflows for expensive, misused, and restricted medications, number of telephone calls to the pharmacy from nursing units, overall, and increasing the number of successfully managed medication-related calls is very much in line with the zeitgeist of attempting to reduce immediate or stat need for medication calls to the pharmacy, and the difficulties this causes in traditional nonconnected medication management systems for managing urgent orders alongside the routine work of restocking nursing units. In terms of results, the KFAFH study was hugely impressive. Following the implementation of BD Pyxis™ ADCs and Medication Knowledge Portal, and despite the enforced changes required by the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic the below positive changes were achieved: • Medication turnaround time: order administration decreased by 83%. • Non-ADC Medications distributed < 30 minutes increased by 39%. • Delay incidents reported via quality system showed zero incident. • All FMEA RPNs with pre-change scores of >100 addressed. and RPN scores reduced by 83.3% (Mean Average: Range 54.3-98%)
BD MEDICATION KNOWLEDGE PORTAL PROVIDES ANALYTICAL TOOLS THAT SPECIFICALLY TARGET HEALTH SYSTEM ANALYTICS, INVENTORY AND COST REDUCTION, SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE. IT PROVIDES A SINGLE ACCESS POINT TO ANALYZE DATA FROM BD PYXIS ADCS, AND CAN ALSO ACCESS BD PYXIS ANESTHESIA STATIONS, AND BD PYXIS CII SAFE UNITS.
The KFAFH achievement is clear from the average Turnaround Time (TAT) from ordering to administration for non-ADC items: stat and patient-specific regular orders, and the corresponding percentage of non-ADC items dispensed within 30 minutes.
ARTICLES
The results also indicated a substantial change in the total medication stock held by the facility and at risk of expiry, or loss and unavailability for immediate use within the organization: • Loss due to expired medications was reduced by 740,000 USD. • Monthly medication consumption was decreased by 24%. • Annual consumption was reduced by 4,100,000 USD. • Stock item count: Ward stock in bound stock was decreased by 81%. • The number of returned items per month from nursing units to the pharmacy decreased by 72%. This indicates how ADCs, when integrated and networked with a pharmacy information system can improve efficiency across a facility, when deployed via a cogent integration plan such a Six-Sigma project as was applied by the KFAFH pharmacy team. The lack of transparency, and waste inherent in traditional inventory processes is well illustrated in the KFAFH study as the project moved across the facility unit by unit, installing ADCs and removing old inventory systems of cupboards and drawers and found multiple incidences of expired medications and multiple replications of the same medication. The move to automation showed how transparency and dynamic inventory are intrinsic
to the change process, and allow for calculation of return on investment to be made, once the move away from traditional systems is made. The KFAFH team also surveyed responses from nursing and pharmacy staff. This was positive data as it indicated 64% of nurses and 67% of pharmacists stated that ADC introduction increased their productivity by more than 40%. The number of positively answered calls by pharmacy increased by 160%. This was largely due to the number of redundant calls for missing medications overall being reduced, as nursing units had their needs met by the stock in their unit’s ADC, which had an appropriately reduced total volume of medications but an increased, and appropriate, number of medication lines suitable for their patient census available. In summary, there is a growing global body of evidence that automation, as delivered by a disseminated pharmacy to nursing unitbased inpatient system, linked to the hospital’s central pharmacy by a connected medication management system via a system such as BD Pyxis™ and BD Medication Knowledge Portal can improve safety and efficiency across a facility. The KFAFH study indicates that regional facilities can also obtain these benefits through the application of well-planned and executed change strategies. We offer our huge congratulations and respect for the achievement of Dr Hala alButi’s KFAFH pharmacy team.
KFAFH undertook surveys of nursing and pharmacy staff, the positive results indicate that sustainability is likely to be achieved.
References:
1. Garagiola E, Foglia E, Asperti F, Antonacci G, Jani Y, Bellavia D, Schettini F. Automated Drugs Dispensing Systems in Hospital Pharmacies and Wards: A Systematic Literature Review. Biomed J Sci & Tech Res 53(5)2023. BJSTR. MS.ID.008454. 2. Almalki A, Jambi A, Elbehiry B, Albuti H. Improving Inpatient Medication Dispensing with an Automated System. Global Journal on Quality and Safety in Healthcare 1 November 2023; 6 (4): 117–125. doi: https://doi. org/10.36401/JQSH-23-15 3. https://issuu.com/thearabhospitalmagazine/docs/hospitals_73/70
The KFAFH surveys indicated that workflow efficiency was the highest scoring item of the benefits of automation for pharmacy staff. Nursing staff scored medication safety as the most important benefit.
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NEWS
Dr. Salih Onur Basat: “Turkey to remain a global hub for aesthetic surgeries in 2024"
T
ürkiye’s health tourism sector is making remarkable strides. According to the Tourism Sector Assessment 2023 report by EY (Ernst & Young) in November, interest in health tourism in Türkiye continues to increase. Almost 750 thousand people visited the country for health services only in H1 2023. Dr. Salih Onur Basat (www.SalihOnurBasat. com), a respected plastic surgeon in Türkiye, delves into the reasons behind Türkiye’s burgeoning success in this field, particularly in aesthetic surgeries. “I anticipate that the increasing demand for Brazilian butt lift (BBL) (https:// apo-opa.co/41OL4ZX), tummy tuck, liposuction, rhinoplasty, and breast aesthetic surgeries in Turkey will persist into 2024.”
Türkiye is fast becoming a hub of excellence in elective surgery Dr. Basat explains, “Türkiye has become a global destination for high-quality, affordable elective, reconstructive surgery, thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and the expertise of our medical professionals.” He highlights Türkiye’s health infrastructure's high standards and commitment to elevating quality with skilled doctors and healthcare personnel.
A comprehensive approach to postpregnancy body restoration The Mommy Makeover, comprising breast surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction, is trendy among international patients. Dr. Basat empha-
DR. BASAT ADVISES PATIENTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REST AND ADHERENCE TO POSTOPERATIVE GUIDELINES TO ENSURE OPTIMAL RECOVERY.
sizes its tailored approach, addressing unique post-childbirth body changes. He advises patients on the importance of rest and adherence to postoperative guidelines to ensure optimal recovery. Türkiye’s cosmetic surgery offerings go beyond the Mommy Makeover. Dr. Basat notes the popularity of breast aesthetics, BBL, liposuction, tummy tuck, and rhinoplasty.
International patients seeking a seamless experience in Türkiye: Opt for registered clinic “To achieve desired results, it’s crucial to select a specialized surgeon and have realistic post-operative expectations,” Dr. Basat advises those considering surgery in Türkiye. Looking ahead, Türkiye’s health tourism sector is focused on its ambitious goal of US$ 20 billion, propelled by its robust health infrastructure and the excellence of its medical staff. As Türkiye continues to excel in health tourism, offering world-class cosmetic and medical procedures, it stands as an attractive destination for patients worldwide seeking quality, affordability, and expertise in healthcare.
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Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City successfully treats elderly endometrial cancer patient using advanced minimally invasive robotic techniques
Dr. Mathebele Makwela
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heikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), one of the UAE’s largest hospitals for serious and complex care, has successfully used minimally invasive diagnostic and robotic surgical techniques to treat a patient suffering from endometrial cancer, rendering the patient completely disease-free. Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, occurs in the layers of cells that form the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium.
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Globally, it is the sixth most commonly occurring cancer in women and the 15th most common cancer overall. When diagnosed early on, endometrial cancer is highly treatable. The elderly patient was diagnosed with cancer after she reported postmenopausal bleeding and was referred to SSMC from another hospital for further management. Specialists at SSMC subsequently conducted a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to detect the presence and spread of cancer cells. This negated the need for the patient to undergo a lymphadenectomy, which involves the surgical removal and dissection of lymph nodes to examine the tissue for cancer and typically carries risks including infections, nerve damage and thromboembolic events. The patient then underwent a robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which involved the removal of the uterus, fallopian tube and both ovaries to remove all cancerous cells and prevent the chance of recurrence. Dr. Mathebele Makwela, Obstetrics and Gynecology Consultant at SSMC, explained: “Our approach throughout this case was to minimize any risks to the patient by adopting minimally invasive and highly accurate procedures. The
ENDOMETRIAL CANCER, ALSO KNOWN AS UTERINE CANCER, OCCURS IN THE LAYERS OF CELLS THAT FORM THE LINING OF THE UTERUS, CALLED THE ENDOMETRIUM. GLOBALLY, IT IS THE SIXTH MOST COMMONLY OCCURRING CANCER IN WOMEN AND THE 15TH MOST COMMON CANCER OVERALL. WHEN DIAGNOSED EARLY ON, ENDOMETRIAL CANCER IS HIGHLY TREATABLE.
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After successful completion of the treatment, the patient conveyed her gratitude to the SSMC team: “I cannot express the sense of relief that I feel today. It was not an easy process by any means, but I am grateful to the doctors and staff at SSMC who showed understanding and compassion that made me confident I was in safe hands. I am filled with gratitude for this second chance at life.”
Dr. Muhieddine Seoud
patient is of an advanced age and suffers from clinically severe obesity, which added to the risk associated with treating the cancer. However, the sentinel lymph node biopsy helped us accurately assess the cancer’s spread without subjecting the patient to the potential complications associated with traditional lymphadenectomy. Our robot-assisted hysterectomy further ensured thorough removal of affected tissue, and she was able to be discharged just two days after surgery.” Post-surgery diagnosis showed that the patient’s lymph nodes were negative, confirming that none of the draining lymph nodes contain cancer. The patient only required localized vaginal brachytherapy or radiation to kill any cancer cells that may still linger.
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The entire process was conducted under the guidance of the multidisciplinary Tumor Board at SSMC, involving the departments of Gynecologic Oncology, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Radiology and Pathology. Collaboratively, the specialists were able to identify the best route for treatment and to also eliminate the chances for recurrence. Commending the work of the entire team, Dr. Muhieddine Seoud, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at SSMC, said: “This approach to treatment represents the heart of our mission of delivering the highest quality of care for our patients. Providing patients with definitive answers to their health concerns requires expert-led analysis, state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technological equipment, enabling early detection of diseases and cost avoidance for the patient. At SSMC, we are proud to be at the forefront of medical innovation and continue to strive for the highest standards of healthcare.”
THE ENTIRE PROCESS WAS CONDUCTED UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TUMOR BOARD AT SSMC, INVOLVING THE DEPARTMENTS OF GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY, MEDICAL ONCOLOGY, RADIATION ONCOLOGY, RADIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY. COLLABORATIVELY, THE SPECIALISTS WERE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE BEST ROUTE FOR TREATMENT AND TO ALSO ELIMINATE THE CHANCES FOR RECURRENCE.
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Leqembi® approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in China
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ioArctic AB's (publ) (Nasdaq Stockholm: BIOA B) partner Eisai announced that Leqembi® has been approved in China as a treatment for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild AD dementia. China is the third country to grant marketing approval, following the traditional approval in the United States in July 2023 and Japanese approval in September 2023. Eisai’s preparations for the Chinese launch in the third quarter 2024 are underway. Amyloid-beta (Aβ) is a protein that forms and breaks down naturally in the brain. In Alzheimer's disease, there is an imbalance between the production and elimination of Aβ, which then causes the protein to aggregate, first in smaller, soluble forms, oligomers and protofibrils, and eventually insoluble fibrils and plaques. These aggregates interfere with normal brain functions and cause gradual loss of nerve cells and memory. Leqembi selectively binds to soluble (protofibrils), as well as insoluble Aβ aggregates (fibrils), thereby reducing both Aβ protofibrils and Aβ plaques in the brain. Leqembi is the first and only approved treatment shown to reduce the rate of disease progression and to slow cognitive and functional decline through this mechanism. Leqembi’s approval in China is based on the large global Phase 3 Clarity AD study. In the Clarity AD study, Leqembi met its primary endpoint and all key secondary endpoints with statistically significant results. In November 2022, the results of the Clarity AD study were presented at the 2022 Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference, and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a peer-reviewed medical journal. Eisai estimates that there are 17 million patients with MCI or mild dementia due to AD in China today, which is expected to increase with the aging of the population. Eisai will distribute
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the product in China and will conduct information provision activities through specialized Medical Representatives. Moving forward, Eisai will focus on AD awareness via omnichannel systems and collaborate with specialists to improve the diagnostic environment, including blood-based biomarkers. In addition, by utilizing online health platform for the elderly “Yin Fa Tong”1 , which is already being accessed by a certain number of users and helping provide treatments, Eisai is providing a one-stop service that promotes early consultation by referring patients to medical specialists and follow-up after treatment. Eisai will work to improve access environments including the development of insurance programs for AD in collaboration with insurance companies. Through these efforts, Eisai will accelerate the construction of a simple patient journey in China. BioArctic has a long-term collaboration with Eisai regarding the development and commercialization for Leqembi. Eisai is responsible for the clinical development, applications for market approval and commercialization of the drug. BioArctic has no development costs for Leqembi in Alzheimer’s disease and is entitled to payments in connection with certain regulatory approvals, and sales milestones as well as royalties on global sales. In addition, BioArctic has the right to commercialize Lecanemab in the Nordic region, pending European approval, and currently Eisai and BioArctic are preparing for a joint commercialization in the region.
EISAI WILL DISTRIBUTE THE PRODUCT IN CHINA AND WILL CONDUCT INFORMATION PROVISION ACTIVITIES THROUGH SPECIALIZED MEDICAL REPRESENTATIVES. MOVING FORWARD, EISAI WILL FOCUS ON AD AWARENESS VIA OMNICHANNEL SYSTEMS AND COLLABORATE WITH SPECIALISTS TO IMPROVE THE DIAGNOSTIC ENVIRONMENT, INCLUDING BLOODBASED BIOMARKERS.
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Dubai’s first liver transplantation performed at King’s College Hospital signals new era in healthcare Commenting on the patient’s disease and the decision to perform liver transplantation, Dr. Kaiser Raja said, "Liver cirrhosis is silent and does not cause any symptoms until your liver is 80 per cent damaged. Patients who are diabetic, obese or alcoholic are the most at risk. It is also a major risk factor for liver cancer. Thus, early recognition and prevention of progression of liver disease can avoid liver failure."
I
n a groundbreaking medical achievement, King's College Hospital London marked a historic milestone by performing the first successful liver transplantation in Dubai on a 38-year-old woman grappling with liver failure. As the first facility to provide liver transplantation services in Dubai, the hospital has raised the standard for advanced medical care in the region. This medical achievement not only signifies a triumph over a rare and severe liver condition but also establishes Dubai's capability to offer critical medical interventions previously unavailable in the local healthcare landscape. Currently, King's College Hospital London is the sole licensed facility for liver transplantation by the Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA). With a team boasting extensive experience having performed over 1500 liver transplantations, the hospital has positioned itself at the forefront of liver care in the UAE and beyond. Dr. Parthiban Srinivasan is the Director and Dr. Rakesh Rai Deputy Director of Liver Transplant Services at King’s College Hospital, which was established under the aegis of H.E. Ahmed Al Tayer, Chairman of the hospital board. Following a complex, four-hour-long surgery that involved the complete removal of the diseased liver and the implantation of a healthy liver, the patient was closely monitored in the liver intensive care unit by liver intensivists and hepatologists led by Dr. Kaiser Raja, Director of Hepatology at the hospital.
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The management at King’s College Hospital London would like to take this opportunity to extend their gratitude to the leadership at the Ministry of Health and DHA as their support has been pivotal in getting this program come to fruition. The UAE has the fastest-growing rate of post-mortem organ donation in the world. However, there is a growing demand for organ donation and transplantation services to address the prevalence of liver diseases. To address this gap, the Liver Transplantation Services at King’s College Hospital London was established, in line with the objectives of the Hayat Organ Donation program, under the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. Dr. Parthiban Srinivasan said, “This successful liver transplantation is a great example of the life-changing impact of organ donation. We can save lives through the kindness and generosity of our patients and families, who prevent another family from facing the loss of a loved one.” Commenting on the new transplant centre, Dr. Kaiser Raja said, “Chairman H.E. Ahmed Al Tayer's visionary guidance and steadfast commitment have played a pivotal role in the creation of our Liver Transplant Centre. With a direct connection to King's College London, this endeavour holds the potential to enhance patient care and drive advancements in medicine. H.E. Ahmed Al Tayer's unwavering dedication is poised to leave a lasting imprint on the healthcare landscape in Dubai.”
FOLLOWING A COMPLEX, FOURHOUR-LONG SURGERY THAT INVOLVED THE COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE DISEASED LIVER AND THE IMPLANTATION OF A HEALTHY LIVER, THE PATIENT WAS CLOSELY MONITORED IN THE LIVER INTENSIVE CARE UNIT BY LIVER INTENSIVISTS AND HEPATOLOGISTS LED BY DR. KAISER RAJA, DIRECTOR OF HEPATOLOGY AT THE HOSPITAL.
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LAU Medical Centers launched an awareness and vaccination campaign against the human papillomavirus (HPV)
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AU Medical Center- Rizk Hospital and LAU Medical Center- Saint John’s Hospital announced their pioneering efforts to launch an awareness and vaccination program against the human papillomavirus, which aims to eliminate cancers associated with this virus through a press conference that took place in LAUMC- Rizk Hospital. With an unwavering commitment to public health, the Lebanese American University Medical Centers aim to raise awareness about HPV, educate about the risks associated with it, and launch this vaccination campaign as a preventive measure. Dr. Georges Ghanem, MD - Clinical Professor, Deputy CEO for Strategy and Development & Division Head of Cardiology/ Department of Internal Medicine declared: “ HPV is a very common viral infection and represents a major global health burden affecting both men and women of all ages including adolescents: 4 in 5 people (80%) will be infected with it at some point in their lives. This infection shows no signs or symptoms and can lead patients to develop cancer later in their lives. Worldwide, it is estimated that HPV causes about 1/20 of human cancers in women and men. It is known to be associated with cervical cancer, vulvar and vaginal cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, larynx, and other oropharyngeal cancers, as well as genital warts.
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Dr. Ghanem also confirmed that: “Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer among women globally. On a global level, more than 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year, with up to 100% of cases linked to HPV, and unfortunately up to 50% of deaths from cervical cancer.” While HPV may be the primary cause of many cancers in women, men also have their share of these viral infections as about 4 out of every 10 cancers caused by HPV occur among men, according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention. In the United States,
WHILE HPV MAY BE THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF MANY CANCERS IN WOMEN, MEN ALSO HAVE THEIR SHARE OF THESE VIRAL INFECTIONS AS ABOUT 4 OUT OF EVERY 10 CANCERS CAUSED BY HPV OCCUR AMONG MEN, ACCORDING TO THE CENTERS FOR DISEASES CONTROL AND PREVENTION.
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the rate of throat cancer cases caused by HPV in men is higher than the rate of cervical cancer in women, in addition to noting a higher rate of genital warts. Moreover, Dr. Ghanem highlighted that: “In fact, there is no cure for HPV, and the best way to prevent cancers associated with this virus is to get the vaccine.” Considering this, multiple global efforts are being implemented to protect against HPV and, in particular, to eliminate cervical cancer. In this context, the World Health Organization announced its global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, which relies primarily on the vaccine against human papillomavirus, followed by appropriate examination and treatment of cancer if it is diagnosed. It is important to emphasize that: “The LAU Medical Center, being a leading healthcare institution, recognizes the importance of addressing this public health problem and taking proactive measures to protect individuals from HPV-related cancers. Through this initiative, the Center aims to: Step 1: Present a comprehensive awareness and vaccination plan for its employees and crew. Step 2: Reaching out to LAU students through HPV awareness campaigns on campus. Step 3: Reach out to the wider community through this initiative.” Dr. Ghanem concluded: “By undertaking this initiative, the LAU Medical Centers remain committed to its vision of providing excellence in healthcare, promoting preventive measures,
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and improving the overall health of individuals in the community.” (…) “For the first time ever, we are able to eliminate fatal cancers and we will work on it with a significant impact on saving lives in our community and reducing the burden of disease and potential future cost to the patient. We are fortunate to live in a time when there are means to prevent and even eliminate some malignant types of cancer through proper vaccination and screening. Therefore, we place at your disposal a message from the World Health Organization that encourages you to: “Get the vaccine, get screened and undergo the necessary tests.” This conference was attended by journalists and specialized doctors in the field within the aim of eliminating cancers associated with HPV. The participants included infectious disease doctors, Dr. Roula Husni Samaha, MD - Clinical Professor of Medicine, Interim Chair Department of Internal Medicine; Dr. Rania Sakr, MD - Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division Head of Family Medicine/ Department of Internal Medicine; the Head of the Hematology/Oncology Division, Dr. Hady Ghanem; Dr. Lena El Hachem, MD - Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Division Head of Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery/ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Maroun Matar, MD - Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Acting Chair Department of Pediatrics; and Christian Sawma RPh, BCSCP.
CONSIDERING THIS, MULTIPLE GLOBAL EFFORTS ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED TO PROTECT AGAINST HPV AND, IN PARTICULAR, TO ELIMINATE CERVICAL CANCER. IN THIS CONTEXT, THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCED ITS GLOBAL STRATEGY TO ELIMINATE CERVICAL CANCER BY 2030, WHICH RELIES PRIMARILY ON THE VACCINE AGAINST HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS, FOLLOWED BY APPROPRIATE EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT OF CANCER IF IT IS DIAGNOSED.
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Sourcehere.com Accelerates Trade and Innovation at Arab Health 2024
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hen it comes to generating business leads at Arab Health 2024 in Dubai, U.S. and Canadian exhibitors will have an extra advantage over their competitors. In partnership with Sourcehere.com, the global supply chain networking platform, USA and Canada Partnership Pavilion organizer Kallman Worldwide will produce an interactive digital buyers guide to connect participating suppliers with more prospects on-site and online before, during, and after the show. Sourcehere supports thousands of B2B companies around the world with tools and utilities — including direct messaging — to meet, conduct business, and build trade relationships anywhere, anytime. The company launched in 2022 with a focus on trade shows, capitalizing on spikes in market interest around events such as Arab Health to demonstrate its robust, 24/7/365 platform as an alternative to traditional printed show directories. It's a good fit for Kallman, whose trademark Pavilions are recognized around the world as the hub of North American business at many of industry’s most important international trade events. The company’s portfolio of exhibitor services, custom stand building, supply chain support services, and workforce advocacy programs further solidifies its reputation as an enterprising partner above and beyond simply managing floor space in exhibition halls. “Trade shows have always been our core strength, but we’ve never thought of ourselves as just a trade show business,” said Kallman Worldwide President and CEO, Tom Kallman. “Since my father started the company in 1963, we’ve been advancing global trade, connecting suppliers and buyers wherever, whenever, however we can. Their business is a year-round conversation punctuated by trade events, and so is ours.” As the pandemic recedes and trade shows rebound, Kallman’s schedule of events is an emphatic testament to resilience. The company
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FOR PAVILION EXHIBITORS, SOURCEHERE EXTENDS THEIR REACH IN TARGET SECTORS AND ADDS MEASURABLE YEARROUND MARKETING VISIBILITY. AND FOR COMPANIES THAT AREN’T EXHIBITING YET, THE PLATFORM OFFERS AN INEXPENSIVE, COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO DIP THEIR TOES IN THE TRADE SHOW POOL ONLINE BEFORE DIVING INTO LIVE SHOWS OVERSEAS.
is currently contracted with 47 events in 27 countries, including seven international health and medical events, supporting more than 3,600 exhibitors with Pavilions on-site and an extended show presence online. “The pandemic was an epic wake-up call to exporters everywhere, and the lessons we learned from the experience made us an even more valuable partner to suppliers and buyers alike,” said Kallman. “When shows were suspended, technology gave us the tools to stay connected in the short term and add capabilities to come back from COVID even stronger. Best of all, when the dust settled, none of it was at the expense of the live, often spontaneous face-toface meetings that have been the foundation of global trade since the beginning of time.” As Sourcehere establishes its value on the trade show floor, it’s also building equity with a wider circle of stakeholders and influencers in event communities, such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Dubai. “For American companies with business interests in the UAE and throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, it’s important to have a local presence,” said AmCham Dubai Executive Director, Cara Nazari. “As a supply chain networking platform, Sourcehere gives U.S. trade show exhibitors here, many of whom are also our members, an extended competitive advantage in the local business conversation.”
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The transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence to be addressed at Medlab Middle East
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he healthcare industry around the world is increasingly adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate scientific advancements, develop new treatments and improve health outcomes across a diverse spectrum of health conditions. Medlab Middle East is poised to delve into the pivotal role of AI in laboratories when global experts gather at the event from 5-8 February at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The use of AI in medical imaging is gaining traction across the UAE, supported by a number of government initiatives and policies. Several healthcare organisations in Dubai are successfully using AI-based medical imaging technology, and the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) has adopted AI-based medical imaging technology for the automated detection of breast cancer and lung diseases. In October, Saudi Arabia announced the country’s first AI-powered eye screening tests which can provide accurate diagnoses of diabetic retinopathy, simplify screening and save time and costs. AI is also helping to speed up the discovery of new medicines, a process which typically involves the testing of various chemical compounds – of which there can be millions. AI will perform trial and error within a computer and come up with the best combination for the drug. According to Data Bridge Market Research, the global AI in drug discovery market is expected to reach US$24.7 million by 2029, growing at a rate of 53.3 per cent annually. Professor Hassan Ugail, Director of the Centre for Visual Computing and Intelligent Systems at the University of Bradford in the UK, will be speaking at Medlab Midde East as part of the ‘Digitalisation, Automation and Innovation’ session, on the second day of the NextGen Conference. Professor Ugail has led the development of a pioneering AI tool called “OrQA” (Organ Quality Assessment), which assesses the quality of human organs for transplantation.
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AI IS HELPING TO SPEED UP THE DISCOVERY OF NEW MEDICINES, A PROCESS WHICH TYPICALLY INVOLVES THE TESTING OF VARIOUS CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS – OF WHICH THERE CAN BE MILLIONS. AI WILL PERFORM TRIAL AND ERROR WITHIN A COMPUTER AND COME UP WITH THE BEST COMBINATION FOR THE DRUG.
When it comes to evaluating organs for transplantation, time is a critical factor, and OrQA can provide detailed and reliable analysis in a matter of seconds. The AI method uses a scoring system to grade an organ between zero and five, with organs that score below four, being suitable for use. Professor Ugail explains: “We use state-ofthe-art artificial intelligence techniques to train a machine learning algorithm and worked with a number of surgeons to ‘score’ a range of organs. The machine then learns about the scores, alongside other characteristics such as the colour, texture and shape of the organ.” He adds: “Traditionally when an organ becomes available for transplantation, you need to gather experts as quickly as possible for an assessment. With OrQA, an image of that organ can be uploaded and it will quickly provide a score. It is an excellent application of AI for real healthcare use and helps surgeons to make the best possible decisions in the quickest possible time.” Funded by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the £1.2
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million project is a collaboration between the University of Bradford, Newcastle University and the University of Oxford and could result in an additional 200 patients receiving life-saving kidney transplants and 100 more liver transplants per year, potentially saving millions of pounds for the UK National Health Service (NHS). There are plans to take the tool worldwide in the coming year. In October 2023, the UAE announced the launch of its first Centre for Excellence (COE) for artificial intelligence. One of the services provided by the COE is an organ donation and transplant centre. This facility helps to match donors and patients by analyzing test results, which helps to facilitate organ transplants and prioritise critical cases within and outside the country. Additionally, AI technology will be used to analyze the results of radiological scans, which is expected to increase the efficiency of diagnoses. The Centre is set to launch an AI lab in the coming weeks. Tom Coleman, Exhibition Director, Informa Markets Healthcare concludes: “The integration of AI into laboratory practices is already redefining the landscape of scientific discovery and driving innovation in healthcare. In the years to come, the need for AI in medical imaging will continue to grow. “AI technologies are able to process and analyze data more
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quickly and accurately leading to new insights in various realms of study, and we are excited to spotlight this exciting field of healthcare at Medlab Middle East.” The 23rd edition of Medlab Middle East will focus on revolutionizing laboratory medicine and showcasing sustainable solutions. Next Generation medicine will be explored at the exhibition as part of a new show vertical in partnership with Express Med Diagnostics and Research. Product categories featured across the show floor include technology, innovation, general services, imaging, infrastructure, IT, laboratory, medical equipment, pharma and nutrition.
IN OCTOBER 2023, THE UAE ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCH OF ITS FIRST CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE (COE) FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. ONE OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COE IS AN ORGAN DONATION AND TRANSPLANT CENTRE. THIS FACILITY HELPS TO MATCH DONORS AND PATIENTS BY ANALYZING TEST RESULTS, WHICH HELPS TO FACILITATE ORGAN TRANSPLANTS AND PRIORITISE CRITICAL CASES WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY.
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Study shows immune molecule may play key role in the progression of ALS
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ayo Clinic researchers and collaborators have identified a protein expressed by immune cells that may play a key role in the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The team also found that an immunomodulatory treatment that blocks the protein was able to restore motor function in preclinical models. The findings suggest that the protein, known as α5 integrin (pronounced alpha 5 integrin), is a potential therapeutic target for ALS. The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Fatal disease ALS is a fatal motor neuron disease. People with ALS often die within three years of diagnosis. While there have been advances in understanding ALS, there is no cure or treatment that significantly improves motor function or extends survival in those with the disease. Although loss of motor neurons is the hallmark of ALS, the immune system also is involved in most people. The disease involves activation of immune cells, including microglial cells and macrophages, which have pro-inflammatory properties. Microglial cells are immune cells specific to the nervous system. Macrophages are general immune system "cleanup" cells that are present in the peripheral nervous system. The research team found the protein α5 integrin, which is expressed by microglial cells and macrophages, is present in abundance in the motor system in people with ALS, including in those with a genetic cause of the disease. "Our study found α5 integrin to be expressed in immune cells and also in blood vessels in active stages of the disease, as well as in end-stage disease," says Shanu F. Roemer, M.D., Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic neuropathologist and co-first author of the study. The team also found that α5 integrin is not expressed in brain tissue from people without ALS or other neurodegenerative or inflammatory disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (a Parkinsonian disorder) or sepsis. "The findings suggest α5 integrin plays a role in the pathology of ALS,"
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Dr. Roemer. "Because α5 integrin appears selective to ALS and is upregulated in brain and nerve fibers outside of the spinal cord in ALS, it opens up the possibility of exploring α5 integrin as a diagnostic and treatment biomarker." In addition to preclinical models, the researchers examined human tissue from the Mayo Clinic ALS Brain Bank and Autopsy Program to determine the pervasiveness of α5 integrin in ALS. Dennis W. Dickson, M.D., the Robert E. Jacoby Professor of Alzheimer's Research and a neuroscientist in Mayo Clinic's Department of Neuroscience in Florida, directs the brain bank and also is a co-author of the study. The brain bank works closely with Bjorn Oskarsson, M.D., director of Mayo Clinic’s ALS clinic, and includes a large collection of brain and spinal cord tissue from people with ALS who donated their brains to Mayo Clinic for ALS research. The researchers used more than 100 ALS tissue samples in the study.
Shanu F. Roemer
Possible novel pathway The study team also explored a pathway for potential treatment. They found that a monoclonal antibody that blocks α5 integrin was able to preserve motor function in mice models. Monoclonal antibodies are synthesized immune system proteins used as a treatment for a wide range of diseases.
Dennis W. Dickson
"Our findings showed that the antibody treatment against α5 integrin seemed to protect motor function, delay disease progression and increase survival," Dr. Roemer says. "Taken together, the findings regarding the upregulation of α5 integrin and its response to a monoclonal antibody suggest α5 integrin may be a potential therapeutic target for modulation of neuroinflammation in ALS." Because several drugs exist that target other integrins for different diseases, the researchers suggest that a clinical trial to test α5 integrin as a drug target in ALS might be worthwhile. Review the study for a complete list of authors, disclosures and funding.
Bjorn Oskarsson
ARTICLE
Al-Ahli Hospital Award for Arab Pioneers in Medicine
A pioneering initiative to honor innovators, the first of its kind in the Gulf
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l-Ahli Hospital (Doha, Qatar) continues to take the lead in initiatives aimed at developing medical work and promoting a culture of health. In this context, a committee was formed to establish and grant the Al-Ahli Award, which was founded in December 2022. The administrative body was formed and its functioning terms of reference (TORs) were put in place to achieve the optimal goal of its establishment. The award is granted to an Arab doctor who has had a distinguished professional career anywhere in the world. The duties of the committee were reviewed in December 2023. With this initiative, Al-Ahli Hospital has, once again, demonstrated that health is always a priority and that medicine is a mission, not just a profession within the walls of a medical institution, but extends to the realms of development and quality of practice. The award is set to become an annual tradition, recognizing the contributions and outstanding achievements of successful individuals in the field of medicine.
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The Executive Management of Al-Ahli Hospital recognizes the value of acknowledging the achievements of Arab pioneers in medicine and their impact on patient care and humanity. As an expression in this belief, the management announced the establishment of the Al-Ahli Award Committee. The committee adheres to a set of clear principles that are based on complete neutrality, high professionalism, and absolute transparency. The committee operates independently and its decisions are final, without any recourse to other parties; including management. The committee is formed independently by the hospital's Executive Management, and its chairman and members are nominated from experienced medical and administrative professionals who possess extensive expertise and high professionalism. The committee's chairman and members are responsible for implementing its TORs to help them achieve their goal. The committee anticipates and formulates relevant policies and procedures, including the operations of the award committee, such as application methods and nominations by peers or other means, such as public nominations. The procedures also encompass the decision-making process, the type of award, and its value. It is worth mentioning in this context that the formation and operation of the Al-Ahli Award Committee, while taking the hospital's medical and administrative regulations, policies, and procedures as reference to ensure accuracy and quality; it also ensures its alignment with Qatari laws to avoid any contradiction.
The importance of the award, its purpose and to whom is it granted to? First, it is important to note that the significance of this initiative lies in being the first of its kind within the private sector in the GCC. Recognition is given to a doctor who has dedicated decades of time and effort to his/her patients, has devoted efforts towards providing treatment or innovation in the field of medicine or both; all based on a humanitarian perspective. The award honors this category of doctors for the sacrifices they have made for humanity.
"And whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all of mankind" (Quran 5:32). The aim of the award, with its material and moral value, is to inspire others to do more in order to have a chance at such distinction in future endeavors. The award shall be granted annually at an official ceremony to be held in the beginning of the second quarter (April-May) of each year. The ceremony shall be attended by distinguished invitees, including ministers, deputies, ambassadors, and leaders in the medical sector, in addition to prominent figures with related interests. The award committee establishes criteria for selecting the appropriate candidate (the nominated doctor) for the honor. The most important of these criteria is that the candidate should be an Arab doctor who has had a long and pioneering career in the field of medicine and patient health, achieving notable successes and accomplishments in this regard, with no distinction whether the candidate's work is within the Arab world or anywhere else in the world. The value of the award is US$100,000.00 that the winner receives, in addition to a commemorative shield and a certificate of appreciation. As mentioned earlier, the awarding committee is appointed by the Executive Management and is currently composed of Dr. El-Fadil El-Malik as the Chairman, Dr. Loui AlFakhri as representative of the management, Dr. Yousef Matani as coordinating author, Dr. Jamal Abood as Medical Administrator in charge, and Mr. Mohammed Charaneck as Manager of Business Development and Marketing. In addition, Prof. Amir Salim Al-Din, Dr. Mohammed Omar Salem, Dr. Mohammed Al-Rishi, and Dr. Nabil Issa (guest) serve as members. The rules of association of the committee stipulate that all members must attend meetings unless officially excused for a specific reason, and permanent delegation of membership is not allowed.
The award committee formation and its TORs Before granting and launching the award (beginning of April of the current year 2024), AlAhli Hospital will publish a reference document
THE COMMITTEE'S CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING ITS TORS TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR GOAL. THE COMMITTEE ANTICIPATES AND FORMULATES RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, INCLUDING THE OPERATIONS OF THE AWARD COMMITTEE, SUCH AS APPLICATION METHODS AND NOMINATIONS BY PEERS OR OTHER MEANS, SUCH AS PUBLIC NOMINATIONS. THE PROCEDURES ALSO ENCOMPASS THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS, THE TYPE OF AWARD, AND ITS VALUE.
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outlining the formation of the committee and it’s TORs on its website. This document will include the number of committee meetings, their frequency, the roles of the chairperson, vice chairman, representative of business development and marketing, and other core members. The TORs of the committee will detail the nomination and selection process, criteria for voting, and decision-making steps, ensuring independence, high professionalism, and absolute transparency. It is worth mentioning that the Al-Ahli Award Committee is an environmentally-friendly committee and will encourage, accept, and utilize electronic communication, recordings, documents, and storage when necessary. Confidentiality and security issues are of utmost importance to the committee. The established practices and documentation used at Al-Ahli Hospital will be strictly adhered to. The Chairman of the Al-Ahli Award Committee, along with the medical administration staff, committee members, Chief Medical Officer, Director of Nursing, heads of clinical departments, heads of medical/health support departments, and heads of other administrative departments including auditing, information technology, patient services, as well as heads and members of other committees, are all - as applicable - responsible for coordination, monitoring, and the implementation of the provisions of the said TORs. They and their immediate family members are not allowed to participate or nominate themselves to the award. The committee's responsibilities are reviewed on an annual basis, while its effectiveness is evaluated on a monthly basis. As for Al-Ahli Hospital, it is a renowned healthcare institution with 19 years of legacy in successful healthcare delivery, granting it the honor to recognize pioneering doctors and the responsibility to remain a leader in this sector for the betterment and health of individuals and the community at large.
The process of selecting the winner and how to be nominated for the award? JAN.FEB 2024 56
While the award, in its first year (2024), follows a methodology and process detailed in the TORs which shall be announced on Al-Ahli Hospital's website, the winner of the award for future years, as explained by Prof. El-Fadil El-Malik, chairman of the committee, shall be selected through nominations of (and by) any individual who meets the minimum criteria which are stipulated within the TORs of the committee.
INTERVIEWS
Arfan Ahmed, Ph.D
Assistant Professor of Research in Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q)
"Healthcare is one of the sectors most affected by AI."
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r. Arfan Ahmed is an Assistant Professor of Research in Population Health Sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). He spearheaded the inception of WCM-Q’s AI Center for Precision Health in 2021, and currently teaches, conducts workshops, develops courses, and collaborates with discussion groups on AI research guidelines for the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar. Dr. Ahmed spoke with "Hospitals" Magazine about the growing importance of AI in healthcare.
With a background in computer science, Dr. Ahmed’s academic journey commenced with a Ph.D. at the University of Hull, where he applied software algorithms to predict chemotherapy responses in breast cancer patients. Subsequently, he made significant contributions at prestigious institutions such as Imperial College London, the University of Aberdeen, and the University of Birmingham, developing decision support systems, and at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), his team built a prototype AI-driven health chatbot. The author or co-author of numerous original research articles, Dr. Ahmed’s work centers on technology applications in various medical fields, including mental health and AI utilization for modern assessment.
How is Artificial Intelligence transforming healthcare? Because of the hype around large language models and real-life usage of ChatGPT, it seems as though AI appeared over the last year or so, but it was first coined in the 1950s. The foundation of AI is statistical analysis, and even back in those days, basic machine learning algorithms were used to diagnose or pick out specific patterns. Healthcare is one of the sectors most affected by AI since the technology is being actively
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used to transform systems and decision support systems. Although AI is utilized across the board, in healthcare, it mainly falls into four categories—diagnostics, treatment, care management, and drug discovery. As technology rapidly advances, the integration of AI in healthcare is becoming increasingly important to enhance patient care, optimize clinical workflows, and improve healthcare outcomes. For example, it usually takes drug discovery millions or billions of dollars to get from the experimental stage to testing to penetrating the market. With AI, large pharmaceutical companies can dramatically reduce time and cost and get their product on the market much faster. AI is also about efficiency. Humans are prone to error, and so an algorithm trained with input from hundreds of clinicians could arguably be more efficient than a single clinician. Computer scientists and technologists cannot build AI systems without input from clinicians. For example, clinicians mark 1,000 images that show tumor types X, Y, and Z so that we can input them into the system and train it. When a system is trained on massive amounts of data, it can accurately give a diagnosis. Accuracy levels are only as good as the data inputted. Machine learning is sometimes used interchangeably with AI, but it is a subset of AI. Deep
"HEALTHCARE IS ONE OF THE SECTORS MOST AFFECTED BY AI SINCE THE TECHNOLOGY IS ACTIVELY BEING USED TO TRANSFORM SYSTEMS AND DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS. ALTHOUGH AI IS UTILIZED ACROSS THE BOARD, IN HEALTHCARE, IT MAINLY FALLS INTO FOUR CATEGORIES— DIAGNOSTICS, TREATMENT, CARE MANAGEMENT, AND DRUG DISCOVERY."
INTERVIEWS
learning, which is a subset of machine learning deals with much larger and more complex amounts of data and provides the ability to give output without any human intervention. For instance, deep learning can decipher and look for patterns and classify different types of tumors without human labelled dataset, so it has many advantages.
What are the challenges around the use of AI in healthcare? There are issues like data bias and other legitimate ethical concerns. However, one of the biggest and ongoing challenges is the question of liability. For example, if a clinician gives a patient an incorrect diagnosis using an AI-driven software system, who is liable? Is it the clinician, the machine learning algorithm, the software designers, the designers of the algorithm driving the software, or the hospital setting? Liability is an ongoing global debate at the moment.
You spearheaded the inception of WCMQ’s AI Center for Precision Health. Can you briefly explain? WCM-Q’s AI Center for Precision Health was launched in 2021 as a dedicated research unit committed to making significant discoveries in AI and machine learning to transform healthcare, enhance wellbeing, and promote population health in Qatar, the wider region, and beyond. The AI Center conducts original research, fieldwork, and systematic reviews; provides instruction to pre-medical students on the application of AI in various spheres of medicine; contributes to WCM-Q continuing professional development (CPD) learning activities; and collaborates with local, regional, and international stakeholders to provide expertise on AI, its applications, and legal, procedural, and ethical issues arising from the rapid development of the technology. When our medical students go out into the world, whether they are doing diagnostics, de-
livering care, or monitoring patients, everything will have an element of AI moving forward. They need to understand these systems to remain at the forefront of medicine. Because of the importance of AI’s contribution to the healthcare industry, we needed to also integrate it into our medical program. In 2022, we started teaching our pre-med students an introductory 3-week course on applying AI and machine learning in medicine. AI is not a topic that is widely taught at medical schools, and the little that is done is mostly too technical and advanced, so we spent a lot of time designing and formulating our course syllabus in-house. We simplified what is a highly complex topic so that we could teach a course at a beginner level for students with no prior knowledge or technical and mathematical background. We received exceptional feedback and now run the course annually for our students, while also expanding parts of it to an external audience.
What motivated you to create the “Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare” course as a CPD activity? Once we successfully delivered the course to our students, we received much interest from external institutes and professionals. We felt that while we were educating the next generation, it was also necessary to teach current healthcare workers, so they do not get left behind. Many healthcare professionals do not fully understand this field, where it is going, and how it will affect their day-to-day routine. By getting the course accredited both locally in Qatar by the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Healthcare Professions – Accreditation Section and internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), we are making it available to a broader audience and including the added motivation of healthcare professionals being able to claim course credits for their participation. We now plan to run the course annually.
"AI IS NOT A TOPIC THAT IS WIDELY TAUGHT AT MEDICAL SCHOOLS, AND THE LITTLE THAT IS DONE IS MOSTLY TOO TECHNICAL AND ADVANCED, SO WE SPENT A LOT OF TIME DESIGNING AND FORMULATING OUR COURSE SYLLABUS IN-HOUSE. WE SIMPLIFIED WHAT IS A HIGHLY COMPLEX TOPIC SO THAT WE COULD TEACH A COURSE AT A BEGINNER LEVEL FOR STUDENTS WITH NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OR TECHNICAL AND MATHEMATICAL BACKGROUND. WE RECEIVED EXCEPTIONAL FEEDBACK AND NOW RUN THE COURSE ANNUALLY FOR OUR STUDENTS, WHILE ALSO EXPANDING PARTS OF IT TO AN EXTERNAL AUDIENCE."
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Who is the target audience, and what does the CPD/CME-accredited course cover? The course is aimed at physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, allied health professionals, researchers, educators, and students, and covers AI introductory essentials such as the history of AI and its application in healthcare, the fundamentals of machine learning, ethical issues, and challenges. It also includes a series of real-life examples that demonstrate the use of different types of machine learning algorithms and concludes with highly interactive group discussions in a journal club format. Working alongside me at WCM-Q’s AI Center for Precision Health is a team of highly knowledgeable and experienced computer scientists, including Dr. Rawan Al Saad, Postdoctoral Associate, Dr. Alaa Abdalrazaq, Research Associate in Population Health sciences, and Ms. Sarah Aziz, Research Specialist. We possess a deep and current understanding of AI and are actively engaged in research and teaching, which puts us in a unique position to share our expertise on the topic.
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How do you envision the future of this topic and the course? To put it simply, AI is not going away. Some 30 years ago, students were taught how to use Microsoft Excel, but that is just a given now. As with many technological advances, in just a few years, students may possess introductory knowledge of AI, maybe even at a schooling level, so it will come to a point where we start offering more advanced courses that include research and practice, system design, and data inputting and labeling. Our one-day course on “Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare” is designed as an initial step towards building an understanding and appetite for the topic of AI in healthcare. This introductory course is scheduled to be held in person at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) on Saturday, February 10, 2024.
For more information or to register, please scan the QR code or visit https://qatarweill.cornell.edu/continuing-professionaldevelopment/cpd-events/upcoming-events
"TO PUT IT SIMPLY, AI IS NOT GOING AWAY. SOME 30 YEARS AGO, STUDENTS WERE TAUGHT HOW TO USE MICROSOFT EXCEL, BUT THAT IS JUST A GIVEN NOW."
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
The King Hussein Cancer Center
International Standards With an Arab Identity
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ince its establishment in 2001, the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) has offered comprehensive cancer care to adult and pediatric cancer patients from Jordan and across the Arab world. Our patients are treated by the best oncologists and specialists, and receive care in an Arab atmosphere that is in line with the latest international standards and best practices. The Center is comprised of a 108,700 sqm space with three buildings. It treats nearly 7,000 new patients annually and receives over 250,000 patients in its outpatient building.
KHCC’s facilities are equipped with: • • • • • • •
365 beds 13 operating rooms 36 intensive care units Single patient rooms to ensure the utmost privacy and comfort Floors dedicated to women and pediatric patients An outdoor garden Entertaining spaces for kids and youth which offer psychosocial support
Uniqueness of KHCC • • •
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Comprehensive cancer treatment (all specialties), and psychosocial support. Strategic partnerships with the world’s largest and leading oncology hospitals. International accreditations that affirm the Center’s commitment to the highest level of quality and standards. Multidisciplinary team making treatment decisions.
Advanced Medical Technology Robotic surgery: KHCC is the only facility in Jordan to offer this technology. Neurosurgery suite: This suite is equipped with an MRI for immediate evaluation, ensuring the highest levels of accuracy in removing tumors.
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NanoKnife (irreversible electroporation) technology: KHCC is the first in the region to offer this technology, and it is currently used to treat liver, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT): KHCC has the largest BMT program in the Middle East, serving both pediatric and adult patients. The Program’s success rates are in line with international standards and comparable with world-renowned cancer centers. Cell Therapy and Applied Genomics Lab: This lab hosts the first and only public umbilical cord stem cell bank in Jordan. Cutting-edge radiation oncology: Radiation oncology services at KHCC are administered by six linear accelerators fitted with X-ray tracking systems which offer the highest level of precision in targeting solid tumors by delivering real-time images of both the tumor and the patient’s organs. Advanced diagnostic technology: KHCC’s new diagnostic imaging rooms are equipped with the ‘ambient experience’, a technology designed to create a positive and comforting environment for patients – especially children during MRI and CT scan imaging through its use of soothing audiovisuals.
The International Patients Office This office offers special services for patients from outside Jordan to facilitate their treatment process, including: • Medical consultancy services. • The assignment of a contact person to provide support during the patient’s treatment journey. • Various other services including: managing visa applications, flight tickets, providing options for accommodation and transportation, interpretation, and more. KHCC applies a unified price list for patients from all nationalities.
THE CENTER IS COMPRISED OF A 108,700 SQM SPACE WITH THREE BUILDINGS. IT TREATS NEARLY 7,000 NEW PATIENTS ANNUALLY AND RECEIVES OVER 250,000 PATIENTS IN ITS OUTPATIENT BUILDING.
www.khcc.jo WhatsApp +962 77 7648887 Apply for treatment at KHCC through the Patients Platforms: patient-portal.khcc.jo Easily follow the steps on the portal site to apply without the need to be present at KHCC.
THE KING HUSSEIN CANCER CENTER International Standards, Arab Identity
Comprehensive Cancer Treatment
Dedicated Office for International Patients
Unified Price List for All Patients
(Adult and Pediatric Patients)
Latest Medical Technologies (Robotic Surgery, Neurosurgery Suite)
The Largest Bone Marrow Transplant Program in the Middle East with International Success Rates
New cancer patients can apply for treatment at the King Hussein Cancer
Center (KHCC) through the New Patients Platform, which has easy steps to follow and doesn’t require patients to come to KHCC.
patient-portal.khcc.jo
+962 77 764 8887 www.khcc.jo
INTERVIEWS
Andre Daoud
Group CEO of Medica Group
"My leadership philosophy centers on fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment where every team member thrives."
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edica Group is one of the leaders in the distribution of medical aesthetic equipment and products in the GCC and the Middle East. “Hospitals” Magazine had the privilege to meet with Andre Daoud, Group CEO of Medica Group to talk about Medica’s success, its long-term strategic vision, expansion strategies among many other topics. Below is the full interview:
ON LEADERSHIP Can you describe your leadership style and how it has contributed to the success of Medica over the past 2 years you’ve been with the organization? As the CEO of Medica Group for the past two years, my leadership philosophy centers on fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment where every team member thrives. An important aspect is my commitment to an open-door policy, encouraging open communication at all levels. This ensures that ideas are freely exchanged, promoting collaboration and innovation. Today, Medica operates on a meritocratic foundation as I believe in recognizing and rewarding talent based on accomplishments, which helps to encourage a culture of fairness and equal opportunity. Transparency is a cornerstone of my leadership style, where clear communication
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about organizational goals, challenges, and successes builds trust among team members. Over the past two years, this approach has significantly contributed to our success. By evaluating individuals based on both aptitude and attitude, we have cultivated a positive and motivated workforce. This strategy not only enhances employee satisfaction but also drives the organization towards achieving its strategic objectives efficiently and cohesively.
What values do you prioritize in your leadership approach, and how do they align with Medica’s? Our aim at Medica is to be a more purposeful organization, one with a clear set of drivers and values that bond us together, that define our behaviour and how our decisions are made. It is through these drivers that we want to achieve our goals and fulfil our vision and guide our teams to find solutions outside their normal routines to better serve their own
OUR AIM AT MEDICA IS TO BE A MORE PURPOSEFUL ORGANIZATION, ONE WITH A CLEAR SET OF DRIVERS AND VALUES THAT BOND US TOGETHER, THAT DEFINE OUR BEHAVIOUR AND HOW OUR DECISIONS ARE MADE.
INTERVIEWS
growth and add value to our customers and to the organization as a whole. That’s why, we have defined four values that guide us on how we do the right thing, how we value our partners, how we operate with the spirit of all for one and one for all, and how we celebrate individuality. We do the right thing by embracing “Integrity”, acting with strong ethical and moral principles with honesty, honour, truthfulness, and accountability. We are “Customer-centric”, we understand and anticipate the needs of our partners by providing an outstanding first-class journey, with empathy and fairness. We are “Collaborative”. We act as one. We share knowledge, challenge assumptions, breakdown barriers, and adopt best practices across all our business. We celebrate “Diversity” and individuality. We embrace a culture of inclusiveness in a safe environment that promotes respect and equity. With these core values truly ingrained in the way we do business, every decision is made with those beliefs in mind. They create accountability to us and others - and our customers and partners will see that in every interaction we have with them.
ON INDUSTRY EXPERTISE Under your leadership, how do you ensure Medica stays updated on industry trends and innovations within the aesthetic distribution sector?
organization contribute to our awareness of industry advancements. This proactive approach not only keeps us informed but positions us to anticipate and adapt to changes, maintaining our competitive edge.
ON ORGANIZATION STRATEGY What is the long-term strategic vision for Medica in the next 3-5 years? Over the next 3-5 years, our long-term strategic vision is multifaceted. 1) We aim to be the partner of choice, offering the most innovative aesthetic solutions, thereby solidifying our position as industry leaders. 2) By disrupting norms and shaping needs in the aesthetic industry, we aspire to drive transformative change. 3) Sustainability is paramount, with a commitment to providing a resilient business model for Medica and our partners. 4) The engagement and enablement of our talent is central to our success, that’s why we aim to keep fostering a dynamic and motivated workforce. And 5) our journey towards digitalization will empower us to discern and respond to the evolving voice of the customer, ensuring our strategies remain customer-centric and adaptable.
WE MAINTAIN A SYSTEM OF CONTINUOUS MARKET ANALYSIS, CLOSELY MONITORING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND SHIFTS IN CONSUMER PREFERENCES AND BEHAVIOURS. REGULAR INDUSTRY CONFERENCES, NETWORKING EVENTS, AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS ARE LEVERAGED TO FACILITATE KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE WITH DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS AND PARTNERS.
Under my leadership, I prioritize keeping our organization at the forefront of industry trends and innovations within the aesthetic sector. We maintain a system of continuous market analysis, closely monitoring emerging technologies and shifts in consumer preferences and behaviours. Regular industry conferences, networking events, and strategic partnerships are leveraged to facilitate knowledge exchange with different stakeholders and partners. Additionally, fostering a culture of curiosity and encouraging cross-functional collaboration ensures that insights from all corners of the
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How does Medica remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market? Medica remains competitive in the rapidly evolving aesthetic solutions market through various means. To name a few, innovative solutions and diversification of product portfolio are essential. We ensure that we continuously source and introduce cuttingedge aesthetic solutions that cater to our partners and their customers; in addition to our collaboration with innovative manufacturers to diversify our offerings. We forge strategic partnerships and alliances with our suppliers and partners, fostering a culture of trust, transparency and accountability. Remember, we are customer centric. We ensure we maintain a deep understanding of customer needs through regular engagement, and we customize solutions and services to meet the diverse demands of practitioners and end-users. We listen to our customers by utilizing digital tools to better streamline our operations, interact with our customers more efficiently, and make decisions based on data and insights. For that, we deploy our digital channels in marketing and other areas to collect feedback and stay connected with our target audience.
What strategies are in place for expanding Medica’s presence within the region or potentially beyond? At Medica, we employ a comprehensive approach to expand our presence within the region and beyond. Strategic partnerships with key industry players facilitate our market entry and enhance our distribution networks. In addition, we conduct market research to identify untapped opportunities and make well informed decisions on our localized strategies, with the support of robust digital marketing initiatives leveraging online platforms to reach a wider audience. Our commitment to compliance and quality assurance builds trust, a crucial element for expansion in our business and any business actually. In terms of being an employer of choice, my management team and I encourage the cultivation of a dynamic sales
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force who are fluent in local market needs and differences. All these combined efforts position Medica as a proactive player, set to effectively broaden its footprint within the region and explore new territories.
ON PRODUCT PORTFOLIO How do you decide on the products to include in Medica’s distribution portfolio? Selecting products for Medica's distribution portfolio is a meticulous process driven by innovation, market demand, and quality standards. We prioritize cutting-edge solutions, collaborating with reputable manufacturers renowned for technological advancements.
MIA FEMTECH IS THE LATEST INNOVATION IN THE BREAST IMPLANT EXPERIENCE, WHICH CAME TO EXISTENCE AFTER ALMOST A DECADE OF RESEARCH AND STUDIES CONDUCTED BY ESTA, THE MANUFACTURER OF MOTIVA IMPLANTS.
INTERVIEWS
Thorough market analysis identifies emerging trends and customer needs, ensuring our portfolio remains current and relevant. Also, strategic partnerships with industry leaders contribute to the diversification of our offerings. The decision-making process is anchored in a commitment to providing practitioners and end-users with the most effective and sought-after aesthetic solutions, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted partner of choice in the dynamic aesthetic market.
Can you discuss any recent successful product launches or partnerships that have contributed to the organization’s growth? Certainly, our recent successful product launches and strategic partnerships have significantly fueled Medica's growth. These initiatives reflect our commitment to innovation and collaboration, ensuring we bring cuttingedge solutions to the market and expand our network. The breakthrough innovation comes from our strategic partner, Establishment Labs (ESTA) related to breast implants. We are in the process of launching Mia Femtech https:// miafemtech.com/experience. Mia Femtech™ is the latest innovation in the breast implant experience, which came to existence after almost a decade of research and studies conducted by ESTA, the manufacturer of Motiva implants. Mia Femtech™ is a minimally invasive implant procedure, that does not require general anesthesia, during which the implant is injected with the use of a special injector tool through a 2 cm incision under the armpit. The implant is injected after expansion of the breast tissue using an inflatable balloon which helps in breast tissue preservation and allows the implant to nest above the muscle and under the skin. The aim of Mia Femtech™ is to offer women, who are not considering a breast augmentation, and those who are relying on compensatory garments such as push up bras and gel pads to have an option to harmonize their breast shape whilst maintaining a natural look of their breasts. Furthermore, the Mia Femtech™ experience
comes with a full-fledged concierge service which allows escorting the consumer before, during and after the procedure ensuring they undergo a smooth and satisfactory experience all the way. Mia Femtech™ also comes with the warranty of ESTA’s “Women’s Choice Program” that allows women with implants to be explanted within a period of 2 years from procedure date in case she changes her mind. Our second most recent launch was Revolax Dermal Filler, a facial filler which is set to revolutionize the category as it is formulated with the highest-quality hyaluronic acid. In the saturated filler market, the Middle East launch of Revolax is a game-changer for us. With a focus on differentiation, Revolax stands out by delivering long lasting results and natural look for individuals who wish to use it. Based on the market research we have conducted and the positive feedback we have gathered from the doctors during its most recent launch in the UAE and Lebanon, we are very confident that it will not only meet but surpass consumer expectations, revolutionizing the category and setting a new standard for long-lasting, naturallooking dermal fillers in the region. We have also unveiled recently a strategic partnership with none other than Dr Burgener
OUR SECOND MOST RECENT LAUNCH WAS REVOLAX DERMAL FILLER, A FACIAL FILLER WHICH IS SET TO REVOLUTIONIZE THE CATEGORY AS IT IS FORMULATED WITH THE HIGHEST-QUALITY HYALURONIC ACID. IN THE SATURATED FILLER MARKET, THE MIDDLE EAST LAUNCH OF REVOLAX IS A GAMECHANGER FOR US.
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Switzerland, an esteemed brand synonymous with excellence and innovation in the realm of skincare. Dr Burgener's expertise, deeply rooted in the heart of Switzerland, and their renowned clinic, stand for personalized skincare excellence. Their commitment to remaining at the forefront of the industry is evident through continuous research, exploring the best formulas, and evolving protocols. This is a sector that continues to flourish, driven by the surging demand for tailor-made and customized skincare solutions.
ON EMPLOYER OF CHOICE How would you describe the culture and values that define Medica as an employer? We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. The values which I mentioned before are rooted in transparency, integrity, and a commitment to employee growth. We prioritize a dynamic work environment where creativity flourishes, and diversity is celebrated. As an employer of choice, we work relentlessly on nurturing our talent, providing them with opportunities for continuous learning, and cultivating a workplace where every individual's contributions are valued and recognized.
Can you elaborate on the professional
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development and training opportunities provided to employees? Our commitment to employee growth is paramount. We invest significantly in learning and development, offering diverse training programs conducted by internationally certified partners in the field. These cover sales, project management, leadership development, and team collaboration skills. Our strategic planning and customized sales training specifically focus on instilling customer-centric values, aligning with our core principles. By providing comprehensive professional development opportunities, we empower our talent to thrive in their roles and contribute effectively to Medica's success in the dynamic field of aesthetic distribution.
ON TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITALIZATION How do you foster a culture of innovation within the organization? Put simply, we encourage open communication, embrace diverse perspectives, and empower team members to think beyond conventional boundaries. By providing resources for continuous learning and recognizing and celebrating innovative ideas, we cultivate a culture that thrives on forward-thinking solutions and continuous improvement.
WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON FOSTERING A CULTURE OF INNOVATION, COLLABORATION, AND EXCELLENCE. THE VALUES WHICH I MENTIONED BEFORE ARE ROOTED IN TRANSPARENCY, INTEGRITY, AND A COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEE GROWTH. WE PRIORITIZE A DYNAMIC WORK ENVIRONMENT WHERE CREATIVITY FLOURISHES, AND DIVERSITY IS CELEBRATED.
INTERVIEWS
How does this culture impact your customer experience? Any notable improvements in customer satisfaction or feedback? The culture of innovation we have instilled at Medica has significantly elevated our customer experience – bringing us even closer to one of our values: being customer centric. For that reason, we embarked over a year ago on a journey to fully digitalize our organization from project management, customer service, to structured internal processes. As an example, our automated systems collect the voice of the customer from different sources – be it digitally or through the insights of our sales force on ground, providing real-time insights that help us understand what the customer wants and needs.
Can you discuss the measurable outcomes and ROI resulting from the digital transformation initiatives? Certainly, the digital transformation initiatives at Medica have yielded substantial measurable outcomes. Increased operational efficiency, streamlined processes, and enhanced data analytics capabilities have driven tangible ROI. Our investments in digital platforms have resulted in improved customer engagement, market reach, and a notable boost in overall productivity. These outcomes reflect the success of our strategic digital initiatives in aligning with business objectives and delivering concrete, measurable returns on investment.
we orchestrate initiatives across the region. In addition, allocating investments for philanthropy and social initiatives is a testament to our belief in making a meaningful difference in our ecosystem.
Can you share any specific initiatives or projects the company is involved in to give back to the community? In a demonstration of Medica's commitment to social responsibility, we initiated three impactful CSR drives in Lebanon during the festive season – one of the very many initiatives we have in the pipeline. First, our team embraced the spirit of giving by visiting the elderly, uplifting spirits, and fostering meaningful human connections. Additionally, we dedicated time to the SOS village, sharing moments and joy with underprivileged children. Lastly, our visit to SESOBEL underscored our unwavering support for the cause of children with disabilities, reflecting Medica's dedication to making a positive impact and fostering a compassionate community.
WE BELIEVE THAT BY ACTIVELY ENGAGING IN SOCIAL INITIATIVES, SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS, AND PHILANTHROPY, WE AIM TO CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY TO THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE. THIS REFLECTS OUR COMMITMENT TO ETHICAL PRACTICES AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING.
ON CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY What role does corporate social responsibility play in Medica’s overall strategy? Corporate social responsibility is integral to Medica's strategy, it reflects our responsibility as a conscientious corporate entity. We believe that by actively engaging in social initiatives, sustainability efforts, and philanthropy, we aim to contribute positively to the communities we serve. This reflects our commitment to ethical practices and community well-being. With a dedicated CSR resource onboard,
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Dr. Naser Ammash
CEO of Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
"Our vision at SSMC is to be the leading integrated healthcare destination for complex and seriously ill patients."
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n this exclusive interview, Dr. Naser Ammash, CEO of Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), delves into his professional journey, the operational ethos of SSMC, and the future of healthcare innovation.
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming the CEO of Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City? My journey began as a cardiologist, with my entire training in the United States, culminating at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester in 1994. Since joining the Mayo staff, my career has spanned over almost 29 years, encompassing roles as a physician, educator, and researcher. My initial primary goal was to become a Professor at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine which I did in 2010. I gradually took on leadership roles, starting in 2008, eventually becoming the chair of the cardiovascular practice at Mayo Clinic in 2014. My path to becoming a CEO was unplanned. It came as a great opportunity in 2019. I initially aspired merely to excel in the field of academic cardiology. My administrative skills were honed on the job, reflecting a natural progression through various leadership roles at Mayo, an institution known to develop leaders in Healthcare.
How do you balance your roles as a practitioner and a manager? Balancing these roles is vital, particularly in a physician-led organization like Mayo Clinic, which influenced my approach at Mayo Clinic Rochester and at SSMC in Abu Dhabi. In my prior administrative positions, I had maintained a significant portion of my time dedicated to patient care, teaching, and research. I believe being a practicing physician has made me a better leader, as my decisions are always grounded in what is best for our patients which is our primary value. The ability to blend
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clinical and administrative perspectives is crucial in managing a large healthcare institution. Currently, as a CEO at SSMC, my time is fully committed to leading and managing SSMC without any clinical responsibilities though I have continued to teach and provide expert opinion as needed.
Do you believe that a medical background contributes to better managerial work in healthcare? Absolutely. In healthcare management, especially in a patient-first setting like ours, understanding the clinical aspect of patients’ needs is crucial, especially in relation to quality of care and the importance of education, research and innovation. I say this without forgetting the importance of the other domains in healthcare delivery especially service delivery and financial sustainability. Our leadership model at SSMC, which we've adapted from Mayo, involves a dyad-triad leadership model based on partnership between physician leaders and administrative and nursing colleagues. This ensures a comprehensive approach to how we lead and manage the organization, balancing clinical needs with operationalbusiness needs while executing on the strategic plan. It underscores the value of partnership, complimentary skillsets, interconnected disciplines in achieving the best outcomes for patients, staff and the organization.
What is the vision driving Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City?
OUR VISION AT SSMC IS TO DEVELOP A DESTINATION MEDICAL CENTER SPECIALIZED IN TREATING COMPLEX AND SERIOUSLY ILL PATIENTS. THIS WAS IDENTIFIED AS A CRITICAL NEED BY ABU DHABI HEALTHCARE LEADERS. WE AIM TO BE THE MOST INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE DESTINATION, WITH 46 SPECIALTIES WORKING IN UNISON.
INTERVIEWS Our vision at SSMC is to develop a destination medical center specialized in treating complex and seriously ill patients. This was identified as a critical need by Abu Dhabi healthcare leaders. We aim to be the most integrated healthcare destination, with 46 specialties working in unison. Our approach is patient-centric, ensuring that team-based care is provided to each patient. This integrated practice model, derived from Mayo Clinic's ethos, is fundamental to our operations.
How does SSMC contribute to strengthening the healthcare sector in the UAE? SSMC fills a vital gap in the region's healthcare industry, particularly in providing complex care for patients who would otherwise seek treatment abroad. Our focus is on multidisciplinary care across all age groups, from neonates to adults. This not only serves the immediate health needs of our community but also contributes to the overall sustainability of healthcare in the UAE. Our goal is to bring the excellence in service and quality, associated with Mayo Clinic, to patients here, close to where they live, reducing the need for overseas medical travel. The most important goal of our team is to bring trust into the quality of care delivered and generate loyalty to SSMC in Abu Dhabi.
What differentiates SSMC from other medical institutions in the region? SSMC stands apart through unique services like our burn unit, the only one in the nation, our role as a trauma center for Abu Dhabi, but most importantly our model of care with a multidisciplinary approach where there is a clear and strong integration between all 46 clinical specialties to take care of one patient at a time supported by the nonclinical teams. Our connection with Mayo Clinic brings expertise and excellence to the UAE with optimal Mayo physical presence on SSMC ground, and a strong focus on education and research, making us a three-shield institution. Our governance model, emphasizing partnership, shared responsibilities toward our patients and stakeholder, while being grounded by our values are equally important. All of these elements, together with our business model, we believe are our differentiators.
Can you elaborate on the patient
experience at SSMC? Patient experience is a cornerstone of SSMC. We aspire to blend top-notch and trusted medical care with great hospitality and a “Category of One” service. Our hospital is a state-of-the-art, beautiful facility, but what truly sets us apart is our commitment to service of excellence. This is not the responsibility of the “patient experience“ team but everyone who works at SSMC. Training our team members in an empathic and holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on the body, mind, and soul, are integral to our strategy. Our patient satisfaction scores have been steadily improving, a testament to our successful approach. This is an excellent example of the shared responsibility toward our patients that we have been able to create in the past two to three years.
Is there a follow-up system for patients after they return home? Yes, post-discharge care is a critical component of our patient experience to monitor their response to treatment or follow up on additional testing. Nurses from our inpatient units follow up with patients to ensure their well-being. We also have many physicians who do that, as that connectivity to patients is very important. Beyond this, we are establishing disease registries to monitor long-term outcomes and publish those in peer-reviewed journals. These registries are crucial for demonstrating SSMC’s added value proposition we bring to Abu Dhabi while also conducting meaningful research to continually improve patient care and outcome.
SSMC FILLS A VITAL GAP IN THE REGION'S HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY IN PROVIDING COMPLEX CARE FOR PATIENTS WHO WOULD OTHERWISE SEEK TREATMENT ABROAD. OUR FOCUS IS ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE ACROSS ALL AGE GROUPS, FROM NEONATES TO ADULTS. THIS NOT ONLY SERVES THE IMMEDIATE HEALTH NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY BUT ALSO CONTRIBUTES TO THE OVERALL SUSTAINABILITY OF HEALTHCARE IN THE UAE.
What initiatives are in place for medical education and professional development at SSMC? Education is a key pillar for SSMC. We knew since our inception in 2020 that without the strongest and most developed education shield, we will not be able to accomplish our mission. Accordingly, we created the framework where continuous learning is inserted in everyday activities, and have intentionally developed five education centers focusing on various aspects of medical education, from undergraduate to continuous professional
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INTERVIEWS development. We collaborate with local and international like-minded universities, and our educational efforts extend to training foreign students as well. Our aim is to educate and train the next generation of healthcare professionals and leaders who are familiar with our model of care and healthcare delivery while promoting workforce sustainability in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. In 2023, we had close to 600 learners among us across all domains - another testament to a very well-executed strategy by an outstanding education team.
What has been the main contribution of Mayo Clinic to SSMC? Mayo Clinic's influence pervades every aspect of SSMC. From the multidisciplinary integrated medical practice model supported by education and research, to our governance as a physician-led institution in partnership with administration, to our focus on quality of care, “Category of One” service guided by our common primary value of putting the needs of our patients first. Mayo Clinic's ethos is integral to our operations. Their 159 -year legacy in healthcare excellence significantly shapes our approach to service delivery, quality, and innovation guided by our common values.
What are your thoughts on the integration of AI in healthcare?
Machine learning and AI have revolutionized healthcare. They have demonstrated the ability to make us work “smarter”, enhancing efficiency along the different domains of the value chain of healthcare delivery with a great potential to improve job satisfaction and work experience, not to forget AI’s ability in early disease detection, and acceleration of innovative technologies and treatment and enhancing medical education. In my opinion, it's important to remember that Artificial Intelligence (AI) complements the human element in healthcare delivery. The human touch in our approach to care delivery, empathic communication, and direct patient interaction remain crucial components of patient care and what patients are looking for.
EDUCATION IS A KEY PILLAR FOR SMC. WE KNEW SINCE OUR INCEPTION IN 2020 THAT WITHOUT THE STRONGEST AND MOST DEVELOPED EDUCATION SHIELD, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION.
Can you share insights into SSMC's future projects and plans? Our future projects are aligned with our strategic plan to be the premier destination for complex and seriously ill patient care. We continue to execute very well on SSMC’s multiyear plan with continued primary focus on trusted quality, service excellence, education, research and sustainability which for us has three dimensions; environmental , workforcesocial and financial sustainability.
Dr. Naser Ammash's vision and leadership at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City not only exemplify innovation in healthcare management but also reflect a deep commitment to patient care, education, and sustainability.
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INTERVIEWS
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, California
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INTERVIEWS
Dr. Heitham Hassoun Vice President and Medical Director Cedars-Sinai International
"Cedars-Sinai is fully focused on providing quality outcomes and the best patient experience."
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n this exclusive interview with Heitham Hassoun, MD, Vice President and Medical Director of Cedars-Sinai International, "Hospitals" Magazine explores the foundational principles guiding one of the world's leading medical institutions. Dr. Hassoun shares insights on Cedars-Sinai's commitment to quality outcomes, patient experience, and continuous improvement. From the hospital's global outreach in the Middle East to strategic collaborations and the pursuit of excellence, this interview provides a compelling look into the visionary leadership shaping healthcare on a global scale.
What is the core mission and vision of your hospital, and how do these principles guide its day-to-day operations and future planning?.
healthcare quality and patient outcomes?
Cedars-Sinai is fully focused on providing quality outcomes and the best patient experience. We offer the excellence of an academic medical center coupled with the agility of an independent institution. We are fortunate to be in Los Angeles, one of the world’s most diverse cities and a beautiful environment for health and wellness. We have been an integral part of our community for 120 years so our relationships and resources are substantial. Our talent is incredible. We are one of only three hospitals that are consistently above the national average in quality of outcomes for several key medical conditions. In 2023-24, we are proud to be on U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” Honor Roll for the eighth consecutive year and six of our specialties are ranked among the top five in the U.S.
Cedars-Sinai takes a data-driven, evidencebased approach to continuously improving quality, safety and patient experience. We are an active member of the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) Council of Teaching Hospitals and Health Systems (COTH), which represents 400 leading teaching hospitals and health systems in the U.S. Membership in COTH is recognized throughout the world as a standard for excellence in patient care, research and medical education. The U.S. government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) collects data on 30-day mortality rates for Medicare patients who receive care for five health conditions: heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and stroke. Since CMS began tracking this data, the mortality rates for CedarsSinai patients have remained among the lowest in the U.S. These outcomes are a direct reflection of our clinical excellence.
What measures or initiatives are in place to ensure the continuous improvement of
Could you elaborate on the specific objectives or goals your hospital aims to
OUR STRATEGIC COLLABORATIONS HAVE ALREADY LED TO NEW STATE-OFTHE-ART FACILITIES LIKE THE VIEW HOSPITAL IN QATAR, AN AFFILIATION BETWEEN CEDARS-SINAI AND ELEGANCIA HEALTHCARE, WHICH IS A SUBSIDIARY OF ESTITHMAR HOLDING.
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achieve by establishing a presence in the Middle East?
We see challenges and opportunities across the entire patient journey, including time zone differences where we are collaborating across night and day, variations in payor systems and regulatory environments and, most importantly, learning, respecting and valuing the differences among cultures and traditions. We envision a unified delivery system where the care you receive in Dubai is the same care that you receive in LA.
Our strategic collaborations have already led to new state-of-the-art facilities like the View Hospital in Qatar, an affiliation between Cedars-Sinai and Elegancia Healthcare, which is a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding. This extraordinary facility ushered in a new era of global collaboration. Cedars-Sinai has also been one of Abu Dhabi’s preferred providers in the U.S., facilitating a referral system which allows patients from UAE to benefit from CedarsSinai care and supports a wide range of quality improvement projects. Regarding academic collaboration, we have an agreement with Khalifa University to provide third and fourth medical students access to short-term, hands-on clinical rotations of four to eight weeks in a variety of specialties. In FY 2023, we hosted three fourth-year medical students from Khalifa University for a two-month observership and clinical rotation experience on our main campus in Los Angeles. With all these endeavors, one thing remains steadfast: our commitment to providing the finest care available and exceeding our patients’ expectations no matter where they are.
What partnerships or collaborations are being pursued in the Middle East to support your hospital's international initiatives?
Can you highlight a key experience or turning point in your career that shaped how you lead and envision the hospital's international growth?
Cedars-Sinai International’s Global Services team continually explores opportunities to bring top-flight care closer to more people through collaborations with hospitals outside of the U.S. Through a variety of strategies, we offer a full spectrum of advisory and consulting services that help prospective partners achieve their goals as the global healthcare environment evolves. From Mexico to Asia to the Middle East, our experts participate in webinars, conferences and trade shows to share knowledge, ideas and visions for the future. Additionally, our growing in-country office presence (currently in Mexico City, soon in Singapore and more countries) provides patients and referring physicians the opportunity to learn more about Cedars-Sinai, gain access to our knowledge through second opinions, and receive care in Los Angeles as the need arises.
I’ve learned and grown over the years by stepping outside my comfort zone as an academic surgeon and going out in the field and doing the work, whether on the clinical or administrative side. Early in my career, I spent a year in the UAE as Chief of Surgery at Tawam Hospital and after that, I came back to join the Johns Hopkins international team. Working there and embedding myself in the international department made all the difference. I’ve brought all that experience and so much more to my leadership role at Cedars-Sinai International, where we truly strive to impact the world through the work we do. We are learning the dynamics of international collaboration and you can’t do that if you only focus on the US and what works here. It takes time and a passion for being out there with your counterparts and their teams.
All of our global outreach efforts strive to bring care closer to the patient, whether through direct care delivery, telehealth consultation, visiting physicians, accreditation support, etc., or indirectly as we partner with private and public healthcare providers to establish the best modern medicine facilities. We are steadfast in achieving those goals in the Middle East and around the world.
What unique challenges or opportunities do you see in providing healthcare services in the Middle East compared to your domestic operations?
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CEDARS-SINAI IS PROUD TO BE RECOGNIZED EIGHT YEARS IN A ROW ON THE “BEST HOSPITALS” HONOR ROLL AND RANKED AMONG THE TOP FIVE IN THE U.S. IN SIX SPECIALTIES BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT.
INTERVIEWS
Jihad Tayara EVOTEQ's CEO
"Our primary focus is on spearheading digital transformation across various sectors, with a strong emphasis on healthcare."
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n a world where digital transformation is rapidly reshaping industries, EVOTEQ stands out as a beacon of innovation and technological advancement in the United Arab Emirates. Under the leadership of CEO Jihad Tayara, the company has made significant strides in digitalizing various sectors, with a special focus on healthcare. In a recent interview with “Hospitals” Magazine, Tayara sheds light on EVOTEQ's journey, its impactful projects like the "Tatmeen" platform, and the company's ambitious vision for the future.
Could you start by highlighting the importance of digital solutions, especially in the healthcare sector? Digital solutions have become more important than ever, particularly in the dynamic environments of the UAE and Saudi Arabia. They are not just tools but essential elements for the functioning of modern institutions, both in the public and private sectors. The healthcare sector in the UAE has immensely benefited from this technological shift. During the pandemic, digital solutions played a crucial role in managing and mitigating crises, from tracking vaccine distribution to optimizing patient care. These technologies have transformed healthcare delivery, making it more efficient, accessible, and responsive to patient needs.
"Tatmeen" is a significant project for EVOTEQ. Can you elaborate on its role in the digital transformation of the UAE? "Tatmeen" is not just a platform; it's a testament to the UAE's commitment to digital excellence. It's a pivotal project that symbolizes the nation's forward-thinking approach to healthcare digitization. This platform serves as a technological bridge with the Ministry of
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Health and Community Protection, meticulously monitoring and managing the pharmaceutical supply chain. It's a sophisticated system that ensures the integrity and efficiency of drug distribution from manufacturers to endusers. This platform is a cornerstone in our mission to revolutionize healthcare through technology, ensuring that every stakeholder in the pharmaceutical industry is connected and synchronized.
EVOTEQ has a diverse range of operations. Could you discuss the company's main areas of work and the technological solutions it offers? EVOTEQ operates at the intersection of technology and innovation. Our primary focus is on spearheading digital transformation across various sectors, with a strong emphasis on healthcare. We strive to forge partnerships with government entities and large corporations, integrating digitalization into their core functions. Our solutions are not just about technology; they're about creating ecosystems that enhance performance, streamline operations, and improve public services. "Tatmeen" is a prime example of this, specifically
"TATMEEN" IS NOT JUST A PLATFORM; IT'S A TESTAMENT TO THE UAE'S COMMITMENT TO DIGITAL EXCELLENCE. IT'S A PIVOTAL PROJECT THAT SYMBOLIZES THE NATION'S FORWARDTHINKING APPROACH TO HEALTHCARE DIGITIZATION.
INTERVIEWS focusing on the healthcare sector. It's a platform that represents the culmination of our expertise in digitalization, offering a comprehensive solution for managing the healthcare supply chain.
Tell us more about the "Tatmeen" project, one of your major initiatives for tracking pharmaceuticals in the UAE. "Tatmeen" is a pioneering project, a unique collaboration between the public and private sectors. Supervised by EVOTEQ, it exemplifies our commitment to utilizing technology for societal benefit. The project revolves around the pharmaceutical supply chain, employing advanced technology for tracking medications, identifying unauthentic drugs, and facilitating the removal of expired drugs from the market. This platform is a critical tool for the Ministry of Health and Community Protection, providing an unprecedented level of transparency and control over the pharmaceutical sector. The concept for "Tatmeen" emerged from a tender issued by the government in 2020, and we were honored to be selected for this significant national initiative.
What significance does this project hold for EVOTEQ? For EVOTEQ, "Tatmeen" is a project that lies at the heart of our mission. It's an embodiment of our commitment to enhancing the efficiency of government operations through digital transformation. The project holds immense significance as it places us at the forefront of the digital revolution in the healthcare sector. The platform's ability to monitor drug compliance, ensure efficient market withdrawals, and manage the supply chain is vital for the safety and well-being of the UAE's citizens and residents. It's a project that reflects our values and dedication to leveraging technology for the greater good.
What are some of the notable achievements of "Tatmeen" since its inception? Since its launch, "Tatmeen" has marked a series of significant achievements, a testament to its impact and effectiveness. We have successfully integrated over 5,845 medical
institutions onto the platform, with more than 5,000 active users benefiting from its capabilities. Additionally, we have supported 5,800 partners in connecting with the platform. The system has efficiently managed the distribution of pharmaceutical products across 4,613 establishments, with 601 distributors and 546 manufacturers playing a crucial role in the supply chain. One of the most significant milestones has been the handling of 7,800 import permits and the registration of 7,300 pharmaceutical products. These figures not only demonstrate the platform's extensive reach and utilization but also its pivotal role in streamlining the UAE's pharmaceutical industry.
How can the success of this project be leveraged in other fields? The success of "Tatmeen" in the pharmaceutical domain is just the beginning. Our vision extends to applying this model to other critical sectors, such as medical devices and potentially veterinary drugs. The smart tracking system established by "Tatmeen" can be adapted and applied to these new domains, enhancing efficiency and transparency. The creation of the Emirates Drug Institution is a step in the right direction, offering a unified approach to pharmaceutical management. We are optimistic about future collaborations, aiming to extend the benefits of this platform to other areas in need of similar technological solutions.
Finally, could you share EVOTEQ's future vision and expansion plans in the current digital transformation era? Our vision for the future is ambitious yet grounded in the reality of the ever-evolving digital landscape. We aim to be at the forefront of introducing technological innovations and digital transformation across all sectors. The success of "Tatmeen" in the UAE has captured the attention of several countries in the region. We are eager to replicate and adapt this model in other countries, tailoring it to their specific needs and challenges. As digital transformation continues to gain momentum, EVOTEQ is committed to playing a leading role in shaping the future, not just in the UAE but across the entire region.
FOR EVOTEQ, "TATMEEN" IS A PROJECT THAT LIES AT THE HEART OF OUR MISSION. IT'S AN EMBODIMENT OF OUR COMMITMENT TO ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY OF GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS THROUGH DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION. THE PROJECT HOLDS IMMENSE SIGNIFICANCE AS IT PLACES US AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR.
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Bridging Innovation and Excellence at Dubai Derma 2024
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ubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition (Dubai Derma) is set to continue its evolution in showcasing a seamless continuum of groundbreaking advancements on March 5th to 7th, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre in the United Arab Emirates. Embarking on a transformative three-day journey, Dubai Derma 2024 is set to welcome a distinguished assembly of luminaries, including visionary speakers, skilled surgeons, renowned skin care professionals, industry trailblazers, and pivotal stakeholders.
Evolution of the Scientific Program In a resolute commitment to delivering an extraordinary and enriching encounter, the conference will unfold a meticulously crafted scientific program boasting over 340+ speakers, 360+ scientific sessions, 125+ clinical cases, and 30+ scientific poster presentations, and participants can earn up to 42 CME credits. The enhanced program will expand, delving into Dermatology Sciences/Researches, Cosmetic/Surgical Dermatology, and Therapeutics/New Drugs, all while breaking ground and introducing an innovative feature: Dedicated Sessions by Dermatology Associations/Societies like: Emirates Dermatology Society (EDS), Face Aesthetic Dermatologists Society (FADS), International Society of Dermatology (ISD), Pakistan Associa-
tion of Dermatologists (PAD), Sudanese Association of Dermatologist and many more, which will enrich the depth of the conference's academic offerings. Additionally, an exciting venture will be introduced: Live Clinical Session, where exhibiting companies present live clinical procedures, providing exclusive access for all conference attendees to witness the practical applications of cutting-edge products and technologies, including injections and lasers in a live setting.
A Comprehensive Experience Dubai Derma's influence is reflected in its power to attract over 1,440 international brands and 24,000+ participants from 114 countries, where it continues to draw a diverse global audience. Beyond the figures, Dubai Derma promises a holistic experience by providing a conducive environment for networking, learning, and collaboration. Practical workshops offer hands-on experiences. The exhibition platform unleashes groundbreaking products and devices from 480+ companies across the globe and attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry representatives and attend a series of practical workshops, industry partner sessions, and other more interactive activities over three days.
DUBAI DERMA'S INFLUENCE IS REFLECTED IN ITS POWER TO ATTRACT OVER 1,440 INTERNATIONAL BRANDS AND 24,000+ PARTICIPANTS FROM 114 COUNTRIES, WHERE IT CONTINUES TO DRAW A DIVERSE GLOBAL AUDIENCE.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi reinforces its Centre of Excellence for adult cardiac surgery designation
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leveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 network, recently achieved another medical milestone as a leader in worldclass cardiac care by saving the life of a young patient suffering from aortic valve stenosis. This accomplishment highlights the hospital’s comprehensive cardiac surgery program and strengthens its position as a Centre of Excellence for adult cardiac surgery, an accolade conferred by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Upon arrival at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a patient in his mid-thirties was in life-threatening shock due to multiple organ failure as a result of aortic valve stenosis, a condition that causes narrowing of the aortic valve. His condition was triggered by a congenital abnormality and led to significant difficulties in his heart’s ability to pump blood. After being evaluated for emergency treatment, the patient was quickly placed on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) to stabilize his condition before going into surgery. Remarkably, the patient showed significant improvement post-surgery and was discharged a few days later, returning to work in less than ten days.
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Create a Culture That Means Business Zodiak® Healthcare Overview Zodiak Healthcare: The Game of Business Finance and Strategy is a fast-paced, classroom-based simulation designed to improve business acumen and financial literacy of supervisors, managers and leaders in hospitals and healthcare institutions. Healthcare organizations like yours face tough decisions every day about processes, people, quality of care, finances, and patients. How your leaders, managers, and staff address these issues through a lens of business acumen is critical. With Zodiak Healthcare, learners experience the financial and strategic determinants of organizational success. Through discovery learning, they experience how their everyday decisions impact your organization’s top and bottom lines and the quality of care.
Build an Impactful Culture
The Experience As small teams of your learners become the new management team of the struggling Zodiak Hospital, they take out loans, answer to board members, purchase equipment and materials, invest in new technologies and processes, and deliver quality care and services to customers. Through this exercise which runs over a 3-year simulation, they grasp the big picture of not only how business works and your healthcare organization makes money, but also participants begin to see how their actions impact patient outcomes.
Learning Objectives After completing the Zodiak Healthcare program, your learners will understand: • Understand common financial terms: Revenue, EBITDA, Assets, Liabilities, Cash Flow, etc. • Link business flow to how business success is measured • Construct and interpret basic financial statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet & Cash Flow Statement) • Understand the relationship and difference between profit and cash • How strategic initiatives impact the bottom line and describe “stakeholder value” • The impact of supply chain management and investing in new technologies and processes • Compute, analyze and understand key financial ratios like ROA, Net-to-Gross Patient Revenue, Days Cash on Hand, Total Operating Margin • Recognize and understand patient care-specific metrics and how they’re used to evaluate and make business decisions
Contact: POLC Consult’s Client Success Team, crm@polc-consult.com
©2023 Culture Partners. Zodiak is a registered trademark of Partners in Leadership, LLC d/b/a Culture Partners in the United States and other countries. All Rights Reserved.
NEWS
Where the world of healthcare meets 68,000+
healthcare professionals
3,600+ delegates
3,450+
exhibitors
$1.81 billion**
total value of business generated
Register for free before 4 Jan 2024
29 Jan – 1 Feb 2024 | Dubai World Trade Centre
arabhealthonline.com
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180
visiting countries
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
Advancing Hope and Healing: UCLA Health's Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program
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n the realm of pediatric medicine, few treatments hold as much promise and potential for transformation as bone marrow transplants. UCLA Health stands at the forefront of groundbreaking medical advancements, particularly in its Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program, launched in 1973. This pioneering initiative is a beacon of hope for countless families navigating the challenges of pediatric cancers, genetic disorders, and lifethreatening blood diseases. The marrow, the spongy tissue nestled within bones, plays a pivotal role in the production of blood cells essential for carrying oxygen, fighting infections, and enabling bodily functions. Bone marrow transplants, also known as hematopoietic stem cell transplants, are
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pivotal in treating conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, immune deficiencies, and inherited metabolic disorders in children. At the heart of UCLA's program lies a team of dedicated specialists—physicians, surgeons, nurses, and support staff—who collaborate seamlessly to deliver personalized care tailored to each child's unique circumstances. This concerted effort ensures that every aspect of a child's health journey, from diagnosis to posttransplant care, is met with the utmost expertise and compassion. The team of experts brings extensive experience in treating a spectrum of conditions, spanning cancer and non-cancerous illnesses. Leveraging advanced cellular therapies, including autologous transplants utilizing a patient's own cells, allogeneic transplants sourced from donors
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS (encompassing haploidentical options from parents and umbilical cord blood), as well as pioneering treatments such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) and gene therapy, UCLA Health’s approach epitomizes innovation and versatility in pediatric hematology and oncology. Beyond medical interventions, the program places great emphasis on holistic support for patients and their families. Recognizing the emotional and financial toll of such complex treatments, UCLA Health provides comprehensive psychosocial support and counseling services, ensuring that families navigate the challenges with resilience and support. What distinguishes UCLA Health’s program is its relentless pursuit of innovation. The integration of cutting-edge research and clinical trials propels the program forward, offering patients access to novel therapies and treatment modalities that push the boundaries of conventional medicine. This commitment to innovation has not only enhanced survival rates but has also significantly improved the quality of life for young patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. The program's success is underpinned by its state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology. UCLA Health's world-class facilities are equipped with the latest advancements in medical technology, enabling the delivery of precise and personalized care. The utilization of advanced imaging, molecular diagnostics, and genetic profiling empowers physicians to tailor treatment strategies with unprecedented accuracy, fostering better prognoses and reducing potential complications. Moreover, the program's dedication to research and academic excellence cements its position as a global leader in pediatric bone marrow transplantation. Collaborations with esteemed institutions and active participation in groundbreaking research initiatives contribute to the continuous evolution of treatment protocols, ushering in a new era of therapeutic possibilities and paving the way for future advancements in pediatric hematology and oncology. The success stories emerging from UCLA Health's Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program stand as testaments to its unwavering dedication and unparalleled expertise. Countless children, once grappling with life-threatening
conditions, have been granted a new lease on life, thanks to the relentless commitment and groundbreaking advancements made within this program. As the landscape of healthcare continues to evolve, UCLA Health remains at the vanguard of pediatric bone marrow transplantation. Its unwavering dedication to advancing medical knowledge, refining treatment protocols, and delivering compassionate care underscores its commitment to transforming the lives of young patients and their families. In conclusion, UCLA Health's Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program stands as a beacon of hope and healing, exemplifying the convergence of innovation, expertise, and compassion in the realm of pediatric hematology and oncology. Its unwavering commitment to pioneering research, personalized care, and holistic support solidifies its position as a global leader, offering a ray of hope to children and families facing the challenges of complex hematologic disorders.
For more information, please visit https://www.uclahealth.org/international-services/ or call +1 310-794-8759
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NEWS TECHNOLOGIES MEDICAL
Managing COPD with Remote Patient Monitoring: Harnessing the Power of Peak Flow Meters
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hronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their quality of life and posing significant challenges in managing the condition. In the United States alone, it is estimated that approximately 16 million people suffer from COPD, with millions more currently undiagnosed. Recently, advancements in healthcare technology have paved the way for Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) solutions that offer COPD patients the ability to track their symptoms and monitor their lung function from the comfort of their homes. One key RPM device, the peak flow meter (PFM), plays a vital role in helping patients effectively manage their COPD.
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Understanding COPD COPD refers to a group of chronic lung diseases, primarily chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. The primary symptoms include a persistent cough, excessive mucus production, shortness of breath, and a decreased ability to exhale fully. COPD is mainly caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, or in some cases is genetic and hereditary.
The Role of Remote Patient Monitoring Remote patient monitoring brings healthcare directly to the homes of COPD patients, empowering them to actively participate in managing their condition. One vital tool within RPM
ACCUHEALTH’S PFM TRANSMITS DAILY FEV1 AND PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW (PEF) DATA POINTS TO PHYSICIANS, AND WITH ITS EASY-TO-USE AND PLUG-AND-PLAY DEVICE, PATIENTS WITH COPD ARE ENSURED PROPER CARE MANAGEMENT THROUGH DAILY HEALTH MONITORING AND ANNUAL VISITS TO PHYSICIANS.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES
is the peak flow meter. Spirometers, though valuable tools for monitoring lung function, often pose challenges when used at home, particularly for elderly patients. The intricate nature of spirometer operation can lead to difficulties in achieving accurate readings, causing frustration and frequently missed measurements. This complexity may deter consistent usage, resulting in low adherence to the monitoring regimen. In contrast, peak flow meters offer a simpler solution. These devices require nothing more than a forceful exhalation, making them exceedingly easy to use for individuals of all ages. The straightforward process encourages better compliance and more reliable data collection, ensuring that respiratory health is effectively tracked without unnecessary complications.
Peak Flow Meter: A Valuable Tool for COPD Management A peak flow meter is a portable handheld device that measures a person's ability to exhale forcefully. By monitoring peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), patients can assess their lung function, enabling them to optimize their treatment plans accordingly. The Global Initiatives for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines recommend measuring forced expiratory volume (FEV1) by spirmeter annually. Physicians already perform spirometry tests annually in their offices. Accuhealth’s PFM transmits daily FEV1 and peak expiratory flow (PEF) data points to physicians, and with its easy-to-use and plug-and-play device, patients with COPD are ensured proper care management through daily health monitoring and annual visits to physicians.
How Does it Work? •
•
•
Patients blow into the peak flow meter, and the device measures the maximum airflow generated. The FEV1 and PEF results are recorded and automatically transmitted through cellular connection into the patient's electronic health record. Regular measurements allow COPD
patients to identify changes in their lung function and enable their providers to take appropriate measures, such as adjusting medications or making adjustments to the patient’s care plan to combat their condition in case it gets more severe.
Benefits of Peak Flow Meter RPM: Early Detection and Intervention: Regular monitoring with a peak flow meter can help identify exacerbations and changes in lung function at an early stage, enabling prompt intervention and preventing severe symptoms of COPD. Improved Self-Management: COPD patients can gain valuable insights into their lung health and symptoms, fostering proactive management from their own homes and reducing the frequency of costly emergency healthcare visits. Patient-Provider Collaboration: RPM technology facilitates a more involved relationship between patients and healthcare providers, enabling real-time data sharing, remote consultations, and personalized treatment plans.
The Future of COPD and RPM COPD affects over 15,000 million Americans, but with remote patient monitoring, individuals can take control of their condition and actively participate in its management from the comfort of their own homes. The peak flow meter is a vital RPM tool that enables COPD patients to monitor their respiratory function, make informed decisions about their health, reduce unnecessary and expensive hospital visits, and seek timely medical intervention when necessary. By embracing this technology, patients can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the burden of COPD on themselves and overloaded healthcare systems. For more information, please visit WWW.ACCUHEALTH.TECH/MIDDLE-EAST-ENG
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France at Arab Health 2024: Showcasing Revolutionary Healthcare Solutions •
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Hall Za'abeel 2 hosts companies specializing in the medical equipment and device sector. Sheikh Rashid Hall accommodates companies focused on orthopedics, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. Sheikh Saeed Hall 1 caters to companies specializing in the Imaging and Diagnostics sector.
French Influence on the Global Stage In 2021, the French medtech market saw continued growth, mirroring the substantial need for cutting-edge medical solutions. Within the same period, France's medical market claimed 14.7% of the European market share, securing its spot as the second-largest market, trailing only behind Germany. Renowned for their prowess in various domains including medical devices, diagnostic equipment, medical imaging technologies, and healthcare IT solutions, French companies remain distinguished. France's stature as a European frontrunner, buoyed by a robust health infrastructure, was further reinforced.
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rench healthcare specialists are set to participate at Arab Health, the major trade show for the medical sector in the region, taking place from January 29th to February 1st , 2024. Bringing together 87 French companies under the French Healthcare banner, this collective presence aims to showcase their dedication to medical expertise. Anticipating thousands of global attendees, the highly anticipated health exhibition in the Near and Middle East promises an unparalleled gathering. This year, Business France is supporting a French delegation comprising 87 companies across 3 French Healthcare pavilions, following the distribution pattern from the previous year:
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Fostering Healthcare Advancements: A Collaborative Journey Between France and the UAE The relationship between France and the United Arab Emirates in the healthcare sector is characterized by a growing collaboration, illustrating a strategic partnership in the medical field. The United Arab Emirates, as an economic and technological hub in the Gulf region, offer significant opportunities for French healthcare companies. The UAE has developed state-of-theart healthcare infrastructure and actively seeks to develop its medical services. French companies are commited to provide innovative technologies, high-quality medical equipment, and healthcare management solutions.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FRANCE AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR IS CHARACTERIZED BY A GROWING COLLABORATION, ILLUSTRATING A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN THE MEDICAL FIELD. THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, AS AN ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL HUB IN THE GULF REGION, OFFER SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRENCH HEALTHCARE COMPANIES.
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
Axel Baroux, French Trade and Investment Commissioner, stated: "Witnessing the dynamic collaboration between France and the UAE in shaping the future of healthcare, the UAE is a strategic partner for France, encouraging mutual innovation and collaboration. Together, we contribute to the progress of healthcare, ensuring a healthier and brighter future for both nations."
French MedTech: Pioneering Innovation in the Healthcare Landscape Post covid-related crisis, the French President Emmanuel Macron articulated France's medical vision succinctly: "France must lead in envisioning and manufacturing the medical devices of the future. It’s imperative for us to rank among the foremost in the healthcare sector." The ambitious France 2030 and Health Innovation 2030 initiatives set the goal of positioning France as the premier innovator in European healthcare. With the European medical technology market valued at approximately €140 billion in 2020, France aims to spearhead the health sctor.. The France 2030 strategy is crystal clear: to elevate the French healthcare industry's global
prominence. This initiative allocates €7.5 billion over 3 to 5 years, with a specific €400 million fund earmarked solely for MedTech. In 2021, this market boasted a turnover of €30.7 billion, with exports accounting for €10 billion. International companies make up a quarter of the firms in France, contributing two-thirds of the sector's turnover, while over 85% of the sector's companies hail from French or European origins. Incorporating digital technology into established medical devices stands as a significant innovation. As per a recent survey, nearly 42% of the surveyed companies have either already integrated connected medical devices or are presently engaged in developing digital solutions. This integration of digital technology into medical devices holds immense potential for enhancing healthcare efficiency.
THE FRANCE 2030 STRATEGY IS CRYSTAL CLEAR: TO ELEVATE THE FRENCH HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY'S GLOBAL PROMINENCE.
Link to the catalog: https://businessfrance. jpm-associes.com/arab-health-2024
Partners:
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Baylor St Luke's Medical Center Shaping the Next 50 Years of Cancer Care By Mothaffar Rimawi, MD, Professor and Executive Medical Director of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center
O
ver the past several decades, tremendous strides have been made in cancer research, bringing ever-improving therapies and better outcomes. From advances in imaging to genomics to immunotherapy, new discoveries continually improve the way we treat cancer. Research from the American Cancer Society shows these innovations led to a 33% decrease in overall cancer mortality rates since 1991. We’ve come far, but we have a long way to go to reach our ultimate goals. While we’re all working toward a world in which cancer can be cured for all patients, the smaller victories we make along the way are just as important. Rather than focusing only on reaching a massive breakthrough discovery, we must strive to make as many incremental improvements along the way as we can to improve the lives of cancer patients and save as many lives as possible today. We can’t imagine where cancer
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treatment will be in 50 years, as science and technology evolve at such a rapid pace. But it’s not unreasonable to predict that multiple improvements in cancer treatment will occur during the next half century, resulting in therapies that are increasingly more effective and more easily tolerated. Here at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center (DLDCCC) at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, our teams work tirelessly to ensure that several decades from now, we’ll be able to look back and take pride in how far we’ve come.
Personalizing Cancer Treatment and Prevention In the coming years and decades, we’re likely to uncover both more therapeutic targets and more agents for those targets, leading to a precision oncology approach so nuanced that every patient will receive an individualized cancer treatment plan. This will pave the way to personalized therapies that yield better
IN THE COMING YEARS AND DECADES, WE’RE LIKELY TO UNCOVER BOTH MORE THERAPEUTIC TARGETS AND MORE AGENTS FOR THOSE TARGETS, LEADING TO A PRECISION ONCOLOGY APPROACH SO NUANCED THAT EVERY PATIENT WILL RECEIVE AN INDIVIDUALIZED CANCER TREATMENT PLAN.
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS outcomes and significantly lower the treatment burden on the patient, with fewer side effects and better quality of life. We’re already finding ways to optimize treatments, with surgeries becoming less invasive and radiation more precise. I anticipate we will continue to move from chemotherapy that affects so many cells to an increasingly precise approach. Two ways this can be achieved are: • Molecular profiling: We have made significant advances in profiling tumors, from genomics and transcriptomics to, more recently, proteomics and kinomics. In 50 years, we could have even more sophisticated ways of monitoring tumor cells and interrupting their processes, and these methods could become mainstream and very accessible. • Artificial intelligence: We are just starting to understand the complexities of cellular processes and how to alter them through physical, thermal and chemical methods. With 50 more years of discovery and the ability of artificial intelligence to analyze patterns and neural networks, I believe we should be able to determine how particular pathways affect tumors and use the information to design and deliver individualized treatments. Even when a particular type of cancer can’t be cured, we seem to be on the verge of thinking of that cancer as a chronic disease people can live with. I think we’ll soon be able to predict how tumor cells develop resistance and adapt our treatment plan accordingly to inhibit tumor growth. HIV has shown that it’s possible for a disease with a high mortality rate to become a chronic condition people can live with to normal life expectancy. Twenty-five years ago, this was inconceivable. I believe we can achieve this with cancer as well. Similarly, I believe personalized care will lead to personalized prevention as we look for ways to anticipate each person’s individual risks for cancer based on: • Genetic factors • Environmental factors
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Lifestyle, including what we eat and how much we exercise We will continue to strive to better identify people at risk for particular types of cancer and determine how to mitigate their risk.
Moving the Needle at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center that is part of the Baylor College of Medicine, the DLDCCC is in a unique position to make a significant impact on cancer research. We continually seek breakthroughs, big and small, in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, through: • Basic research that strives to understand cellular mechanisms, one molecule at a time, one pathway at a time • Translational research that applies the latest discoveries to specific pathways and brings findings with good outcomes to the clinic setting to improve patient care • Clinical trials that collect samples directly from enrolled patients and use them for extensive molecular profiling, precision analytics, and DNA and RNA sequencing in our search for patterns that define pathways to improved care
WE ARE DEDICATED TO DISCOVERING NEW WAYS TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CANCER TREATMENT AND PREVENTION WHILE MAKING THE SAME HIGH QUALITY OF CARE ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE AS COSTS GO DOWN. IN 50 YEARS, WE HOPE TO LOOK BACK AND AGAIN SEE HOW FAR WE’VE COME. TOGETHER, WE CAN CONTINUE TO GET CLOSER AND CLOSER TO REACHING OUR ULTIMATE GOALS.
Our research initiatives span numerous cancer types and therapies. We are leaders in genomics and proteomics, pioneering the science that led to optimal hormonal therapies and immunotherapy using CAR T cells. We are dedicated to discovering new ways to shape the future of cancer treatment and prevention while making the same high quality of care accessible to everyone as costs go down. In 50 years, we hope to look back and again see how far we’ve come. Together, we can continue to get closer and closer to reaching our ultimate goals.
For more information contact international services at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center via email at international@stlukeshealth.org or call +1-832-355-3350 or visit stlukesinternational.org
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ARTICLE
ADAM: Al-AHLI Hospital Doctors’ Assistant Module (EMR) Overview... A Comprehensive Medical Assistance System THE ADAM
Admission APP:
The ADAM (EMR), Al-Ahli Hospital Doctors’ Assistant Module presents a comprehensive 360-degree EMR dashboard, designed to provide healthcare practitioners and reception/ registration teams with a thorough view of documentation and events pertaining to a patient, accessible with proper authorization. As a pivotal component fully integrated with other ADAM (EMR) modules, it serves as the central hub for managing Physicians, providers as well as patient information within healthcare facilities. The key functionalities of the system are:
The Medication Administration feature is connected to screens through a notification system to the clinical team to give medications on time, in addition to a fully-fledged Documentation System, Dual Authentication Monitoring System managed by the Head of Department, Room Management, Endorsement and Referral System.
Referral System: • •
EMR
Instant External Referral system to certain cases. Internal Paperless Referral system within all the departments.
Doctors/Nursing App Outpatient:
Appointment System
Digital Medical Records/Medical History, Electronic Documentation through ID Verification, Treatment Plan, Integration with all the departments; Lab, Pharmacy, radiology and MRI, to ease Patient Experience).
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Doctors /Nursing APP ER:
GIS
Room Management, Endorsement with the doctors, Triaging system.
Finance, GSD, Insurance, access to Patient Medical History, Insurance to back up their claims.
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Booking Doctors’ appointments, Services (Vaccines, physiotherapy sessions), Rooms; Integrated system through a dashboard. Instant Booking, no waiting time.
THE ADAM GUEST INFORMATION SYSTEM PRESENTS A COMPREHENSIVE 360-DEGREE DASHBOARD, DESIGNED TO PROVIDE HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS AND RECEPTION/ REGISTRATION TEAMS WITH A THOROUGH VIEW OF DOCUMENTATION AND EVENTS PERTAINING TO A PATIENT, ACCESSIBLE WITH PROPER AUTHORIZATION.
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Pharmacy App (ADAM Pharma) •
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Outpatient: Integrated with the EMR System, Integrated with the insurance for instant transactions, Inventory System, Recommend alternative medications in case of the unavailability of the prescribed one. Inpatient: Preparation of medications Administration/ Intake, Inventory System, Reporting System
E-billing Quick Registration (Saving patients time).
Insurance •
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Paperless operation, Integration with the Insurance Companies (Built-in with the Doctors). Reporting System per Insurance Company. Reporting System (rejections, revenue, approvals, claims).
The most important features of this very modern ADAM (EMR) system are: • • • • •
High productivity. Patient satisfaction. Ease of use. Speed and innovation. Return on investment.
Technology The system is developed using the powerful and versatile .Net Core framework, providing a robust and scalable foundation for handling complex healthcare data. For the frontend, the system employs the latest version of Angular, a widely-used and highly dynamic web application framework. The combination of .Net Core, Angular, and HTML5 ensures a robust, secure, and userfriendly platform for healthcare practitioners and support teams.
Scalability and Performance The technology stack is designed to be scalable, accommodating the growing needs of healthcare facilities. ADAM (EMR) is capable
of handling increasing data volumes without compromising performance, ensuring that healthcare professionals can access patient information swiftly and efficiently.
User Roles and Access The system is utilized by Reception/ Registration, Admission, Nursing, Insurance, Health Records, and Finance Teams. Various roles are available, ensuring access is granted only to authorized personnel.
Key Features and Functionality 1. List of Appointments: Easily view and manage all scheduled appointments. 2. List of Visits: Track and access information related to patient visits. 3. List of Lab Tests: Comprehensive overview of all laboratory tests conducted. 4. List of RAD Tests: Access details regarding Radiology tests performed. 5. List of Other Reports: View miscellaneous reports for a patient. 6. List of Physio Sessions: Monitor and manage all physiotherapy sessions. 7. List of In-House Visits: Keep track of visits conducted within the healthcare facility. 8. List of Discharge Summaries: Access comprehensive discharge summaries for patients. 9. List of OR Notes: Retrieve and manage Operation Room notes. 10. List of Nursing Notes: Access nursingrelated documentation for patients. 11. Access to Scanned Health Record: Retrieve and view digitized versions of health records. 12. Access to Email/SMS the Patient: Communicate with patients through integrated email and SMS features. 13. List of Insurance Approvals: Track and manage insurance approvals seamlessly. By offering a user-friendly interface and robust functionality, ADAM (EMR) streamlines the workflow for healthcare professionals and support teams, ensuring efficient management of patient information throughout the healthcare facility.
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ARTICLE FEATURES . Psychological Rehabilitation Centers
Psychological Rehabilitation Centers Against the effects of violence... Therapy sessions to bring patients back to life!
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ARTICLE FEATURES . Psychological Rehabilitation Centers
D
uring wars, fighters die on the front lines, while others in their homes or neighborhoods due to horrific bombing and destruction. People see these victims and often overlook traumatized victims of war, who may be far from the front lines, but are actually severely affected by the acts of war, the destruction, the loss of loved ones and the pervasive fear everywhere. This reality often necessitates psychological and moral rehabilitation to enable the affected individuals to overcome their crises and help them achieve social and professional reintegration. Treating these people is specifically done by psychological rehabilitation centers, especially the ones specializing in post-war traumas. War has an extremely negative impact on people's mental health and well-being, whether they are soldiers or peaceful people whose simple lives have turned into tragedies because of war, affecting their functioning, mood and social participation. Therefore, the international psychological community is actively working to assist military personnel, war veterans, the families of fallen heroes, in their psychological adaptation to life beyond the front lines and help them overcome the impact of war, conflicts and stressful environments.
and led to shifting from traditional institutions to modern rehabilitation centers that have adopted more advanced methods for dealing with such cases. Today, there is a strong focus on helping people with mental health conditions. Psychosocial rehabilitation strives to help reduce prejudice and foster social inclusion. Full recovery is frequently the goal, but it is seen as a process rather than an outcome. Psychosocial rehabilitation is centered on the person's potential for recovery. It is focused on providing empowerment, social inclusion, support and coping skills. Everyone's journey is individual and unique, and psychosocial rehabilitation can help people with mental illness find meaning, hope, and growth no matter their abilities or the effects of their condition.
Regardless of what form psychosocial services take, core goals include helping people feel: •
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Goals, Endeavors and Hopes People with psychological concerns sometimes need help in different aspects of their lives, including their work and living environments, social and educational situations. Psychosocial rehabilitation can help these individuals manage their symptoms and improve their performance. Today, this type of treatment both in theory and practice has become more widespread and more popular among people. Psychosocial rehabilitation is a treatment approach designed to help improve the lives of people with mental illness. Its goal is to teach them emotional, cognitive, and social skills to help them live and work in their communities as independently as possible. Since the mid-twentieth century, the approach used to treat psychological and mental health issues has changed significantly
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Empowered: Each individual needs to feel that they are able to set their own goals and have the power and autonomy to pursue those aims. Hopeful: People may be left feeling demoralized as a result of their condition. Rehabilitation focuses on helping clients feel hopeful about the future. Skilled: Rehabilitation aims to teach people skills to help them manage their condition and live the life they want to live. This includes life skills, work skills, social skills, and others. Supported: Mental health professionals offer support and help clients build relationships and social connections in their community.
PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION IS CENTERED ON THE PERSON'S POTENTIAL FOR RECOVERY. IT IS FOCUSED ON PROVIDING EMPOWERMENT, SOCIAL INCLUSION, SUPPORT AND COPING SKILLS. EVERYONE'S JOURNEY IS INDIVIDUAL AND UNIQUE, AND PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION CAN HELP PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS FIND MEANING, HOPE, AND GROWTH NO MATTER THEIR ABILITIES OR THE EFFECTS OF THEIR CONDITION.
Effective rehabilitation involves a comprehensive plan that addresses the patient’s life and functioning. Rather than simply focusing on areas of weakness, psychosocial rehabilitation focuses on empowering clients and building on their existing capabilities. These abilities help form a foundation upon which other important life skills can be developed
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through observation, modeling, education and practice. Some specific areas that psychosocial rehabilitation might address include skills, training, and experiences designed to boost resilience and mental toughness, problemsolving ability and social skills.
More centers and modern approaches Social skills and interpersonal functioning are important parts of psychosocial rehabilitation. Skills training may focus on activities designed to help clients better function in their social worlds, including family, work, school, friendships and romance. This is accomplished by teaching skills related to emotional understanding, interpersonal problem-solving, verbal and conversational abilities and nonverbal communication. A study of patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders found that psychosocial rehabilitation was linked to significant benefits in a variety of areas, including family relations, communication, community participation, self-care, money management, transportation, and vocational abilities. Research has also shown that psychosocial rehabilitation can be helpful for improving a client's well-being and outlook. In one study published in Research on Social Work Practice, 78% of children with serious emotional disturbances showed significant improvements in psychological symptoms and psychosocial functioning after 13 months of psychosocial rehabilitation. In order to shed more light on the victims of wars, “Hospitals” magazine conducted a research and addressed the world’s latest issues. It also highlighted the role of psychosocial rehabilitation centers in helping victims of war and conflict overcome their psychological impact. These include, but are not limited to, Ukraine, Uganda, Congo, and international rehabilitation centers in Denmark.
Ukraine Psychologists from the Community Center for Psychological Support, have been actively engaged in the psychological rehabilitation
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of Ukrainians affected by the war since June 2022. International psychological rehabilitation projects are also being implemented in collaboration with psychologists from leading educational institutions in the United States, namely Columbia University Teachers College and The Neuropsychology Center of Louisiana. One of these projects is the “Colors of Life” project, during which psychologists from the Community Center for Psychological Support conducted art therapy sessions and psychological consultations for veterans, military personnel, and their relatives. “During the period of full-scale war, the number of projects involving psychological rehabilitation using art therapy methods has significantly increased. We are observing positive results from our work - changes in the psychological state of our clients that occur after just a few sessions. They begin to smile, joke and open up in new ways, their condition stabilizes," says Oleksandr Zharkov, head of the group of psychologists and co-founder of the Community Center for Psychological Support. These centers are equipped with stateof-the-art technologies such as virtual reality and robots, providing a multi-dimensional approach to rehabilitation. The primary goal is to help people affected by conflict and war to rebuild their lives with hope and dignity. But even post-war, many Ukrainians will continue their personal struggle, a struggle for life, Zharkov said. According to the analysis of home psychologists, about 40% of Ukrainians will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder due to the war.
Uganda The mental state of adolescents exposed to war in Uganda have become quite disturbing. Therefore, it was necessary to find appropriate methods for rehabilitation. Reintegration after war brings with it enormous challenges. One such challenge is to find appropriate methods of rehabilitation during the reintegration process, especially for formerly abducted adolescents exposed to war events who have experienced psychological distress. In a cross-sectional design, 294 adolescents
WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION, MOST OF THE AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS OR THOSE IN NEED OF REHABILITATION ARE POOR OR DO NOT HAVE THE MEANS TO RECEIVE TREATMENT. HENCE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PRESENCE OF FREE OR SEMIFREE TREATMENT CENTERS SUPPORTED BY GOVERNMENTS OR LOCAL/ INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS, ENSURING THAT EVERYONE HAS ACCESS TO TREATMENT.
ARTICLE FEATURES . Psychological Rehabilitation Centers
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aged 12 to 19 at three rehabilitation centers participated in the study. Adolescents were exposed to disquieting war events and participated in dreadful atrocities. Consequently, many were psychologically distressed with unhealthy mental states that needed cleansing according to the native Acholi traditional practices of reconciliation and reintegration. The experience of torture explained between 26 to 37 per cent of the variance in symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The challenge for clinicians is to employ a holistic approach to handle survivors of torture by treating not only the physical complaints but also the psychological symptoms. Psychological symptoms may present as somatic complaints. These conditions may have long-term consequences, just like physical complaints. At the height of the conflict, the rehabilitation center facilitated the recovery of more than 18,000 people.
Congo “Invisible Children” partnered with Congolese leaders and international rehabilitation experts, including The Commission Diocésaine Justice et Paix (CDJP) and Sponsoring Children Uganda, to establish Centre Elikya in Dungu, DR Congo. The program was run by professionallytrained Congolese rehabilitation specialists and equipped to serve up to 150 children at any given time. It was designed to serve children for six months before they are reunited with their families, preparing children for successful reintegration into society by seeking to restore their mental health, equipping them to return to school, or, if beyond school age, helping them develop a marketable skill that can be used in the workplace. Most of the activities were focused on teaching children to cope with and understand their trauma. Since its inception in May 2012, Centre Elikya has hosted 200 LRA-affected children from DR Congo in rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
Denmark In Denmark the activity was broader and
non-local, as DIGNITY works to ensure that torture survivors worldwide have access to professional rehabilitation. In Denmark, we run a clinic for traumatized refugees and their families. Internationally, we are working with local partners in a number of countries to facilitate help to traumatized women and men in vulnerable and poor areas. Treatment at the center is not only limited to traumatized refugees and their families, but also improves their health in order to increase their opportunities to find jobs and live better lives. The treatment also has a positive effect on the children and their opportunities to thrive in kindergarten, school and leisure activities. Violence may occur in prisons, and not only as a result of bombing and intense battles.
IN SUMMARY, AS SPECIALISTS SAY, “HEALTH IS A KEY ELEMENT WITHOUT WHICH A PERSON CANNOT LIVE.” IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT, AS BOTH ARE FUNDAMENTALLY LINKED. ONE CANNOT FUNCTION TO ITS OPTIMUM CAPACITY IF THE OTHER HAS BEEN LEFT UNCARED FOR.
Health is Key Within the framework of psychosocial rehabilitation, most of the affected individuals or those in need of rehabilitation are poor or do not have the means to receive treatment. Hence the importance of the presence of free or semi-free treatment centers supported by governments or local/international organizations and associations, ensuring that everyone has access to treatment. During the period of total war, the number of projects involving psychological rehabilitation increased significantly. Observers notice positive outcomes from their work, as changes in the psychological state of the patients occur after only a few sessions. Fear, terror, helplessness and rage; for soldiers and civilians alike, the psychological and mental costs of war are staggering. Demonstrating wideranging knowledge of the vulnerabilities and resilience of war survivors, the collaborators on Trauma Rehabilitation after War and Conflict analyze successful rehabilitative processes and intervention programs in conflict-affected areas of the world. In summary, as specialists say, “health is a key element without which a person cannot live.” It is worth noting that physical and mental health are equally important, as both are fundamentally linked. One cannot function to its optimum capacity if the other has been left uncared for.
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UChicago Medicine launches partnership with Emirates Health Services
MOU signing between UChicago Medicine and Emirates Health Services. From left to right: Diala Atassi, Executive Director, International Programs at the University of Chicago Medicine; H.E. Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal, Director-General of Emirates Health Services; H.E. Dr. Essam Alzarooni, Executive Director of Medical Services at Emirates Health Services
T
hanks to a partnership with Emirates Health Services, UChicago Medicine physicians are traveling to the United Arab Emirates to consult on patient cases and advise on protocols that will help develop more consistent and robust specialty care and infrastructure. While UChicago Medicine has had a relationship with the UAE’s ministry of health for more than a decade, a memorandum of understanding signed between UChicago Medicine and
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Emirates Health Services in February advanced that relationship, according to Diala Atassi, Executive Director of International Programs for UChicago Medicine. UChicago Medicine sent its first physician ambassador to the UAE in September: Tareq Kass-Hout, MD, is a highly skilled stroke neurologist who is the inpatient medical director and director of neuro-endovascular services for UChicago Medicine’s Department of Neurology. “I’m very proud to be part of this project and
KASS-HOUT SEES THE PARTNERSHIP AS AN IDEAL OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPLEMENTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF STROKE-CARE TECHNOLOGY.
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS to provide services not just here in the city, but across borders,” said Kass-Hout. As a young country formally established in 1971, the UAE has rapidly developing cities where healthcare has lagged behind, according to Kass-Hout. “It’s good that they’ve identified this gap and they’re partnering with us to find solutions to close that gap,” he said. During his week-long trip, Kass-Hout visited three hospitals and consulted on 25 to 40 cases, predominantly stroke patients, at each hospital. “Most of the cases were very complex,” he said. “It was intellectually challenging.” He encountered his first case of tuberculosis in the brain, something he’d only seen in textbooks but is more common in the Middle East. He evaluated each hospital’s facilities and checked the capabilities and requirements for implementing a systemwide tele-stroke program. “Eventually, we’d like to connect our angio suites so that if I’m doing a complex procedure, they can log in and see me and learn from me,” Kass-Hout said. “But also, if they’re performing a complex procedure, I can log in and offer guidance.” He met not only with neurologists but also with the entire stroke care team, including radiologists, nurses and ICU doctors, to review and make suggestions for their triage process and their protocols. “The phrase I used the most was, ‘We already invented the wheel. You don’t need to reinvent it.’” The eagerness and respect shown by the UAE medical staff made a lasting impression on Kass-Hout. “There was this hunger and desire for more knowledge and more collaboration to improve patient care,” he said. “You can feel it and see it every day there.” Kass-Hout sees the partnership as an ideal opportunity for implementing the next generation of stroke-care technology: goggles that enable surgeons to operate on patients remotely. “Because the UAE is a new healthcare system, they have less restrictions and obstacles in terms of red tape, so we’re able to try some new innovations and new technologies there,” he said. While the goggles are still in testing phase, “this partnership could make this a five-year dream instead of a 20-year dream.” Once their clinical infrastructure is built,
the UAE partners are eager to then participate in UChicago Medicine’s research. “They truly believe in and want to be part of the innovation we are doing here,” Kass-Hout said. Plans are already coming together for sending UChicago Medicine’s next physician ambassador, a pediatric neurologist. Atassi anticipates future exchanges might include experts in heart, vascular and solid-organ transplants. “We have our own areas of expertise where we can definitely make a difference,” Atassi said. “This relationship is definitely going to yield better health outcomes for patients in the UAE with consistency and with deeper penetration.” “This is a great opportunity for all parties,” said Ziad Abdulhak, MD, director of international programs. “The patients in the UAE get the chance to be seen and treated by our world-renowned physicians. For our physicians and institution, the complex cases that cannot be treated in UAE would come to UChicago Medicine for care.”
Tareq KassHout, MD
From left to right: Dr. Ammar Al-Omar, neurologist and supervisor of the stroke program at Ibrahim Bin Hamad Obaidallah Hospital; Dr. Tareq Kass-Hout, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Director of Neurovascular Surgery at UChicago Medicine; Dr. Yousef El Tayer, Director of Ibrahim Bin Hamad Obaidallah Hospital. Dr. Kass-Hout receives an appreciation certificate for his visit from Dr. El Tayer.
Assistant Professor of Neurology Director, Neuroendovascular Surgery Tareq Kass-Hout, MD, is an expert on strokes and other neurovascular conditions at UChicago Medicine.
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MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES
NewTom 7G - The world’s first Multi-Scan Body CBCT
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or the very first time, Cone Beam technology is applied to all areas of the body, including the spine, shoulder, and hip thanks to one of NewTom’s latest high-tech devices. NewTom 7G brings cutting-edge CBCT into all-new application fields. Equipped with an extremely high-performance X-ray generator (up to 120 kV and 120 mA) and independent selection of the focal spot (0.3 or 0.6 millimetres), this device lets users perform accurate bone tissue examinations at a resolution of up to 90 μm, ensuring ultra-precise
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analysis of even very small complex structures such as those of the inner ear. The ability to perform exams quickly in “Low Dose” mode — with the acquisition of the desired anatomical area in just seven seconds — is particularly convenient. NewTom 7G can be used to investigate innumerable anatomical areas in a wide range of clinical applications, both 3D with numerous FOVs and 2D (also sequentially). Users can acquire ultra-high definition images to diagnose the micro-structures of the ear or hairline fractures in complex joints. NewTom 7G features automatisms that streamline work and limit the
NEWTOM 7G BRINGS CUTTING-EDGE CBCT INTO ALL-NEW APPLICATION FIELDS.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES
distortion inherent in manual procedures, thus ensuring the best results in the shortest time. One of the most recent additions concerns hip examinations. Developed to acquire bilateral hip images, the NewTom 7G can capture a 40 x 17cm FOV. The horizontally extended FOV allows comparative assessment of hip bones via reconstruction into a single volume.
Pioneering Cone Beam technologies in the dental sector A global benchmark in the field of diagnostic imaging technologies, NewTom was the first company to introduce Cone Beam technology into the dental sector and now offers a vast array of clinical solutions for medical, dental, and veterinary diagnostics. Today, this trusted brand delivers state-ofthe-art equipment and provides professional support and service around the globe. Since the brand was created 25 years
ago, NewTom has extended the boundaries of medical imaging, introducing the most advanced diagnostic devices capable of micrometric, ultra-high-resolution detail of bone structure, covering all anatomical areas, from head and neck examinations to ENT, MSK for orthopaedics, as well as dental maxillofacial radiology. In each area, NewTom has led the field, innovating through technology and driving scientific trends. Patented algorithms, advanced functions for both 2D and 3D imaging, as well as a host of features devoted to reducing the effective dose, thereby safeguarding the health of operators and patients alike, are just a part of the innovations achieved through NewTom’s constant commitment to technological excellence. ll NewTom devices are supported by powerful DICOM 3.0 compatible NNT software, which can interface with third-party systems and software to store and exchange medical data.
NEWTOM 7G FEATURES AUTOMATISMS THAT STREAMLINE WORK AND LIMIT THE DISTORTION INHERENT IN MANUAL PROCEDURES, THUS ENSURING THE BEST RESULTS IN THE SHORTEST TIME. ONE OF THE MOST RECENT ADDITIONS CONCERNS HIP EXAMINATIONS.
To learn more for yourself, visit www.newtom.it/en
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MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
ACIBADEM IN 2023 A year of achievements and accomplishments 5.5 Million Patients and 95% Satisfaction Rate
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or Acibadem Healthcare Group, 2023 was a year of achieved goals and accomplished projects. As the leading healthcare provider in Turkiye and abroad, Acibadem steps into 2024 with a network of 24 hospitals and 15 medical centers in 5 countries, attracting patients from all over the world. The highereducation institution of the same brand, Acibadem University, completed investments in green alternatives and now meets 100% of its energy needs by renewable energy sources with approximately zero carbon emissions. Recently awarded as the eight-time Healthcare Services Export Champion of Turkiye, the Group plans to continue investments in expanding its network, enhancing its services, and implementing sustainable solutions for the future.
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Expanding the Hospital Network and Contact Points In 2023, Acibadem Healthcare Group acquired the largest private hospital and a medical center in Izmir, the third largest city in Turkiye. Following the opening of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold-certified Acibadem Ataşehir Hospital in September 2022 and the acquisition of Izmir medical facilities, Acibadem network currently includes 24 hospitals and 15 medical centers across five countries, including Turkiye, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, and the Netherlands. Furthermore, Acibadem increased its presence in the international market, with 58 Health Point offices in 29 countries and 53 cities. These are the contact points for international
ACIBADEM WAS TURKIYE'S FIRST HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TO INCORPORATE HIGHER-EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS INTO ITS ECOSYSTEM.
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
patients seeking a second medical opinion or interested in receiving treatment at Acibadem hospitals. With more than 110 staff, Health Points provide information, consultation and 360-degree support to international patients travelling to Turkiye for medical services.
Investments in Technology and Innovations Acibadem is known for its capacity to deal with complex medical cases. This is the place where recently conjoined twins were separated, and a liver transplant was performed on an 8 kg baby. It is where more than 600 pediatric heart patients, including newborns, have been treated in one year with over 95% success rate. Acibadem was the first in Turkiye and the region to apply CAR T-cell therapy - an innovative cancer treatment using immune cells to attack tumors. Acibadem continued to invest in human resources and advanced technology to deliver the best possible care and outcomes to its patients. With a team of over 3400 physicians and 5000 nurses, the hospital chain employs some of the best medical professionals in their fields. Acıbadem Healthcare Group is particularly well known for its A-class centers of excellence
in oncology, neurology and neurosurgery, organ and bone marrow transplantation, heart care, pediatric care, IVF, spine surgery, and sports medicine. Advanced cancer treatment is a main area of focus, supported by the latest hi-tech equipment available worldwide. Acibadem patients have access to the latest radiotherapy devices, including CyberKnife for non-invasive radiosurgery, Gamma Knife ICON for brain tumors and lesions, MR Linac combining linear accelerator and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Ethos incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into cancer treatment. Acibadem continues to invest in the latest technology to ensure the highest level of safety, accuracy, and efficacy for its patients.
Educating Future Generations in Healthcare Acibadem was Turkiye's first healthcare provider to incorporate higher-education institutions into its ecosystem. Established in 2007 by Acibadem Health & Education Foundation as a non-profit organization, today
ACIBADEM INCREASED ITS PRESENCE IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET, WITH 58 HEALTH POINT OFFICES IN 29 COUNTRIES AND 53 CITIES. THESE ARE THE CONTACT POINTS FOR INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS SEEKING A SECOND MEDICAL OPINION OR INTERESTED IN RECEIVING TREATMENT AT ACIBADEM HOSPITALS.
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Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University trains the next generation of professionals in medicine, pharmacy, health sciences. It hosts a clinical simulation training center (CASE), research labs, and biodesign center, all established to develop advanced skills and know-how. With 733 staff, 5.596 students and 8.675 graduates in undergraduate, graduate and associate degree programs, Acibadem University attracts students from around the world. In the 2022-2023 academic year, 280 international students in 5 faculties chose the institution for their education. Committed to the future, the university initiated and completed major green projects. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkiye in October 2023, Acibadem University announced that it obtains 100% of its energy from natural sources, such as wind and solar power. Thus, it will significantly reduce the corporate carbon footprint. The energy investments are equivalent to planting 300.000 trees on 2.000.000 m² of land, and 7.500 tons less CO2 will be released into the atmosphere annually.
Serving Patients, Touching Lives In 2023, more than 5.5 million patients visited Acibadem for their health needs. Based on patient surveys, their satisfaction rate was
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95%. Over 50.000 international patients from 5 continents and 96 countries chose Acibadem for their treatment. From aesthetic medicine to complex treatments, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, the dedicated teams welcomed each patient with expert skills and human touch. Robotic rehabilitation – Spinal cord nerve damage: A woman from Kuwait faced semiparalysis and limited mobility due to damage to the spinal cord nerve during surgery in her country. Despite seeking treatment in the USA and experiencing persistent pain, it wasn't
OVER 50.000 INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS FROM 5 CONTINENTS AND 96 COUNTRIES CHOSE ACIBADEM FOR THEIR TREATMENT.
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
until she joined the program at Acibadem that significant progress occurred. After a rigorous 9-month physical therapy and rehabilitation program, including the last 3 months with robotic rehabilitation at Acibadem, she is now able to walk independently and engage in her daily activities. Neurosurgery - Endoscopic Pituitary Adenoma: 34-year-old female patient from Romania with decreased sight in the right eye. She was diagnosed with 45 mm non-secretory suprasellar and parasellar adenoma. Tumors around the carotid artery and optic nerves were removed. The patient was discharged without complications. Radiotherapy - Skin Cancer (Melanoma): A patient from Bulgaria suffered from a big tumor in her cheek. She had several operations, but the tumor always came back. At Acibadem, the patient was treated by radiotherapy with an excellent response: the tumor totally disappeared. The old lady started to talk and play with her grandchildren again.
ACIBADEM PATIENTS HAVE ACCESS TO THE LATEST RADIOTHERAPY DEVICES, INCLUDING CYBERKNIFE FOR NON-INVASIVE RADIOSURGERY, GAMMA KNIFE ICON FOR BRAIN TUMORS AND LESIONS, MR LINAC COMBINING LINEAR ACCELERATOR AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI), AND ETHOS INCORPORATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) INTO CANCER TREATMENT.
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INTERVIEWS
Mr. Elie Medawar Founder and CEO of MedboX
"Our products are unique in terms of specifications and features."
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edboX SAL and MedboX Medical Equipment Trading LLC represent only worldwide leading suppliers having common and niche products for various medical specialties and various segments. “Hospitals” Magazine had the pleasure to meet with Mr. Elie Medawar, Founder and CEO of MedboX. Below is the full interview.
Firstly, could you shed light on MedboX company? What was its inception like? And what are the vision and missions it operates upon?
What is the company's reach and expansion? How extensive is it, whether within the Arab region or in terms of projects?
MedboX SAL was launched in October 2016 with the goal to become a leading company in the healthcare business industry supporting multinational companies to penetrate various markets across the region focusing in the beginning on Public Safety and EMS segments, growing into Military and Hospitals segments where we currently are at this stage. The start was difficult at all levels, however, discipline, and consistency was the major key success factors to where we are now. Today’s vision is to expand in product portfolio and geographically in the region and beyond where we have projects in the pipelines.
MedboX is now present directly in Lebanon and in the UAE serving both markets at a very high level of professionalism covering various segments such as Public Safety, EMS, Police, Fire, Military and Hospitals. Lately, we launched Healthcare Salon under MedboX SAL which is a social media platform where we will be connecting all healthcare stakeholders together such as manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, sellers, resellers, hospitals, physicians, insurance companies and others.
What are the expected goals? Our current goals are to continue serving the healthcare sector with our Diamond Standards representing only worldwide leading suppliers each in its segment on one hand. On the other hand, we are growing our pool of distributors in the region to reach more markets and more segments.
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Could you tell us about the most prominent devices and technologies available within your company? What are the accredited specifications? MedboX SAL and MedboX Medical Equipment Trading LLC represent only worldwide leading suppliers having common and niche products for various medical specialties and various segments. 90% of our products are FDA-approved, very well established worldwide and most of our products are unique in terms
MEDBOX SAL AND MEDBOX MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TRADING LLC REPRESENT ONLY WORLDWIDE LEADING SUPPLIERS HAVING COMMON AND NICHE PRODUCTS FOR VARIOUS MEDICAL SPECIALTIES AND VARIOUS SEGMENTS.
INTERVIEWS
of specifications and features, such as our Automated External Defibrillators, our Defibrillators, our Monitors, our CPR Automated devices, Ventilators and others; few of them are unique with no competition available such as Thermogard from ZOLL, the Unique Temperature Management and Control system available on the International market.
What about the foremost projects currently in progress? Now we penetrated the Handheld Ultrasound industry with Butterfly Network, the worldwide leading Handheld Ultrasound device, also expanding our hospital's reach in all markets.
What are the key services provided by the company? We massively deployed all our products in both Lebanon and UAE, the best part is
we already saved the lives of 9 persons with our AED, the public Automated External Defibrillators and that is the best feeling anyone can have. By the way every time we receive a call that a life is saved we play the song ''Safe & Sound'' very loudly in our offices!
We'd like to discuss your team and their expertise and efficiency in their work. In your opinion, what is the significance of a competent human element in supporting and enhancing the company's operations? I call them “The Dream Team” and they are. I always say it they are the company; they are the image of the company. We have versatile personalities in the team with various backgrounds such as Engineering, Nursing, Biomarketers and others. Their passion towards work tells everything you need to know; they just work 24/7 without anyone asking them to do so.
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ARTICLE
Revolutionizing Radiology: The Dedalus Journey with Sam Amory
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n modern healthcare, radiology stands as a backbone, quietly influencing critical decisions and patient outcomes. Technology plays an indispensable role, driving transformation. At the forefront of this evolution is Sam Amory, a central figure navigating the confluence of healthcare, management, and technology. This article delves into the organisation Dedalus, a powerful force in healthcare technology, and its impact on radiology. We unravel the crucial role Dedalus plays in shaping the future of radiology and the strategic leadership shown by Sam. Dedalus, the third largest global healthcare software leader and number one outside the US according to KLAS Research, was founded in 1982 and has evolved significantly. With over 20 strategic acquisitions from 2016 to 2022, Dedalus established a dominant position in Italy and rapidly expanded globally. The transformative phase began in 2016, marked
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by key M&A activities, propelling Dedalus to its current status, serving 6,700 hospitals, 5,700 laboratories, and impacting the lives of over 540 million people annually. At the forefront of Dedalus' commitment to innovation stands the DeepUnity AI Cube. This transformative solution serves as a catalyst for efficient and effective AI solutions, benefiting radiologists. With a focus on efficiency, patient outcomes, and diagnostic precision, the DeepUnity AI Cube seamlessly fuses engineering, data, and cutting-edge technologies. It integrates AI and machine learning throughout the healthcare ecosystem, offering features such as Orchestration Visualization, Connectivity, Worklist Enrichment, Reporting, and robust Privacy and Security measures. This comprehensive approach underscores Dedalus' dedication to facilitating a new era of intelligent and precise healthcare solutions. Sam Amory's journey, spanning over 20
IN THE DYNAMIC HEALTHCARE LANDSCAPE, SAM AMORY'S OBSERVATIONS IN "NFT IN ME" OFFER A PROFOUND PERSPECTIVE ON THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY.
ARTICLE impactful years internationally, showcases his expertise. In his role, Sam has been imperative in the management and prevention of COVID-19 across the Middle East, highlighting strategic leadership in various private and public organizations. His achievements, including significant market share growth in the Middle East, as well as signing groundbreaking projects like the UAE’s first Health Information Exchange (HIE) and the world's largest HIE in Saudi Arabia, underscore his leadership. Two years ago, Sam joined Dedalus, and his impact has been transformative. In this short time, he has propelled Dedalus towards its commitment to growth in the MEA region, aligning with the company's mission to focus on the life-saving impacts that the solutions can offer to the global population. In his newly launched book, "NFT in Me," Sam Amory underscores the pivotal role of AI in radiology, noting, "The biggest and most effective use of AI today is in medical imaging, where all types of images are analysed and compared with millions of other scans in order to eliminate the risk of human error." This insight speaks to the transformative power of AI within radiology. In the dynamic healthcare landscape, Sam Amory's observations in "NFT in Me" offer a profound perspective on the transformative impact of blockchain technology. He compares it to the evolution from mass medicine to individualized care, noting, "Now, when you visit a clinic or healthcare provider, they don’t just address your ailment; they delve deeper to understand you as a whole person." This paradigm shift is indicative of the personalized, patient-centric approach facilitated by blockchain technology, reshaping healthcare, including radiology. The world is evolving, and technology is evolving with it. The integration of blockchain with various types of data is increasingly prevalent. Techniques such as data capture, analysis, and AI play a significant role in enhancing our capacity to diagnose patients, generate additional data, and produce the NFTs discussed throughout Sam’s new book. This evolution is enabling not only the power of AI, but also an ecosystem of players to assist and drive better
outcomes for an entire new future of healthcare. The critical importance lies in encouraging everyone to go and find out about themselves: start gathering data, start pushing it out into the Internet, into the cloud, using blockchain and NFT technology to protect it. This marks a new era where the synergy between blockchain and AI contributes to a more secure and efficient healthcare landscape, aligning with Dedalus' commitment to cutting-edge innovation. This exploration highlights Dedalus as a pioneering force, shaping the future of radiology. Sam Amory's strategic leadership and approach to the modernization of healthcare, coupled with Dedalus' commitment to innovation through the DeepUnity AI Cube, echoes a transformative journey. Sam’s insights as Managing Director for Dedalus MEA, and as an international author, highlight the crucial role of AI and the paradigm shift towards personalized, patient-centric care. As technology, strategy, and patient well-being converge, this narrative signifies a future where radiology not only influences critical decisions but does so with precision, efficiency, and a profound understanding of each patient's unique journey—a testament to the evolving essence of modern healthcare.
WITH A FOCUS ON EFFICIENCY, PATIENT OUTCOMES, AND DIAGNOSTIC PRECISION, THE DEEPUNITY AI CUBE SEAMLESSLY FUSES ENGINEERING, DATA, AND CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES.
Are you ready to be a part of this journey? Check out our website: https://www.dedalus.com/mea/en/
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ARTICLE FEATURES . Aortic Dissection
Aortic Dissection
Identification, Risks, and Modern Management
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n aortic dissection is a grave medical emergency where a tear forms in the inner layer of the aorta—the body's main artery. This event results in the splitting (dissection) of the aorta's wall layers, creating a potential space for blood to enter and disrupt normal blood flow. The aorta's structural integrity is crucial, and its compromise through dissection can lead to severe complications, including the potential for rupture. While aortic dissections are not common, they are more likely to affect men in their later years and those with certain hereditary conditions. The progression to an aortic dissection often occurs due to a breakdown in the aortic
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wall's cellular structure. Many patients experience no significant warning signs until an acute event occurs. High blood pressure and genetic factors are frequently implicated in the development of this condition. From a structural standpoint, the aorta emerges from the heart's left ventricle and ascends before arching and descending adjacent to the spine, dividing into two smaller arteries in the abdomen. It comprises three layers: the intima (inner), media (middle), and adventitia (outer).
There are two main types of aortic dissection: Type A: Involves the ascending aorta near the heart. It's an acute emergency requiring
DIAGNOSING AN AORTIC DISSECTION USUALLY STARTS WITH RECOGNIZING THE SUDDEN ONSET OF SYMPTOMS. BLOOD PRESSURE DIFFERENCES OR CIRCULATORY ISSUES ARE CLUES.
ARTICLE FEATURES . Aortic Dissection
surgical intervention, often involving repair or replacement of the section and potentially the aortic valve. Type B: Occurs in the descending aorta. Treatment may involve less invasive methods such as medication to control blood pressure or endovascular procedures like stent grafting, depending on the severity and symptoms.
Symptoms of aortic dissection can be sudden and severe, including: • • • • • • •
Sharp chest pain or upper back pain. Difficulty breathing. Fainting or feelings of dizziness. An uneven blood pressure between arms. Profuse sweating. Vision problems. Signs of a stroke, like one-sided weakness or trouble speaking.
Risk factors heightening the chances of an aortic dissection are: • • • •
Chronic high blood pressure. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Pre-existing conditions like an aortic aneurysm or valve disease. Genetic conditions such as Turner or Marfan syndrome, which affect the body's connective tissues.
D-Dimer levels can support the diagnosis, but imaging tests are crucial for confirmation: • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE): Offers detailed images of the heart and aorta through the esophagus. • Ultrasound: Useful as a first-line or emergency tool. • CT Scan: Highly accurate for aortic dissection, providing detailed images quickly. • MRI: Used for detailed imaging, especially if CT scans are not suitable for the patient.
Treatment is determined by the type of dissection: •
•
For Type A, urgent surgery is often necessary, and medications to control the heart rate and blood pressure are typically administered beforehand. Type B may be managed with medication alone, although surgery or stent graft placement might be needed if complications arise.
THE PROGRESSION TO AN AORTIC DISSECTION OFTEN OCCURS DUE TO A BREAKDOWN IN THE AORTIC WALL'S CELLULAR STRUCTURE. MANY PATIENTS EXPERIENCE NO SIGNIFICANT WARNING SIGNS UNTIL AN ACUTE EVENT OCCURS. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND GENETIC FACTORS ARE FREQUENTLY IMPLICATED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS CONDITION.
If an aortic dissection occurs, the repercussions can be significant, affecting various organs: • • • •
A stroke, if the arteries to the brain are involved. A heart attack, if the coronary arteries are compromised. Kidney failure, if the renal arteries are obstructed. Paralysis or numbness, particularly if arteries supplying the spinal cord are affected.
Diagnosing an aortic dissection usually starts with recognizing the sudden onset of symptoms. Blood pressure differences or circulatory issues are clues. Laboratory tests for
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NEWS
Hevolution Foundation Announces Multi-Million Dollar Research Grants at Global Healthspan Summit and Convenes Changemakers to Tackle World’s Aging Crisis •
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On the closing day of the inaugural Global Healthspan Summit, Hevolution announced $40 million in scientific research grants to fuel transformative breakthroughs in the field of aging science, bringing the total committed over the two-day event to nearly $100 million. Major funding announcements for the day included $21 million for the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, $16 million for the American Federation of Aging Research, and $5 million to offer up to 15 postdoctoral fellowships in Saudi Arabia, which will support scientific discoveries targeting unhealthy aging.
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•
More than 40 sessions were held over the two-day event for nearly 2000 attendees, spanning topics such as population aging, the pharmaceutical ecosystem, and next-generation medicine.
Hevolution Foundation demonstrated its commitment to driving breakthrough aging science with further announcements of catalytic funding initiatives at the inaugural Global Healthspan Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In its role as a global catalyst, collaborator, and convener on a mission to extend healthy human lifespan, Hevolution is enabling specialized research and development in healthspan science and innovative therapeutics. To further drive
MORE THAN 40 SESSIONS WERE HELD OVER THE TWO-DAY EVENT FOR NEARLY 2000 ATTENDEES, SPANNING TOPICS SUCH AS POPULATION AGING, THE PHARMACEUTICAL ECOSYSTEM, AND NEXT-GENERATION MEDICINE.
NEWS
scientific research in healthspan, Hevolution announced $40 million, including: • $21 million for a novel multi-year partnership with the Buck Institute for Research on Aging to accelerate discoveries toward therapeutic interventions specifically targeting aging. • $16 million (SAR 60 million) to expand the New Investigator Awards program in Aging Biology and Geroscience to support early-career researchers through the American Federation of Aging Research. First launched in 2022, recipients of these awards are working to deepen knowledge of aging biology to promote healthier aging. • $5 million to support up to 15 postdoctoral fellowships to advance the careers of early-stage scientists in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the fields of aging biology and geroscience. These initiatives follow Hevolution’s announcement of a $40 million anchor contribution to the largest XPRIZE in history and $10 million for the launch of a novel Breakthrough Innovation Alliance. Hevolution Foundation CEO Dr. Mehmood Khan said: “Helping fast track and support impactful healthspan science programs is a founding principle for us. Through collaborative partnerships, we are catalyzing the incredible potential in the aging biology field and paving the way for new solutions to improve healthspan for all.”
required to support research and development for aging therapeutics. Her Royal Highness Dr. Haya Khaled Al Saud, Hevolution Foundation Vice President of Organizational Strategy and Development, added: “As a Saudi scientist, I am enormously proud of how the Global Healthspan Summit has brought such diversity of thinking together in the Kingdom. It has forged new channels and connections that will shape and catalyze the healthspan sector for the benefit of all. This is a launchpad for a stronger, more engaged, and action-oriented global collaboration that will encourage the world’s best minds to work together to solve the universal challenge of unhealthy aging.” The Global Healthspan Summit comes at a pivotal time as the world is undergoing a rapid population shift. By 2050, the global population over 60 years old is set to double to 2 billion people. Moreover, two-thirds of people over 60 will live in low- and middle-income countries. Global collaboration in healthspan is no longer an option; it has become a health and socioeconomic imperative. Opportunities for experts to come together across disciplines and geographies, such as at the Global Healthspan Summit, are essential for meeting the universal challenge of unhealthy aging.
IN ITS ROLE AS A GLOBAL CATALYST, COLLABORATOR, AND CONVENER ON A MISSION TO EXTEND HEALTHY HUMAN LIFESPAN, HEVOLUTION IS ENABLING SPECIALIZED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN HEALTHSPAN SCIENCE AND INNOVATIVE THERAPEUTICS. TO FURTHER DRIVE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN HEALTHSPAN, HEVOLUTION ANNOUNCED $40 MILLION.
The Summit – the largest international gathering of its kind – brought together over 120 distinguished speakers and nearly 2000 delegates to participate in action-oriented conversations designed to foster a healthier aging future. Passion for innovation to revolutionize a healthier aging future was a recurring theme throughout the event. Distinguished speakers from across industries and sectors explored topics including complex healthspan science, societal and ethical considerations in aging research, new technologies such as AI, and necessary shifts
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INTERVIEWS
Dr. Mehmood Khan CEO of Hevolution Foundation
"Our mission is to facilitate healthier aging and reduce age-related diseases"
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n an exclusive conversation with Dr. Mehmood Khan, the esteemed CEO of Hevolution Foundation, we explore the driving forces behind the foundation's impactful initiatives and their recent milestone event, the Global Healthspan Summit. Dr. Khan shares insights into the foundation's mission, their groundbreaking efforts in extending healthy lifespans, the challenges and opportunities encountered while pioneering anti-aging medicine. Join us as we delve into the visionary approach of Hevolution Foundation and its endeavor to redefine the landscape of health and aging.
Purpose Behind the Global Healthspan Summit Dr. Mehmood Khan, CEO of Hevolution Foundation, shared the vision behind organizing the Global Healthspan Summit. He emphasized the foundation's goal of uniting top scientists across various disciplines and locations to propel the anti-aging medicine movement into a global endeavor aimed at extending healthy lifespans for humanity's benefit. Reflecting on the summit's success, Dr. Khan highlighted unprecedented attendance, with over 2000 participants from diverse corners of the world. The substantial turnout and engagement from over 100 global leaders as speakers indicated an existing demand, surpassing initial expectations. Attendees expressing enthusiasm for future events demonstrated the summit's positive impact, encouraging plans for ongoing and improved gatherings.
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Elaborating on Hevolution Foundation's mission to facilitate healthier aging and reduce age-related diseases, Dr. Khan emphasized the importance of lifestyle choices in mitigating these issues. He emphasized the need to educate and assist people in adopting beneficial practices, including maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in physical activities, avoiding harmful habits, and fostering meaningful connections, as key elements for healthy aging. Additionally, Dr. Khan highlighted ongoing efforts to explore advanced diagnostic technologies, considering the integration of biological age assessment into routine medical practice. Understanding one's biological age could significantly influence individual behaviors, fostering healthier lifestyles to mitigate potential health risks.
Raising Public Awareness and Investor Interest Regarding raising awareness, Dr. Khan emphasized a multi-tiered approach. This involved engaging policymakers to prioritize healthspan awareness, collaborating with healthcare professionals to integrate this knowledge into patient care, and emphasizing media involvement to transform their vision into a global movement accessible to the public. Addressing investor concerns about the perceived risks in anti-aging medicine, Dr. Khan highlighted ongoing efforts to fund innovative research and attractive investment opportunities in this emerging field. He emphasized the foundation's role in demonstrating the potential and reducing risks associated with investing in aging-related treatments.
Challenges and Future Endeavors
THE SUBSTANTIAL TURNOUT AND ENGAGEMENT FROM OVER 100 GLOBAL LEADERS AS SPEAKERS INDICATED AN EXISTING DEMAND, SURPASSING INITIAL EXPECTATIONS. ATTENDEES EXPRESSING ENTHUSIASM FOR FUTURE EVENTS DEMONSTRATED THE SUMMIT'S POSITIVE IMPACT, ENCOURAGING PLANS FOR ONGOING AND IMPROVED GATHERINGS.
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When asked about challenges as CEO, Dr. Khan emphasized the difficulty in swiftly recruiting talented individuals to support the foundation's initiatives. He stressed the importance of assembling a diverse and skilled team to drive Hevolution Foundation's mission forward. Dr. Khan also highlighted the significance of fostering opportunities for young talent, with a focus on gender diversity and a forward-looking approach in team composition.
Reflecting on the Impact of the Global Healthspan Summit Reflecting on the impactful discourse during the summit, Dr. Mehmood Khan, CEO of Hevolution Foundation, emphasized the recurring theme of passion for innovation in revolutionizing a healthier aging future. As distinguished speakers from diverse sectors explored intricate healthspan sciences, ethical considerations in aging research, and emerging technologies like AI, it became evident that a collaborative shift is imperative to support the development of aging therapeutics.
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Building upon this sentiment, Her Royal Highness Dr. Haya Khaled Al Saud, Vice President of Organizational Strategy and Development at Hevolution Foundation, expressed immense pride in the summit's role in fostering diverse thinking within the Kingdom. She highlighted the summit's potential to forge new connections and channels that will shape and catalyze the healthspan sector globally. The pressing reality of a rapidly aging population enhances the urgency for collaborative action. By 2050, the global population over 60 is projected to double to 2 billion, with two-thirds residing in low- and middle-income countries. Dr. Mehmood Khan
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stresses that the Global Healthspan Summit is not merely a meeting but an essential forum for experts across disciplines and geographies, essential for confronting the universal challenge of unhealthy aging. Continuing this transformative journey, initiatives like the Global Healthspan Summit stand as crucial milestones, steering collective efforts toward a future where longer, healthier lives are within reach for everyone. Dr. Mehmood Khan emphasizes that this event signifies not just progress but also signals the commencement of a purposeful, actionoriented collaboration vital for addressing the global challenge of unhealthy aging.
THIS EVENT SIGNIFIES NOT JUST PROGRESS BUT ALSO SIGNALS THE COMMENCEMENT OF A PURPOSEFUL, ACTION-ORIENTED COLLABORATION VITAL FOR ADDRESSING THE GLOBAL CHALLENGE OF UNHEALTHY AGING.
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Dr. Joan Mannick CEO of Tornado Therapeutics
"Healthy aging is about being free from the limitations imposed by agerelated diseases"
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ospitals magazine had the privilege to interview Dr. Joan Mannick, the esteemed CEO of Tornado Therapeutics. Dr. Mannick brings a wealth of expertise and visionary insights in the field of anti-aging medicine. Her pioneering work at Tornado Therapeutics centers around exploring novel avenues to enhance human health and longevity.
What is your definition of a healthy aging life? Healthy aging to me encapsulates the ability to continue engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment right up until life's final moments. It's about being free from the limitations imposed by age-related diseases, allowing individuals to savor time with loved ones and explore the world without being hindered by health issues.
Do you believe achieving such a lifestyle is feasible? Presently, achieving such a lifestyle remains a challenge for many individuals. However, with the advancements and ongoing progress in the field of medicine, particularly in the realm of aging biology, I firmly believe that significant strides will be made in the coming decade. The research and groundwork being established today will pave the way for interventions that can notably enhance the quality of life for people as they age.
How soon do you anticipate minimizing diseases related to aging? The past decade has predominantly focused on addressing specific diseases, somewhat overlooking the broader impact of aging on the health of millions. Redirecting resources and attention towards understanding the
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biology of aging and its interconnectedness with widespread health conditions can yield substantial improvements in the coming decade. By investing in comprehensive clinical trials and prioritizing research in this field, we have the potential to significantly improve the health and well-being of millions of individuals as they age.
What resources are needed to foster a society with healthier aging? Given the relatively new landscape of aging medicine, we need individuals who are not only scientifically curious but also courageous enough to push the boundaries of anti-aging science into human trials. Engaging these bold investigators and securing supportive funding, such as that provided by entities like the Hevolution Foundation, is crucial. Undertaking such ventures involves risks, but these pioneering efforts are essential for advancing our understanding and progress in anti-aging medicine. Despite potential setbacks, our determination will drive us forward.
How is Tornado Therapeutics involved in anti-aging medicine, and what are its objectives? At Tornado Therapeutics, our primary focus revolves around the drug Rapamycin, known for its capacity to extend healthspan and lifespan across various species. We're actively exploring its
AT TORNADO THERAPEUTICS, OUR PRIMARY FOCUS REVOLVES AROUND THE DRUG RAPAMYCIN, KNOWN FOR ITS CAPACITY TO EXTEND HEALTHSPAN AND LIFESPAN ACROSS VARIOUS SPECIES.
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potential benefits for human aging. Our company zeroes in on the "mtor" protein, recognized for its pivotal role in mitigating aging-related health issues. While Rapamycin is currently in use, further in-depth research is necessary to determine appropriate dosage and duration. The targeting of "mtor" holds great promise for enhancing human health in aging individuals.
Why hasn't the solution involving the "mtor" protein been widely available yet? Clinical trials are indispensable for validating the safety and efficacy of any new drug or treatment. Our ongoing work is primarily focused on testing Rapamycin's ability to fortify muscles and extend lifespan. These critical trials are yet to be conducted, and until then, the
solution involving the "mtor" protein remains in the investigational stage.
Your thoughts on the Global Healthspan Summit? I highly commend the Hevolution Foundation for its pioneering approach in addressing human aging, despite the inherent risks involved in such groundbreaking endeavors. Their commitment to funding and supporting this new frontier in medicine is not only commendable but imperative for the advancement of anti-aging medicine. Initiatives like these, backed by nations such as Saudi Arabia, are crucial in moving forward the field of anti-aging medicine and, ultimately, benefiting humanity as a whole.
OUR ONGOING WORK IS PRIMARILY FOCUSED ON TESTING RAPAMYCIN'S ABILITY TO FORTIFY MUSCLES AND EXTEND LIFESPAN.
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Ms. Dianne Ty "Healthy aging involves ensuring a high quality of life"
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ospitals magazine had the pleasure to sit for an interview with Ms. Dianne Ty, a prominent figure at the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging. With a wealth of experience and expertise in the field, Ms. Ty sheds light on the critical aspects of healthy aging and shares valuable insights into strategies for promoting well-being in later stages of life. Her contributions and endeavors at the Milken Institute are geared towards understanding aging, longevity, and their interconnectedness with financial security. Join us as we delve into her perspectives and recommendations regarding healthy aging and the Institute's pivotal objectives in the realm of aging research and support.
Ms. Dianne Ty, thank you for joining us from the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging. What is your definition of healthy aging, and how do you explain this from your perspective? Healthy aging, from my perspective, involves ensuring a high quality of life that aligns with our lifespan. It's about compressing the later years when age becomes a catalyst for chronic diseases. We must strive for these later years to be experienced in good health.
What recommendations do you offer to ensure that people experience good health in their later years? Lifestyle adjustments play a significant role, including aspects such as diet, exercise, adequate sleep—often underrated—managing high blood pressure, and controlling metabolic syndromes. Social connections and purpose are crucial elements contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Having a sense of purpose and staying connected are vital for mental well-being. Accepting aging as an inevitable part of life is also essential. Additionally, incorporating good exercise and nutrition is key. Communities that value the wisdom of elders often experience healthier and longer lives.
Is the concept of building an anti-aging society feasible? I prefer using the terminology of healthy aging or healthy longevity rather than "anti-
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aging." It's important to embrace aging as a natural part of life experienced by all. To achieve healthy longevity, financial security enabling access to quality healthcare is imperative. Access to green spaces, engagement in community activities, and staying socially active positively impact mental health. Elders' involvement in social activities not only benefits their mental health but also allows them to share wisdom with younger generations, making it beneficial for society as a whole.
What are the objectives and latest studies conducted by the Milken Institute? The Milken Institute, a global non-profit organization with offices worldwide, focuses on the future of aging, emphasizing the connection between longevity and financial security. Our work involves policy elevation, aiming to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease and providing support for Alzheimer's caregivers who require significant social and mental support due to the intense demands of caregiving.
Your thoughts on participating in this summit? I'm honored to be part of this summit. It's enlightening to learn about Saudi Arabia's healthcare strategies and the latest longevity studies. The discussions held during this visionary summit present actionable ideas paving the way for understanding the biology of aging and preventing age-related diseases.
HEALTHY AGING, FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, INVOLVES ENSURING A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE THAT ALIGNS WITH OUR LIFESPAN. IT'S ABOUT COMPRESSING THE LATER YEARS WHEN AGE BECOMES A CATALYST FOR CHRONIC DISEASES. WE MUST STRIVE FOR THESE LATER YEARS TO BE EXPERIENCED IN GOOD HEALTH.
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Mrs. Alice Yammine Boueiz
Chief Executive Officer of the Arab Hospitals Federation
The Arab Hospitals Federation celebrates a significant occasion this year, marking its twenty-fifth anniversary. A quartercentury of dedicated efforts to advance health in Arab countries.
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s we reflect on the Federation's journey, we recall the achievements, the conquered challenges, and the profound impact it has left on the Arab healthcare sector. On this occasion, we had the pleasure of interviewing the Chief Executive Officer of the Federation, Mrs. Alice Yammine Boueiz, who shared insights into the twenty-five-year journey and presented to us the Federation's strategic plan for 20242025, launched earlier this year, outlining the Federation’s direction and approach for the upcoming years.
The Arab Hospitals Federation has embarked on an extensive journey that was marked by success and a notable presence within the Arab healthcare landscape. Can you provide us with a brief overview? Over the past twenty-five years, the Arab Hospitals Federation has played a crucial role in the healthcare arena, becoming a symbol of this sector through dedicated efforts and notable achievements. The journey has been extensive, witnessing the implementation of robust health policies, pioneering developments in healthcare transformation, a commitment to providing sustainable healthcare, and the development of strong partnerships with regional and international organizations. Our collaborative efforts have contributed to raising the standards of healthcare delivery, ensuring that the Arab people have access to world-class medical services. We are truly proud of what has been
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achieved, and we will strive to continue progressing and delivering the best, especially with our affiliated hospitals, that have been at the forefront of innovation, tirelessly working to provide advanced healthcare, adopting the latest technologies and embracing the best practices in healthcare management. Together, we have established a network of institutions that goes beyond buildings with beds and equipment; they serve as beacons of hope, healing, and compassion.
What distinguishes this legacy that has evolved over 25 years of Arab, regional, and global presence? The Arab Hospitals Federation stands out as a distinctive Arab organization representing hospitals and healthcare institutions across Arab countries since its establishment in 1999. Over the years, it has pioneered initiatives that have become significant landmarks in the Arab healthcare landscape. Its annual forum
THE ARAB HOSPITALS FEDERATION STANDS OUT AS A DISTINCTIVE ARAB ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING HOSPITALS AND HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS ACROSS ARAB COUNTRIES SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1999.
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"MedHealth" has evolved into a distinguished official platform bringing together prominent healthcare organizations, decision-makers, government officials, authorities, stakeholders, and partners. Furthermore, the AHF has been instrumental in creating various essential activities, initiatives, and strategies. Collaborating with policymakers, it has played a key role in formulating policies that contribute to advancing health in Arab countries and assisting healthcare facilities in addressing present and future challenges. Serving as the voice of Arab healthcare bodies, the AHF maintains close ties with major Arab authorities and bodies, including the League of Arab States, Arab Ministers of Health Council, Egyptian Healthcare Authorities (General Healthcare Authority, General Authority for Healthcare Accreditation and Regulations, General Authority for Unified Procurement UPA, etc.), Department of Health Abu Dhabi, Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar, and international organizations such as the World Health Organization, HIMSS, Planetree, The International Hospital Federation, among others. The AHF's consistent contributions to policy recommendations in healthcare have been highly valued. Moreover, the federation has undertaken numerous capacity development activities, offering support to members in advanced, emerging, and developing countries. These activities have not only fostered knowledge but also enhanced the expertise of the Arab healthcare workers community.
Do you believe that, after this long journey, there are still challenges facing the Arab healthcare sector, and how can they be overcome? As we celebrate our successes, we must also acknowledge the ongoing challenges. The current evolution in the field of healthcare requires us to remain vigilant, adaptable, and responsive to the needs of our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored
the importance of solidarity, resilience, and preparedness in facing unprecedented global health crises. During the last twenty-five years, the federation has undergone massive changes, such as restructuring and globalization, yet it has emerged stronger and more effective than ever. As we look to the future, we must continue to collaborate with key decision-makers to enhance policies, foster innovation, invest in sustainable and digital transformation, build the capacities of our healthcare workforce, and address health disparities that persist in our societies. We must strive for a healthcare system that is not only effective and efficient but also equitable and accessible to all. Here I pause briefly to extend our deepest gratitude to the successive Arab health ministers, key decision-makers, stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and administrators for their trust, support, and engagement, which have been the cornerstone of our success. We commend and appreciate their dedication, passion, and hard work. We cannot forget our partners, supporters, and consistent collaborators, as their assistance and involvement have contributed to reshaping the healthcare sector in Arab countries. I would also like to extend our thanks to the members of Governing and Executive councils, in addition to the members of the General Assembly for their trust, determination in achieving success and overcoming all challenges.With them all, we renew our commitment to advancing healthcare in our region and envisioning a future where every individual has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
THE FEDERATION HAS UNDERTAKEN NUMEROUS CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES, OFFERING SUPPORT TO MEMBERS IN ADVANCED, EMERGING, AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. THESE ACTIVITIES HAVE NOT ONLY FOSTERED KNOWLEDGE BUT ALSO ENHANCED THE EXPERTISE OF THE ARAB HEALTHCARE WORKERS COMMUNITY.
The Executive Council of the Federation has launched its annual strategic plan for 2024-2025, outlining a roadmap that orients towards projects, ideas, and approach of the federation for the upcoming years. Can you provide insights into this strategy and its contents? Indeed, in recent months, the members of the Executive Council have worked diligently
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to unveil the annual strategy of the Federation. The process was thorough and exhaustive, as everyone was seeking excellence in their ideas and proposals to align with the ongoing changes in the global healthcare sector. Numerous points were raised and presented, and the best were selected, aligning with the future of healthcare management. This year's activities encompass events by the Arab Healthcare Sustainability Center, capacity-building programs, alliances, the Gold Initiative certificate, the Executive Circle, the annual awards, the partnerships, the healthcare strategies, and the advocacy.
In fact, can you describe the product offered by the Arab Hospitals Federation and to whom is it addressed? Defining the product is essential to allow stakeholders better understand our scope and expertise. It is offered to three categories in the Arab world. It is provided to governments, authorities, policymakers, regional and international organizations such as the World Health Organization for the Eastern Mediterranean and the League of Arab States, with whom the Arab Hospitals Federation has worked extensively over 25 years, launching many health declarations, initiatives, and strategies supported by them. It is offered to hospitals through the creation of a distinguished platform for communication and a network among members to share information, best practices, and the latest updates in the sector. In addition to assisting in the development of healthcare policies affecting member hospitals, supplying tools and information to empower individuals to enact change in institutions, systems, and communities, training and education, providing consultancy, and many other topics that can be accessed through our website. As for the third category, it is for low- and middleincome countries. The Federation plays a crucial role in helping weak and low-income countries strengthen the healthcare sector by providing consultations in building and upgrading healthcare infrastructure, including
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hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, to ensure their compliance with international standards. Additionally, it offers training programs for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge, thereby boosting the overall capacity of the healthcare workforce. It also supports the implementation of electronic health records to improve data management, patient care and decision making without forgetting assisting in the development and implementation of emergency preparedness plans to effectively respond to natural disasters, pandemics, and other health crises, as well as other initiatives and campaigns.
The forums organized by the Arab Hospitals Federation constitute special and unique gatherings attended by decision-makers, ministers, executives, stakeholders, and professionals in the Arab healthcare sector. What are your activities for this year? The year 2024 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Arab Hospitals Federation, and on this occasion, significant and diverse activities will be organized to celebrate the silver jubilee. These activities will review the experiences we have gone through, the lessons we have learned, and how they will help us face challenges in the next twenty five years. Among these activities is the Arab Healthcare Development Annual Forum AHDAF Qatar 2024, scheduled in April 2024 in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation, in collaboration with the League of Arab States, the World Health Organization for the Eastern Mediterranean, the Arab Health Ministers Council, and many health authorities in the Arab countries. The second event is the Cairo Declaration for Universal Health coverage, where the Federation will organize a scientific day to recognize the diligent work carried out by the Egyptian health sector, upon the request and follow up by His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. During this event, a health
THE YEAR 2024 MARKS THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARAB HOSPITALS FEDERATION, AND ON THIS OCCASION, SIGNIFICANT AND DIVERSE ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANIZED TO CELEBRATE THE SILVER JUBILEE. THESE ACTIVITIES WILL REVIEW THE EXPERIENCES WE HAVE GONE THROUGH, THE LESSONS WE HAVE LEARNED, AND HOW THEY WILL HELP US FACE CHALLENGES IN THE NEXT TWENTY FIVE YEARS.
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declaration will be presented. The third event is the celebration of the Silver Jubilee during the 25th Annual Forum MedHealth Abu Dhabi 2024. It will be held in Abu Dhabi on October 29-30, 2024, with the support of the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the United Arab Emirates, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the League of Arab States, the World Health Organization for the Eastern Mediterranean, the Arab Health Ministers Council, and many health authorities in Arab countries. The forum will host Ministers of Health from Arab countries to celebrate this occasion, recognize personalities who contributed to the success of this journey, and discuss critical issues that align with the Federation's approach.
This unique and important activity includes an opening ceremony, award ceremony, platforms for networking and partnerships, effective discussion sessions, informal conversations, interactive sessions, and roundtable discussions organized with top executives, authorities, and experts.
You talked during your discussion about the Arab Healthcare Sustainability Center, recently launched by the Arab Hospitals Federation. What is its role, and what will it offer to the Arab market?
THE FEDERATION PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN HELPING WEAK AND LOWINCOME COUNTRIES STRENGTHEN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR.
It is a unique facility in the Arab region designed to provide support and assistance to healthcare leaders on their journey towards sustainability. The center offers a wide range
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of services, including setting a roadmap for hospitals, conducting training and educational sessions for healthcare professionals on various topics, and providing consultancy services aimed at turning pledges into concrete actions. The center has played a pivotal role during COP28 by participating in dialogues with high-level personalities in many panels and roundtable sessions, spreading its important mission in leading hospitals to be green. The Arab Healthcare Sustainability Center works on developing practical guides for hospitals, providing basic information to help healthcare leaders and institutions define their starting points. The center will announce a schedule of activities, training sessions, and events for this year in collaboration with the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) in Lebanon, the Geneva Sustainability Center, and the World Health Organization for the Eastern Mediterranean, guiding hospitals towards the 3S principles: Sustainable, Smart, and Safe.
When elaborating on the strategy, we were captured by the subject of alliances. What does it mean, and what alliances are you referring to? Forming an alliance in healthcare can be advantageous for various reasons, as it addresses challenges, fosters collaborative efforts and improves resource utilization, ultimately leading to improved patient care, better operational efficiency and a more resilient healthcare system. For this year, we have chosen two themes to establish alliances in: The Arab Alliance for Value in Healthcare: This alliance brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, whether from public or private sectors, across Arab countries. Their collective goal is to strive for a unified vision for Arab countries where health systems prioritize value, sustainability, and a person-centered approach. This second alliance holds significant importance. It is the Arab Alliance for AI in Healthcare, as AI plays a pivotal role in improving healthcare, impacting everything
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from diagnostic interpretation of medical imaging to personalized therapeutics. The launching of the Arab Alliance for AI in Healthcare by the Arab Hospitals Federation aims to address the growing need for guidance for AI in healthcare and realize the potential for AI while addressing substantial challenges. By bringing together various stakeholders, the Alliance will pool resources and knowledge to address safety concerns while providing a platform for sharing and development.
The directions and points set by the Federation for the upcoming year are both extremely significant and diverse. In conclusion, what would you like to add to this discussion? The Federation’s directions for the coming year are indeed diverse and important, aligned with the developments and challenges in the healthcare sector. There is much more to be discussed beyond this interview, and it can be explored through our website, news, and activities. Developing the strategy for the year is vital for the Arab Hospitals Federation to guide the improvement of healthcare services, address emerging challenges, and contribute to the overall well-being of the communities it serves. We have strived to provide a roadmap for achieving long-term goals and maintaining a dynamic and resilient healthcare system, all with the aim of advancing health in the Arab countries and delivering the best for the patients and our communities. Once again, a thousand thanks to your distinguished magazine and media channels. You are truly a unique and exceptional media partner in the Arab world, contributing significantly to the advancement of a future that serves our societies. Thank you for your followup, presence, and participation in the Arab healthcare arena. Thanks to our friend Simon Chammas for his excellence and dedication in delivering the best through this prestigious regional media platform. May the next twenty five years be filled with greater achievements in serving health and humanity.
THE FEDERATION’S DIRECTIONS FOR THE COMING YEAR ARE INDEED DIVERSE AND IMPORTANT, ALIGNED WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS AND CHALLENGES IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR. THERE IS MUCH MORE TO BE DISCUSSED BEYOND THIS INTERVIEW, AND IT CAN BE EXPLORED THROUGH OUR WEBSITE, NEWS, AND ACTIVITIES. DEVELOPING THE STRATEGY FOR THE YEAR IS VITAL FOR THE ARAB HOSPITALS FEDERATION TO GUIDE THE IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES, ADDRESS EMERGING CHALLENGES, AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITIES IT SERVES.
BROWSE AHF STRATEGIC PLAN 2024-2025
ARTICLE FEATURES . A New Era in Gulf Healthcare
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ARTICLE FEATURES . A New Era in Gulf Healthcare
A New Era in Gulf Healthcare Navigating Through the Waves of Change
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he Gulf region's healthcare landscape has experienced a profound transformation, marked by rapid advancements and substantial growth driven by the combination of demographic, technological, and policy-driven factors. As the GCC and Middle Eastern countries grapple with growing populations and escalating demands for premium healthcare, strategic investments have been channeled into strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, recruiting top-tier medical talent, and harnessing state-of-the-art technologies.
Infrastructure Expansion: Building the Future of Healthcare In response to the expanding healthcare needs of their populations, Gulf nations have embarked on extensive projects to construct and modernize hospitals, clinics, and specialty healthcare centers. This initiative is aimed not only at enhancing accessibility and meeting the essential healthcare demands but also at positioning these countries as leading destinations for medical tourism. With this forward momentum, the Gulf region now boasts a constellation of modern medical facilities that conform to international healthcare standards. These range from hospitals to niche medical centers, each equipped with the latest medical technologies and designed to cater to various specializations. Governments in the region are prepared to sustain this upward trajectory with significant future investments, aiming to meet and exceed international benchmarks in healthcare provision.
Medical Cities and Free Zones: Pioneering Healthcare Innovation Several GCC countries have pioneered the concept of medical cities and free healthcare zones, establishing regions dedicated to medical excellence. These zones are designed to attract a confluence of healthcare providers and enable collaborations that span continents, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for medical education,
research, and innovation. They provide a conducive environment for businesses and healthcare services to thrive, with a flexible regulatory framework that bolsters the sector's growth. Dubai Healthcare City exemplifies this approach, creating an integrated healthcare community that attracts leading medical professionals globally and serves as a beacon of medical excellence in the region.
Medical Tourism: Blending Health with Hospitality The Gulf's rapidly growing healthcare infrastructure and services have set the stage for a thriving medical tourism industry. By combining high-quality medical care with competitive costs and an appealing tourism experience, Gulf countries are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for patients across the globe. The region's strategic geographical positioning, complemented by superior connectivity via direct flights and advanced telecommunications, enhances its appeal as a medical tourism hub. Beyond healthcare, the Gulf offers an array of recreational facilities and tourism experiences, allowing patients and their families to blend treatment with leisure and recovery in a hospitable environment.
Technological Advancements: Spearheading Healthcare Modernization The Gulf's healthcare sector is at the forefront of technological integration, with substantial investments made to digitize health systems and improve patient outcomes. Electronic medical records have replaced traditional paper records, allowing for streamlined access to patient histories, diagnostics, and treatment plans. The adoption of remote diagnostics and telemedicine platforms via smartphones has revolutionized patient consultations, making medical advice more accessible than ever. Furthermore, the incorporation of robotics in surgery and the
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extensive use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in disease prediction and treatment personalization are testaments to the region's commitment to cutting-edge medical technology.
Focused Healthcare: Centers of Specialization The healthcare landscape in the Gulf is characterized by an emphasis on specialized medical centers that cater to specific health conditions, such as cancer or cardiac diseases. These centers bring together highly skilled medical professionals and advanced medical equipment, focusing on providing the latest treatment protocols. Countries in the region have developed these centers of excellence to offer specialized care, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad and ensuring that residents have access to world-class healthcare services.
Fostering Medical Education and Research: A Vision for the Future Recognizing the pivotal role of education and research in the continuous development of healthcare, Gulf countries have made significant investments in medical colleges and research centers. Collaborations with prestigious international institutions have been established to enrich medical education and facilitate groundbreaking research. The Gulf countries are committed to nurturing their healthcare sectors through education and research, with an emphasis on international cooperation to share knowledge, expertise, and technology.
Health Insurance Reforms: Ensuring Access and Quality Health insurance systems in the Gulf region are undergoing progressive reforms to widen the scope of coverage and improve healthcare service utilization. Governmental policies and private sector initiatives work hand in hand to provide comprehensive insurance schemes, enhancing the quality and transparency of healthcare services. The evolution of these systems reflects the determination of Gulf countries to offer strong financial protection and improved healthcare access to their populations.
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ARTICLE FEATURES . A New Era in Gulf Healthcare
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Afiaa Al Masri
Chief Dietician, Hemya Center Manager
"We have new method in designing a dietary program."
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emya Diet Center aims to break the prevailing stereotype about the concept of "diet" or "meal plan," portraying them as potentially dull, repetitive, tasteless, resembling hospital food that is usually bland and without flavor. Chief Dietician, Hemya Center Manager Afiaa Al Masri talked about Hemya Center and its new approach.
What does the center offer that is new, and what sets you apart from others? Through Hemya, nutritional consultation is provided by licensed and experienced Dietitians in all diseases and health problems related to food and nutrition. This consultation may include the development of a personalized diet plan in coordination with the guest or patient, which is then practically and immediately implemented through the Hemya website and mobile application. The Dietitian then creates an account for that guest and enters all necessary medical information such as weight, metabolism rate, health problems, and more. The dietitian then explains to the guest how to choose suitable dishes, distribute them among meals, and order them on a daily basis. The diet menu changes weekly and includes a variety of delicious and flavorful options. Each item is detailed, including its ingredients, nutritional elements, and whether it contains allergens or not. It also explains the relationship between the item and the health problem it may help address, for example: low cholesterol, rich in fiber, rich in proteins, suitable for diabetes patients, and so on.This new method of designing a dietary program allows guests complete freedom to choose their favorite dishes and change them daily, unlike similar centers that offer a fixed menu for a month, requiring clients to pre-select their dishes for the entire subscription period.
What is the goal you seek to achieve? Through the Diet Center, we aim to break
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THE DIET MENU CHANGES WEEKLY AND INCLUDES A VARIETY OF DELICIOUS AND FLAVORFUL OPTIONS. EACH ITEM IS DETAILED, INCLUDING ITS INGREDIENTS, NUTRITIONAL ELEMENTS, AND WHETHER IT CONTAINS ALLERGENS. IT ALSO EXPLAINS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ITEM AND HEALTH PROBLEMS IT MAY HELP ADDRESS, FOR EXAMPLE: LOW CHOLESTEROL, RICH IN FIBER, RICH IN PROTEINS, SUITABLE FOR DIABETES PATIENTS, AND SO ON.
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the prevailing stereotype about the concept of "diet" or "meal plan," portraying them as potentially dull, repetitive, tasteless, resembling hospital food that is usually bland and without flavor. We strive to make them easy to apply and adhere to for an extended period, economically feasible, and to avoid isolating individuals by allowing them to prepare their own meals who used to have to prepare or used to eat significantly in traditional way, hence avoiding feelings of isolation and depression that may hinder them from continuing their plan.
How are treatment plans prepared to combat obesity and related diseases? Obesity and related diseases are considered lifestyle-related conditions, and since food is a fundamental element of lifestyle, when a guest visits "Hemya" Center, the following steps are taken: • Analysis of body components using the "InBody" device, identifying indicators or data such as weight, body mass index, external and internal fat quantity and percentage, muscle mass, fluid quantity, mineral quantity, fat distribution in the body trunk and limbs, metabolic rate, waist-to-hip ratio,
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and other measurements. Gathering information from the guest regarding their current health status and medical history. Previous diet plans or programs followed by the guest and their impact. Physical activity, other practices such as smoking and sleep habits. Based on the above, the condition is evaluated, explained, and appropriate nutritional advice and guidance are provided, and a plan is built in direct coordination with the guest through the diet center's website and electronic application, as previously explained. Daily follow-up with the guest and gradual provision of advice as needed. Weekly follow-up and updating the guest's information. Providing suitable advice for weight maintenance upon reaching the desired goal after completing the program.
THROUGH THE DIET CENTER, WE AIM TO BREAK THE PREVAILING STEREOTYPE ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF "DIET" OR "MEAL PLAN," PORTRAYING THEM AS POTENTIALLY DULL, REPETITIVE, TASTELESS, RESEMBLING HOSPITAL FOOD THAT IS USUALLY BLAND AND WITHOUT FLAVOR.
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Dr. Sami Krimly
Head of dental Department Specialist in Prosthodontics and Aesthetic Dentistry
"The legacy of intraoral scanners in dentistry."
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he use of intraoral scanners (IOS) is now becoming a standard of care for the modern dentist and is the evidence of the revolution in digital dentistry. It is more reliable than physical silicon dental impressions, more accurate, more convenient to both, patients and dentists and faster. Similar to digital cameras, the iOS saves a digital copy of the prepared tooth or group of teeth, in very high resolution (counts in micron precision). This copy when acquired could be forwarded online instantly to the lab of choice to process the dental work. In a different method (also available in Al-Ahli Hospital), this digital copy could be processed directly in the same clinic by the dentist where he does the design of the dental work and send it to be fabricated by a milling machine (also situated in the clinic) and get it ready for cementing immediately afterwards. That makes it possible for example for a ceramic crown to be digitally made from A to Z on the spot and within a frame of 60 minutes (versus an average of 7 days in lab in the traditional methods). The fact that the dental work is achieved fast, accurate and with least discomfort generates an immediate trust for patients pushing them to recommend the same for family and friends thus supporting the brand.
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26-28 May 2024
ARTICLE FEATURES . Machine Learning in Healthcare
Machine Learning in Healthcare
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achine Learning (ML), a specialized branch of Artificial Intelligence, is rapidly transforming the healthcare sector by enhancing disease diagnosis, personalizing treatment, and improving overall patient care. Its ability to learn from data and identify patterns without significant human intervention is revolutionizing various aspects of medical practice.
Revolutionizing Disease Diagnosis and Treatment ML's profound impact in healthcare is most evident in its role in disease diagnosis and treatment. By analyzing extensive data sets - including patient records, medical images, and genetic information - ML algorithms have become instrumental in diagnosing diseases more accurately and efficiently. For instance, in the realm of medical imaging, ML algorithms are used to detect early signs of cancer in X-rays, MRI scans, and other imaging techniques. These algorithms search for abnormal signals within the images, identifying areas that might be affected by disease. This not only aids doctors in making more precise diagnoses but also contributes to the development of effective treatment plans. Moreover, ML has been pivotal in identifying infectious diseases by analyzing patterns in electronic health records, enhancing the ability of healthcare professionals to predict and manage disease outbreaks.
Personalizing Patient Care One of the most notable benefits of ML in medicine is its ability to tailor treatment plans to individual patients. By analyzing a patient's medical history, genetic data, and other relevant information, ML algorithms can suggest personalized treatment options. This approach significantly improves treatment effectiveness, reduces the risk of complications, and marks a shift towards more patient-centered care.
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Accelerating Drug Discovery and Development The traditional process of drug discovery and development is lengthy and costly, with many drugs failing in clinical trials. ML is changing this landscape by enabling faster, more efficient drug development processes. By analyzing data from previous clinical trials, laboratory studies, and patient records, ML algorithms can identify promising candidate drugs and predict their effectiveness. This accelerates the process of bringing new drugs to the market and offers hope for treatments for diseases that currently have limited options.
Enhancing Predictive Diagnostics ML's capability in predictive diagnostics is another area of significant impact. By training on clinical data, laboratory results, and imaging, ML models can recognize patterns associated with diseases and identify factors influencing their development. These models are particularly useful in identifying individuals who require further examinations or immediate treatment, thus facilitating early intervention and reducing the risk of severe disease progression.
Transforming Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring The emergence of ML has also facilitated the growth of telemedicine. ML algorithms can analyze data from wearable devices like heart rate monitors and glucose sensors, providing healthcare professionals with real-time insights into patient health. This is particularly beneficial in monitoring chronic conditions and ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care, even from a distance.
Improving Healthcare Management In addition to direct patient care, ML helps in the efficient management of hospitals
FOR INSTANCE, IN THE REALM OF MEDICAL IMAGING, ML ALGORITHMS ARE USED TO DETECT EARLY SIGNS OF CANCER IN X-RAYS, MRI SCANS, AND OTHER IMAGING TECHNIQUES. THESE ALGORITHMS SEARCH FOR ABNORMAL SIGNALS WITHIN THE IMAGES, IDENTIFYING AREAS THAT MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY DISEASE.
ARTICLE FEATURES . Machine Learning in Healthcare
and health centers. It aids in distributing medical resources more effectively, monitoring surgeries with robotic assistance, and managing the vast amounts of data generated during medical imaging procedures. By tracking patient medical histories, ML contributes to a more holistic understanding of patient health, leading to better-informed treatment decisions and improved outcomes.
The Future: Precision Medicine and Data Analysis As technology continues to advance, ML's role in healthcare is expected to become even more significant. There is a growing interest in precision medicine, fueled by the availability of vast amounts of patient data and applications. ML algorithms help parse through these large datasets in electronic health records, finding patterns and insights that would be challenging to discern manually. Machine Learning in healthcare is more than a technological advancement; it's a transformative force reshaping every aspect of medical practice. From improving diagnostic accuracy and personalizing treatments to revolutionizing drug development and predicting diseases, the applications and benefits of ML in healthcare are vast and continually evolving. As we move forward, ML's role in healthcare will likely grow, becoming an essential tool for healthcare professionals and systems worldwide.
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ARTICLE FEATURES . The New Frontiers of Longevity
The New Frontiers of Longevity
Harnessing Lifestyle, Technology, and Genetics for a Healthier Tomorrow
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he quest for a fountain of youth is an age-old aspiration. But unlike the mythical springs of legend, modern science has offered us tangible paths to extend not just our lifespan but our healthspan. The past two decades have witnessed a paradigm shift in our understanding and capability to influence longevity, thanks to advancements in medicine, technology, and a deepened understanding of the genetic tapestry that weaves our destiny.
Our journey toward longer, healthier lives is underpinned by remarkable progress in medical science and technology. Breakthroughs in the quality of healthcare, effectiveness of treatments, and the development of life-saving vaccines have become significant milestones. These advancements have not only eradicated some diseases but also greatly reduced the spread of others, contributing to an increased average lifespan.
Medical Marvels and Technological Triumphs
Longevity: A Holistic Approach
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Yet, longevity isn't merely about adding
THE CONCEPT OF LONGEVITY HAS EVOLVED TO ENCOMPASS A STATE OF COMPREHENSIVE WELL-BEING, WHERE THE FOCUS IS ON LIVING EXTENDED YEARS IMBUED WITH VITALITY AND VIGOR.
ARTICLE FEATURES . The New Frontiers of Longevity
years to life, but also life to those years. The concept of longevity has evolved to encompass a state of comprehensive well-being, where the focus is on living extended years imbued with vitality and vigor. This holistic approach integrates physical, mental, and emotional health, emphasizing preventive care and healthy living as the keystones.
Blueprint for a Healthy Lifestyle Central to achieving longevity is the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet rich in nutrients, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, abstaining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, ensuring quality sleep, and nurturing mental health are fundamental practices that pave the way for a hearty and energetic life.
Chronic Diseases and Longevity These lifestyle choices are potent deterrents against chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Engaging in these preventive behaviors not only diminishes disease risk but also enhances life's quality, fostering happiness and well-being.
Biological vs. Chronological Age In the pursuit of longevity, the distinction between biological and chronological age becomes increasingly relevant. Biological age is a comprehensive measure of how well our bodies are functioning compared to what is typical for our chronological age. It takes into account a variety of biomarkers, such as telomere length, inflammation levels, organ function, and metabolic processes, which collectively offer insight into the body's wear and tear. Unlike chronological age, which marches forward with each passing year, biological age can be accelerated or decelerated by lifestyle choices and environmental factors.
Genetics: The Underlying Framework Genetics play a non-negligible role in our
lifespan. A significant indicator of our expected longevity is inherited. However, it's not solely about the hand we're dealt; it's also how we play our cards. Lifestyle choices can interact with our genetic predispositions, potentially offsetting genetic risks and enhancing our biological resilience.
Environmental Influences on Longevity Our environment molds our habits. The cultural and physical environments can promote or deter healthy behaviors. Safe, supportive communities and clean environments can encourage a lifestyle conducive to longevity.
OUR ENVIRONMENT MOLDS OUR HABITS. THE CULTURAL AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS CAN PROMOTE OR DETER HEALTHY BEHAVIORS. SAFE, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITIES AND CLEAN ENVIRONMENTS CAN ENCOURAGE A LIFESTYLE CONDUCIVE TO LONGEVITY.
Aging: The Natural Progression Aging is an inevitable process characterized by a decline in energy and organ functionality. However, scientific advancements have greatly contributed to delaying this process, challenging the traditional benchmarks of old age and redefining the aging timeline.
Slowing Down the Aging Process Addressing aging necessitates a multifaceted approach, blending genetics and environmental factors with a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Emerging tools and technologies like intravenous ozone therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy offer new ways to rejuvenate the body and combat the signs and diseases of aging.
Crafting Our Longevity Narrative The narrative of longevity is being rewritten by our choices and the advancements at our disposal. A confluence of genetics, lifestyle, and technology shapes our journey through the years. As we stand on the cusp of unprecedented longevity, the power to sculpt a healthier, more vibrant life lies within our grasp. The call to action is clear: embrace the healthy habits, keep abreast of medical advancements, and take proactive steps towards longevity – for it is in the day-to-day choices that the secrets to a longer, fuller life are found.
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ARTICLE FEATURES . The Pinnacle of Precision
The Pinnacle of Precision
Image-Guided Surgery in Modern Medicine
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n the landscape of contemporary medicine, image-guided surgery (IGS) stands as a beacon of innovation, transforming surgical procedures with unprecedented precision. This cutting-edge technique leverages real-time imaging to provide surgeons with a dynamic visual map of the patient's internal anatomy, offering a significant leap forward in operational accuracy and patient outcomes.
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Real-Time Imaging: A Surgeon's GPS IGS utilizes real-time images displayed on monitors within the operating room, akin to a GPS system for the surgeon. This realtime navigation is crucial during complex interventions, allowing for the meticulous planning and execution of surgical procedures. By integrating three-dimensional imaging
ARTICLE FEATURES . The Pinnacle of Precision
technologies, surgeons can accurately gauge the size and positioning of organs, ensuring each incision and maneuver is performed with the utmost precision.
Collaborative Efforts and Technological Synergy
significantly reducing the risk of complications. Today, endoscopic techniques are widely applied across various disciplines, from gastrointestinal and gynecological procedures to urological and ENT surgeries, as well as neurosurgery and spinal conditions.
The synergy between surgeons and radiologists is enhanced through IGS. Advanced imaging equipment within the operating room enables immediate collaboration, allowing therapeutic procedures to be applied swiftly following diagnostic assessments. This partnership is particularly beneficial for delicate surgeries, such as those involving the heart's minuscule blood vessels, where precision is paramount.
Neurological Navigation: A GameChanger
Benefits of 3D Imaging Integration
Bone and Spine Surgeries: The Minimally Invasive Edge
The integration of 3D imaging systems into surgical practice has numerous advantages. Surgeons can plan more effectively, which increases the likelihood of successful outcomes and minimizes potential complications. For patients, this means receiving safer surgical treatments, experiencing quicker recoveries, and returning to their daily lives sooner.
High-Risk Operations and Enhanced Safety IGS is indispensable in high-risk surgical operations. With its assistance, the complexity of the surgical field is simplified, accuracy is heightened, and the highest levels of safety and efficacy are realized. The technology proves invaluable for precise tumor localization during surgery, ensuring complete tumor removal while sparing healthy tissue.
Endoscopic Surgery and Its Evolution Endoscopic surgery exemplifies the advancement of IGS. Surgeons use sophisticated imaging systems to view the affected areas through a minimally invasive approach,
Neurological navigation has revolutionized brain and spine surgeries. This advanced technology guides surgeons to surgical targets without the need for external frames. By using pre-captured MRI and CT images, the navigator directs surgeons along the safest path to the tumor, reducing the risk of damage to healthy tissues.
The field of orthopedics has seen significant advancements with the introduction of IGS. In bone and spine surgeries, the demand for diagnostic and treatment methods that ensure safety and prompt recovery is high. Ultrasound-guided surgical operations, endoscopic procedures, and arthroscopic techniques are now foundational in the effective management of bone surgeries. These methods facilitate treatment through small openings, magnify the surgical field, and minimize disruption to the body, allowing for an enhanced recovery process.
IGS IS INDISPENSABLE IN HIGH-RISK SURGICAL OPERATIONS. WITH ITS ASSISTANCE, THE COMPLEXITY OF THE SURGICAL FIELD IS SIMPLIFIED, ACCURACY IS HEIGHTENED, AND THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF SAFETY AND EFFICACY ARE REALIZED. THE TECHNOLOGY PROVES INVALUABLE FOR PRECISE TUMOR LOCALIZATION DURING SURGERY, ENSURING COMPLETE TUMOR REMOVAL WHILE SPARING HEALTHY TISSUE.
The Future Is Now The adoption of IGS across various surgical specialties marks a new era in medical treatments. With the aid of these technological marvels, surgeons are empowered to perform procedures with confidence, ensuring patient safety and optimizing recovery. As technology continues to advance, the potential for IGS to reshape the landscape of surgery is boundless, promising a future where surgical precision is the norm, and patient care is transformed for the better.
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Mental Health, the forgotten piece in the healthcare system •
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Dr. Ali Elhaj, CEO, Ardens Health Chair, Governance, Leadership and Research Division Arab Hospital Federation
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ental health parity, coverage, services, and health policies decisions are all critical factors in ensuring that individuals have access to the healthcare services they need. Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing every aspect of our lives. Yet, mental health concerns are often stigmatized and marginalized, leading to inadequate attention and resources. One of the key reasons mental health must be integrated into the healthcare system is its prevalence. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health disorders affect one in four people worldwide. This staggering statistic highlights the need for comprehensive and accessible mental health services and paving the way to articulate the reasons for rapid and necessary integration: • Integrating mental health into all aspects of healthcare policies, coverage, and interventions can ensure the continuity and completion of the healthcare system circle of care.
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Integrating mental health into healthcare policies allows for early identification of mental health issues, enabling timely intervention and treatment. Integrating mental health into healthcare policies ensures that mental health services are more readily available and accessible to all individuals. Integrating mental health into healthcare policies and interventions ultimately leads to a better quality of life for individuals, as their mental well-being is prioritized. By addressing mental health alongside physical health, individuals can receive comprehensive care, leading to better overall well-being. By focusing on mental health as part of healthcare, preventive measures can be implemented to reduce the risk of mental health disorders and promote well-being. By promoting mental well-being, individuals can experience improved productivity and performance in their personal and professional lives. By prioritizing mental health, we can create stronger and more supportive communities, fostering a sense of belonging and social connectedness. Addressing mental health holistically leads to improved treatment outcomes, better recovery rates, and reduced relapse rates. Addressing mental health proactively, can reduce the burden on the healthcare systems, increase productivity, and enhance social well-being. Treating mental health as an integral part of healthcare helps to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support.
Mental health should no longer be the forgotten piece in the healthcare system. Its significance must be recognized and integrated into all aspects of healthcare policies, coverage, and interventions. By doing so, we can ensure that individuals receive the comprehensive care they deserve, promote early intervention, reduce stigma, and improve overall well-being. Prioritizing the mental health agenda will be the catalyst for creating a healthcare system that truly addresses the needs of the whole person.
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