SKMC organizes 'Pediatric Update Conference 2009'

It will host up to 400 delegates from the field of Pediatrics. SKMC is owned and operated by Seha, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The focus for this years' SKMC Pediatric Update is the practice of quality pediatrics. A cadre of international and SKMC speakers has been chosen not only for relevant clinical practice topics but also for their commitment to quality practice. The aim is to emphase the importance of quality healthcare delivery to the children living in the UAE.

Speakers from SKMC will share their experiences on performance and outcome trends in critical areas of pediatric care at SKMC such as the pediatric cardiac surgery program launched at SKMC since April 2007 and the only dedicated pediatric emergency services in the UAE operational since 2006. International speakers will deliver state-of-the-art plenary lectures on silent child health epidemics and under recognized concerns such as childhood obesity, neonatal asphyxia, and shaken baby syndrome.

This year's conference will build up on the success of the previous pediatric update's series of specialized workshops by conducting up to seven workshops dedicated to highly focused child health concerns. A unique workshop will be on a formal quality management technique; and another about process improvement tools aimed at providing the clinicians the necessary tools for measuring pediatric care and improving outcome trends and performance. Other workshops will range from basic and advanced skills in cardiac echo to child safety, attention deficit disorder, and research skills. The scientific program will also serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and exchange of experience through a daily open communication session in which carefully selected oral abstracts will be presented and discussed. Panel discussions will address controversial topics in pediatric health care with focus on evidence and quality measures.

Dr. Howard Parsons, Chair of Institue of Pediatrics, stated, "The Pediatric Update Conference is an important component of the latest major developments in the medical services of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. SKMC Pediatric Institute is considered the largest and the most advanced in the UAE and the conference will be an opportunity to exchange the scientific and professional experiences in SKMC and other institutions with the conference participants."