SKMC organizes kidney and liver transplant symposium in the UAE

The symposium is divided into two sessions; the morning session is geared towards nursing professionals and the evening one towards physicians. The number of dialysis nurses from all UAE Dialysis Units who are registered to attend the nursing session exceeds 240 nurses. On the other hand, 180 physicians are registered to attend the evening session from the UAE and the region.

The nursing session, accredited for 6 hours of Continuous Medical Education (CME), is comprised of 10 different presentations. The scientific presentations will cover all essential topics in the field of transplant from a nursing perspective. It will discuss the preparation procedures of renal transplant surgeries in the operating room, preparation of the donor and the recipient, the alternative options for incompatible couples, liver transplant, possible infections post transplant and last, but not least, the risks, realities and laws regarding organ trafficking.

This nursing meeting aims to highlight the role of nurses in transplant and their support of their medical team. Their support, in fact, is considered vital and reflects their commitment and dedication to patient safety. Additionally, their support helps develop the best standard of healthcare services for the UAE Community.

On the other hand, the physicians' evening session is accredited for 3 hours of Continuous Medical Education (CME). Different topics will also be discussed by experts from SKMC and the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Abrar Khan, director of transplant & hepatobiliary surgery at SKMC will introduce the efforts and the results of the transplant department at SKMC. Dr. John Fung, chair of transplant and general surgery at Cleveland Clinic will talk about the history of liver transplant and Living Related Liver transplant.

Moreover, laboratory support of the transplant program at SKMC will also be presented by Dr. Laila Abdelwareth, chairman of laboratory medicine at SKMC. Dr. Mona Al Rukhaimi, professor of medicine and head renal department and medical department at Dubai Hospital, Dubai health Authority, will discuss the care of kidney transplant recipients.

Liver transplant and hepatobiliary surgery is also an important component of a multi-organ transplant program. The surgical expertise in liver transplant is a great asset as it allows surgeons to perform complex hepatobiliary surgery. Liver transplant and hepatobiliary will also be discussed followed by a question and answer session.

Dr. Abrar Khan said,

"I believe this symposium will be well received by the physicians and nurses. This unique and important symposium illustrates SKMC's commitment to state-of-the-art treatment, the promotion of CME and transplant in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE"

Dr. Khan further stated, "We have come a long way since February 2008, when we did our first kidney transplant. However, we have a much longer way to go. It is very important that everybody in the UAE support their only transplant program and help it develop rapidly so that all patients needing liver, kidney, heart, lung and small bowel transplant can be helped."