Third medical education event hosted by Dubai Healthcare City and Harvard concludes

The medical symposium, "Specialty Practi-Med Dubai: Musculoskeletal Health and Sports Medicine," aimed at developing practical solutions to address one of the Gulf Region's most pressing health care challenges. A distinguished multidisciplinary faculty presented updated knowledge on a range of topics in this field.

The two-day program, which took place on September 28-29th at the Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai attracted over 300 representatives from the medical fraternity including orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, and physical therapists, primary care physicians with an interest in treating musculoskeletal problems and athletic trainers.

"Around the world, health care leaders are encouraging people, both young and old, to be more active, as sedentary lifestyles are increasingly tied to chronic health problems like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease," said Omar Moawiyah Al Shunnar, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of DHCC. "With this in mind, HMI and DHCC are contributing to this global effort with a program to support those health care providers whose treatment and advice helps to keep us active."

This program is the third lifelong learning event presented by HMI and DHCC. The first, Practi-Med Dubai 2003, attracted more than 1,200 health care professionals to hear about advances in clinical practice. In May, 100 health care professionals from the region gathered to hear the latest knowledge regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes. Feedback from both conferences has attested to the power of these continuing medical programs to have immediate impacts on daily practice.

The September program addressed the full scope of musculoskeletal health issues: common problems such as osteoporosis, fibromyalagia, and inflammatory joint disease; approaches to treatment, including rehabilitation and drug therapy; and the major issue stifling physical activity for many people, pain. The program faculty aimed to educate and inform attendees through keynote lectures, workshops, and case presentations.

Health care leaders in the UAE are eager to raise awareness of the threat posed by conditions like osteoporosis. In addition, Dubai's continued growth as a regional center of tourism and recreation has placed a greater emphasis on sports medicine.

To date, Practi-Med programs have been delivered in Brazil, Japan, the UAE, India, and most recently, China. The goal of Practi-Med is to bring updated knowledge to primary care in order to support the efforts of those health care professionals who are on the frontlines of care.

This medical event was sponsored by Siemens, Pfizer and supported by Dubai Department of Health & Medical Services, UAE Ministry of Health, Emirates Medical Association, Al Bayan Newspaper and Middle East Health Magazine

Those participating in the conference were awarded a 'Certificate of Attendance' by Harvard Medical International.