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Dubai: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Health Authority (DHA), His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Director General of DHA today officially inaugurated the 7th edition of International Family Medicine Conference – a specialty medical gathering dedicated for family physicians and practitioners, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Running under the theme ‘Gateway to Excellence in Healthcare’, the 3-day premier healthcare event being held until the 26th of February, 2020, aims to highlight the latest developments, new research studies, innovations and technology advancements, particularly in the field of family medicine.
This year, IFM is expected to draw over 3,000 visitors and participants over the 3 days. While the conference presents a rich comprehensive agenda witnessing the presence of 50 speakers, who offer their insights on very important topics related to family medicine during 38 scientific sessions and 2 dedicated workshops, the premier specialty gathering also hosts over 50 poster presentations, showcasing the latest research and many studies on key topics related to family medicine.
During his keynote speech, His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami said, “International Family Medicine Conference is considered a converging point to exchange knowledge and experiences as well as discussing the latest advancements in the field of family medicine and its related branches that is developing year after year. The importance of family medicine as a distinct specialty comes out of its position as a primary healthcare department that all healthcare institutions depend on to enhance the diagnostics and practices for disease prevention. Therefore, family medicine is directly related to the primary healthcare systems, and is considered as a vital approach to health and wellbeing by the World Health Organization.”
His Excellency added, “The family medicine field also includes all the needs and priorities of individuals and families comprising various medical services. It is not merely limited to providing immediate health services and it is more comprehensive as an integrated system of care, which is heavily relied upon in the early detection of diseases. Moreover, family medicine also helps in the development of preventive and curative plans and programs, for each family and all members of the society.”
He concluded, “The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) believes that family medicine is the basis for promoting the health of all members of the society and the quality of life of people. It also considers this medical specialty as a priority when setting its policies, plans, and development programs and it works continuously to update primary healthcare centers, and all departments and specialties related to family medicine across all its medical facilities.”
While commenting on the occasion, Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Conference Chairperson, IFM 2020, said, “In its 7th edition, International Family Medicine Conference will specifically focus on all the latest healthcare updates related to innovation adoption and the introduction of new technology advances in the practice of family medicine. IFM aims to address all related healthcare topics within the field of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care PHC, such as valued based healthcare outcomes, mental health and a key focus on chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.”
Dr. Ibtesam added, “At IFM, we recognize that there is a need to create a robust relationship between the patient and the family physician not only to address physical and mental issues afflicting patients but also to offer them help on various social aspects. Family medicine as a distinct medical specialty serves people of all age groups delivering continuous and personal care to all members of the family and we firmly believe that this critical health care department will also provide a one stop shop care to meet all the needs of the patient.”
From his side, Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of the International Family Medicine Conference and the Honorary President of the International Scientific Union of Family Medicine, “The government of the United Arab Emirates works tirelessly to promote the health and the wellbeing of all members of the society. It is also keen to develop the healthcare sector and provide the best medical services in line with the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda that aim at implementing a healthcare system at par with the highest international standards. Meanwhile, we are witnessing the start of the 7th edition of the International Family Medicine Conference, which will provide a scientific and medical platform that brings together doctors, experts, specialists and workers in the field of family medicine from the region and the world under one roof in order to discuss the challenges facing specialists in this field and the most prominent strategies to achieve a happier and more prosperous society.”
He added “As the organizers of this scientific event, I would like to thank all doctors, experts and family medicine professionals for their active participation in this year's edition, and we are confident that the International Family Medicine Conference will achieve its goals in disseminating knowledge and experience to benefit all healthcare providers in the UAE. On the sidelines of this conference, the annual meeting of the Global Family Medicine Scientific Alliance is held to discuss with the concerned parties matters related to primary healthcare, health education and the infectious disease prevention, among other issues.”
On the first day, IFM conference addresses a number of key scientific issues and topics related to the field of family medicine such as ‘Changing Management in Primary Healthcare: A new role in a changing healthcare system’, ‘Where will Family Physician be in 30 years?’, ‘Diabetes & Cardiovascular Updates’, ‘Influenza Management, What’s New?, ‘The Challenges of Family Medicine in China’ and ‘Geriatrics’ among a few other issues.
On the sidelines, a dedicated workshop was held under the title ‘Diabetes Educator Essentials’ conducted by ‘Mubadala Healthcare’ and ‘Imperial College London Diabetes Center’, where family physicians offered their deep insights on the latest in the treatment of diabetes.
Meanwhile, conference attendees get a chance to earn 19.25 CME credit points from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) while also receiving an opportunity to hone their skills and gain additional clinical expertise in the field of family medicine.
International Family Medicine Conference – IFM is organized annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – a member of INDEX Holding and is supported by the UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences and The Saudi Society for Evidence Based Healthcare. IFM is sponsored by Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Abbott, Roche, Medtronic, MSD, Mundipharma, gsk, Sandoz, Lundbeck and Boehringer Ingelheim.
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