LANI ROSE R DIZON

DOHA QATAR Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital (Aspetar) is leaving no stone unturned in its bid to be a world leader in sports medicine by 2015.

“We have achieved a lot but there is much more to do if we are to fulfil our mission to be a leader in sports medicine by 2015,” Aspetar CEO Dr Khalifa al Kuwari said on the occasion of Aspetar’s 5th anniversary in Doha on Thursday.

Pointing out that during its short existence Aspetar has been able to put together a team of talented physicians and can boast some of the world’s most advanced medical facilities, he said 80,000 athletes visit its fitness area each year. The hospital is expected to complete its ongoing expansion by 2013.

Aspetar Director General Mohammed G A al Maadheed, who will now chair Aspetar’s international advisory scientific board said, “We will expand our capacity to screen athletes.

With more cardiac problems among athletes now reported in global media, we must have the capacity to monitor our athletes annually and assess them to reach their maximum potential.

“With many residents now engaging in regular exercise, they too need our assistance.

So we are now providing them advice on proper exercise and nutrition besides catering to their injury rehabilitation needs,” he told Qatar Tribune talking about non-athletes, Aspetar’s other focus.

Speaking about research activity, Aspetar’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Gerard Saillant said, “We’re focusing on nine research topics at the moment including the impact of Ramadan sports on sportspersons. Football screening, cardiologic and surgical research are among the other focus areas”.

The Aspetar Out-Patient Department receives about 2,500 athletes per month.

“Seventy percent of the cases are knee and shoulder injuries. We have huge numbers of athletes going for the screening and rehabilitation.

Also, we receive between 50 and 100 surgical cases per month,” he added.

Aspetar also launched the Aspetar Sports Medicine Journal on Thursday. The multidisciplinary publication incorporating articles by international experts in the field will be distributed globally to healthcare professionals as well as to athletes.