Tribune News Network
Doha
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently played host to a one-day symposium entitled ‘Tackling Obesity: Multidisciplinary Approaches for Comprehensive Care’.
The event, held at WCM-Q’s premises, featured a series of lectures and interactive sessions. The symposium was organised by the Division of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at WCM-Q and was under the direction of Dr Tariq Chukir, an assistant professor of medicine at WCM-Q and an alumnus of the institution.The primary aim of the symposium was to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills required to address misconceptions related to obesity management, describe the most current and evidence-based strategies for managing obesity (ranging from lifestyle interventions to advanced therapies), and formulate personalized patient-centred plans for managing individuals before, during, and after weight loss interventions.
The symposium was designed to benefit a wide range of professionals, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, researchers, and students. It brought together experts from local, regional, and international institutions to share their insights and knowledge.
Notable speakers at the symposium included Dr Hiba Bawadi, a professor in nutrition and dietetics at Qatar University; Dr Ghadir Al-Jayyousi, an assistant professor of health education and promotion at Qatar University; Joyce Moawad, a lecturer and clinical coordinator at Qatar University; Dr Saif Azzawi, head of plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgery division at Aman Hospital; Dr Bassem Safadi, chair of surgical services and consultant in general and bariatric surgery at Aman Hospital; Dr Nour Isleem, a clinical pharmacist at Hamad Medical Corporation; Dr Noor Nabeel Suleiman, a consultant endocrinologist and a WCM-Q alumnus at Hamad Medical Corporation; Prof Shahrad Taheri, director of the National Obesity Treatment Centre; Dr Cosette Fakih El Khoury, a consultant for the World Health Organization; and Dr Roberto Simons-Linares, director of bariatric and metabolic endoscopy at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
Dr Chukir said: “Obesity is a complex and serious medical problem that increases the risk of developing several other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, sleep apnea, and certain cancers. The symposium was a testament to the power of interdisciplinary cooperation in managing obesity.”
Dr Thurayya Arayssi, vice dean for academic and curricular affairs at WCM-Q, said: “As part of our commitment to continuing medical education and professional development, we offer health practitioners a series of workshops on diverse but relevant topics throughout the year. We also provide a comprehensive overview of each topic under discussion by inviting local, regional, and international experts to share their valuable insights. “
