Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) held its 8th Annual Research Day (ARD) at the start of December, focusing on the theme ‘Pathways to Research Impact.’ The event was attended by over 400 delegates and provided an interactive platform for researchers at HMC to showcase their research, celebrate the achievements of the past year, and discuss collaborative research opportunities to address Qatar’s healthcare challenges.
Numerous awards were given out on the day, with the Best Publication Award going to a study that examined genetic factors underlying susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in Arab populations. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes swollen and painful joints. It is one of the most common forms of arthritis. The findings of the study will be used to explore new ways to prevent and treat rheumatoid arthritis within Arab populations.
The opening address of ARD 2018 was given by Professor Michael Frenneaux, Chief of Scientific, Academic, and Faculty Affairs at HMC. During his presentation he highlighted HMC’s commitment to research.
“The Medical Research Center and our researchers at HMC are committed to the pursuit of high-quality research. Translating this research into tangible and globally recognized outcomes is an important area to focus on and this has been the predominant theme for the ARD 2018,” said Professor Frenneaux.
“Such outcomes will help us in pursuing new treatment methods and practices, ensuring we are able to deliver the highest quality care, with the best outcomes for patients. We are very pleased with the quality of research showcased today and believe that researchers at HMC are making a positive contribution towards achieving HMC’s vision of delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care to our patients,” added Professor Frenneaux.
The keynote lecture was delivered by eminent scientist and surgeon, Professor Anil K. D’Cruz, Director and Professor of Head Neck Surgery, Tata Memorial Hospital, India. Professor D’Cruz drew on his leadership experience in various international medical and public health organizations and talked about the importance of embedding research into clinical practice.
“This year’s panel discussion explored successful models and new ideas to build on our research strength and harness opportunities for collaborations, all with the ultimate aim of advancing patient care outcomes,” added Professor Frenneaux.
Forming the panel were Dr. Abdul Sattar Al-Taie, Executive Director, Qatar National Research Fund; Dr. Feras Alali, Director of Research and Graduate Studies, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University; Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, Acting Executive Director, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University; Dr. Charbel Abi Khalil, Assistant Professor of Genetic Medicine and Assistant Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine; and Professor Ibrahim A. Janahi, Senior Consultant and Division Chief Pediatric Pulmonary, Sidra Medicine, who also moderated the very well-received discussion.
“Every year we are delighted to see an increase in the number and quality of abstracts submitted for oral and poster presentations for ARD. The abstracts this year were selected after careful scientific review. A total of 44 posters and six oral abstracts were selected from over 100 abstracts submitted,” noted Ms. Sunitha Shyam, HMC Corporate Research Grants Manager and organizer of ARD.
Annual Research Day 2018 Awards:
• Distinction in Research Individual Award: Dr. Shahab Uddin Khan, Academic Research Scientist, Interim Translational Research Institute
• Distinction in Research Award: Clinical Research Trauma and Vascular Surgery
• Research Excellence Awards:
1. Professor Adeel Butt, Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs, Department of Medicine
2. Dr. Hazem Elewa, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Al Wakra Hospital
3. Dr. Ayman El-Menyar, Consultant, Surgery
• Promising Young Researcher Awards:
1. Dr. Abduljabbar Alhammoud, Medical Resident
2. Ms. Doua AlSaad, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
3. Dr. Navas Nadukkandiyil, Specialist, Rumailah Hospital
• Best Publication Award: A Multinational Arab Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies New Genetic Associations for Rheumatoid Arthritis - Dr. Mohammed Hammoudeh, Senior Consultant, Rheumatology
• Best Oral Presentation: Diagnostic Value of Speckle Tracking Strain Analysis in Non ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome, Comparison study with Coronary Angiography – Dr. Sherif M. Helmy, Senior Consultant, Cardiology
• Best Poster Presentations:
• 1st Award: Screening of NYESO-1 antibody as a tumor-specific biomarker in National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), HMC, Qatar – Dr. Afsheen Raza, Post-Doctoral Research Scientist, iTRI, NCCCR
• 2nd Award: Diagnostic Accuracy of Dynamic MR Imaging of Breast – Dr. Samra Abid Qureshi, Medical Resident, Radiology
• 3rd Award: Diabetes Complications in the HMC Ambulance Services (HMCAS): Joining Forces for an Empowered Health Education in Qatar – Mr. Hassan Farhat, Ambulance Paramedic, Emergency Ambulance Services
