• 2/16/2020

    Doha, 16 February, 2020: More than 800 healthcare professionals gathered in Doha for the Fourth Qatar Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Conference (QDEM-4). Hosted by Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Endocrine and Diabetes Division, Department of Medicine, and the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI), the conference brought together local and international experts in the fields of endocrinology, obesity, and diabetes to discuss the latest research, treatments, technological advances and preventative measures for these conditions.


    Professor Abdul Badi Abou Samra, Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at HMC, and QMI Director, said the event provided an important platform for frontline clinicians, scientists, and researchers to discuss strategies and approaches for the management and prevention of diabetes. He said the conference highlighted the work being done in Qatar in the fields of endocrinology and diabetes treatment and management.

    “HMC’s National Diabetes Centers, located at Hamad General Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, and the Women’s Wellness and Research Center, receive more than 120,000 patient visits annually from around 30,000 patients,” said Professor Abou Samra.

    “Many of these patients live with other associated complications such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, and vision impairment. It is important for the local and international medical community to meet and discuss trends, best practice, and long-term strategies for the prevention and mitigation of complications related to this disease so we can continue to provide the best care for our patients,” added Professor Abou Samra.

    Dr. Mahmoud Ali Zirie, Senior Consultant and Head of HMC’s Endocrinology and Diabetes Division and Chair of the Conference’s Organizing Committee, said the conference provided an opportunity to share the work being done here in Qatar and to deliver improvements tailored to the local population. He noted that the event included sessions dedicated to the new World Health Organization (WHO) classification of diabetes and its impact, adrenal disorders, thyroid disorders, cancer, and the latest technology in diabetes management.

    “The body of knowledge in the field of diabetes and endocrinology is growing every day. Now in its fourth edition, we are very proud that this conference has established itself as one of the most significant gatherings of endocrinology clinicians and professionals in the region and has again attracted some of the preeminent experts in this field. It is also a platform to showcase Qatar’s progress and work towards both treating and preventing diabetes and its complications,” said Dr. Zirie.