The evolving role of emergency medicine in Qatar was emphasised during the second annual Emergency Medicine Symposium, hosted by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) recently.

The daylong symposium, built around lectures, oral presentations and focused panels, served as a dynamic setting for healthcare professionals to share their experiences and discuss emerging ideas and technologies in the field of emergency medicine.

With more than 300 participants, comprising emergency physicians, paramedics, nurses, residents, fellows, researchers and other allied healthcare professionals, this year’s symposium highlighted the transformation of emergency services in Qatar.

The event also presented increased educational and research opportunities for healthcare professionals in the area of emergency medicine.  

Professor Peter Cameron, chairman of the Emergency Department at Hamad General Hospital (HGH), said: “Emergency medicine is the gateway to the hospital as well as the organisation. It plays a significant role in ensuring that we provide the best possible care to those who seek our services in times of emergency.”

He said HMC is developing a well-integrated emergency system in the country to ensure that people are able to access the right service at the right time and as quickly as possible. “In recent years, to address the rising emergency needs in the country, HMC has established emergency departments in Al Khor, Al Wakrah and at the Cuban Hospital in Dukhan. In addition, we now offer specialist emergency care at the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research, Heart Hospital and also in the Ambulance Service.”

During the conference, healthcare professionals gained insights on topics such as management of patients with extreme cardiac arrest, incidence of snake bites and scorpion stings, existence of poisonous plants and toxins in the region and leading causes of trauma admission as well as occupational injuries from falling objects.

The competence and high reliability of HMC’s Ambulance Service, and the role and management of heat-related emergencies in Saudi Arabia, were also highlighted. Young physicians and nurses at the symposium also had the opportunity to present original research and receive feedback from senior
emergency practitioners.

Dr Saleem Farook, vice-chairman for Emergency Education at HMC, said: “We are not only focused on providing ongoing professional learning to the senior consultants but are also dedicated to creating quality educational and research opportunities for our young physicians.

“This is evident from the initial accreditation of the Emergency Medicine Residency Training Programme by the prestigious Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International as well as the launch of the Emergency Medicine Fellowship programme, which is already in its second year.

“These programmes aim to foster a new generation of experts in emergency care, who will specialise in a number of areas such as trauma and clinical care, paediatric emergency and emergency ultrasound, among others. These are being developed in conjunction with new clinical services such as the toxicology service. Moreover, nursing education has also been one of our top priorities and, as part of the symposium, nurses will receive training in emergency care by educators from
Australia’s Monash University.”