Around 600 healthcare professionals attended the first Qatar International Endocrinology Conference held recently by Hamad Medical Corporation's Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.

The conference was described by Dr Mahmoud Ali Zirie, chief of HMC’s Endocrinology Section and chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, as one of the year’s most significant gatherings of healthcare professionals with an interest in endocrinology practice and research.

Endocrinology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to hormones, such as diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, thyroid disorders, hypertension and osteoporosis.

With a high incidence of obesity, diabetes and related disorders in Qatar, HMC has led the way in developing and improving access to high-quality specialised care for patients with these conditions, particularly through its National Diabetes Centres at Hamad General Hospital and Al Wakra Hospital, according to a statement.

“HMC’s National Diabetes Centres offer a multidisciplinary approach to patient care and are an integral part of the National Diabetes Strategy, which aims to connect all healthcare providers in Qatar as part of efforts to further develop health services for diabetes patients,” said Dr Ibrahim Treki, senior consultant, Adult Endocrinology and Internal Medicine at HMC and lead clinician at the National Diabetes Centre at HMC’s Al Wakra Hospital, which has significantly increased HMC’s capacity to provide specialised diabetes care to the population.

Dr Ibrahim al-Janahi, senior consultant at HMC’s Endocrinology Section, said: “The conference is designed to encourage discourse, learning, research and quality improvement. We hope it will have helped participants to acquire new skills and information that will benefit their daily practice, and to develop valuable relationships and collaborations.”

Prominent local and international speakers were invited to share their knowledge and experience with attendees through conference sessions dedicated to insulin therapy, thyroid cases, dyslipidemia and a variety of other topical issues.