Doha: 16 October 2023: The WHO Collaborating Center for Healthy Ageing and Dementia is hosting the 3rd Qatar International Conference on Geriatrics and Dementia, which is designed for healthcare professionals from various disciplines to learn more about the specialized needs of older adults and the need to develop age-appropriate care. The conference theme "Achieving Global Excellence in Geriatric and Dementia Care" underlines Qatar’s ambitions to share its achievements in the care of older adults and people living with dementia with international stakeholders.
Dr. Hanadi Khamis Al Hamad, Head of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Ageing and Dementia and conference chairperson, said: “Our 3-day conference will take place from 26 to 28 October 2023 at the Sheraton Hotel in Doha. We are pleased to host this remarkable event for the third time, which focuses on achieving global excellence in geriatric and dementia care through innovation, empowerment, and resilience. Not only can healthcare professionals who attend the in-person event get the necessary Continuing Professional Development hours, but it is also aimed at bringing people together to share experiences and network, as this is the best way to spread learning and best practice experience.”
“We are honored to have distinguished experts from the European Geriatric Medicine Society, the World Health Organization (WHO), and renowned speakers from the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as regional and local experts share their expertise across various geriatrics and dementia related fields. In addition, we are pleased to have Dr. E. Wesley Ely as our keynote speaker. Professor of Medicine and Co-Director of the Center for Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, will be presenting on delirium in the ICU.”
The comprehensive program has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs and interests of physicians from various specialties, nursing professionals, allied health professionals, policymakers, and trainees. This inclusive approach ensures that attendees from diverse backgrounds can benefit from the conference, fostering a holistic and well-rounded understanding of geriatrics and dementia care.
Dr. Samya Ahmad Al-Abdulla, Senior Consultant Family Physician and Executive Director of Operations at Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), explained the reason for becoming the conference’s platinum sponsor: “Primary Health Care Corporation wholeheartedly supports Qatar’s strategic endeavors to promote a wider understanding of the needs and challenges of people as they age. Our participation in this conference stems from our aim to ensure that all healthcare staff across primary and secondary care understand the need for integrated, age-appropriate care and have the knowledge to provide such care.”
The conference scientific co-chairs, Dr. Shafi Hashmath Ulla Khan, Senior Consultant Geriatrician at HMC, and Dr. Shirmila Syamala, Senior Consultant Geriatrician at HMC, said: “Whether you work in a geriatric discipline or wish to know more about the care of older adult patients whom you might see in your clinic or ward, this important educational event is relevant to all healthcare professionals engaged in adult patient care.”
“In the realm of geriatric care, we will explore significant subjects such as frailty, functional decline, falls, multi-morbidity, digital geriatric medicine, polypharmacy, health prevention and promotion, cardiovascular diseases, nutritional issues, vascular risk factors, chronic kidney disease in older adults, rehabilitation, and interdisciplinary care. Through these discussions, we aim to uncover the latest updates and evidence-based practices that will contribute to global excellence in geriatric medicine,” added the co-chairs.
The 3rd Qatar International Conference on Geriatrics and Dementia offers one of the largest educational programs on geriatrics and dementia, more information can be found on https://www.hamad.qa/QIGDC2023
