Al-Ahli Hospital’s inaugural Diabetes and Endocrine Conference in Doha brought together more than 200 participants and a panel of experts on Friday, discussing the latest advancements and holistic approaches in diabetes care.
Dr Mohamed Elrishi, head of the Endocrinology Department at Al-Ahli Hospital and a consultant endocrine and internal medicine specialist, told Gulf Times that the conference’s main aim is to educate healthcare professionals on the most current management strategies for type 2 diabetes.
“We are focusing on the prevention of diabetes through the management of obesity via lifestyle modification, diet, and exercise, as well as the latest treatments, including surgical interventions,” he said.
Dr Elrishi added that the event also witnessed experts from various institutions, including Hamad Hospital, the Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Hospital, and from the US among others, sharing their knowledge with other healthcare professionals.
He expressed optimism that the conference will become an annual gathering and possibly expand to a multi-day format.
Dr Haitham Mohamed Abdulla, a consultant endocrinologist, echoed the importance of raising awareness about the interconnection between diabetes, metabolic disease, and cardiorenal issues.
He stressed that diabetes is a global public health concern, noting that: “This conference aims to provide the necessary scientific materials and engage professionals with the most recent approaches and holistic clinical care”.
“At Al-Ahli Hospital, we provide the most updated management and treatment approaches for people with diabetes, including the most recent medications, cutting-edge medication technology, and the essential tools to help those with diabetes live as close to normal as possible,” Dr Abulla said.
Dr Loui al-Fakhri, head, Staff Training and Development Department, pointed out that the conference was designed to provide Continuing Professional Development credits for licensed healthcare practitioners, including doctors and nurses.
“We aim to provide a comfortable and conducive learning environment, with the goal of enhancing the capabilities of licensed healthcare practitioners – doctors, nurses, and others – to ultimately improve patient outcomes,” he said.
Dr Abdul Azim Abdul Wahab Hussain, senior consultant surgeon and chief of medical staff, underlined Al-Ahli Hospital’s motivation in hosting the conference, noting that Qatar has a high incidence of diabetes and its associated complications.
He explained how the management of diabetes is constantly evolving, with a broadening focus to include cardiac, kidney, and liver health.
“New drugs have come that will help with weight loss, improve circulation, and improve blood sugar,” Dr Hussain said, citing the importance of staying up-to-date with these advancements.
“This is a learning thing for me. I am a surgeon. I listen to new things, (new) drugs, because I saw that diabetes and obesity go together,” he added.

Dr Abdul Azim Abdul Wahab Hussain. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam

Participants at the forum. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam