7th Scientific Conference for GCC Medical Students at the KAU Inaugurated

Under the aegis of HE Dr Khalid M. Al-Angari, Minister of Higher Education, Prof Abdurrahman Alyoubi, KAU Vice President for Educational Affairs, has inaugurated on Saturday 13th February 2010, corresponding to 29th Safar 1431 the 7th Scientific Conference for GCC Medical Students held at the KAU main Ceremonial Hall and Conference Center.

The conference's banner was handed over by Mr Abdurrahman A. Zafir, the UAE Representative, to the KAU Representative, Dr Abdulilah Ba Ogail.

Mr Majid Alfi addressed the gathering to welcome the participants and wish them a pleasant and useful stay.

Dr Basim Kurdi gave a speech on behalf of the conference's organizing committee to portray the conference's scientific programme and the main issues to be discussed.

According to Dr Mahmoud Al-Ahwal, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, the conference is organized by students for students and aims to provide a forum to encourage and facilitate scientific exchange and research collaboration among students in the region and the world. It will also witness over 60 workshops to be held at the Faculty of Medicine and the KAU Hospital to deal with osteoporosis, stem cells, medical education and cancers. An exhibition will also be staged on the sidelines of the conference.

In his speech, Prof Alyoubi stressed the importance of the conference and the need to provide medical students with a congenial environment to allow them to unlock their untapped potential and make scientific contributions.

He also thanked Prof Osama S. Tayyeb, KAU President, Dr Al-Ahwal and teaching members of staff for their relentless support and advice to the students.

Day one of the conference witnessed a lecture by Dr Philip Akdab on the latest developments in cancer treatment.

Three oral presentations were also given by students on oncology and hematology, gastroenterology and public health and cardiovascular diseases.

A free Umrah trip was also arranged for the guests by the conference's Social Committee.

*Released by Dr Haytham A. Zakai, Acting Supervisor General of Media.