Demonstrating its commitment to providing essential educational and research training, the College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) held an online webinar for physicians on March 23, focusing on the early detection of cardiovascular and brain diseases. 

The CPD-accredited webinar was delivered by two eminent experts in the field: Dr. Charalambos Antoniades, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Oxford, where he also heads the Acute Vascular Imaging Centre; and Dr. Pedram Parva, Assistant Professor in Radiology at Boston University, and lecturer at Harvard Medical School. 

Dr. Antoniades talked about developing a new biomarker that detects inflammation in the human coronary arteries by analysing the changes of computerized tomography (CT) attenuation of perivascular fat tissue. Participants also heard from Dr. Parva about the latest advances in early detection technologies using MRI imaging of perivascular spaces to help diagnose different brain diseases. 

Dr. Ayman Al Haj Zen, Assistant Professor and Chair of CPD committee, CHLS, who moderated the webinar, said: “The early detection of vascular disease is crucial because it allows for quicker action and for preventing complications, in particular, the patients who present with sub-clinical active diseases such as atherosclerosis. Specific efforts are needed to raise awareness among healthcare professionals that vascular-related disease outcomes can be improved through the novel early detection techniques of noninvasive imaging.”

Speaking after the webinar, Dr. Edward Stuenkel, Founding Dean, CHLS, said:  “We remain focused on supporting the delivery of high-quality healthcare through highly-trained medical professionals to fulfill the Qatar National Vision 2030. In Qatar, where cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death from non-communicable diseases, ensuring early diagnosis is a major priority. We are therefore determined to support the development of such a cadre of health professionals through our academic programs and seminars that offer knowledge and insights into the latest tools, approaches, and solutions to pressing healthcare challenges.”

For more information on the work of the College of Health and Life Sciences, please visit chls.hbku.edu.qa