Dubai – United Arab Emirates, 28 February, 2018: The International Family Medicine- IFM Conference, which primarily focuses on the advancement of ‘family medicine’ and ‘primary health’, concluded today, after 3 days of successful discussions, under the theme “Healthcare Innovation and Approaches: Future of Family Medicine”, at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

On this occasion, Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Chairperson of the Scientific Committee, said: “For the first time in IFM this year, we are discussing ‘dermatology’ and more importantly the ‘Overuse of Topical Steroids’, in treating skin diseases. There is a need to educate family physicians about the risks of using Topical Steroids incorrectly, as in some cases they may lead to aggravated skin conditions and allergies. We are also focusing on ‘Aesthetic Medicines in General Practice’, as this is an important topic for those family physicians, who offer aesthetic medicine treatments as well.”

She added, “We are also putting the spotlight on a much more serious issue of ‘Diabetes in Children’ and ‘Smoking in Children and Adolescents’, which is an integral part of the National Tobacco Control Program of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. Moreover, a number of parallel workshops and full sessions will be held under the theme of ‘Children and Adolescent Health.”

On his part Prof. Tawfik A M Khoja, Family and Community Medicine Consultant, Saudi Arabia, said, “Family medicine is a three-dimensional specialty. It requires knowledge, skill and practicality, and more importantly, a good relationship between the patient and the doctor. What distinguishes family medicine from all other disciplines of medicine, is the extent to which the patient physician relationship is valued, developed, nurtured and maintained.”

“According to a recent report by the American Academy of Family Medicine, it is estimated that by 2020, the United States alone must have at least 139,531 family physicians, or a ratio of 41.6 family physicians per 100,000 people and in order to achieve that target, over 3500 family doctors will need to be produced annually.”

Over the 3 days, IFM conference hosted 60 top notch speakers from the region and abroad who highlighted the unique role played by family physicians in delivering comprehensive medical care to all the members of the family. The conference attracted 3000 visitors and participants from 62 countries, featured 63 scientific posters and 14 exclusive sessions. In addition, IFM included 3 workshops, educating family doctors and specialists on the latest developments in the industry.

Moreover, IFM this year, held an ‘educational symposium’ on the sidelines of the conference for the first time, which included expert sessions by speakers from Europe, who educated family physicians about the best practices in the management of Type 2 Diabetes, under the theme ‘Improving Outcomes in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes’.

Furthermore, EECP workshops made their debut at IFM 2018, which is an FDA-approved non-invasive, non-surgical and outpatient procedure to enhance circulation and blood flow of patients and helpful in treating various medical conditions, including hypertension, control of diabetes, chest pain and angina, heart failure, weight management and many other applications.

According to recent figures from the International Diabetes Federation IDF in 2017, nearly 1 million are people living with diabetes in the UAE and close to 17.3 percent of the UAE population between the ages of 20 and 79 have Type 2 diabetes, which is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance and insulin deficiency.

The annual International Family Medicine Conference & Exhibition – IFM is organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – member of INDEX Holding, and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Health Authority, and is supported by Ministry of Health & Prevention in the UAE, Dubai Health Authority, Global Family Medicine Scientific Alliance, Health Ministers Council for Gulf Cooperation Council States, International Hospital Federation, Anti-Smoking International Alliance, INDEX Healthcare Management and Dubai Sports Council.