Under the Patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, His Excellency Awad Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, inaugurated the 6th edition of the Emirates Plastic Surgery Congress (EPSC), which is being held from the 27th to the 29th of this month in Intercontinental Festival City Dubai.
The 3-day premier specialized hybrid event, running under the theme ‘Science and Art in the field of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery’, aims to shed new light on the latest advances, trends, and key breakthroughs in this fast-evolving field, in the presence of the field’s most distinguished names.
The opening ceremony was initiated with an opening speech delivered by Dr. Saba Al Marush, Chairperson of the Cultural Committee, followed by a keynote speech by Dr. Zuhair Al Fardan, President of the Emirates Plastic Surgery Society. While offering his remarks during the opening ceremony, Dr. Zuhair Al Fardan said: “the Late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum said "The wealth of knowledge is the first and best option for the future of generations". Sheikh Hamdan had a keen interest in serving humanity, which was reflected in his support for charitable works, as well as building schools and hospitals through Al Maktoum Foundation, which covered more than 60 countries.”
He added: “His keenness to promote the fields of education, health and environment, was the pillar of initiatives to establish three awards in education, health sciences, and best environmental practices. Since its inception in 1999, the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences has sought to achieve medical excellence by spreading the culture of scientific research and honoring scientists, researchers and institutions for their contribution to the development of health services.”
The opening ceremony continued with a speech delivered by H.E. Mirza Al Sayegh –Member of the Board of Trustees, on behalf of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, where he stated: “The fact that Dubai is hosting this important event, in the midst of many medical, regulatory and economic challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic since the beginning of 2020, is a confirmation of the leading role played by our beloved country in supporting a culture of innovation and encouraging an enlightened future with all its aspects, from the challenges we need to prepare to promising opportunities to seize.”
He added: “The patronage of the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences for the conference is an integral part of the main goals that we seek to achieve under our wise leadership and an implementation of the UAE vision for 2021, which includes establishing a health system in the country of international standards. It is also in fulfillment of the vision of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was a beacon for science, scientists and researchers, and the biggest supporter of the health services sector, not only locally but also regionally and globally. I confirm that the Award will remain a pioneering intellectual and scientific legacy, and we will continue the path that he traced - may he rest in peace - for the sake of advancing scientific research and the health sector in all parts of the world.”
He concluded: “I would like to thank His Excellency Awad Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, for honoring us with his presence, and for his directives towards overcoming all difficulties, leading to the success of the activities of this conference.”
From his side, Dr. Jamal Jomah, General Secretary of EPSS said: “As the member of the board and organizing committee I was involved in the logistics and in the preparation for this meeting to select the date and the venue, to organize the skeleton of the congress and what is also more important is to liaison with the international societies to insure their contribution and I facilitated the involvement of the American Society of plastic surgery through its president and the chairman of the international sub-committee to be part of this congress. I was also involved in getting the endorsement from ISAPS and involvement of the president of ISAPS and the chairman of education committee to be part of the faculty in this congress.”
He added: “In addition, being the president of the Arab Association Of Medical And Surgical Aesthetics, my position has ensured their involvement of the Pana Arab Association for plastic surgeons which has resulted in the interest of collaboration of several associations in GCC region and in the Arab World. “
Following the opening ceremony, His Excellency Awad Al Ketbi, accompanied by a number of doctors, surgeons and senior officials from the health care industry in the region and abroad toured the exhibition, where they learned about the latest research, new approaches and treatment patterns in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. The delegation was also briefed by representatives from the biggest brands in the field about how the introduction of new technologies are greatly helpful for surgery specialists, which gives them an insight on how to adopt new treatment methods and approaches.
This year, the Emirates Plastic Surgery Congress presents a rich comprehensive agenda featuring more than 80 scientific lectures on key trending topics such as face and neck, body contouring, breast surgery, general reconstructive, reconstructive & hand surgery, head and neck reconstructive surgery, live surgery, medicolegal and practice management, and much more, presented by over 75 of the most prominent names in the field of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery from 23 countries. The rich lectures can be easily accessible virtually through an online platform, and will be attended by 400 live attendees and 125 virtual attendees.
On the first day, EPSC focused on a wide range of topics in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery during many sessions, where under the title ‘Face and Neck’ experts discussed many issues such as ‘How plastic surgeon can enhance their results with anti-aging medicine?’ and ‘Aesthetic forehead treatment’ while under the session titled ‘Body Contouring’ specialists offered their insights on ‘Modified abdominoplasty with internal bodiece’ to name a few. In addition, another session titled ‘Rhinoplasty Master Class’ surgery experts focused on ‘Correction of crooked nose and septum reconstruction’, ‘Adjusting tip projection and position’ and ‘Skin management in thick skin rhinoplasty’ among others. Moreover, under the session ‘Breast Surgery’ speakers addressed many topics such as ‘Complications in Breast Surgery - How to Avoid them and How to Treat them’ and ‘Augmentation mastopexy after massive weight loss strategies and technique’ and various other topics.
Running parallel to the conference, the EPSC exhibition will witness the participation of more than 25 top brands and companies representing the plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery departments, where they will showcase their latest products, services and medical technologies that are revolutionizing the industry. In addition, the exhibitors from various countries will also get an opportunity to understand the local market, in order to expand their presence in the regional market, and connect with like-minded professionals.
The 6th edition of EPSC has received the generous support of a few of the most prominent societies and associations in the field, such as the Arab Association of Surgical and Medical Aesthetics, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Bahrain Association of Plastic Surgery, Emirates Medical Association, Iranian Society of Plastic Surgeons, Iraqi Society of Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Omani Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeons, Plastic Surgery Care Society, and Rhinoplasty Society of Asia.
In addition, this unique hybrid event is sponsored by Medica, Allergan, Cigalah, Cutec, Julphar, Pro Derma, Vitatek, The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), Sinclair, Mentor JnJ, Medway, and Al Khayyat, Dubimed, Great Look, Leader Healthcare, MENA Medical, Al Mazroui, Premium Medical Supplies, and Pharma Voice, Middle East Health, Medgate Today Magazine, The Arab Hospital Magazine, MEDIBIZTV, and Medical Darpan Media House, the event’s media partners.
