Abstract:
Gastric cancer ranks as the fifth most common cancer globally, while oesophago-gastric cancer is the seventh most common in Qatar. The Upper GI Unit at Hamad General Hospital (HGH) is the sole facility in Qatar offering surgical treatment for OG cancers. Its development over the last four years has been marked by numerous challenges, necessitating dedication, organization, teamwork, and robust administrative support. Objectives: This presentation outlines the strategies employed to establish and grow the Upper GI Unit, overcoming the obstacles and difficulties it faced to achieve its current standing. Methods: Between January 2020 and December 2023, we prospectively collected data on OG cancer surgical patients, encompassing demographics, surgical intent, surgical procedures, access methods, pathology outcomes, lymph node harvest, resection margins, post-operative complications, hospital stays, and mortality rates. Conclusion: This presentation serves as a blueprint for the establishment and enhancement of cancer units in the region, showcasing how dedication, organization, teamwork, and administrative support can overcome challenges in developing specialized medical facilities.
Biography:
Dr. Ahmed graduated from the University of Baghdad, He completed Fellow of the Iraqi Board in General Surgery, before moving to the UK. After finishing his basic Surgical Training Programme in Newcastle, He conducted his research thesis and he was granted a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Manchester. After moving to Cambridge, He obtained a National Training Number at Eastern Deanery. He completed the higher surgical training program with a sub-specialty in Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, specializing in Oesophago-Gastric Resection. He was granted the Certificate of Completion of Training and appointed as an Upper-GI Consultant Surgeon at West Hertfordshire NHS Trust (WHHT), Watford, in January 2011. Dr. Ahmed has held the following posts: Upper GI Lead clinician, Upper GI SMDT lead, Head of clinical governance, and clinical director for General Surgery. He also held an honorary contract as a visiting Upper-GI Surgeon at Hammersmith Hospital, London. Currently, He is running the Upper-GI surgery unit and chairing the Upper-GI MDT at Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.As part of his roles in education, He was assigned as the educational supervisor position at WHHT and panelist of the annual review of competence progression for specialist trainees (registrars), Eastern Deanery, Cambridge. During his career, He obtained the following degrees: MBChB, FICMS (Gen Surg), FRCS (Galsg), FRCS (Gen Surg), MD, FRCS (Eng), and FACS. He currently has around 50 published articles and book chapters, 37 presentations, and a few projects in progress. Dr. Ahmed spends his free time playing tennis, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
