Hamdan Foundation Celebrates Excellence With Medical Awards 2024 Winners Announcement

The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences has revealed the winners of the 2024 Hamdan Medical Awards. These awards honour exceptional contributions to the medical field in the Arab world and UAE. Categories include the Arab Award for Research in Healthcare, Genetics, Best Research in Healthcare, Innovation in Healthcare, and Distinguished Personalities.

The Arab Award for Research in Healthcare was given to two significant studies. The first study, "Challenges in the Diagnostic Significance of Identifying Molecular Variant Descriptions," was conducted by a team from King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre. This research involved 4,577 families and focused on identifying genetic variations in Mendelian diseases. The second study, "Transition to Oral Antibiotics in Gram-Negative Bacteremia Cases," was a randomised clinical trial by teams from Hamad Medical Corporation Home, Kuwait University, and Istanbul Medipol University.

Professor Dr. André Megarbane received the Arab Award in Genetics. As Head of the Human Genetics Department at Lebanese American University, Dr. Megarbane is celebrated for his work on genetic disorders through early diagnosis and effective management. His efforts have significantly advanced knowledge and awareness in this field.

UAE Awards Celebrating Innovative Studies

In the UAE category, the Best Research in Healthcare Award went to a study titled "Testicular Torsion Code: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Improve Outcomes." Conducted by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's team, it aims to enhance patient care through a collaborative approach for testicular torsion cases. Another award-winning study focused on pneumonia treatment innovation using machine learning, conducted by researchers from the University of Sharjah and other hospitals.

A systematic review on managing overactive bladder in children also won recognition. This research was submitted by teams from Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Honouring Distinguished Personalities

The Hamdan Award for Distinguished Personalities recognised Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli and Dr. Fathia Faridallah Al Awadi for their contributions to nephrology and endocrinology respectively. Their leadership roles at Dubai Hospital have been pivotal in advancing healthcare services.

Innovation Driving Healthcare Forward

The Innovation in Healthcare Award acknowledged the UAE Lung Transplant Programme's efforts under Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Thoracic Surgery Department. Another recipient was a study on a diabetes risk calculator for fasting during Ramadan, involving 6,736 participants across various countries.

Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Hamdan Foundation, emphasised that these awards foster innovation and scientific research within healthcare sectors. They inspire professionals to achieve impactful results benefiting both local and broader Arab communities.

With inputs from WAM