Khalifa University of Science and Technology has announced the second annual conference of the Emirates Society of Clinical Microbiology (ESCM) opened today at the Khalifa University Main Campus in Abu Dhabi, with posters and oral presentations by invited speakers, as well as industry-sponsored workshops and symposia. ESCM is under the umbrella of Emirates Medical Association (EMA).
Scheduled to run until 9 December at the Khalifa University Main Campus, the annual conference has brought together experts from many fields to present their latest findings, guidelines and experiences. Professors, researchers, students and technical staff from the field of medical microbiology and immunology, delegates from various industries and inspiring speakers and experts are sharing evidence-based findings for quality and safety in patient care and improvement in clinical microbiology and global health.
Dr. John Rock, Co-Chair of the conference, and Founding Dean, Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), Senior Vice-President – Health Affairs, and Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, said: “We are delighted to host this conference that delves deeper into the lessons learnt through the COVID pandemic. It is also analyzing how far the UAE has progressed into becoming more active in the field of pandemic preparedness and undertaking research into the next potential threats. We believe the knowledge exchange from this conference will benefit all the stakeholders, while demonstrating the UAE’s advanced status in tackling healthcare challenges.”
Dr. Rock also commended members of the ESCM Board and the Scientific Committee for their active part in organizing the conference.
Dr. Jens Thomsen, President, ESCM, delivered a session on ‘AMR Surveillance in UAE and Trends’. On the third day, he will be hosting a workshop on WHONET/BacLink-Software for Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance, while Dr Godfred A. Menezes, Chairperson, Scientific Committee, ESCM, offered the welcome note, as well as a session on ‘Combating antimicrobial resistance: Newer Solutions or Alternative approaches’.
The first day’s agenda included an oral presentation of a student’s ‘best paper’. A special lecture on ‘Artificial intelligence in Clinical Microbiology: Where are we?’ will demonstrate how current technology advancements that use AI and data from different sources contribute to predicting AMR and ensuring proper AMR surveillance.
A panel discussion on ‘Antimicrobial resistance; AMR Surveillance in UAE and trends; New antimicrobials’ was moderated by Dr. Dean Everett, Acting Chair and Professor, Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences. In addition, a comprehensive scientific and educational program incorporating keynote lectures and oral sessions, as well as interactive workshops has been developed by the program committee.
Dr Jens Thomsen expressed his gratitude to Khalifa University, and Dr. Dean Everett, who has been instrumental in the event’s planning along with the ESCM board and the committee members.
Panel discussions on the first day included ‘Healthcare associated infection; Transplant infectious diseases & Tuberculosis and Mycobacteria’, and ‘Advances in diagnostics’. The second day will have panel discussions on ‘Respiratory Pathogens and COVID-19; Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic; Monkey pox and Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs)‘, ‘Human microbiome, ‘Antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control’, and ‘Parasitic and fungal infection’.
Clarence Michael
English Editor Specialist
7 December 2022
