Today's Edition
SAMIHAH ZAMAN (ABU DHABI)
A trio of global experts in paediatrics and a top orthopaedic surgeon are offering care and consultations in Abu Dhabi this month, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced.
The doctors are headed to the emirate as part of the DoH’s Visiting Physicians Programme, which aims to extend advanced healthcare services to residents.
“The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi welcomes top-tier doctors from around the world to the Emirate during June, offering exceptional healthcare services through the Visiting Physicians Programme,” the DoH - Abu Dhabi’s health regulator - announced in a post on its social media platforms.
Visiting Physicians: June
Dr. Kaveh Asadi, paediatric neurosurgery consultant at St Mary Hospital, Paley Institute in Florida, US, is one of the eminent doctors who will see patients in Abu Dhabi. He will be available at Burjeel Medical City’s Paley Middle East Centre between June 9-13, and also on June 23. Dr. Asadi specialises in selective dorsal rhizotomy for the treatment of cerebral palsy, intra dural tumour treatment, craniofacial surgery, and tethered cord releases.
Dr. Matthew Dobbs, paediatric orthopaedic consultant at St. Mary Hospital in the US, will also join Dr. Asadi at the Burjeel Medical City between June 9-13. Dr. Dobbs’ areas of specialisation include the treatment of congenital and developmental foot, lower extremity deformities, flatfoot deformities, cerebral palsy spasticity, and clubfoot.
Professor Oliver Verborgt, head of services for orthopaedics at Belgium’s Monica Hospital, will also offer his expert care at the Tarmeem Hospital in Abu Dhabi on June 27 and 28. Prof Verborgt specialises in shoulder and elbow surgeries and reconstruction, and in the management of sports-related injuries.
The DoH has urged patients to directly contact the respective hospitals to book appointments.
Earlier this month, Dr. Annique Hogan, an award-winning physician and paediatrician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, also saw patients at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, sharing her expert advice on the care of children with complex medical needs.
Complex Care Close to Home
The DoH’s Visiting Physicians Programme breaks new ground every month, ensuring care for complex medical conditions within Abu Dhabi. Since its launch in 2021, the programme has partnered with leading global health institutions to offer treatment and surgeries for patients in the region while eliminating the need for them to travel abroad.
As of December 2024, a total of 3,277 patients with rare and complex medical conditions had received care in Abu Dhabi as part of the programme.
According to the DoH, the top five specialties in which visiting physicians offer care include paediatric haematology for bone marrow transplants; plastic surgery for lymphedema and brachial plexus; adult orthopaedic surgeries for complex ankle, foot, shoulder, hand and scoliosis; paediatric orthopaedic care for limb lengthening and limb deformities; and ophthalmology.
The programme has also allowed for knowledge transfer, the enhancement of local healthcare expertise and post-surgical rehabilitation care, and the improvement of health outcomes throughout Abu Dhabi.
