Doha – February 22, 2023: The Division of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) organized the latest installment of WCM-Q’s Grand Rounds Live Webinar Series, focusing on ‘Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).’

PHPT is a condition in which one or more of the parathyroid glands (in the neck, near the thyroid gland) produces high amounts of parathyroid hormone. This causes high levels of calcium in the blood, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including loss of bone tissue, benign tumors, kidney stones, and other health problems.

Titled ‘Primary Hyperparathyroidism: 2022 Guidelines and Evolving Clinical Paradigms,’ the session was designed to create an understanding of the changing epidemiology of primary hyperparathyroidism; review appropriate initial evaluation of patients with hyperparathyroidism; explain the impact of primary hyperparathyroidism on target organs; and discuss the updated 2022 guidelines in the management of primary hyperparathyroidism. 

The webinar was conducted by Dr. Jad G. Sfeir, assistant professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota, U.S., where he holds dual appointments in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition and the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology at the Department of Medicine.

Dr. Sfeir was the inaugural Kogod Scholar at the Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, where he continues to study biomarkers of cellular senescence in the musculoskeletal system as well as mechanisms of targeting cell senescence to prevent age-related bone loss and frailty.

Dr. Sfeir said: “PHPT is a relatively common hormonal disorder. Most people with PHPT have few or no symptoms, but the condition is typically detected early during routine blood tests after an elevated level of calcium is found and before serious problems arise. That said, it is important to continue to support healthcare practitioners in effectively managing the condition by keeping them up to date on all relevant medical developments.” 

The session was attended by physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, allied health professionals, students, researchers, and educators.

Deema Al-Sheikhly, director of medical education and continuing professional development, and lecturer of education in medicine at WCM-Q, said: “This initiative comes as part of our mission to provide high-quality continuing medical education and professional development opportunities for physicians and other healthcare professionals. The Grand Rounds have long formed an integral part of our program, and we are very proud to continue to welcome regular and new healthcare practitioners to our webinar series.” 

WCM-Q’s Grand Rounds Live Webinar Series helps healthcare professionals stay abreast of the latest developments in medicine. The platform offers the opportunity for medical practitioners to attend high-quality lectures on the latest developments in medicine; discuss an array of multidisciplinary topics; and network with peers to promote interdisciplinary collaborations for enhanced patient care.

In Qatar, WCM-Q is accredited as a provider of continuing medical education by the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and is accredited internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).