On March 16th 2023, the University of Duhok's College of Medicine, in collaboration with the organisation IFMSA-Kurdistan, held the 2nd symposium named (History of Medicine) at the University of Duhok's Convention Hall. This symposium was held in the presence of the deans of the Colleges of Medicine of the Universities of Duhok and Zakho, as well as a number of doctors, academic staff, and students from the College of Medicine.
Because today is the anniversary of the former Iraqi regime's chemical strike on Halabja, a short film was shown at the start of this ceremony to honour the Halabja martyrs. Dr. Dildar Haji, Dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Duhok, welcomed the attendees warmly in his opening remarks. He noted that because of the success of the first symposium last year, the College of Medicine determined that it is critical to have another symposium this year. He also stated that he hoped it would become a yearly series of activities, owing to its importance in shaping today's medical professionals.
Dr. Bayar Ahmed delivered "The Discovery of Insulin: A Tale as Never Heard Before," Dr. Ameel Toma gave "The Evolution of Cardiology," and Dr. Meelad Alias gave "Historical Development of Hormones in Infertility." Five presenters covered the history of five distinct medical issues in this symposium. The history of kidney transplant was the topic of Dr. Shakir Balindi's presentation. He emphasised the numerous kidney transplant operations that initially failed, but the first truly successful kidney transplant of this kind took place in Boston on December 23, 1954, thanks to the work of Joseph Murray, J. Hartwell Harrison, John P. Merrill, and others. He further added that Duhok's Kidney Dialysis Center opened its doors in 2000. The first successful kidney transplant procedure in Duhok occurred in 2004, whereas the first successful kidney transplant procedure in Iraq took place in 1973, the speaker said.
Additionally, Dr. Ramadhan Othman discussed an important subject on (History of Oncology). In response to the query, "Did cancer exist before?" he demonstrated that breast cancer, which at the time had no cure, dates back to 3000 BC. He further said that Mustargen, the first chemotherapy developed and given the Drugs and Food Organization's blessing, was utilised in the chemical attack on Halabja. But now, there are more than 100 different chemotherapy drugs accessible.
At the conclusion of the event, a display of posters created by College of Medicine students highlighted the most important themes in medical history. The first heart transplant in history, the history of orthopedics, the history of medicine and the mind (skull trephination), the history of blood transfusions, the history of cataract surgery, the history of dialysis, the history of IVFl (In vitro fertilisation), the history of anesthesia and anesthesia, the history of fighting HIV and AIDS, auscultation over the years, nursing, and the history of laparoscopy were some of the topics covered.
The International Federation of Medical Students' Association (IFMSA-Kurdistan) is a national member of the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) since August 2010, and it represents medical students in Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah, and Koya. It is a nongovernmental organisation in the Kurdistan Region. The IFMSA was founded in 1951. It presently has 108 national member groups spread over 100 different nations. Generations of medical students have been motivated by it to acquire the leadership skills necessary to take on problems and better the world. Future doctors are developing their cultural sensitivity and awareness by participating in IFMSA. It benefits medical students and their job generally.
UOD Media; March 18th, 2023
Fatima Mahmood and Firmesk Haso
Photo: Mohammed Abdulkareem