The School of Medicine (SOM) at the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (UKH) is glad to announce the successful completion of its three-day Medical Kurdistan Conference & Exhibition, which is being held for the third year in a row. This year’s conference was held under the slogan “Transforming Healthcare Through Research and Innovation”, which started on February 19th and continued until February 21st, 2025, in the Rotana Hotel premises in Erbil.
The Medical Kurdistan is a significant annual conference – a trademark of UKH’s SOM – promoting advancements in healthcare. This CPD-accredited conference featured:
- 50+ oral presentations covering the latest advancements in medical science
- 30+ poster presentations showcasing innovative research
- 20+ distinguished international speakers sharing their expertise
- 8 workshops exploring key medical topics and advancements
- 3 panel discussions focusing on the future of medical education
Day 1: Opening Ceremony
In the evening of February 19th, the opening ceremony was held and attended by government officials, hundreds of scholars, physicians, medical professionals and students. The opening ceremony featured inspiring speeches from esteemed guests, including Erbil Governor Mr. Omed Khoshnaw, Minister of Health Dr. Saman Barznji, UKH President Prof. Dr. Keith Sharp, and the Dean of SOM, Dr. Teshk Shawis.
In his speech, the Governor of Erbil Mr. Khoshnaw referred to the beginnings of launching SOM, “Some people were concerned about opening this school. But now, we are proud to see the successful outcomes of launching UKH’s School of Medicine”.
KRG Minister of Health Dr. Saman Barzinji congratulated SOM for the success of Medical Kurdistan and reiterated his support for this initiative.
Later, hospitals were recognised for their outstanding contributions to SOM students and graduates with prestigious awards.
Attendees participated in a thought-provoking panel discussion centered on “Research and Innovation in Kurdistan”, before exploring the exhibition and our sponsors’ booths.
Day 2
The second day of the conference offered attendees a comprehensive programme of engaging sessions and workshops.
A key focus was “Colonoscopy Upskilling,” exploring the latest techniques and advancements in this critical diagnostic procedure. Participants benefited from expert-led discussions and opportunities to enhance their practical skills.
The conference also addressed the crucial topic of “From Idea to Impact: Competing for Global Research Funding,” providing researchers with the knowledge and strategies necessary to secure funding for their vital projects.
Cultural Gala Dinner at the Erbil Citadel
The conference participants and our distinguished sponsors were invited to a special gala dinner on the Erbil Citadel (Qelat), making up a night of celebration, gratitude, and beautiful music to honour the valued sponsors of the 3rd Medical Kurdistan Conference.
Day 3
The last day of the 3rd Medical Kurdistan Conference emphasised skill development with workshops on “Diabetes Across Ages” and “Mastering Productivity for Medical Students.” These workshops, along with informative sessions on topics such as
“Women and Children’s Health” and “Public Health and Basic Sciences,” equipped attendees with the tools and knowledge needed to shape the future of healthcare in Kurdistan.
The Third Medical Conference featured a special session relating architecture to health, titled “Architecture and Health: Shaping Human Behavior and Wellbeing”, presented by Ms. Noor J. Qader, Architect and Urban Designer, and faculty member at UKH.
Ms. Qader explored the profound connection between architecture and human health, tracing its influence from ancient civilizations to the present day. She highlighted how the built environment shapes perception, experience, and overall well-being, emphasizing the need for collaboration between architects and medical professionals.
By integrating design strategies that support physical, mental, and social health, architecture can contribute to enhancing quality of life while also promoting environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
The closing ceremony featured awarding winner prizes to a special participating group of the conference, the students. The first, second and third place winners were awarded by the dean of SOM Prof. Dr. Teshk Shawis.
