This 2-day activity was formally opened by the Course Coordinator himself, Dr. Mohammed Saied Abdulrab Qasem, the Consultant Adult Cardiologist and Head of Non-invasive Cardiology Department. He warmly welcomed the participants comprising of fellows and physicians from peripheral hospital.
He further gave a preview of the said course and emphasized that this is going to be more focused on the most important rules of medical examination of the heart, anatomy of the heart and its corresponding functions, and the two-dimensional and Doppler evaluation. Dr. Saied also added that this is practically important because the program will be equally filled with lectures and workshops.
On the first day, Dr. Rami Abazid stood out as the lecturer about Practical Physics in Echocardiography. He shared intuitive insights and concepts regarding this matter.
A factual and lecture presentation on Basic Requirement for Echo, ECG, Cardiac Cycle, Vital Signs and its Effects on Echo Interpretation and similarly a visual display of stills and videos about Normal Anatomy was given by Dr. Mohammed Saied.
The third lecturer was Mr. Abdullah Al Ghamdi and he interestingly discussed on theories on how to perform Transthoracic Echocardiography. He shared everything that has to be learned about this type of echocardiogram. In which case, the participants will be more responsible and knowledgeable in dealing with this procedure.
As the activity continues, another series of lectures were systematically given by the lecturers. Dr. Rami Abazid spoke about Principles of 2D and M Mode. He discussed more on the components as well as the elements and principles of this particular method. Furthermore, he also lectured on the Right Side of Heart: RV (Right Ventricle), RA (Right Atrium), TV and FV.
Additionally, Dr. Mohammed Saied fed the participants with substantial knowledge about Principles of Doppler Echocardiography and Principles of Systolic LV Function. He further explained the relevance and systematic view of this procedure.
After the lectures, there was a practical application or hands-on training to participants whose hospitals offer Echocardiography Services. This Echo Workshop was divided into two in order to attentively focus in training the participants on how to get TTE Views as well as LV Function and RWMA. The first group was facilitated by Dr. Mohammed Saied and Mr. Hasamuddin. The second group was led by Mr. Abdullah Al Ghamdi and Ms. Annie Richard Mary Suresh.
The second day of the event continues with another set of lectures. Dr. Saied shared his learned theories and knowledge about Mitral Valve Anatomy and Mitral Valve Diseases. Likewise, he was also the speaker on Principles of Diastolic Function and Principles in Hemodynamic Evaluation, Cardiac Output, Aortic Valve Area, Mitral Valve Area and Pulmonary Hypertension. All of these topics were thoroughly and clearly discussed by Dr. Saied. Dr. Osama Smettie lectured on Aortic Valve Anatomy and Aortic Diseases. He was able to impart knowledge to the attendees which was indeed useful in their career.
The 2-day lecture and training was successfully concluded. The thirty (30) participants from various health sectors in the Qassim Region were so much satisfied with the outcome of the activity. They were also looking forward to another similar event next year because this was useful on their part. In which case, the course comes within the framework of educational activities designed by the Department of Education, Training and Research of PSCCQ. Henceforth, this activity was approved by the Saudi Commission of Health Specialties for 11 CME Hours.