More than 650 scientists, physicians and other health care practitioners gathered in Doha to share the latest research on metabolic disorders at the XVII International DALM (Drugs Affecting Lipid Metabolism) Symposium on Diabetes, Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome, March 14-16.

It was the first time the symposium was held outside the United States and Italy since its inception in 1960. The event was hosted by Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) and the Giovanni Lorenzini Medical Foundation.

The program featured keynote presentations by international experts as well as panel discussions on:

Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCMC-Q, said the symposium would help advance research, patient care and outreach at WCMC-Q.

"As Qatar's only medical college, we welcome the opportunity to help bring scientists and physicians together to focus on significant issues in patient care here and around the world," he said.

Mohammad Fathy Saoud, president of Qatar Foundation, noted that diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndromes are addressed in Qatar's newly developed National Health Strategy.

"The presentations and discussions at this symposium will advance our understanding of these disorders and our ability to reduce their impact on people's lives," Saoud said. "By bringing together experts from around the world, this symposium will help us address these health challenges."

The Supreme Council of Health, Hamad Medical Corp. and Qatar Diabetes Association also participated in the symposium.