BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Feb. 11, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) announced today that Dr. Elias Zerhouni, professor of radiology and biomedical research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and former director of the National Institutes of Health, will deliver the keynote address at its 24th International Medical Convention, June 26 through July 1, 2010, in Beirut, Lebanon. The theme of the convention is "Medicine in the Next Decade: Challenges and Opportunities."
Titled "Medicine and Medical Research in the Next Decade," Dr. Zerhouni will kick off a week-long series of scientific presentations and updates on such critical healthcare topics as the state of the art in radiology and surgery; globalization of healthcare; challenges in pediatrics; metabolic and vascular medicine; cardiology; women's health; Parkinson's Disease; and infectious diseases. Continuing Medical Education units (CMEs) will be granted for these scientific sessions.
Unique to this convention is the collaboration of all seven of the medical schools in Lebanon: American University of Beirut; Beirut Arab University; Holy Spirit University of Kaslik; Lebanese American University; Lebanese University; University of Balamand; and Universite Saint-Joseph.
Dr. Amin Barakat, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., and Beirut Convention Chair, said, "We are delighted that such a renowned physician as Dr. Zerhouni has agreed to address our convention-goers. We are also pleased that Dr. James Thrall, chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors, Radiologist-in-Chief, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical Center, will join us as will many physicians and scientists who are authorities in their respective fields."
The convention, expected to attract some 600 attendees from the United States and the Middle East, is open to NAAMA members and non-members, physicians as well as other healthcare professionals. In addition, an extensive social program will introduce the excitement of Beirut and the highlights of Lebanon.
Finally, three specialty symposia on Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Infectious Diseases and Surgical Pathology will be offered to enhance the educational value of the convention. The symposia are free of charge to convention attendees. CMEs will also be granted for these specialty scientific sessions.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, NAAMA is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, educational and humanitarian organization whose members are of Arab descent, have close affinity with individuals of Arab origin or demonstrate a commitment to its mission and organizational objectives. Headquartered in Birmingham, MI, NAAMA has 24 chapters across America comprising physicians, dentists, pharmacists, medical researchers, scientists, teachers and other healthcare professionals.
For more information or to register for NAAMA's 24th International Medical Convention in Beirut, call 248-646-3661 or visit www.naama.com.