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Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, inaugurated the First International Conference on Interventional Radiology, attended by Prof. Ali Al-Anwar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Chairman of the University Hospitals Board, and Prof. Tarek Youssef, Executive Director of Ain Shams University Hospitals.

In his speech, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen emphasized the significance of this scientific event as a milestone in the university’s journey toward leadership in specialized medical fields. He noted that the university’s Interventional Radiology Unit, established in 1984, is one of the oldest and most prominent units in Egypt and the region, now home to the largest specialized team nationwide.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting excellence in scientific advancement and enhancing the healthcare system, praising the substantial efforts of the university hospitals in developing their specialized units, especially the Interventional Radiology Unit, which he described as a model of integration and institutional collaboration.

He extended special thanks and appreciation to Prof. Ahmed Kamal El-Dory, founder of the Interventional Radiology Unit, for his pioneering role in establishing this specialty within the university and across the Arab world.

The university president stressed that true institutional success is not tied to individuals but achieved through continuous teamwork and the accumulation of expertise across generations. He affirmed that progress and success in academic institutions should never be dependent on a single person.

He addressed students and young doctors with a heartfelt message: “The best among you are those who learn knowledge and teach it. Work diligently and responsibly, patients are a trust, and a doctor carries a noble humanitarian mission to save lives and heal the sick.”

Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen added: “The efforts you exert today will bear fruit in the years to come. Invest your time in knowledge and training, that is the true path to excellence and success.”

He explained that the conference aims to showcase the latest advancements in interventional radiology through leading local and international experts, while also offering hands-on workshops and live broadcasts of procedures from the Interventional Radiology Unit, helping enhance physicians’ skills and promote scientific knowledge exchange.

He noted that organizing this conference reflects the university’s commitment to supporting research and providing a pioneering model of specialized medical education, reaffirming the university’s goal of securing its rightful place—and that of its medical units—on the global map.

In his remarks, Prof. Ali Al-Anwar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Chairman of the University Hospitals Board, emphasized that the Interventional Radiology Unit is nearing the completion of its development phase, highlighting the outstanding medical results achieved, underscoring the vital role of this specialty.

He added that interventional radiology has become an integral part of modern treatment protocols, but cannot substitute precise diagnosis. He stressed that physicians must first master diagnostic radiology skills before specializing in interventional radiology to avoid potential diagnostic errors. He praised the radiology department at Ain Shams University for its tradition of passing down expertise across generations, making it a model of academic medical practice.

Similarly, Prof. Tarek Youssef, Executive Director of Ain Shams University Hospitals, expressed his appreciation for the significant advancements in the Interventional Radiology Unit’s equipment and capabilities. He encouraged young doctors to follow the example of senior professors in discipline, dedication, and professional responsibility to save lives, alleviate patient suffering, and reduce waiting lists.

He noted that the unit has recently been equipped with two state-of-the-art devices thanks to donations and community support, enabling it to manage various medical cases efficiently. He added that the unit now operates 24/7 for emergency care, advancing its journey toward clinical and technological excellence.

Prof. Amani Rashad, Chair of the Radiology Department, expressed her pride in the launch of the first International Conference of the Interventional Radiology Unit under the supervision of the Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. She emphasized that this scientific event marks a significant step in strengthening the department’s and the unit’s position both locally and internationally. She extended her sincere thanks and appreciation to the university administration for its continuous support and sponsorship of this landmark event.

Prof. Osama Hetta, Conference President and President of the Egyptian Society of Interventional Radiology, welcomed the distinguished attendees from Egypt and neighboring countries. He offered heartfelt thanks to the university leadership for its unwavering support and efforts to ensure the success of the conference. He praised the vital role played by the university hospitals' administration through its strategic management and close oversight, affirming that such comprehensive support was a key factor in organizing a conference worthy of the university’s and the unit’s stature.

He added that the conference was preceded by a series of workshops aimed at training young physicians in the latest interventional radiology techniques, noting the remarkable turnout from junior doctors. The conference was held over two days, Thursday, May 8, and Friday, May 9, hosting a panel of international experts from Europe and the U.S., alongside leading professors from Egyptian universities.

A highlight of the conference was the live broadcast of interventional radiology procedures performed at Ain Shams University’s Interventional Radiology Unit, offering participants direct insight into advanced clinical practices.

Prof. Mohamed Shaker, Director of the Interventional Radiology Unit, presented an overview of the unit’s history, noting its distinction as the largest of its kind in Egypt and the Arab world. He traced its establishment back over 40 years to its founder, Prof. Ahmed Kamal El-Dorry, a pioneer of radiology in the region. Dr. Shaker highlighted the unit’s continuous evolution over the decades, both in equipment and human resources, emphasizing its current possession of cutting-edge technologies that meet the highest international standards in interventional radiology.

The conference was held under the supervision of Prof. Amani Mohamed Rashad (Head of the Department), Prof. Osama Hetta (Conference President and President of the Egyptian Society of Interventional Radiology), Prof. DMohamed Shaker (Director of the Interventional Radiology Unit), Prof. Mohamed Gharib, and Prof. Khaled Shehata (Professors of Radiology, Ain Shams University).

The conference explored the latest global advances in interventional radiology techniques, gathering leading experts from Egypt and abroad, and included live case demonstrations alongside hands-on workshops.

At the conclusion of the conference, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, honored a number of distinguished figures from the Radiology Department in recognition of their outstanding contributions and pioneering efforts in supporting and developing the Interventional Radiology Unit.

The honorees included Prof. Ahmed Kamal El-Dorry, founder of the Interventional Radiology Unit, who was commended for his pivotal scientific and professional achievements that laid the foundation for the unit’s establishment and growth. The recognition also extended to Dr. Hossam Mohamed Fahmy, former director of the unit, and Prof. Sameh Abdel Wahab, former director, in appreciation of their roles in advancing the unit’s academic and clinical mission and elevating its status both locally and internationally.