The course was formally opened by the center’s Medical Director, Dr. Abdullah Al-Qwaee wherein he warmly welcomed the attendees who were all eager to learn something new in the field of pediatric medicine. He stressed out that the course was highlighted with 21 hours of continuous medical education and was duly accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. 

Meanwhile, the course coordinator, Pediatric Cardiologist Consultant, Dr. Ali Al-Akhfash initiated the launching of the course and emphasized that Prince Sultan Center Qassim uniquely stood among all medical centers in the entire region because it is the only center that holds this specialized program within and outside the Kingdom. The said course which includes educational and training activities has been actively serving medical professionals for 13 consecutive years. 

Dr. Ali Al-Akhfash also pointed out that the course was so broad and it comprised several important details and topics related to the heart. He extensively lectured on heart diseases that affect the fetus and how to determine or diagnose it. Consultants of the field of pediatrics also discussed the diagnosis of the disease, the birth defects during the pregnancy period, and imaging the heart of the fetus.

Aside from the theories and knowledge they have grasped during the lecture, the attendees were also practically exposed in applying what they have learned. During the 3-day session, they were taught and trained on how to take a photograph of the fetus’ heart in a step by step manner and in the approved scientific method. The session was limited to only 8 trainees who have sufficient knowledge in fetal and cardiac ultrasound imaging or knowledge in imaging of pregnant women. The limit of trainees was basically to give them the full opportunity to easily comprehend and apply the entirety of the training. 

On the other hand, the lecturers and the trainers expressed their overwhelming thanks to the center’s management, the Pediatric department, and the committee for holding such a beneficial course. They also showed their positive impression and admiration of the well-organized event. 

The Center’s Director, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mesnid and his Deputy, Mr. Abdullah Al-Fouzan extended their appreciation and gratitude to everyone who took part in realizing the event. They also praised the successful turnout of the course, and heartily distinguished the presence of everyone around. 

They were also elated to know that the course was notably worthy to have been attended by doctors from different regions of the Kingdom, a pediatric cardiologist from Bahrain, and a pediatric cardiologist all the way from Ireland. 

The center’s administration is proud to say that this particular course is already an annual activity for 13 successive years and they are hopeful to look forward to the next session on March 2021, in God’s will.