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Almoosa Specialist Hospital

Issued by : ALMOOSA Specialist Hospital / April 2014 - No.13

Contents General Manager Abdalaziz Abdulah Almoosa General Supervisor Malik Abdalaziz Almoosa Editing Director Ahmed Algohary

Supervisor media production Areej ALmuhisen Al-Moosa Medical Center opens in Al-Oyoun Industrial Zone

Design & production of Tareq Mahmoud

Translation

Dr. Mohammed Kassab

Photography Mohamed Abdi Kausar Almkrani

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‫رﺳﺎﻟﺔ‬

Almoosa Specialist Hospital

‫ م‬2014 ‫ اﻟﻌﺪد اﻟﺜﺎﻟﺚ ﻋﺸﺮ ـ أﺑﺮﻳﻞ‬/ ‫ ﻣﺴﺘﺸﻔﻰ اﻟﻤﻮﺳﻰ اﻟﺘﺨﺼﺼﻲ‬: ‫ﺗﺼﺪر ﻋﻦ‬

‫اﳌﺴﺘﺸﻔﻰ ﻳﺪﺷﻦ ﻫﻮﻳﺘﻪ اﳉﺪﻳﺪة‬

Issue Cover

ALMOOSA Specialist Hospital

Al Ahsa Chamber hosts the ceremony of launching Al-Moosa Hospital’s New Identity

April 2014 - Issue No.13

‫ م‬2014 ‫اﻟﻌﺪد اﻟﺜﺎﻟﺚ ﻋﺸﺮ ـ أﺑﺮﻳﻞ‬

‫ﻣﺴﺘﺸﻔﻰ اﻟﻤﻮﺳﻰ اﻟﺘﺨﺼﺼﻲ‬

Issued by : ALMOOSA Specialist Hospital / April 2014 - No.13

Published by: ALMOOSA Specialist Hospital

Because It’s more FUN @ Al Moosa About Obesity Surgery in Almoosa Specialist Hospital 2

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- 13 -

The Issue No.13- in April 2014 Fourth year. P. o. Box 1519 Zip code 31982 Tel.: +966 3 5307000 Fax :+966 3 5304440

Email: magazine@almoosahospital.com.sa

‫رﺳﺎﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﳌـــــــﻮﺳﻰ‬

Editorial

Change…confirmation of differences and continuity of excellence “Your life doesn’t get better by chance. It gets better by change”, Jim Rohn. Change is deeply connected to life and considered as the magical tool of development. It usually pushes us to look at the future, keep pace with improvement, growth, progress towards the best and latest. Change is but a dynamic balance depends on knowledge and learning, and gets the best of the cumulative values of human as well as establishments when questing for excellence and leadership. Change and development gain splendor, strength and vitality when it is inspired by the employees and workers working for the same establishment in general and our hospital in particular. In fact, many generations have been brought up by the culture of change, for it is a collective industry based on innovative and creative initiatives to keep pace with future changes and challenges. Launching the new identity of Al-Moosa Hospital is but a scientific and practical expression of our belief in the importance of change and development. This reflects the clarity of the mission and aims towards offering unique services through patriotic spirit committed to offer high-quality health care. Meanwhile, the hospital is to be considered as a resource of knowledge, education and improvement reflecting the values and culture of Al Ahsa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the hospital’s new identity represents a strong and clear confirmation of our commitment to quality through the implementation of the best international standards as well as it confirms our intentions and plans to proceed with the innovation and development

programs whether in human competencies or the equipment and latest technologies to keep up with the vast improvement in the field of medical services and health care. The new identity is just a beginning of the hospital’s readiness to enter the new stage which requires different levels of services, technologies, ideas and valueadded programs for the hospital. In this context, we expect the launching of the new identity of Al-Moosa General Hospital along with the scheduled opening stages of the new medical tower which coincide with the increase of economic growth, developmental mobility, service enhancement and population increase in Al Ahsa to become an ideal opportunity for opening new horizons through which the hospital can achieve more pioneering merits and qualitative additions and entitlements to contribute more efficiently and effectively to achieve a prosperous future of the region. For now, the hospital is expanding and prompting the services range which for sure will add to the region’s resources and reinforce the hospital’s share in the rapid investment and development of our beloved Al Ahsa. Inspired from our recognition of the fact that the new identity and the trademark aren’t the product or the service sold or offered to our clients, but they are the addedvalue, the spirit of the service, the heart which controls the rest of systems and limbs, way of communication, unique companionship linking the hospital to its clients wherever they are. Thus, we promise you to keep commitment to excellence and quality, to open the doors for unlimited communication and to adopt the best solutions and latest technologies.

Malek Abdulaziz Al-Moosa CEO

Almoosa Specialist Hospital

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‫رﺳﺎﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﳌـــــــﻮﺳﻰ‬

Al-Moosa News Serving the Industrial Zone, Al-Oyoun City and Al-Marah

Al-Moosa Medical Center opens in Al-Oyoun Industrial Zone

Under the sponsorship and presence of Al Ahsa Governor

Al-Moosa Hospital wins the Award of Excellence for large entities Al-Moosa Specialist Hospital wins Al Ahsa Chamber Award of Excellence of 2013 categorized to big economical entities whereas the hospital was evaluated by a committee authorized by the chairman and members of the Award’s Board of Trustees headed by Mr. Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Jabr and the Director General His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al-Shoaibi, the Director of the Institute of Public Administration in Riyadh. The evaluation of the hospital was performed through seven important standards: hospital’s strategic objectives, knowledge of the market, human resources management, hospital’s commitment to quality, implementation of Saudization, innovation and creativity, and social responsibility. Al-Moosa Specialist Hospital’s General Manager Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Moosa was honored to receive the Award of Excellence trophy from His Royal Highness Prince Badr bin Jalawi Al-Moosa Hospital has been accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) for 2009 and got it for the second time in 2012. The hospital also got the CBAHI (Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions) accreditation in 2013. Meanwhile, the hospital’s executive director, Mr. Malek Al-Moosa, was awarded for the best executive director of the heath sector in the kingdom in 2011. Al-Moosa Hospital has recently celebrated its

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18thanniversary since the opening as the first private hospital in the province of Al Ahsa. At the same time, Al-Moosa is almost done with establishing, equipping and furnishing the largest medical tower in the province which contains 120 beds to increase the capacity of the hospital to accommodate 240 beds to be considered as the biggest hospital in the province. The general manager is receiving the Award of Excellence from Al Ahsa Governor

Al Rashid opened Al Moosa Center in Al ayoun City

Under the sponsorship of Eng. Saleh Al-Rasheed, Director General of the Saudi Industrial Property Authority “MODON”, Al-Moosa Gen. Hospital has recently opened Al-Moosa Medical Centerlocated in the Industrial Zone of Al-Oyoun City as a step of the hospital’s expansion plans to cover, serve and offer the medical services to different areas of Al-Ahsa where the center will help in meeting the urgent needs of such services in the Ind. Zone, cities and villages nearby. ‫رﺳﺎﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﳌـــــــﻮﺳﻰ‬

Al-Moosa News Within the framework of Strategic Partnership

Al Ahsa Chamber hosts the ceremony of launching Al-Moosa Hospital’s New Identity

The reception in Al-moosa Center

C E O with the medical staff

medical center in the Ind. Zone is but a response to the kind invitation from the Saudi Industrial Property Authority “MODON” aiming to integrate the services in the zone which actually contains more than 5,000 employees and workers. This will give the space and pave the way to the center to offer advanced medical services with high quality supported by the efficiency and For his part, Mr. Malek bin Abdulaziz Al- experience of the medical staff. Moosa, the Executive Director of Al-Moosa Gen. Hospital, emphasizes that the opening of the new Additionally, the working hours of Al-Oyoun medical center is part of the hospital’s role and Medical Center will be daily from 8:00 AM until commitment towards the region’s community 5:00 PM except for Fridays. However, the E.R. staff considering this as a natural expansion of the will be working 247/. The center aims to serve trust the people of Al Ahsa have in the hospital the people in the Ind. Zone and will expand its and the services offered for 17 years. Mr. Malek, on services to cover the cities and villages nearby Althe other hand, confirms that the opening of the Oyoun and Al-Marah. The center is located on an area of more than 1,000 meter square and consists of one floor including more than ten clinics, a room for minor operations, a laboratory, general surgery, x-ray, E.R., and men and women waiting rooms. The center also contains a big reception lounge, a pharmacy and a waiting room for patients.

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In a press conference, Al Ahsa Chamber hosts the ceremony of launching the new identity of Al-Moosa General Hospital under the slogan “Let’s Plant Hope” referring to the beginning of a new phase of work, a new commitment to provide inclusive health services with high quality. The ceremony witnessed the presence of Eng. Khaled Al-Saleh vice-president of Al-Ahsa Chamber, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Moosa the General Manager of Al-Moosa Hospital and the General Secretary of Al Ahsa Chamber of Commerce Mr. Abdullah Al-Nashwan in addition to a number of the chamber’s board members, officials of some government departments and journalists At the beginning of the ceremony, Mr. Abdullah Al-Nashwan the General Secretary of Al Ahsa Chamber of Commerce explained that launching the new identity of Al-Moosa General Hospital coincides with the increase of economic growth, developmental mobility, service enhancement and population increase in Al Ahsa which in turns give more opportunities for the hospital

to contribute more effectively and efficiently. Meanwhile, the hospital is expanding and prompting the services range which for sure will add to the region’s resources as a pioneer tourist attraction and a unique center for health care projects attracting the investments from all over the kingdom.

‫رﺳﺎﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﳌـــــــﻮﺳﻰ‬

Al-Moosa News

Malek AI-Moosa

Mr. Al-Nashwan confirmed that Al Ahsa Chamber of Commerce is proud of the on-going relationship with Al-Moosa General Hospital as one of the most important strategic partners contributing to form the developmental scene of a prosperous future of Al Ahsa. He also mentioned that the time of launching the new identity coinciding with the development and expansion of the hospital gives more space to let the hospital play, strongly, an important role in supporting the national health care sector. He, additionally,referred to the hospital’s recognition of what the new identity will add to the mental image, good reputation of its name and trademark which well-deserved by the effort exerted.

Aabduullah AL-Nashwan

of Al-Moosa Hospital is increasing and needs intensive communication with the people of Al Ahsashowing the distinguished initiatives and achievements performed and has become a cause of pride for all the people living in Al Ahsa. After that, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Moosa, the General Manager of the hospital, has launched the hospital’s new identity to be the official one with the new name of “AlMoosa Specialist Hospital”. Then a documentary has explained the logo and new identity which is presented as a greenish Buckthorn (Rhamnus)tree based on two paralleled lines representing the stem which symbolize the two main pillars upon which the hospital was built: Commitment to quality through the implementation of the best international standards, and the improvement and innovation whether in human competencies or the equipment and latest technologies to keep up with the vast improvement in the field of medical services and health care.

In the same context, Mr. Al-Nashwan emphasized the fact that the success of AlMoosa General Hospital is in parallel with the development and expansion of the region which urge the hospital to offer the best services with high levels following the international standards in addition to gaining the best international medical and health certificates of Thereafter, some questions were asked by the accreditations. Meanwhile, the responsibility journalists and public whereas Mr. Malek Al-

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Moosa the Executive Director of the hospital has confirmed that during the last 18 years, Al-Moosa Hospital has proved the capacity of offering the superior medical services in the region. Now, it is the time to continue the improvement which leads to gain the highest certificates and international accreditations. Mr. Malek confirms that launching the new identity is but an announcement of the hospital’s readiness to enter the new stage which requires different levels of services and new identity showing the ability to change and improve at all levels. Additionally, Mr. Malek indicated that the hospital is witnessing a great expansion making it the largest private hospital in Al Ahsa with a capacity of 240 beds, 100 outpatient clinics and 50 beds for intensive care along with a big group of medical centers, services and specialties which aren’t available at the market of medical services and health care in the region. Mr. Malek added that opening the new 12-floor medical tower which belongs to the hospital will be

achieved through two stages. He also paid attention to the new identity showing that it is presented as a greenish Buckthorntree based on two paralleled lines representing the stem which symbolize the two main pillars upon which the hospital was built: Commitment to quality through the implementation of the best international standards, and the improvement and innovation whether in human competencies or the equipment and latest technologies to keep up with the vast improvement in the field of medical services and health care. Mr. Malek Al-Moosaclarified that the buckthorn (Rhamnus)tree occupies a special position in the heart of the people of Al Ahsa, for it symbolizes originality, firmness, continuity and giving as it is an example of strength, steadfastness and welfare. Additionally, buckthorn tree is recognized as a rich source of medicine and helps in recovery of many illnesses, and the green color of its branches and leaves give the inspiration of good health and innovation whether in ideas or services and technologies. ‫رﺳﺎﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﳌـــــــﻮﺳﻰ‬

Activities Committee organized a wide range of subsidized So to create a sense of balance in your environment activities for the staff. For the first quarter of this and to buffer your everyday stressors don’t get left behind! Get involved NOW! year, the following activities are the following:

Because It’s more FUN @ Al Moosa

The ZUMBA CLASS Because of the overwhelming response from the employees intending to join the said class, we needed to divide the group into three batches dancing their way to fitness twice a week. The class was anticipated by many as it is not only a venue to get fit but it also provided an avenue for the employees to gather and mingle. BOWLING A friendly game of bowling was also sorted out as each team challenged themselves altogether. Participants from each team without a doubt had their share of fun and glory with a great display of sportsmanship.

By: Vanessa Rae M. Dumagat, RN

Recreation and leisure activities are but essential and crucial dimension in one’s quality of life which crosses all gender and age. It has been said that someone who digs work with no play makes one dull, hence, recreational activities are vehicles through which people can interact with colleagues, meet new friends and more so develop skills and competencies you never knew existed. However, conventionally, these kinds of interests are given the less priority as an area in which support and assistance are provided, especially in a HealthCare Institution where patients are of our primary concern more than our gratification. Accordingly, while being a part of the rat race today it is also but necessary to possess some time for a breather. Thus, recreational activities served this purpose. We are fortunate enough that our Executive Director, Mr. Malek Almoosa gave us a diversion from the daily routine when he materialized the SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE last December of 2013, making sure that it would not be all work with no play for the finest Institution in the region. With an intent to make all the employees of Almoosa Specialist Hospital feel invigorated and revitalized, Mr. Bever

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Lloyd Asensi from the Physiotherapy Department was tasked and handpicked by the Executive Director himself to be the Chairperson of the committee together with his exceptional team members: Ms. Joan Lardizabal, Joao Paulo Garcia, Shani Madhusoodhanan, Dr. Tageldin Aly and Abdulrahman Aljwof. Consequently, they officially established the committee and a break from the monotony was what they’ve explicitly achieved. To foster better relations and camaraderie among the employees, the Sports and Recreational

OUT OF TOWN TRIP More recently a trip to Bahrain over the weekend with two coasters in tow was realized. Apparently, there is just something in having a shared meal together or laughing together and sharing stories together outside the four walls of our Institution that encourages the employees to freely talk and get to know each other better. It even gets more exciting as we learn about the culture and heritage of other countries. For this reason alone, a lineup of out of town trips is certainly assured. RECREATIONAL FOOTBALL A recreational sociable football match paved its way for the Men in this Institution. Undoubtedly, it promoted teamwork and fostered a sense of connectivity among the participants making them feel that they are a part of a unified front. In view of these activities and as for our upcoming leisure interests, Involvement therefore for the Sports and Recreational Committee can help us all lead a more productive and healthier lifestyles not to mention the bonds that were created. ‫رﺳﺎﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﳌـــــــﻮﺳﻰ‬

ARTICLE

About Obesity Surgery in Almoosa Specialist Hospital By Dr. Mario Neves, Bariatric Surgery Consultant

Obesity is a big problem not only in Saudi Arabia where we have a rate of 40% of all population and even in the female population the rate increase to 50%, but all over the world the rate is increasing every day. Obesity as no cure for the moment but Bariatric Surgery is the only method that as good results. In Almoosa Specialist Hospital, following the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) international guidelines, we now have a multidisciplinary team to assess and prepare the obese patients regarding the surgery. In this team, besides me, the Bariatric Surgeon, there is an Endocrinologist, a Nutritionist, a Gastroenterologist and a Psychologist under the supervision of the Psychiatry Department to help the patient in is need for lifestyle changing. After the team assessment the decision about what operation to do is taken. Since last February we already treat 6 obese patients, all with success but I would like to talk about our first one, Mr. M. a Saudi young man with 29 years old. He made all the team assessment and was well prepared for the operation, a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. We use the Laparoscopic method because it is a less aggressive way to treat patients, with lesser post-operative pain, early ambulation, and just 3 days stay in the Hospital. In the first month he lose 20 Kg and feels much 14

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better weighing less and with improvement of all his comorbities(diseases). He is tolerating the diet and his appetite decrease with the operation and this is really the main reason of the maintenance of his weight lost. He is much happier and now he feels life is better so he can do things that before he was not able to do. We will continue to support him so he can continue is path of weight lost and improve is quality of life because, as a Team, we have all the resources in Almoosa Specialist Hospital to help him and all obese patients that need help. ‫رﺳﺎﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﳌـــــــﻮﺳﻰ‬

5 healthy foods

What are the top

healthy foods?

Imagine a choice of foods that were tasty, nutritious and good for your health - i.e. they helped you maintain a healthy body weight, improved your overall mood, and reduced your risk of developing diseases This Medical News Today information article provides details on the top five foods considered to be the most healthy, according to surveys and sources across North America and Western Europe. They include: 1- Apples Apples are an excellent source of antioxidants, which combat free radicals. Free radicals are damaging substances generated in the body that cause undesirable changes and are involved in the aging process and some diseases. Some animal studies have found that an antioxidant found in apples (polyphenols) might extend lifespans. Researchers at The Florida State University said that apples are a “miracle fruit”. In their study, the investigators found that older women who starting a regime of eating apples daily experienced a 23 percent drop in levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and a 4% increase in good cholesterol (HDL) after just six months. 2- Almonds Almonds are rich in nutrients, including magnesium, vitamin E, iron, calcium, fiber, and riboflavin. A scientific review published in Nutrition Reviews3 found that almonds as a food may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. The authors wrote: Almonds have more fiber than any other tree nut. The fatty acid profile of almonds, which is made up of 9194%- unsaturated fatty acids, may partly explain why it helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. 3- Broccoli Broccoli is rich in fiber, calcium, potassium, folate and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are compounds which reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Broccoli also contains

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vitamin C. A single 100 gram serving of broccoli can provide you with over 150 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which in large doses can potentially shorten the duration of the common cold. Another ingredient, sulforphane, which exists in broccoli, is also said to have anti-cancer as well as anti-inflammatory qualities. However, overcooking can destroy most of the benefits.ene, an antioxidant. 4- Blueberries Blueberries are rich in fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are natural chemicals found in plants. Unlike minerals and vitamins that are also found in plant foods, phytonutrients are not essential for keeping us alive. However, they may help prevent disease and keep the body working properly. According to a study carried out at Harvard Medical School, elderly people who eat plenty of blueberries (and strawberries) are less likely to suffer from cognitive decline, compared to other people of their age who do not.10 Scientists at Texas Woman’s University found that blueberries help in curbing obesity. Plant polyphenols, which are abundant in blueberries, have been shown to reduce the development of fat cells (adipogenesis), while inducing the breakdown of lipids and fat (lipolysis). 5- Oily fish Examples of oily fish include salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines and anchovies. These types of fish have oil in their tissues and around the gut. Their lean fillets contain up to 30% oil, specifically, omega-3 fatty acids. These oils are known to provide benefits for the heart, as well as the nervous system. Oily fish are also known to provide benefits for patients with inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. Oily fish also contain vitamins A and D. Scientists at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that prostate cancer progression was significantly slowed when patients went on a low-fat diet with fish oil supplements. ‫رﺳﺎﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﳌـــــــﻮﺳﻰ‬

healthy skin to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin - the fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking - such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke - can contribute to wrinkles. If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.

Skin care:

tips for healthy skin

Good skin care - including sun protection and gentle cleansing can keep your skin healthy and glowing for years to come. Don’t have time for intensive skin care? Pamper yourself with the basics. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Get started with these five no-nonsense tips. 1. Protect yourself from the sun 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. One of the most important ways to take care of • Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and and wide-brimmed hats. Also consider laundry other skin problems - as well as increase the risk of additives, which give clothing an additional skin cancer. layer of ultraviolet protection for a certain For the most complete sun protection: number of washings, or special sun-protective • Use sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen clothing - which is specifically designed to block with an SPF of at least 15. When you’re outdoors, ultraviolet rays. reapply sunscreen every two hours - or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring. 2. Don’t smoke • Seek shade. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes 18

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4. Eat a healthy diet A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn’t clear - but some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.

3. Treat your skin gently Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. To keep it gentle: • Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm - rather than hot - water. • Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers. • Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it. • Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin. • Moisturize dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.

5. Manage stress Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin - and a healthy state of mind - take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect. ‫رﺳﺎﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﳌـــــــﻮﺳﻰ‬

A Doctor’s Story

Has more than 2,000 flight hours and finds great similarities between surgery and equestrian sports

Football field injuries are considered among the most accurate specialties of Orthopedic Surgery, for it deals with a task related to practicing sports. A simple problem could have a great effect on the health of bones and joints which consequently affect the movement. The guest of this issue of “Al-Moosa Mission” is one of the most significant names specialized in this major and showed great skills and abilities to succeed in this field. Dr. Antonio Sabbo has treated many well-known footballer in Portugal when he was among the medical team of S. L. Benfica football team in addition to his journey during the last two years with Al-Fateh Sports Club, the champion of the Saudi Football League last year.

Dr. Antonio Sabbo

consultant orthopedic surgeon Portuguese Board French Fellowship Almoosa Specialist Hospital

Dr. Antonio .. Orthopedic Surgeon with a degree of “Professional Horse Rider”

Dr. Antonio in front of his airoplane

In this dialogue, we’ll try to get to know more about the personal traits and the life journey of Dr. Antonio, Consultant and Head of Orthopedics, Joints and Sports Injuries Department in Al-Moosa Specialist Hospital: •

What are your memories from your childhood and how it was? Was…??? I’m still enjoying this state of grace and hope to do it for a long time… - In which university you studied medicine? I was born in Lisbon, but I lived and did my basic

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school in Angola, a former African Portuguese colony. I finished my high school studies, when I was 18, in the Colegio Militar, a military high school in Lisbon. From Sept 1973 to Sept 1980 I was in Medical School, the Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa.

‫رﺳﺎﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﳌـــــــﻮﺳﻰ‬

A Doctor’s Story From Jan 1981 to Dec 1982 I did my General Internship in the Hospitais Civis de Lisboa and I stayed in the same Hospital in the Orthopedic Service until May 1984 for a fellowship in Orthopedic General Trauma. In 1991 I finished in the Hospital de Sant’Ana, at Parede, Portugal, my Orthopedic Surgery residency and got my Portuguese Orthopedic Board Registration. • Why did you choose to be a doctor? I did not chose, I signed up on the wrong site. I wanted to be a vet… There was a strong family tradition of equestrian sports. My grandfather was an international rider, with two Olympic Games participation in Show Jumping, and my father have won twice the Portuguese National Jumping Championship and he have been several years in the Equestrian National Team. He also was in two Olympic Games, in the Portuguese Eventing Team. I and my brothers started riding very early and all of us started in show jumping competition when we were juniors. I won the National Junior Eventing Championship in 1973 and I have been in the Portuguese Equestrian Team to the European Junior Three Day Event Championship in 1973. I interrupted my equestrian activities in 1976 in order to devote myself to fencing and resumed between 1984 and 1986 when I did the military service as a physician at the Portuguese Military School of Riding and Sports. • Who is your idol? Peter Pan, for sure! He can fly…! That is my favorite hobby.

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I have an Italian ultra-light airplane, high wing, made in compositum, two seats, powered by a 64HP Australian aeronautical engine and I have more than 2000 flight hours done with it. I have a friend of mine, Mr. Jose Sebastiao that, more than an engineer, is a magician that keeps it finely tuned and secure. I think that surgical activity and flying airplanes have more similarities than you might think. I use to say that my airplane is my shrink…it keeps me in balance. •

What is the most important invention from the medical point of view? Regarding medicine I think we cannot speak of an invention or discovery which must be considered the most important one. For me, an Orthopedic Surgeon who deals with large metallic implants, one can say that antibiotics and comprehension of the need for aseptic environments for the realization of the surgeries were major milestones in our specialty. • What is the most important scientific research? I think that science has reached a level so high that no longer a new invention or discovery will change significantly the quality of life of humanity. It seems to me that it is in the area of humanities that are most needed improvements. It is not acceptable anymore to spread that civilized world has good manners, compliance and kind words…our actions will talk for us. Maybe hunger, peace and respect

Dr. Antonio practices his favourite sports

for the others should be important issues for the power in the world. It is not acceptable that people are starving when in the civilized world is every day increasing the importance of obesity due to excessive food. Some years ago an important campaign started in order to control the consumption of tobacco. The consequence it’s an immense increase in the costs of the health care provided on internal medicine, cardiology, general surgery, orthopedic surgery or cardiac and vascular surgery. Maybe one day we can see the starting of an important campaign in order to control the consumption of sugar and to teach the rich world not to damage food that can be needed for others.

•

What are your memories about sports? research in the world? Since the high school that competition sport dominated my time outside my academic life. Regarding the Equestrian sports I practiced the 3 disciplines, Dressage, Jumping and Eventing, the last two in international competitions in Portugal, Spain and France. During a short period I also practiced Modern Pentathlon and I’ve won the 1977 Portuguese Championship. During my Medical School I devoted myself to Fencing. I won the Portuguese National Championship of Epée in 1980 and I’ve been in the Portuguese Team during 5 years, competing in international competitions in Portugal, Spain, Morocco, France, Tunisia, Italy,

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A Doctor’s Story Germany, UK and Yugoslavia.

The town of Al Ahsa is a very special place to live, with very friendly people, generous with their smiles and • Which countries have you visited? their hospitality, and that do everything they can to I visited several countries, like Spain, France, Italy, UK, make us feel at home. Belgium, Nederland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, It is easy to consider that “a man belongs to where he Sweden, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, Morocco, settles…” Tunisia, United States, Senegal, Tanzania and Kenya. • What is the importance of the center of • Which capital city you like to visit? orthopedic surgery at the hospital? I’ve been several times in Paris. When we had the first contacts with the CEO of the During 1996 and 1997 I went there regularly to attend Almoosa Specialist Hospital, Mr. Malik Al Moosa, the Sports Traumatology Course directed by Prof. he explained us that he wanted to develop the Rodineau at La Pitié-Salpêtrière. Orthopedic Unit in order to increase and diversify the During 14 years I attended yearly the “Journées de type of orthopedic pathologies treated, introducing, Traumatologie du Sport”, in November, and the among others, the hip and knee arthroplastic surgery “Journées de Traumatologie de La Pitié-Salpêtrière” in and the knee sports surgery. July. During these two years our team was structured and I never get tired of that town… organized to extend our offerings to the community to children’s orthopedics, spine surgery, sports • What is your feeling about living in Saudi traumatology and knee and hip arthroplasties. Arabia? We can say proudly that we have a “true team” with As I told before, I visited several countries, but KSA is excellent relations between us, with the other Units completely different. of the hospital, and with the Al Ahsa Orthopedic I arrived in 2012, during Ramadan, in the middle of Community whose Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Bo Eisa, August. more than an excellent colleague is, for all of us, a By the very first time in my life I knew what is to good friend. breathe when the air temperature is above 50ºC. I cannot say that is indifferent to me the enormous • How would you describe the major differences founded here when compared with all the expansions that pass by ALMoosa Hospital? other countries where I’ve been. The Al Moosa Hospital is in a very important phase But I think that adaptability is one of the most of its history, ready for the opening of the new tower, important characteristics that we must develop if we having recently introduced to the community its new want to live in harmony in the most different cultures logo and designation. and social realities. My sensitivity to the environment that exists currently I was very lucky when I decided to come to the KSA in the hospital is that all of the doctors, nurses and to work and also very lucky with the hospital where I administrative staff, are ready and eager to face the am working, the General Manager, Sheik Abdul-Aziz new challenges and to continue the tradition already Al Moosa, the CEO, Mr. Malik Al Moosa and the Clinical signed of being an important asset to the Al Ahsa Director, Dr. Mahmoud Mustafa. community.

AlMoosa ission

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