Aspetar Strengthens Asian Football Medicine with Latest AFC Fellows

Press release

Published April 23rd, 2024 - 06:12 GMT

Aspetar Strengthens Asian Football Medicine with Latest AFC Fellows

DOHA, QATAR 22nd April 2024- Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, recently welcomed the newest cohort of the AFC President's Travelling Fellows for Football Medicine. This prestigious program, running for over a decade, fosters collaboration between Aspetar and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to elevate sports medicine expertise across Asia.

The week-long program hosted four participants: Dr. Mujahid Mohammad S Awadh Khoja (Physician, Saudi Arabia F.A.), Dr. Afrah Hamood Ali Al-Jabri (Physician, Oman F.A.), Ms. Nathaline Gilinguirian (Physiotherapist, Lebanon F.A.), and Mr. Ng Yui Kan (Physiotherapist, Hong Kong F.A.). The healthcare professionals will delve deep into the world of sports medicine, attending lectures from Aspetar's leading experts on crucial topics like sports nutrition and cutting-edge rehabilitation techniques.

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum, equipping the fellows with the tools to excel in their fields. Participants gain valuable insights into Football Medicine specific to the Asian landscape, exploring methods to prevent player injuries and illnesses through structured programs. They also learn innovative approaches to enhance player performance and overall health, while gaining exposure to the application of scientific research methods in sports medicine. This immersive experience further allows them to expand their knowledge base in their chosen areas of expertise.

The AFC President's Travelling Fellows program reflects the longstanding partnership between Aspetar and the AFC, solidified through a formal Memorandum of Agreement. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for AFC member associations to expose their healthcare professionals to the unparalleled expertise housed within Aspetar.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Aspetar CEO, reiterated the program's significance: "At Aspetar, we are driven by a core principle: sharing our knowledge and experience. We are honored to welcome these talented fellows. As the premier Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in the region, and a leader recognized by FIFA, Aspetar remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing sports medicine throughout Asia."

By fostering this exchange of knowledge and best practices, Aspetar continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening the foundation of sports medicine across Asia, ensuring the continued health and well-being of elite football players in the region.

Background Information

Aspetar

Aspetar is a world leading specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital, and the first of its kind in the Middle East. Since 2007, with a world expert team, the hospital has provided top-level comprehensive medical treatment to all athletes in a state-of-the-art facility that sets new standards internationally.

In 2009, Aspetar was accredited as a “FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence”. In 2013, Aspetar was adopted as a reference collaborator centre by the Gulf Countries Council (GCC) Health Ministers Council and “IOC Research Centre for Prevention of Injury and Protection of Athlete Health” in 2014.

In 2015, Aspetar has been recognised as the “IHF Reference Centre for Athlete and Referee Health”. In 2017, Aspetar was awarded World Health Organization’s Patient Safety Friendly Hospital-Level 3 designation.

In 2018, Aspetar – Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital was officially awarded Diamond Level accreditation status by Accreditation Canada. This is the highest level of accreditation award possible under the program and awarded to highly committed and quality-oriented organizations that monitor outcomes, use evidence and best practice to improve services. Aspetar is now the first hospital in the State of Qatar to be awarded this coveted Diamond Level Status. Aspetar is a member–organisation of Aspire Zone Foundation, Qatar’s innovative sports and healthy lifestyle destination.