The University of Baghdad’s College of Medicine launched the 1st National Forum on Cardiac Arrhythmia, a premier scientific event featuring a distinguished group of professors, consultants, and specialists from Iraq and several Arab countries. This gathering underscores the status of “Baghdad Medicine” as a historic cradle of science and a prestigious hub for academic and medical collaboration.
The forum commenced with an opening speech by the Assistant Dean for Scientific Affairs, Assistant Professor Dr. Mohammed Basil. He expressed his pride in the college hosting such significant scientific assemblies, emphasizing that the College of Medicine is not merely an educational institution but a venerable landmark and a continuous legacy for generations. He welcomed all participants, affirming the college’s role as a patron for physicians and a supporter of every effort to advance medical education in Iraq.
Professor Dr. Hassan Ali Al-Farhan, Chairman of the Scientific Council of Cardiology, described the event as a “Medical Carnival” held on the grounds of heritage and hospitality. He extended a warm welcome to guests arriving from the banks of the Nile to the Tigris, as well as participants from Lebanon and Jordan. Dr. Al-Farhan highlighted the pivotal role of the heart in human life and the vital importance of the arrhythmia specialty. He also expressed his gratitude to the Dean, Professor Dr. Ameen Abdul-Hassan Al-Alwany, for his unwavering support of medical activities.
Professor Dr. Mohammed Hashim Al-Mayahi, Director of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship, discussed the growing significance of this modern specialty and its direct impact on diagnosis and treatment. He noted that the forum’s lectures were designed to be scientifically rigorous yet accessible, ensuring that all practicing physicians benefit from a practical understanding of this precise field.
In a moving address, Professor Dr. Mervat Abu El-Maaty, a pioneer of Cardiac Electrophysiology at Ain Shams University (Egypt), expressed her deep affection for Baghdad. “Baghdad is the city of science and the home of wisdom,” she stated. “Salutations to this ancient land, the land of letters and pens—from the Egyptian Pharaonic civilization to the civilizations of Babylon and Sumer.” She praised the exceptional hospitality and the high level of culture and creativity shown by the students of Baghdad College of Medicine.
The opening ceremony concluded with a speech by Professor Dr. Ameen Abdul-Hassan Al-Alwany, Dean of the College and Chairman of the Committee of Deans of Medical Colleges in Iraq. He reiterated the college’s commitment to its pioneering role in supporting precise medical specialties.
In a gesture of profound gratitude, Dr. Al-Alwani honored Professor Dr. Ammar Al-Hamdi, describing him as a spiritual father and mentor whose fundamental contributions shaped the specialty in Iraq. Dr. Al-Hamdi then officially opened the conference, expressing his pride in how Cardiac Electrophysiology has evolved from its modest beginnings into a highly professional field in Iraq, capable of providing world-class patient care.
The inauguration marked the start of scientific sessions for a forum that reaffirms the University of Baghdad’s College of Medicine as a leader in embracing modern science and building bridges of cooperation across the Arab world.
