Global Expertise in Iraq: Dr. Nikolas Rae’s Insightful Visit to Iraq

Comprehensive Report on Dr. Nikolas Rae’s Visit to Iraq

Visitor:

Dr. Nikolas Rae, FRCP Edinburgh
Consultant and Lecturer in Infectious Diseases, NHS Tayside, Scotland

Duration:

October 29–November 3, 2024

Host Organization:

Global Premier Training Institute (GPTI)

Introduction

Dr. Nikolas Rae’s visit to Iraq, organized by the Global Premier Training Institute (GPTI), exemplified the power of international collaboration in advancing medical education and healthcare practices. This visit, spanning Nasiriyah, Baghdad, Al-Anbar, and Mosul, combined academic engagements, strategic collaborations, and cultural exploration. It not only enriched the local medical community with cutting-edge knowledge but also reinforced GPTI’s commitment to bridging global expertise and local healthcare systems. This report provides a detailed account of the visit’s milestones, emphasizing its profound impact on Iraq’s medical and academic landscape.

1. Nasiriyah (Thi-Qar): A Gateway to Knowledge Exchange

A. Visit to Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital

Dr. Rae began his journey with an early morning round at Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital, where he assessed patients with respiratory conditions and conducted case reviews in the ICU. His hands-on approach and critical discussions with local physicians emphasized advanced respiratory care and critical management strategies.

B. Academic Engagements at Al-Ayen Medical College

At Al-Ayen Medical College, Dr. Rae engaged in a high-level meeting with Dean Prof. Adnan Taan, discussing strategies to elevate medical education. His lecture, “Approach to Fever and Assessment,” captivated an audience of medical students, emphasizing diagnostic reasoning and evidence-based practices. A tour of the college’s state-of-the-art teaching hospital highlighted the integration of advanced clinical training tools, which Dr. Rae commended as a model for fostering hands-on learning.

C. Visit to Thi-Qar Medical College

Dr. Rae met with leaders at Thi-Qar Medical College, including the Dean, Prof. Wajdy Jabbar, the Assistants Dean, Dr. Faiz Khalf, and Dr. Ali Abdul Baqi. He congratulated the college on achieving academic accreditation, a milestone reflecting its commitment to excellence. The discussions centered on enhancing quality standards in medical education and establishing robust frameworks for collaborative research. Dr. Rae also toured the college’s modern laboratories and clinical facilities, commending the institution’s significant investment in fostering academic and clinical excellence.

D. Cultural Exploration

Dr. Rae visited the Ziggurat of Ur, immersing himself in the grandeur of Sumerian civilization, and toured the Hammar Marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These visits deepened his appreciation for Iraq’s rich cultural and ecological heritage.

Nismat with Dr. Nikolas Rae

Exploring Viral Respiratory Infections with Dr. Nik Rae The Host: Dr. Mudher Al-Khairalla The Guest: Dr. Nikolas Rae

Thi-Qar Gallery

2. Baghdad and Al-Anbar: Strategic Collaboration and Training

A. Evening Meeting in Baghdad

Dr. Rae joined GPTI leaders in a discussion with Dr. Haitham Al-Kubaisi (Specialist in Infectious Diseases) and Dr. Yasir Abdul Lateef (Assistant Professor, PhD, FICMS Pathology). The dialogue explored the state of medical education in Iraq, strategies for preventing infectious diseases, and integrating modern research into practical applications.

B. Workshop at Al-Anbar Medical College

On November 1, 2024, Dr. Rae participated in a collaborative workshop titled “Iraqi Board Curriculum for Infectious and Communicable Diseases,” sponsored by the University of Anbar - College of Medicine. Key highlights included:

• Dr. Mudher Al-Khairalla: Celebrated progress in infectious medicine and the importance of advancing healthcare systems.

• Dr. Haitham Al-Kubaisi: Presented a detailed overview of Iraq’s infectious disease landscape.

• Dr. Nikolas Rae: Shared UK perspectives on training in infectious diseases and delivered a focused session on “Assessment of Fever in Adults.”

The workshop was well-received, with active engagement from medical students and faculty, including the presence of Dean Prof. Walid Nassar Jafal.

C. Cultural Visit to Al-Kadhimiya

The team concluded the day with a visit to Al-Kadhimiya, reflecting on its spiritual significance and appreciating the tranquility and peace the site offered.

Training in Infectious Diseases a UK Perspective

In collaboration with the University of Anbar - College of Medicine Speaker: Dr. Nikolas Rae (UK) Date: October 30, 2024, at 10:00 am Baghdad Local Time

Assessment of Fever in Adults - Dr. Nikolas Rae

In collaboration with the University of Anbar - College of Medicine Speaker: Dr. Nikolas Rae (UK) Date: October 30, 2024, at 10:30 am Baghdad Local Time

Baghdad and Al-Anbar Gallery

3. Mosul: The Grand Finale

A. Preparations for the Conference

On October 31, 2024, the GPTI team, including Dr. Rae, traveled to Mosul to prepare for the Pulmonary Infections and Airway Diseases Mosul International Conference 2024.

B. Day 1 of the Conference (November 1, 2024)

The conference, hosted by Prof. Abdul Hameed Al-Qaseer, drew over 120 participants, including specialists from across Iraq and the Kurdistan region. Dr. Rae delivered an impactful lecture on “Investigation and Managing Pneumonia in Acquired Immunodeficiency,” which highlighted modern diagnostic techniques and management strategies.

The day concluded with a heritage tour, including visits to:

• Bytna Organization: Showcasing cultural preservation efforts.

• Al-Nouri Mosque (Al-Hadba Minaret): Highlighting restoration projects of the iconic mosque.

• Mosul Heritage House: Featuring a vibrant evening of traditional Mosuli music.

A traditional Mosuli dinner marked the perfect end to the day, which Dr. Rae described as a highlight of his visit.

C. Day 2 of the Conference (November 2, 2024)

Dr. Rae delivered two highly engaging lectures:

1. “Antibiotics Resistance:” Addressing the global healthcare crisis with actionable solutions.

2. “Septic Pulmonary Emboli and Right Heart Endocarditis:” A deep dive into complex cases with advanced clinical insights.

The conference concluded successfully, leaving a lasting impact on participants.

D. Farewell

On November 3, 2024, the GPTI team bid farewell to Dr. Rae, marking the end of a transformative visit that blended professional excellence with cultural appreciation.

Mosul International Conference 2024: Heritage Tour Itinerary

Discover the inspiring story of Mosul's cultural revival! During the Mosul International Conference 2024, held on November 1st and 2nd, attendees embarked on a Heritage Tour showcasing the city's incredible history and ongoing restoration efforts.

Key Outcomes

1. Educational Impact:

   • Enhanced understanding of infectious disease management among Iraqi medical students and professionals.

   • Shared global best practices in diagnostics, training, and healthcare systems.

2. Strengthened Collaborations:

   • Established pathways for joint research and strategic collaborations with Iraqi medical institutions.

   • Reinforced GPTI’s role as a hub for global medical partnerships.

3. Cultural Appreciation:

   • Showcased Iraq’s rich cultural heritage and hospitality, leaving a positive impression on international partners.

Closing Statement

The recent visit of Dr. Nikolas Rae to the Global Premier Training Institute (GPTI) stands as a testament to the pivotal role global expertise plays in driving development and innovation in Iraq. Over the course of his journey, Dr. Rae engaged in purposeful dialogues and initiatives that illuminated the immense potential of international collaboration to address the unique challenges faced by Iraq's healthcare and educational sectors. His contributions provided a wealth of insights into advancing training programs and fostering knowledge exchange, laying the groundwork for impactful and sustainable progress.

Dr. Rae's visit exemplified how collaborative efforts can empower local professionals by introducing best practices and innovative solutions drawn from global experiences. His discussions with educators, policymakers, and medical leaders underscored the importance of developing tailored programs that address the specific needs of Iraq’s evolving healthcare landscape. By emphasizing the integration of modern research, specialized training, and capacity building, his engagements resonated with GPTI’s overarching mission to enhance human capital and drive excellence in medical education.

Beyond the professional realm, Dr. Rae’s cultural immersion highlighted the value of fostering mutual understanding and respect between international partners. His admiration for Iraq’s rich history and heritage reinforced the importance of combining professional exchanges with cultural appreciation to build lasting relationships. These shared experiences not only deepen trust but also create a sense of shared purpose in achieving transformative goals.

Dr. Rae’s focus on critical issues such as antibiotic resistance, infectious disease management, and advanced medical training showcased his commitment to addressing global challenges with local solutions. His efforts inspired a collaborative spirit among Iraqi professionals, instilling hope for a brighter, more innovative future.

In conclusion, Dr. Nikolas Rae’s visit to Iraq was a defining milestone in GPTI’s pursuit of excellence in medical education and international partnership. His expertise, combined with his dedication to cultural exchange, has set a new benchmark for collaboration, inspiring future initiatives that bridge global innovation with local potential. The impact of this visit will continue to echo in the advancements of Iraq’s healthcare and educational sectors, serving as a beacon of what can be achieved through collective effort and shared vision.

Personal Note:

We wish our dear friend, Dr. Nikolas Rae, all the best, along with prosperity, success, and every happiness in his future endeavors. May his journey be filled with continued achievements and positive impact wherever he goes.

Great to combine some infectious diseases and respiratory medicine across Iraq with friend and colleague Dr Mudher Al-Khairalla. Everyone was exceptionally welcoming and it was great to make so many new friends. The Iraqi hospitality (and food) was second to none!

Nik Rae

★★★★★

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