UoD, October 22, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) — The University of Duhok (UoD) hosted the opening of the 8th International Conference and Exhibition of the Kurdistan Cardio-Thoracic Society on Thursday, October 22, 2026, bringing together medical professionals and specialists to exchange scientific knowledge and discuss recent advances in cardiovascular medicine and thoracic care.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Saman Barzinji, Minister of Health of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG); Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok; Dr. Afrasiab Musa, Director General of Health in Duhok; Dr. Diyar Abdulkarim, President of the University of Zakho; Dr. Dildar Haji Musa, Dean of the College of Medicine, and Ms. Vian Sulaiman, Deputy Head of the Duhok Organisational Office of KDP. The conference also brought together local, Iraqi, and international physicians and specialists.

Organised by the Kurdistan Cardio-Thoracic Society, with the direct support and collaboration of the KRG Ministry of Health and the University of Duhok, the two-day event is organised by Eleganza and officially endorsed by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). It has also received endorsements from several regional and international professional organisations, including the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS), the Pan Arab Cardiovascular Interventional Association (PACIA), and the Gulf Society for Cardiac Surgery (GSCS).

The College of Medicine at the University of Duhok is among the conference’s collaborating institutions, reflecting the University’s role in advancing medical education, supporting clinical research, and strengthening professional exchange between academic institutions and healthcare practitioners. UoD faculty members are also contributing to the scientific programme, including Dr. Ameen Musa, Professor of Cardiology at the College of Medicine, who serves as Conference Director.

At the opening ceremony, Dr. Bawar Hassan Hussein, President of the Kurdistan Cardio-Thoracic Society and Conference President, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of bringing specialists together through scientific events.

Dr. Ameen Musa, Conference Director, emphasised the need for continuous professional development in a rapidly evolving medical field. He noted that such conferences help physicians update their knowledge, improve their professional practice, and ultimately provide better healthcare services to the community. He also thanked the companies supporting the organisation of the conference.

Dr. Afrasiab Musa congratulated the Society and the organising team on arranging the event. He highlighted the role of the Heart Centre and its services in Duhok Governorate, acknowledged Italy’s continued contribution through the provision of medical teams to Duhok, and announced plans to open a heart centre in Akre District to expand access to healthcare services.

In his address, Dr. Saman Barzinji praised the Society and the Conference Director for organising an event of international standing in the Kurdistan Region. He stressed the importance of continued professional development among physicians, strengthening local medical services, and reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment. He also called for greater emphasis on preventive healthcare and stronger doctor–patient relationships to build public trust in the healthcare system.

The scientific programme features live-streamed complex cardiac procedures from catheterisation laboratories, discussions of recent medical research from 2025 and 2026, and presentations addressing heart failure, hypertension, congenital heart diseases in children and adults, coronary interventions, and other cardiovascular conditions. These sessions provide opportunities for specialists to exchange clinical experience and discuss developments in diagnosis and treatment.

The conference’s central objective is to advance medical knowledge, facilitate international exchange of expertise, and support improvements in healthcare delivery. Its second day, Friday, October 23, will continue with further scientific sessions and clinical presentations.

Through its collaboration in this international medical gathering, the University of Duhok continues to support research-informed clinical practice, professional development, institutional partnerships, and the advancement of healthcare in the Kurdistan Region.

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University Press Office, October 22, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali, Nibar Haji Hussein
Photography: Mohammed A. Tahar

News Keywords

• University of Duhok College of Medicine
• 8th International Cardio-Thoracic Conference 2026
• Kurdistan Cardio-Thoracic Society
• European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
• Cardiovascular Medicine and Medical Research