Oncology centre at Tawam Hospital by ’09

Dr Miller and Michele Sison were accompanied by Prof Charles Cummings, Vice-President for Medical Affairs, Johns Hopkins Medicine International, and Harris Benny, Vice-President and COO, Johns Hopkins Medicine International.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Miller said, "Johns Hopkins Medicine is a leader in global healthcare, committed to creating an environment where scientific research and technological advancements continually lead to more effective and compassionate care for all. Johns Hopkins's partnership with Tawam Hospital extends this commitment to the UAE and the Gulf region, bringing the best that we have to offer in research, education, training and clinical services to the world community."

Tawam Hospital secured the 10-year affiliation from Johns Hopkins Medicine International earlier this year. The hospital also comes under the supervision of the General Authority for Health Services, a local government body that handles operations in Abu Dhabi's public hospitals.

Michael Heindel, CEO of Tawam Hospital, said, "The visit highlights the growing cooperation between the UAE and the US and strengthens our existing ties with Johns Hopkins Medicine. Many patients travel abroad to seek specialist treatment, but it is our goal to upgrade Tawam's services in order to provide this care in the UAE."

One of the foremost initiatives planned as part of this affiliation is the establishment of an oncology centre of excellence at Tawam with assistance from Johns Hopkins by 2009. The centre will treat the most common types of cancer as well as those prevalent in the Middle East such as lung, prostate and breast cancer.

A wide range of treatments will be offered at the centre and the latest information will be available to physicians and patients from the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, the US.