US Ambassador to Qatar H E Timmy Davis being briefed about the latest robotic surgery facilities available at The View Hospital in the presence of Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Andy Jaffal, its chief medical officer.
More than 200 physicians from across the GCC gathered in Doha to explore the future of robotic-assisted surgery.
Doha, Qatar: The View Hospital, in affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, a top-ranked US hospital, has successfully concluded the second edition of its highly anticipated annual symposium, “Innovations in Robotic Surgery,” held on February 21-22, 2025, at the iconic Equestrian Club in Doha.
The symposium gathered over 200 physicians from across the GCC, alongside a distinguished lineup of international and regional medical experts. This exceptional turnout not only reflects the growing regional interest in robotic-assisted surgery but also underscores Qatar’s emerging role as a hub for medical innovation and collaboration within the Gulf.
US Ambassador to Qatar H E Timmy Davis with officials of The View Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at the event.
Building on the momentum of its successful inaugural edition, this year’s symposium offered intellectually stimulating sessions across diverse specialties, including general surgery, urology, thoracic surgery, bariatric surgery, gastroenterology, and women’s health.
Attendees engaged in transformative discussions and experienced firsthand the revolutionary capabilities of robotic technologies, exploring how robotics is reshaping precision, safety, and outcomes in modern surgical practices. Together, these elements further elevated Qatar’s healthcare narrative and reinforced its prominence on the global medical stage.
Chief Executive Officer of The View Hospital, Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul and Professor and Executive Vice Chair of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Harry Sax addressing the event.
The event’s global significance was epitomized by its distinguished lineup of speakers. Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul, Chief Executive Officer of The View Hospital, shared: “The second edition of our symposium is more than just a medical event; it is a bold statement of our commitment to revolutionizing healthcare in Qatar and beyond. Robotic surgery embodies the future of medicine, combining unparalleled precision, efficiency, and patient safety. Our partnership with Cedars-Sinai is a cornerstone of our research-based approach, seamlessly integrating global expertise and cutting-edge innovation to redefine excellence in patient care at The View Hospital.”
Attendees at the ‘Innovations in Robotic Surgery’ symposium.
Dr. Harry Sax, Professor and Executive Vice Chair of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said: “This symposium is a testament to the transformative power of international collaboration. The synergy between Cedars-Sinai and The View Hospital, an institution rapidly establishing itself as a hub for medical research and innovation in Qatar, is paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in robotic-assisted surgery. Each discussion, each breakthrough shared here, not only translates into more lives saved and better care globally but also highlights Qatar’s growing role as a center of excellence in healthcare. We believe that knowledge shared is power multiplied, and this annual symposium exemplifies that philosophy.”
Medical Director of Qatari Physicians and Senior Consultant of Bariatric and Robotic Surgery at View Hospital Dr. Jassim Fakhro in conversation with a guest at the symposium.
Among the distinguished speakers were experts from Cedars-Sinai, including Dr. Harmik Soukiasian on thoracic surgery advancements, Dr. Srinivas Gaddam on pancreatic cancer detection, and Dr. Karyn S. Eilber and Dr. Kulmeet K. Sandhu on robotic pelvic floor and bariatric procedures. The View Hospital was represented by Dr. Radwan Kassir, Dr. Ihab Abutabanjeh, Dr. Wael Al-Saydali, Dr. Jassim Fakhro, and Dr. Salaam Sadi, who shared insights on bariatric, urology, and robotic surgical integration. Contributions from Qatar University included Dr. Susu Zughaier and Dr. Zumin Shi, discussing microbiota research and post-bariatric advancements. Dr. Sama Abdulrazzaq Asal from Hamad Medical Corporation addressed robotic obesity management. Additional regional insights were provided by Dr. Kubilay Ertan of West Bay Medicare on robotic gynecology and Dr. Raed Anwar Azhar of Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital on urological oncology. Nathan Nagel, CEO of the Global Robotic-Assisted Surgery Platform, explored future trends in robotic surgery education.
The symposium was honored by the presence of His Excellency Timmy T. Davis, U.S. Ambassador to Qatar, who delivered a speech highlighting the essential role of international relations in fostering global healthcare innovation. His address underscored the strengthening ties between Qatar and the United States, and the two nations’ shared commitment to advancing medical progress and collaborative excellence.
Notably, the symposium provided attendees with 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, highlighting its value as a leading educational opportunity for surgical professionals.
