Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Shabeer Nellikode
Universal Hospitals, UAE
Keynote: Neurology and cardiology: Point of contact
Time : 09:00 AM-10:00 AM
Biography:
Shabeer Nellikode is the Founder and Managing Director of UBC World and Universal Hospital, UAE. He is also a Consultant Neurologist and treating other disorders at Universal Hospitals and Clinics, UAE. He is also the Director of LifeLine Hospitals, Abu Dhabi and MD at Universal Business Corporation, Petro-global Technologies, Abu Dhabi. He has been awarded the 50 Most Talented Healthcare Leaders of the Middle East Award.
Abstract:
Strokes resulting from cardiac diseases and cardiac abnormalities associated with neuromuscular disorders are examples of the many points of contact between neurology and cardiology. Cardiac diseases can be complicated by stroke, cognitive impairment and brain infections. Cardiac conditions including Atrial Fibrillation (AF), cardiomyopathies, valvular heart disease, intertribal septal anomalies and cardiac interventions account for 20%-30% of all ischemic strokes. The mechanism of cardiogenic stroke is often embolic, but hypoperfusion may also occur, particularly in those with cerebral steno-occlusive disease. Cognitive decline can be associated with congestive heart failure and coronary artery bypass graft procedures, whereas meningitis and brain abscesses are possible complications of infective endocarditis. Cerebrovascular disease may also affect the heart. Stroke can cause large inverted T waves in anterior ECG leads and a variety of cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiomyopathies and conduction abnormalities are part of the spectrum of many neuromuscular disorders including mitochondrial disorders and muscular dystrophies. Cardiologists and neurologists share responsibility for caring for patients with or at risk for cardiogenic strokes and for screening and managing the heart disease associated with neuromuscular disorders
Keynote Forum
Walter Bini
Healthpoint Hospital, Abu Dhabi-UAE
Keynote: Artificial intelligence (AI): Is this really what we need?
Time : 10:00-11:00
Biography:
Walter Bini has completed his Diploma from Westminster School, USA and Postgraduate degree from Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Medicina, Zaragoza, Spain. He was the Middle East Chairman of ISLASS. He was the Head of Neurosurgery, Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital, UAQ-UAE. He is currently a Consultant Neurosurgeon, Orthopedic Department, spine section of Lanzo Hospital COF, Lanzo d’Intelvi in Italy and also Visiting Consultant Neurosurgeon, Orthopedic Department of Healthpoint hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Abstract:
Throughout the world there is an ever increasing hype regarding AI, its potential and everyone is so convinced of its endless benefits. Experts seem to agree that by or soon after 2030, machine intelligence will supersede human intelligence and life as we know it will change. The learning process, memories as well as our emotions that make us who we are, including our common sense, decisions, intuitions, morality, free will and consciousness are part of our brain and heart axis as well as of our environment. Can or should this be replicated? Where are we heading and for what or with what intentions or consequences? Perhaps we need to take a step back and look at the beginning, at the book of Genesis. Michelangelo in his famous painting depicted God wrapped in a shape that represents the brain endowing Adam with life and also intelligence. There is a merger between brain and human intelligence, our human existence and the axis between brain-intelligence and the heart-emotions. The present ongoing and it seems unstoppable trend of a human-AI revolution has opened a Pandora’s Box with some possibilities but also difficulties, questions and potential problems. For example, imagine a certain decision we take intuitively (brain/heart ) but an artificial intelligence machine knows or prefers an alternative answer or decision and suppresses via a neural code certain brain regions and therefore changes our own decision, who is in control now? Who are we then? EEG and fMRI are our working tools for further ideas on merging human and artificial intelligence machines and this augmented human intelligence is full of both promises but also pitfalls and perhaps the key is in that we do not fall to the temptation of playing or assuming the role of God. Our journey into the profound corners of our brain, mind and connection with the heart remains a long and mysterious undertaking. We definitely should refrain from manipulating for we are risking our individuality and personal intrinsic nature.