Muscat – A medical student from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has brought laurels to Oman by earning accolades at the recently held endocrinology conference in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

Jihad Said Khalfan al Wardi clinched the first prize at the American Association for Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) conference, held in  Dubai, the UAE, from November 17 to 19.

In a conversation with Muscat Daily, Jihad acknowledged the contribution of her supervisor who encouraged her to take part in this distinguished event. 

“I am grateful to my research supervisor, Dr Abdullah al Futaisi, and my family for their unwavering support,” she said after receiving the award.

The conference is a renowned forum for experts in endocrinology, including leading practitioners, scientists, and researchers. 

“My project stood out among over a hundred research projects to win the first prize,” the winner noted.

Jihad’s research, titled ‘Study on the Development of Cancer in Hyperthyroid Patients Treated with Radioactive Iodine at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital’, explores a critical health issue. “Treating hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine is common, but it raises concerns about potential cancer risks. Given the lack of studies in Oman on this topic, we initiated this research to assess the cancer risk in patients undergoing radioactive iodine treatment.”

Hyperthyroidism is a serious condition that is referred to overactive thyroid gland producing excess thyroid hormone. 

Jihad revealed that her study, involving more than 800 Omani patients across various governorates treated with single or double doses, found no link between radioactive iodine therapy and cancer development.

She is of the view that her research would contribute to global scientific knowledge, particularly in ensuring the safety of radiotherapy, and boost the confidence of Omani patients undergoing such treatments for hyperthyroidism.