The Tribune

TWO Bahamian doctors tied for a prize at a major Caribbean scientific conference.

Bahamian physicians presented nearly nine per cent of the medical research papers at the 58th Caribbean Health Research Council.

A total of 13 presentations outlining the findings on a diverse range of medical issues were offered by the Bahamian contingent at the event in Barbados from May 2 to 4.

Two Bahamian presenters tied for the prize of Best Resident Research Paper Presentation: Dr Keith Rivers for “Determination of association between obesity and impaired glucose tolerance in high school adolescents in New Providence” (K Rivers, C Hanna Mahase, M Frankson, F Smith, S Peter) and Dr Juana Rodgers with “Prevalence of syphilis and associated risk factors involved among the HIV infected patients attending the outpatient clinics at Princess Margaret Hospital, Nassau, The Bahamas” (JO Rodgers, MA Frankson, H Orlander, C Hanna Mahase, P Gomez).

The CHRC is the premier research conference in the region with over 150 research papers presented.

It forms part of the recently established Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) a regional body uniting the five major regional health institutions with a mandate to provide strategic direction, in analysing, defining and responding to public health priorities of CARICOM, in order to prevent disease, promote health and to respond to public health emergencies.

During the same period, Dr Indira Grimes, a Family Medicine Doctor and the Host of the PHA’s Television Series “Tips for Wellness” attended the American Geriatric Society Annual Meeting in Texas. Dr Grimes won 1st prize in the clinical and research categories for her presentation on “The Impact of Exercise on Cognitive Function in Ambulatory Elderly”.