ECTES 2025 Report: Personal Experience and Professional Reflection
Dr. Murad Sami Alahmad
Clinical Fellow, Trauma Surgery and Trauma Critical Care
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar

Introduction

In a world that often feels chaotic and fractured, where healthcare systems are constantly tested by global challenges, our responsibility as physicians extends beyond the operating room. We are charged not only with healing but with pushing the boundaries of knowledge and care. Attending international conferences like the European Congress of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ECTES) 2025 serves as a vital reminder of that mission. These events are more than academic gatherings—they are commitments to shaping a more compassionate, scientifically advanced, and interconnected future in medicine.

Congress Experience: ECTES 2025, Aachen, Germany

My participation in ECTES 2025, held in the historic city of Aachen, Germany, was a profound professional and personal milestone. This was my first time attending ECTES, and it far exceeded expectations in its organization, content, and global engagement. The event was seamlessly run, with a clear focus on cutting-edge trauma care, multidisciplinary cooperation, and innovation.

I was proud to be part of the Qatari delegation, where we showcased over 13 scientific contributions, spanning oral presentations, posters, and case discussions. This marked a significant academic footprint and illustrated the growing prominence of trauma research in Qatar. A particular point of pride was Qatar being invited as a guest nation in one of the key symposia, an acknowledgment of our commitment to advancing trauma care on a global scale.

Personally, I had the privilege of presenting a poster titled “Time to Diagnose and Time to Surgery in Patients with Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Retrospective Analysis.” The feedback I received was constructive and encouraging.

The conference was also an opportunity to connect with leading experts and like-minded peers from across continents. I engaged in inspiring conversations, shared ideas, and built relationships that I believe will lead to fruitful collaborations in the near future.

Perhaps the most humbling moment was being awarded the ECTES 2025 Grant Prize. This recognition reaffirmed my passion for trauma surgery and underscored the importance of the work we do. It also deepened my commitment to clinical excellence and research.

Professional Career Overview

I currently serve as a Clinical Fellow in Trauma Surgery and Trauma Critical Care at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar’s only Level 1 Trauma Center. My medical journey began with an MBBS from Jordan University of Science and Technology (2017). I completed my General Surgery Residency at HMC (2019–2024), accredited by ACGME-I. My clinical exposure has included rotations in Jordan, Austria, and trauma work in Qatar.

In parallel with my clinical roles, I have actively contributed to educational initiatives, including surgical skills workshops and bedside teaching for junior doctors and medical students. These efforts reflect my broader commitment to surgical education and capacity building in trauma care.

Research and Academic Contributions

My academic interests lie at the intersection of trauma systems, critical care, and surgical innovation. I have authored and co-authored several studies, many of which have been published in peer-reviewed journals. These include:

  • “Time to Diagnose and Time to Surgery in Necrotizing Fasciitis” (European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, 2025)
  • “BIG Score and Pediatric Trauma Outcomes” (Cureus, 2024)
  • “Blunt Traumatic Cardiac Rupture: A Narrative Review” (Under review)
  • “Management of Diaphragmatic Injuries in Trauma” (Ongoing)
  • “Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures” (Ongoing)

In addition, I have published case reports on complex trauma cases involving bullet removal, cardiac injury, and ECMO use in thyroid storm. These works span journals such as BMC Medical Education, Journal of Surgical Case Reports, and Fortune Journals.

I am honored to be a member of several prestigious institutions, including the American College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Surgeons, and the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ESTES).

Final Reflections

ECTES 2025 was far more than an academic conference—it was a transformative experience that challenged and expanded my understanding of trauma care. It brought together voices from every corner of the world to share, debate, and elevate our practices. Most importantly, it reminded me that advancing patient care is not just a professional goal—it’s a social and ethical obligation.

In a time when global health systems face immense strain and uncertainty, gatherings like these provide clarity and direction. Through research, dialogue, and international cooperation, we carry the torch of progress, not just for our patients, but for the world we want to help heal.

I return from Aachen reinvigorated, grateful, and determined to continue contributing meaningfully to trauma surgery—both in Qatar and beyond.

Dr. Murad Sami Alahmad