DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hosted prominent Marital Relationship expert Dr Sandrine Atallah (pictured), from Lebanon who delivered lectures for healthcare professionals on the impact of prostate disorders; and on methodologies of maintaining a healthy relationship between couples and role of specialist doctors.
“Embarrassment about talking about marital relationship problems stops many from seeking medical advice or treatment, which often puts pressure on relationships,” she said.
Dr Riyad Al Zubaidi, Consultant Urologist at HMC agrees that social stigmas still prevent patients from approaching healthcare professionals for medical and health advice.
“Patients are still reluctant to seek medical treatment,” Dr Al Zubaidi said. “Once the barriers of social stigma are broken, in the first visit, patients tend to feel more comfortable sharing their problems with the physician.”
HMC’s Marital Relationship Clinic was established 12 months ago according to Dr Khalid Al Rumaihi, Consultant and Head of Urology Department at Hamad General Hospital.
“It was opened to provide patients, particularly the newly-wed couples with diagnostic and therapeutic services,” he said. “We have assigned two specialists; a male and a female, to this clinic aiming at boosting awareness amongst couples as to the importance of talking about relationship problems to specialized doctors seeking their medical and health advice.”
the peninsula
