Budgam, July 11: In a remarkable feat that has brought immense pride to Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Hameed Raina, a renowned gastroenterologist and hepatologist from Hussipora, Chadoora in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, has won the Best Abstract Award at the prestigious 4th World Congress of GI Endoscopy (ENDO 2024), held this month in Seoul, South Korea.
Dr. Raina, an advanced therapeutic endoscopist and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) specialist, was honoured for his groundbreaking work and presentation on the innovative technique of “EUS-Guided Liver Biopsy.” His technique offers a safer, painless, and highly effective alternative to conventional liver biopsy procedures, promising improved diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. Notably, the technique allows for access to both lobes of the liver—an advancement over traditional methods.
ENDO 2024 is one of the world’s largest and most influential gatherings of gastroenterology professionals, attracting over 5,000 participants, including leading experts, researchers, and clinicians from across the globe. Dr. Raina’s award-winning presentation showcased a novel approach that could potentially revolutionize the standard practice of liver biopsies.
Speaking at the conference, Dr. Raina expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. “It is an honour to be acknowledged on such a prestigious international platform. This award is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of my entire team, as well as the constant support from my mentors and colleagues,” he said. “I remain committed to continuing my research and innovations in advanced gastroenterological care.”
Dr. Raina’s academic and professional journey is marked by numerous accolades. He began his medical career with an MBBS from Government Medical College, Srinagar in 2005, followed by an MD in Internal Medicine from SKIMS between 2012 and 2015. He later topped the DM entrance exam at the prestigious Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and completed his DM in Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2019.
Further adding to his achievements, Dr. Raina qualified for the MRCP-UK in 2020 and pursued fellowships in gastrointestinal motility disorders and advanced therapeutic endoscopy from reputed international centres. He is globally recognized for his expertise in GI and mediastinal EUS, ERCP, GI motility disorders, liver diseases, GERD, early GI cancer diagnosis, and cutting-edge third space endoscopy procedures such as POEM, ESD, and STER.
Importantly, Dr. Raina is the first gastroenterologist from Jammu and Kashmir to perform POEM and other advanced third-space endoscopic techniques. His work continues to earn him national and international acclaim, with numerous publications and recognitions already to his name. (KDC)
