A delegation from the American Heart Association visited the National Guard Health Affairs on 17 October 2009, to check the status of the training courses adopted by the association to be published in the Arab world.The delegation was led by Mr. Kevin Turner, the International Director ECC, Glenn M. Vanden Houten, the Territory Director, Europe & Africa, Johan Hultman, the Director of Operations and Phil Fasone, Director of International Sales the proud distributor of the American Heart Association books.
The visit aims to monitor and support the Association courses, sharing knowledge and experiences with the Postgraduate Training Center, explore what is new regarding the training activities held by the center, and to outline future cooperation, as well as prepare for annual meetings between the PTC and the American Heart Association to discuss the possibility of distance education.
The delegation held several meetings with Dr. Abdullah Al Shimemeri, Dean of Postgraduate Academic Affairs, Professor Rashed Al Rashed, Vice President of Postgraduate Education and Manal Al-Nasser, Director of the Postgraduate Training Center.
The members of the delegation had a tour in King Abdulaziz Medical City, inspecting the hospital, the National Antivenom and Vaccine Production Center and the Postgraduate Training Center.
Mr. Kevin Turner was impressed by the enormous potential of the Postgraduate Training Center, the enthusiasm of employees involved in the projects and their quest to closely follow international norms and standards, pointing out, "This enthusiasm could save many lives, and this the objective of the American Heart Association.”
Mr. Kevin Turner revealed the aim of the visit which is to review some of the products which will be issued by the Association in Arabic. He pointed out that the translation will be conducted by Arab specialized translators where customs and traditions of Muslim and Arabs will be taken into consideration.
In appreciation for the hospitality and warm reception, the American Heart Association threw a dinner party in Al-Garya Al-Najdeyah restaurant where staff members, trainers and professors of the National Guard Health Affairs were invited.