Cihan University-Erbil International Conference Highlights Alumni Achievements and Student Success Stories in Nutrition and Healthcare
On Thursday, October 22, 2026, the International Conference on Obesity: A New Era 2026 – Prevention, Treatment and Multidisciplinary Care, organized by Cihan University-Erbil in partnership with Barsam International Development and Innovation Company, continued its second-day activities with two specialized panel discussions featuring graduates and current students of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. Held at the university’s Conference Hall, the sessions highlighted professional experiences, academic development, and the expanding role of nutrition specialists in clinical practice, healthcare services, and obesity management.
The first panel discussion, titled ‘From Graduation to Success: Cihan Alumni Experiences in the Multidisciplinary Management of Obesity: From Nutrition Practice to Clinical Care and Policy,’ brought together eight graduates working in different healthcare institutions and professional settings. The panel provided an opportunity to highlight the diverse career pathways available to nutrition and dietetics graduates and the importance of applying academic knowledge in professional healthcare environments.
The panel featured Dt. Jilwan Mohamad Hussien from the College of Pharmacy at Cihan University-Erbil, and Dt. Nabaa Asaad, working in Clinical Nutrition at Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Their participation highlighted career opportunities in academic and hospital-based nutrition services and the importance of professional development in supporting effective nutritional care.
The discussions also included Dt. Awen Hiwa from the Nutritional Clinic at Apotek in Erbil, and Dt. Harez Yaseen Tayfoor Fatah, from Sardam Hospital in Erbil. These professional settings provided perspectives on the application of nutritional knowledge in clinical practice, including dietary assessment, individualized nutrition planning, and the importance of cooperation with other healthcare professionals in addressing nutrition-related health conditions.
Further contributions came from Dt. Zaynab Ihsan Muhammed, an Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Consultant with UNICEF in Duhok, and Dt. Bakhshnda Dler Anwar Nuraddin, from Abbott Nutrition in Erbil. Their participation reflected the broad scope of nutrition-related professions, extending from maternal and child nutrition and community health to specialized nutritional products and services.
The panel also featured Dt. Salar Salam Omer Ahmed from Abbott Nutrition in Erbil, and Dt. Mujtaba Sabah Abdulhasan, a Nutritionist at Alkafeel Hospital in Karbala. Their professional affiliations further demonstrated the diversity of career opportunities available to graduates in clinical nutrition, healthcare institutions, and the nutrition industry.
The second panel discussion, titled ‘From Learning to Achievement: Cihan Student Stories Shaping the Future of Nutrition, Dietetics and Healthcare,’ focused on the academic experiences and achievements of current students from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. The session allowed students from different academic stages to highlight their educational journeys and the importance of developing scientific knowledge, practical skills, and professional readiness during university studies.
The student panel included Jwan Khalid Ahmed Salh and Sheerin Azad Rasul Mustafa, both second-stage students; Marwan Mohammed Ahmed, a third-stage student; and Ahmed Jabar Hasan Yousif and Abdullah Muthana Abdulrazaq, both fourth-stage students. Their participation highlighted the involvement of students at different levels of academic training and the importance of encouraging active participation in scientific activities that contribute to their educational and professional development.
Together, the two panels demonstrated the connection between university education and professional practice, illustrating how academic preparation can support career development in clinical nutrition, healthcare institutions, community services, and the nutrition industry. The sessions also emphasized the importance of communication skills, continuous learning, and collaboration among healthcare professionals in responding to nutritional and public health challenges.
Following the panel presentations, the scientific program included an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session, providing an opportunity for participants to exchange perspectives on professional development, academic preparation, and the future of nutrition and dietetics.
The sessions reflected the commitment of Cihan University-Erbil and the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics to maintaining strong connections with graduates, supporting student development, and strengthening the relationship between academic education and professional practice. They also highlighted the importance of preparing qualified nutrition specialists capable of contributing to healthcare services and improving public health in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and beyond.
