Release date: February 14, 2005

Dubai, UAE. — Mayo Clinic announced today that it will open a new office in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The new office will feature heart care services dedicated primarily to diagnostic and noninvasive therapy. This cardiac service represents a joint pilot project with Dubai Healthcare City and also will consist of heart research and continuing education.

“This pilot project with Dubai Healthcare City is part of Mayo Clinic’s commitment to explore new models of care that can best meet the needs of patients in the Middle East,” said Hugh Smith, M.D., chair, Mayo Clinic Board of Governors. “We believe the services provided in this new office will complement local and regional cardiology practices already in Dubai. This new pilot represents Mayo Clinic’s commitment to providing ongoing care supported by research and education to patients residing outside the United States.”

A Mayo Clinic heart specialist and team of support staff will evaluate patients with heart conditions seeking further evaluation, diagnosis and follow-up care. Mayo Clinic physicians will work closely with local physicians who see patients in the region. There will be one full-time cardiologist on site starting April 2005.

“Our Dubai office is committed to bringing Middle East patients accessible, high-quality diagnosis and treatment of heart problems just as we are for those patients being seen in the United States,” said Joseph (Youssef) Maalouf, M.D., a Mayo Clinic heart specialist who will be the lead Mayo physician in Dubai.

Dr. Maalouf added that patients who need additional, more complex services and procedures will have the opportunity to receive care at the three multidisciplinary practice sites of Mayo Clinic in the United States.

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