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Cruise Conference Planning For Your Association

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity & Family Medicine Updates

10-Night Greek Isles & Turkey Cruise
from Barcelona, Spain to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy May 31 - June 10, 2025
<em>Celebrity Equinox</em>
Celebrity Equinox
20.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
20 ACPE Credits
4.0 Hours of Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners
20.0 Contact Hours
Course Fees
$1095 for Physicians, Attorneys, Psychologists, Doctors of Pharmacy, & Dentists
$850 for Physician Assistants
$695 for Nurses, Residents, Students & Others

Target Audience
Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists
Program Purpose / Objectives
Topics and Objectives Under Development
Conference Sessions generally take place on days at sea (as itinerary allows), giving you plenty of time to enjoy your meals, evenings and ports of call with your companion, family and friends.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All conferees, their families, and guests must book their cruise within the University at Sea® meeting group through University at Sea® at 800-926-3775 or by registering online. This ensures our company can provide conference services and complimentary social amenities to all meeting participants and their guests. Thank you for your cooperation.
Faculty

Osman El-Labban, MD

Osman El-Labban, MD
Family Medicine Consultant
Head of Family Medicine Department at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai & Ex Co-director of family medicine residency program at Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
American University of Beirut Graduate, Beirut , Lebanon
Fellowship of Royal College of General Practitioners (FRCGP) in U.K.
Arab Board in Family Medicine specialty
Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education, Keele University U.K.
Graduate Certificate in women Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Healthcare Leadership Certificate, Cornell University, USA

Lecturer &amp; clinical trainer at Dubai Medical College for Girls, Dubai, UAE
Lecturer &amp; Clinical trainer at the Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
Examiner in Royal College of General Practitioners examination in Dubai, UAE
Member of the Lebanese order of physicians 
Member of the Emirates Medical Association 
Overseas Associate member of Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 

Known public speaker &amp; strong believer in the great potential of family physicians role in community 
WHO&#39;S WHO International (Professionals) membership 1999
  Dr. Osman’s  interest in medicine started early in his life and developed with days till his graduation as family physician from American University of Beirut (A.U. B.) in 1985, which allowed him to reflect this interest through outmost caring & commitments to his patients.

His patients can feel how easily he can gain rapport with them, allowing them comfortably to approach him for any health problem, and on how much he cares for their safety. In addition, he has  the talent of explaining health problems in a very simple way that helped him to be a popular public speaker and writer of medical articles aiming to educate general public.

He started his career by working in the staff clinic of A.U.B., untili he moved to primary healthcare department of Dubai Health Authority(DHA)  to be the first family physician in Dubai in 1986.

In DHA, he could prove himself and attain different posts as doctor in charge for different health centers, member of executive committee of the department and up to co-director of the family medicine residency program In DHA. During these years, he succeeded in different endeavors, which varied from managerial, clinical, to academic, all of which helped him in building his reputation, fame and identity as one of the pioneer family physicians in UAE.

The opportunity came few years ago to move to the private sector, when he joined Al Zahra hospital Dubai where he could achieve further success by establishing the family medicine department in the hospital, allowing him to serve as a role model of the family physician with various potentials in the hospital settings.

He has  been chosen among the top 25 family physicians in Dubai & has achieved the first rank leader of the team of the year 2017 at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai.

The future still promises for more challenges ….  By employing his accumulated expertise over 30 years, he is still seeking an opportunity to broaden his responsibilities in both clinical & managerial fields of healthcare, where he will be then steer a bigger team of physicians who can provide a higher standard of healthcare and excellence.

Shagun Bindlish, MD, FACP

Shagun Bindlish, MD, FACP
Diabetologist/Internal Medicine Physician 
Adjunct Associate Professor, Touro University
Fellow of American college of Physicians

Dr. Shagun Bindlish is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician with advanced fellowship training in diabetes and metabolic disorders. She is board-certified obesity medicine and lifestyle medicine specialist. She is a Chair of the thought leadership committee and board member of the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Bindlish is adjunct faculty at Touro university's diabetes fellowship program. She is a USA ambassador representing DiaBeters non-profit organization in Kenya, Africa. Dr. Bindlish presently working with international organizations conducting educational webinars about diabetes and obesity management. With a passion for community work, she has recently started her youTube channel with a vision to bring awareness among health care professionals and patients. Dr. Bindlish has earned her medical degree from Yerevan State Medical University in Armenia and completed her residency at Lutheran Medical Center in New York.

Dr. Bindlish is practicing currently in Bay Area. She is an author and writes blogs for magazines in Kenya, the USA, and India. Shagun has been actively involved in the California chapter as a fellow of the American College of Physicians and serves as a judge and mentor for multiple educational activities and conferences throughout the year.

Shagun's philosophy of care centers around prevention and education. She is an advocate for her patients and strives to build trusting, friendly relationships with them. She believes in a holistic understanding of all the factors that impact a patient's overall health. Thus, serving the patient as a wellness coach.

Dr. Bindlish is also a writer and contributes her work to journals. She is also an editor of renowned journals like the British Medical Journal, American College of Family Medicine ( ACOFP), American Diabetes Association. To stay healthy and happy, Shagun does yoga and Pilates. She loves to travel and cook international cuisines.

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-422-0711.
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.

Cruise Itinerary

DATE PORT OF CALL ARRIVE DEPART
Sat May 31 Barcelona, Spain
- 5:00 pm
Sun Jun 01 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Mon Jun 02 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Tue Jun 03 Mykonos, Greece
9:00 am 8:00 pm
Wed Jun 04 Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
7:00 am 5:00 pm
Thu Jun 05 Istanbul, Turkey
1:00 pm -
Fri Jun 06 Istanbul, Turkey
- 11:59 am
Sat Jun 07 Santorini, Greece
10:00 am 8:00 pm
Sun Jun 08 Olympia (Katakolon), Greece
11:59 am 8:00 pm
Mon Jun 09 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Tue Jun 10 Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
5:00 am -
*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.

Ports of Call

Barcelona, Spain -

Barcelona is a one of the world's great cities. Stroll down her tree-lined boulevards, the magnificent Passeig de Gràcia or the more touristed Las Ramblas. On the Passeig, shop a serious fashion district while marveling at examples of Mordenisme architecture, seemingly sculpted from the stuff of dreams (Gaudi's masterpiece of a family home, Casa Batlló is well worth a visit). If a trip on the Passeig hasn't convinced you of Gaudi's genius, a visit to La Sagrada Familia Cathedral will do the trick; this fantastic, soaring marvel will live on in your memory long after you've returned.

Not far from the Passeig and just north of Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter (the Barri Gotic) provides an abundance of shopping opportunities for all tastes, and a bit of European history to boot - check out the tranquil Cathedral of Barcelona. To see a bit of local life a visit to a food market is a quick, fun detour: try Santa Caterina near the Cathedral or Mercado de La Boqueria, right off of Las Ramblas.

Barcelona's food is also a highlight: stop into a tapas bar and try a variety of delicacies. "Standard" restaurants of every style are available, too. And, there's music, too! Visit an underground jazz club or the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana; or stop by the Palau Dalmases for a stunning, flamenco performance (it's near the Picasso museum). Did we mention art? One of the largest collections of Picasso's art is found at the Museau Picasso, and a great collection of contemporary, figurative (i.e not abstract) painting and sculpture is housed at the European Museum of Modern Art just around the corner.

It's probably clear by now that you really can't get it all done in a day (even if all means "just the must-sees"). So, stay for a day or three in the Gothic Quarter or near Plaça de Catalunya and really get a feel for what makes Barcelona such a wonderful place. Partly it's the result of the "accidents" of its history and present: as the regional capital of Spain's prosperous Catalunya region, Barcelona has a "flavor" that is a bit of a mix between Spanish and French (it's located quite close to the French border). Yes, you can practice your Spanish here - it attracts Spaniards from throughout the country - but you'll also see and hear Catalan with it's own charm. You won't regret your time here.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Mykonos, Greece - For pure Mediterranean pizzazz, Mykonos can't be beat. Designer boutiques and beautifully bronzed Greek gods and goddesses lie on Mykonos' beaches. And Mykonos' famous five white churches look down on it all in oblivious serenity.

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey - The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world's other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. Check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D., the site is made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom. Cruises to Ephesus will give you a taste of Turkish life by strolling the seafront promenade and the bustling city center. Walk Marble Street, paved with actual marble slabs, which takes you from downtown to the Temple of Artemis — you can still see one lone remaining column from this wonder of the ancient world.

Istanbul, Turkey - Istanbul, the only city in the world built on two continents, stands on the shores of the Istanbul Bogazi (Bosphorus) where the waters of the Black Sea mingle with those of the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. Here on this splendid site Istanbul guards the precious relics of the three empires of which she has been capital; a unique link between East and West, past and present.

Santorini, Greece - Here on the island of Santorini, you'll find a classic Greek seascape‐whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo.

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece - Experience ancient history and modern charm in Katakolon, a vibrant cruise port on the Greek coast. From here, you can catch a glimpse of Olympia, the birthplace of the original Olympic games and a shrine to the ancient Greek gods. Cruise to Greece and walk through the Olympia complex to get a historical tour of architectural styles, from the classical ruins to the red-tiled roofs of the traditional homes. Then, stroll through the Katakolon's lively center to discover unique local galleries and shops, and grab a seat at an oceanfront taverna with a glass of white wine and a dish of locally caught calamari.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy - Extraordinary architecture, millennia of turbulent history, magnificent basilicas concealing unimaginable riches, and ornate fountains splashing at the heart of sun-drenched piazzas are just some of the many reasons to visit Rome. Art greets you on every corner, from elaborate statues to delicate frescoes. Stroll the ancient center and history comes to life as you explore the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. Enjoy Italian café culture in Trastevere, where you can wander the narrow streets and soak up a sense of la dolce vita, or throw a coin into the baroque Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return to this vibrant, intoxicating city.

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-422-0711.
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Please note that our shore excursions are operated separately and
independently of those offered by the cruise line.
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