<p>​On October 19th, 2018 the research group on ‘Bone and Mineral disorders’ at the Aga Khan University conducted a multidisciplinary symposium to celebrate World Osteoporosis Day. The aim of this session was to create awareness about the disease and several presenters delivered talks related to management of different metabolic bone disorders, ranging from vitamin D deficiency to osteoporosis and advancements in Pharmacotherapies for osteoporosis.</p><div>Osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency are prevalent in Pakistan. Physicians, rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, endocrinologists, pathologists, gynecologists, physiotherapist, dieticians, and nutritionist were engaged with the aim improve the quality of care delivered to patients with osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency by educating them on the preventive role lifestyle factors can play in achieving good bone health were addressed.  </div><div>
</div><div>To engage the audience a quiz was also conducted to gain idea about participants understanding of diagnosis and management of vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis. Dr Aysha Habib Khan, Associate Professor, Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, AKU conducted the online quiz.</div><div>
</div><div>Dr Lena Jafri, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, AKU presented a talk on risk factors and radiological identification of osteoporosis. Following her talk Dr Sibtain Ahmed, Senior Instructor, Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, AKU gave his talk on ‘The Mat caused the fall but what caused the fracture’, an insight into the causes of secondary osteoporosis. An important presentation by Dr Romaina Iqbal, a clinical nutritionist, Community Health Sciences, AKU on ‘Bone Health and Lifestyle Factors’ was arranged where she talked about the different simple life style modifications which can improve bone health. An interactive poster making session on the theme of ‘Love your Bones’. Participants drew posters of a healthy and an osteoporotic bone and the best poster was awarded at the end of the program.</div><div>
</div><div>Dr Hafsa Majid spoke on ‘Management of Vitamin D deficiency: Issues and Challenges ‘and addressed the need for cautious supplementation and monitoring patients when treating by mega-doses of vitamin D. Dr Masood Umer, Associate Professor, Orthopedics, AKU presented on ‘Bisphosphonates use for osteoporosis. He stressed upon giving drug holidays to prevent adverse effects related to continuous drug use and also shared clinical experience of patients presenting with atypical fractures. The sessions were concluded by a talk by Dr Mehmood Riaz, Associate Professor, Rheumatology, AKU on ‘Newer Therapies for Management of Osteoporosis’. He stressed upon selecting the best therapeutic strategy based on the individual patient. </div><div>
</div><div>The program concluded with a symbolic walk from AKU auditorium to male hostel garden and networking tea. </div><div>
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