Dr. Khalid Abdulrahman Yousef Al Khulaifi has been awarded the prestigious Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Medical Excellence Award during a ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur. This accolade, presented on the sidelines of the 8th AFC Medical Conference 2025, recognizes Dr. Al Khulaifi’s significant contributions to sports medicine as a representative of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and Aspetar, the Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Qatar.

Dr. Al Khulaifi serves as a consultant orthopaedic and sports medicine surgeon, as well as the Director of the Visiting Surgeons Program at Aspetar. The AFC Medical Excellence Award is an annual recognition granted to young medical professionals under the age of 45, highlighting their exceptional achievements in scientific research, the advancement of medical services, and the improvement of professional training programs in football.

Recognition of Distinguished Career

This award marks a significant milestone in Dr. Al Khulaifi’s career, underscoring his dedication and leadership in the field of sports medicine. His efforts have not only advanced the practice of sports medicine but have also positioned Qatari medical professionals prominently on both continental and global stages. His ongoing research and commitment to innovation exemplify a relentless pursuit of excellence in the service of sports and healthcare.

Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Acting Director of Aspetar, expressed pride in Dr. Al Khulaifi’s accomplishment, stating, “We congratulate Dr. Khalid Al Khulaifi on the remarkable achievement, which fills us with pride here at Aspetar.” This statement reinforces the pivotal role played by Aspetar’s staff in achieving high standards of medical excellence regionally and globally.

Previous Roles and Contributions

Dr. Al Khulaifi’s experience extends beyond his current position. He previously acted as the Medical Director for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and has served as the head of several medical committees, including those for the 2023 Asian Cup and the Asian Youth Cup. His involvement in numerous sports tournaments hosted in Qatar demonstrates his influence and commitment to enhancing medical services in sports.

The AFC Medical Excellence Award is more than just a personal achievement for Dr. Al Khulaifi; it is a testament to the growing recognition of Qatari medical professionals on the international stage. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of individuals like Dr. Al Khulaifi, who continue to push the boundaries of sports medicine.

In a notable achievement for the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and Aspetar, Dr. Khalid Abdulrahman Yousef Al Khulaifi was awarded the prestigious Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Medical Excellence Award during a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to the field of sports medicine.

Acknowledgment of Medical Talent

Dr. Al Khulaifi serves as a consultant orthopaedic and sports medicine surgeon and is the Director of the Visiting Surgeons Program at Aspetar. The award ceremony was part of the 8th AFC Medical Conference 2025, an event that gathers medical professionals to discuss developments in sports medicine.

The AFC Medical Excellence Award is presented annually to young medical talents under the age of 45. It acknowledges their outstanding achievements in scientific research, the advancement of medical services, and the enhancement of professional training programs in football. This award underscores the importance of innovation in medical practices related to sports.

Celebration of Achievements

This recognition marks a significant milestone in Dr. Al Khulaifi’s career, consolidating the leadership of Qatari medical professionals on both regional and global platforms. His commitment to research, innovation, and training demonstrates a profound dedication to the fields of sports and medicine.

Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Acting Director of Aspetar, expressed pride in Dr. Al Khulaifi’s accomplishment, stating, “We congratulate Dr. Khalid Al Khulaifi on the remarkable achievement, which fills us with pride here at Aspetar. This recognition confirms the pioneering role played by Aspetar’s staff in reaching the highest levels and achieving excellence on the regional and global levels.”

Dr. Al Khulaifi has previously held the position of Medical Director for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. His leadership extends to various medical committees, including roles as Sports Director for the 2023 Asian Cup and the Asian Youth Cup, along with participation in numerous sports tournaments hosted in Qatar.

As Dr. Al Khulaifi continues to make strides in sports medicine, his achievements not only reflect his personal dedication but also enhance Qatar’s reputation as a hub for sports excellence and medical innovation.

A growing number of young men are turning to the medication finasteride, commonly prescribed for hair loss. However, for some, this choice could have unintended consequences on fertility. Will Stone, a data analyst from Austin, Texas, and his wife, Brittany, faced a difficult journey towards parenthood that revealed a startling connection between the medication and sperm health.

After marrying in 2021, the couple began trying to conceive. Initial attempts were unsuccessful, prompting them to seek medical advice. Testing revealed that Brittany’s reproductive health was normal. In contrast, Will’s sperm count was alarmingly low, measuring at approximately 2 million sperm per millilitre. This figure is significantly below the 10 million threshold recommended for effective intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures.

During a visit to a urologist, the doctor inquired about Will’s medications. Upon learning that Will was taking a daily 1 mg dose of finasteride, the urologist reacted with immediate concern. The doctor’s intervention highlighted a growing body of evidence suggesting that finasteride may negatively impact sperm production.

Finasteride works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. While it is effective for treating male pattern baldness, studies have shown that it can lead to side effects, including reduced sperm count and fertility issues in some men. This potential risk is particularly alarming for young couples like Will and Brittany, who are eager to start families.

A report from the Journal of Urology published in 2022 supports the link between finasteride and decreased sperm counts. Researchers found that men taking the medication experienced a significant reduction in their sperm quality. While not all men are affected, the findings raise important questions for those considering finasteride, particularly in light of its increasing popularity among younger demographics.

As more men become aware of the potential ramifications of finasteride on their reproductive health, discussions about the medication’s risks and benefits are becoming increasingly crucial. Healthcare professionals are urged to inform patients about these possible side effects when prescribing the drug for hair loss.

For couples like Will and Brittany, the decision to use finasteride can have profound implications. Will’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of discussing all medications with healthcare providers, especially when planning for a family.

The journey towards parenthood can be fraught with challenges, and in an era where fertility issues are increasingly common, understanding the impact of medications like finasteride is essential. Patients should remain proactive in discussing their health and any medications they take with their doctors to ensure informed decisions about their reproductive health.

As the medical community continues to investigate the effects of finasteride, couples are encouraged to seek comprehensive reproductive health assessments. Awareness and education about such medications can empower individuals to make choices that align with their family planning goals.

Recent figures reveal that only 323 out of 722 nursing graduates have secured jobs through the Advanced Choice of Employment Mid-Year matching process conducted by Health NZ. This alarming statistic highlights a growing concern within the nursing community and raises questions about the future for new graduates entering the healthcare workforce.

Bianca Grimmer, co-president of the Nurses Organisation student unit and a soon-to-be graduate, expressed her disappointment at the current employment situation. “It’s really discouraging,” she stated. “This uncertainty is affecting all of our cohorts from year one to year three, causing many students to reconsider their degree or seek employment outside of nursing.” Grimmer pointed out that Te Whatu Ora, New Zealand’s health authority, used to hire between 80% and 90% of all nursing graduates, but the situation has worsened significantly. Last year, only three in five mid-year graduates obtained jobs, and this year’s figures are even lower.

The latest data from Health NZ indicates that there were 173 applications from graduates still seeking employment after finishing their studies at the end of last year. National Chief Nurse Nadine Gray noted that those who did not secure hospital positions were placed into a talent pool available to all registered employers in the health sector. Fortunately, many of the initially unmatched applicants have historically found roles from this talent pool, with around 84% of nurses eventually securing jobs in both 2023 and 2024.

Gray emphasized that while many new registered nurses (RNs) typically look to hospitals for their first positions, it is crucial for students to explore opportunities across the entire health system. The government is taking steps to bolster the nursing workforce in primary and community care, announcing a series of investments aimed at addressing the shortage. This includes $30 million over five years to fund 400 graduate nurses entering primary and community care each year. Providers will receive $15,000 for employing a nurse in an urban setting and $20,000 in rural areas. Additionally, the government will allocate $34.2 million over five years for 120 nurse practitioner training places in primary care annually starting in 2026, alongside a further $21.6 million over four years to enhance advanced tertiary education for up to 120 primary care registered nurses each year.

A recent survey conducted among 1,246 nursing students revealed that 62% would consider seeking employment abroad if they are unable to find a graduate job in Aotearoa New Zealand. This figure rises to 73% among Māori students, highlighting a significant concern about the local job market. Grimmer mentioned that during a recent jobs expo, Australian recruiters were actively enticing graduates with better wages and working conditions.

“We have a health system in crisis and desperately need more homegrown nurses,” Grimmer asserted. “With 30,000 Kiwis leaving for Australia in the past year, this short-sighted decision by Te Whatu Ora will see more graduate nurses packing their bags.”

Compounding the issue, around 36,000 members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) are preparing for a 24-hour national strike on July 30, 2024, in response to stalled Collective Agreement negotiations. The union has highlighted Health NZ’s reluctance to commit to its responsibility of employing new graduates as one of the significant points of contention.

As the nursing landscape continues to evolve, the challenges faced by recent graduates underscore the need for urgent action to ensure a sustainable and adequately supported healthcare workforce in New Zealand.