Duke University, Philips, and WorldCare collaborate to bring Cardiac CME program to United States, Europe, Latin America and Middle East.

Health/Medical Writers

ANDOVER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 3, 2003

Physicians and Allied Health Professionals Invited to Learn about Latest Advances in Cardiac Imaging via Satellite

Duke University Medical Center (DUMC), Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI), and WorldCare Limited today announced they will be hosting the first satellite symposium on fully integrated cardiac imaging. The continuing medical education program, "The Revolution in Cardiac Imaging: Adapting the Clinical Mindset," will be broadcast live via satellite to sites throughout the U.S., Europe, Latin America and Middle East on Saturday, October 4, 2003.

The four-hour conference will be broadcast from Duke University to 100 sites worldwide. Focusing specifically on the clinical considerations in cardiac diagnoses, a faculty of international speakers will discuss:

-- Importance of new cardiac imaging methods in obtaining

molecular, anatomic and functional assessments of heart

disease;

-- How to avoid repetitive testing in cost-sensitive times;

-- When to integrate imaging methods into clinical practice; and

-- Approaches to clinical decision-making that can impact patient

outcome.

"This program will provide an overview of the full spectrum of cutting-edge cardiac imaging technologies. It will also help medical professionals understand how to use these technologies in an integrated and synergistic way to dramatically improve the diagnosis and treatment - as well as potentially the economics -- of heart disease," said program director/host Joseph Kisslo, M.D., cardiologist, DUMC. "The objective of the program is to demonstrate that analysis and clinical application of multi-modality imaging will play an essential role in the management of cardiac disease going forward."

Renowned international faculty members will include: Pascal Goldschmitt, M.D., co-host, DUMC; Dudley Pennell, M.D., Brompton Hospital, UK; Roberto Lang, M.D., University of Chicago; Antonio Colombo, M.D., University of Milan, Italy; and also from Duke Medical Center: Rosevelt Gilliam, M.D.; John Heitner, M.D.; Katherine B. Kisslo, B.S., RDMS, RCVT; Cheryl Russo, M.D., Karen Strub, RDMS. In addition, the 23 experts from Europe and the U.S. will appear on tape.

"By bringing together these cardiac imaging experts, this program offers physicians a very efficient, convenient opportunity to hear the latest information on cardiac imaging, cost-effective testing and integration methods for clinical practice," said David M. Freeman, vice president, Cardiology Marketing. "Cardiac care, and particularly cardiac imaging, is evolving daily. We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with Duke University and Dr. Kisslo to sponsor this CME course, which will address both the quality and economic needs of today's healthcare environment."

Philips support of high-quality CME programs is one of the initiatives led by its Cardiovascular Care Business Team. The Business Team, dedicated to collaborating with cardiologists and leading medical research institutions to develop advanced technologies and services, supports the cardiovascular community in its efforts to deliver effective and efficient patient care. Meeting regularly with its global Advisory Board, the Team strives not only to understand the industry's needs but help shape the systems of tomorrow to enable better diagnosis, treatment and outcome.

Philips is working closely with WorldCare to bring 'Revolution' to medical communities who otherwise would not have access to it. Philips has underwritten the satellite costs and WorldCare is organizing downlink sites throughout the Middle East, Latin America and Eastern Europe. As a global healthcare services company that utilizes Duke University Medical Center as its renowned second opinion e-consultation providers, WorldCare is using its global telemedicine relationships to invite physicians to attend this telecast. WorldCare down-link sites will include hospital auditoriums, university classrooms and hotels in Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwiat, Karachi, Riyadh as well as Bogota, Quito, Medillin, Mexico City, Monterrey, Santiago and Zagreb.

"WorldCare has produced or facilitated the international transmission of numerous educational programs of the highest quality," said Nasser Menhall, chief executive officer, WorldCare Limited. "For the past six years, WorldCare has provided international audience development services for 'Echo in Context,' the longest running, most watched telemedicine event in the world. It is a great pleasure to work with Philips to bring yet another outstanding program to our audiences. Duke's programs are greatly anticipated and appreciated by physicians abroad. Distance learning is consistent with our distance health care services and WorldCare is pleased to partner with Philips and Duke to expand the reach of this unique program."

For more information about "The Revolution in Cardiac Imaging" program or for registration details, visit http://www.cardiacimaging.tv.

About Duke University Health System

Duke University Health System, located in Durham, NC, is a world-renowned medical institution dedicated to providing outstanding patient care, educating tomorrow's health care leaders, and discovering new and better ways to treat disease through bio-medical research. Consistently rated as one of the top 5 hospitals in the United States by US News and World Report, the Duke health care system draws patients from around the world. Because Duke is one if the world's leading academic health centers, it is able to provide state of the art medical treatment and facilities. Duke is home to many internationally renowned specialists, scientists, and researchers, offering the most advanced medical care in the world in an atmosphere of caring and compassion.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of EUR 31.8 billion in 2002. It is a global leader in color television sets, lighting, electric shavers, medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, and one-chip TV products. Its 164,000 employees in more than 60 countries are active in the areas of lighting, consumer electronics, domestic appliances, semiconductors, and medical systems. Philips is quoted on the NYSE (symbol: PHG), London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter

ATTN Broadcasters: Philips b-roll (via beta copy, fiber transmission and satellite feed), is available 24/7 by calling ([phone]).

About WorldCare Limited

WorldCare Limited, a pioneer and leader in global e-health services and solutions, facilitates international access to high quality U.S. healthcare through the delivery of highly specialized and personalized electronic second medical opinions and the provision of U.S. treatment plans for serious illness. In partnership with the very best medical centers in North America, WorldCare utilizes Internet-empowered technologies and FDA approved protocols to transmit medical records and provide referring physicians and their patients with second opinions and insured treatment for specified, serious illnesses. Consultation and treatment are rendered by The WorldCare Consortium comprised of The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Duke University Health System, Johns Hopkins Medicine and Partners HealthCare System, Inc., which include Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Special programs sponsored by life and health insurance carriers throughout the world offer WorldCare's second medical opinion services and insurance plans. Founded in 1994 through a joint effort with Massachusetts General Hospital, WorldCare maintains offices in Cambridge, MA, and Paris, France. WorldCare maintains operations in Latin America, The Middle East, Asia and Europe including the following countries: Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Malaysia, South Korea, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Slovakia (Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Japan, Taiwan and Russia - are under development). WorldCare can be found at www.worldcare.com.