Qatar University ( QU ) will set up a College of Medicine next year, in a major initiative to address the increasing need for Qatar-trained physicians.
The College is being established under directives from the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. It will receive the first batch of students in Fall 2015, QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad said yesterday.
QU Board of Regents in its first meeting for the new academic year approved an action plan to establish the facility. The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani.
"The decision was based on the result of a thorough feasibility study conducted by a team of high-ranking members from Qatar University ( QU ), Hamad Medical Corporation ( HMC ) and Qatar Leadership Center (QLC)," said a QU statement yesterday.
"Establishment of the College addresses the increasing need for Qatar-trained physicians, and supports the country's growing healthcare sector and national strategies in healthcare and education. Working collaboratively with key healthcare providers and educators, the College will make invaluable contributions to strengthening clinical practice, medical education and research in Qatar overall," it added.
The expert team was assisted by an international advisory board including current and former Deans of medical colleges at Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, Heidelberg University, American University of Beirut, and University of Sharjah.
The Steering Committee for the College of Medicine is chaired by Dr Abdulla Ali Al Thani, chairman, Executive Management Committee, QU Board of Regents; Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad , QU President is the vice chair. Other members are Dr Khalid Al Ali, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr Mohamed Ahmedna, QU College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies; Dr Asmaa Al Thani, CAS Head, Health Sciences Department; Prof Edward Hillhouse, HMC Chief of Scientific, Faculty and Academic Affairs; Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, HMC Deputy Chief of Medical Education; Dr Hassan Al Thani HMC Head, Trauma and Vascular Surgery; and Dr Christiane Mück, QLC Project Consultant.
Sheikha Al Misnad said, "College of Medicine marks a new phase of development for Qatar University . The national initiative is an extension of QU 's organic integration with society and its commitment to serve the growing needs of Qatar. It will remain our focus to offer high-quality education employers and patients can trust, and underlines our commitment to provide first-class medical education. We look forward to welcoming the first class of students to the college in Fall 2015."
HMC Managing Director, Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, said the college will facilitate continued collaboration between HMC and QU "to train and develop healthcare providers of the future as we strive to develop a skilled and sustainable local workforce".
Primary Health Care Corporation Managing Director, Dr Mariam Abdelmalik, said, "The college will contribute to developing medical professionals to deliver healthcare and treatment to the Qatari community with an understanding of patients' environment and lifestyle which is a critical component in appropriate disease diagnosis, prevention, and care. Such programmes will also attract, identify, and track distinguished students to join national organisations following graduation."
The Peninsula
7 November
