Latest news with #WCM-Q
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
WCM-Q shines light on Qatar's path to ‘global excellence' in cancer care, research
Tribune News Network Doha Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) have conducted a comprehensive study of Qatar's pioneering national cancer care and research strategy, highlighting the country's significant achievements in improving prevention, detection and treatment of the disease. The report, published in the leading UK medical journal Lancet Oncology, notes the remarkable success of Qatar's investments in advanced clinical and research infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies, and recruitment of highly skilled healthcare professionals over the past two decades, which have transformed the country into a regional leader in cancer care. Areas of particular strength in Qatar's system of cancer care - which has been shaped by the National Cancer Strategy (2010) and the Qatar Cancer Plan (2023-26) - include special expertise in precision and personalized medicine, early detection (based on well-developed screening facilities and schedules), and robustly evidence-based cancer management following diagnosis, leading to improved survival rates. The research, titled 'Qatar national cancer care and research: pioneering strategies for global health excellence,' also highlights areas where some challenges still exist, including late-stage diagnosis, low health literacy relating to cancer among some demographic groups in Qatar, and data collection and long-term analysis. WCM-Q's Dr. Lotfi Chouchane, professor of genetic medicine and professor of microbiology and immunology, is the senior author of the paper. The report, and a subsequent paper also published in Lancet Oncology, additionally highlights the potential for establishing beneficial regional and global collaborations on cancer care and research, particularly with Saudi Arabia and Jordan. This subsequent paper, titled 'Bridging borders for resilience in cancer control in the Middle East: a strategic alliance of Saudia Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan' also provides an epidemiological breakdown of patterns of cancer burden in the three countries. Dr. Murugan Subramanian, senior research associate, is a co-first author of the paper, with Dr. Chouchane serving as a co-senior author. Other researchers who contributed include Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Bin Hamad Al-Thani, director of the Public Health Department at the Ministry of Public Health and associate professor of Clinical Healthcare Policy and Research at WCM-Q and Qatar University; Dr Salha Bujassoum, senior consultant at the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research; Dr. Khalid Rashid Al-Rumaihi, head of the Department of Urology at Hamad Medical Corporation; and Dr. Hilal Lashuel, research development and innovation advisor to the chairperson of Qatar Foundation and executive director of RDI at the Chairperson's Office. Dr. Chouchane said: 'This research shows very clearly that the past two decades have been a huge success story for Qatar in its efforts to establish a truly world-class cancer care and innovation infrastructure. Looking ahead, we identified some challenges to overcome in the areas of community health literacy; cultural sensitivities surrounding important cancer-prevention measures; language barriers; data collection, digitization and long-term analysis; issues around healthcare equity; and the growing global challenge of unhealthy lifestyle choices, which can increase cancer risk. 'We can see, however, that Qatar is already taking steps to address many of these challenges, as is shown by the Qatar Cancer Plan 2023-26, developed by the Ministry of Public Health and the National Cancer Governance Board.' The research also draws attention to Qatar's efforts to prioritize the integration of cutting-edge precision and personalized medicine protocols into clinical practice - a measure which is already having a significant positive impact on survival rates. He added: 'Precision medicine is one of the most promising areas for cancer research and enhanced patient outcomes, but a limiting factor is that it is dependent on good-quality genomic data matched with good-quality clinical data. Therefore, sharing genomic and clinical data with healthcare systems in neighbouring countries who have populations with similar ethnic backgrounds could provide a dramatic boost for precision oncology in the region.'
Qatar Tribune
7 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Aspiring scientists sharpen their skills at WCM-Q biomedical training programme
Tribune News Network Doha Four aspiring biomedical scientists have gained key research skills by completing the 2025 cycle of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar's (WCM-Q) Biomedical Research Training Programme (BRTP) for nationals. The interns who participated in this year's programme are Raghad Rabie El Ghali, Hadeel Alashwal, Maryam Ali, and Sara Muhamed Saleh. The programme is designed to give Qatari nationals and long-term residents who have recently graduated from college a firm foundation in practical laboratory and research administration skills, and experience conducting real clinical research projects while working alongside WCM-Q's highly qualified scientific faculty in the college's state-of-the-art laboratories. To celebrate their successful completion of the programme, the interns were presented with certificates at a special graduation ceremony. This year marks the 13th annual cycle of the Biomedical Research Training Programme for Nationals, which was launched in 2011. To date, the programme has helped 62 graduates, including this year's cohort, take their first steps toward successful careers in research. Dr Khaled Machaca, professor of physiology and biophysics/senior associate dean for research, innovations, and commercialization at WCM-Q, said: 'I am honoured to congratulate our latest cohort of talented graduates from the Biomedical Research Training Programme. These impressive young scientists have dedicated the last 10 months to acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to become not only exceptional scientists but also vital contributors to Qatar's thriving biomedical research sector. I wish them every success in the next stages of their careers.' This year's BRTP interns are graduates of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar University, the University of Zhengzhou in China, and the International Medical University in Malaysia. Tembela Eweje, associate director, grants, contracts and research training, said: 'This programme is more than just training; it's about building a diverse and capable biomedical workforce for Qatar. The programme is designed to equip emerging scientists with critical skills and provide the mentorship they need for their careers after completion. During the graduation ceremony, our trainees expressed their excitement about the future and their eagerness to engage in activities that will help them gain the expertise needed to lead transformative research. One trainee mentioned that the program provided them with what they would equate to about 10 years of experience in just 10 months.' The programme has become an established bridge for college graduates to transition to the workplace and kickstart successful careers in research. Graduates from previous cycles have gone on to publish in leading journals and have been accepted to graduate school programmes in Qatar and abroad, while others have established careers in research at prestigious institutions across Qatar and the region.
Qatar Tribune
18-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
WCM-Q probes link between insulin resistance and colorectal cancer
Tribune News Network Doha Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) have explored the possible links between insulin resistance and early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) in a new article published in Cancer Cell (Cell Press), a leading scientific journal. Cancer, regardless of type, is generally considered a disease that occurs later in life, typically after 50-60 years of age. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Programme of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA, indicates that the median age of a cancer diagnosis is 66. However, more recently, younger individuals under the age of 45-50 have been diagnosed with cancers (early-onset cancers; EOCs). Although this shifting trend in cancer epidemiology has been reported previously, this occurrence gained significant attention in early 2024, with many major news outlets and research/medical institutions reporting a rise in EOCs. Among the various EOCs, gastrointestinal cancers, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), seem to be rapidly increasing among the younger population. This trend appears similar for countries in the MENA region, including Qatar. 'As cancer researchers, we were captivated by the question of 'why this is happening?'' said Prof. Dietrich Büsselberg, professor of physiology and biophysics, one of the co-corresponding authors of the article. 'It is well known that genetic mutations that cause CRC and hereditary CRC-associated syndromes are highly penetrant and increase the risk of CRC. However, it is unlikely that this risk factor alone has changed so dramatically in successive generations of the population to account for the significant increase in EOCRC in recent years.' Dr. Samson Mathews Samuel, research associate in physiology and biophysics and co-corresponding author of the article, said: 'Our in-depth review of existing literature led us to identify a possible culprit behind this occurrence, namely insulin resistance.' A growing body of evidence points to insulin resistance, a hallmark of common metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, as a possible key risk factor contributing to the incidence and progression of EOCRC. Insulin resistance, defined as the inability of cells to respond to normal insulin, results in hyperinsulinemia (an increase in circulating insulin levels in the blood) much earlier in life than is typically recognized. Surprisingly, insulin resistance can drive metabolic changes very early in life and depends on several early-life external factors to which the individual is exposed. Elizabeth Varghese, a senior research specialist, is the other author of the paper, titled 'Complexity of insulin resistance in early-onset colorectal cancer'. The paper also infers that managing insulin resistance through dietary and/or lifestyle changes and therapeutic interventions is likely to be effective in reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer among young individuals.
Qatar Tribune
12-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
WCM-Q designated as Centre of Excellence by top diabetes body
Tribune News Network Doha Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) has become the first medical institution in Qatar to receive official designation as an International Diabetes Federation Centre of Excellence for diabetes care, research and education. It joins an elite group of 25 other centres of excellence across the world. To be designated a Centre of excellence, WCM-Q had to meet stringent eligibility criteria set by the International Diabetes Federation, including having state-of-the-art infrastructure for providing education, a track record of high-quality diabetes research, and status as a clinical institution with a multidisciplinary team of health professionals actively involved in diabetes care, prevention and advocacy. The International Diabetes Federation is the global voice of the diabetes community. It is a non-profit umbrella organisation of 251 national diabetes associations in 158 countries and territories, working together to improve and empower the lives of the estimated 590 million people living with diabetes and prevent diabetes in those at risk. Leading WCM-Q diabetes researcher Dr Rayaz Malik, professor of medicine and assistant dean for clinical research partnerships, said: 'We are very pleased to be designated an International Diabetes Federation centre of excellence in recognition of our contribution to global diabetes research and education. 'This strengthens our capacity to undertake research in diabetes and its complications and enables WCM-Q to deliver education to healthcare professionals that will improve the diagnosis and management of people with diabetes and those at risk of developing diabetes. By working closely with organisations like the International Diabetes Federation, we can help prevent the development of diabetes and improve the lives of those with diabetes.' Dr Malik explained that in their recent systematic review published in the Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology, a 20-29 percent weight loss was shown to be associated with partial remission of diabetes in approximately 70 percent of people with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, regular screening to identify early complications affecting the nerves, eyes and kidneys can prevent or limit blindness, dialysis and amputation. Dr Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, said: 'Designation as a Centre of Excellence by the International Diabetes Federation is a great honour for WCM-Q. Diabetes is perhaps the most pressing health concern for our region and WCM-Q is pursuing a multifaceted approach to tackling the condition through world-class research, clinical excellence, educational initiatives, and patient advocacy.'
Qatar Tribune
10-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
WCM–Q graduates set sights on global impact
Satyendra Pathak Doha Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar (WCM-Q), the Ivy League institution's Middle East campus, continues to live up to its reputation as a premier medical school nurturing some of the most promising doctors of tomorrow. As this year's cohort of graduates steps out into the world, each one carries a deeply personal story shaped by determination, diversity, and a shared desire to serve. Among them is Ahamed Lebbe, who moved from Sri Lanka to Qatar at the age of seven. Growing up in Doha, his dream to become a doctor was fueled by the urge to give back to society in a meaningful way. WCM-Q offered him not only a world-class curriculum but also access to US-based clinical experiences that have prepared him for the next chapter: a residency at the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital. His goal? A career in gastroenterology. For Ahamed, WCM-Q offered the ideal blend: a globally recognised Ivy League education within reach of home. What truly impressed him, he shared, was the institution's strong emphasis on patient-centred care, a philosophy that resonated deeply with his own values. He credits WCM-Q with preparing him for clinical rotations and research opportunities in the United States, which strengthened his residency applications. He is now headed to Johns Hopkins Hospital to begin his residency in internal medicine, with hopes of eventually specialising in gastroenterology. Pradipta Paul, a Bangladeshi national born and raised in Qatar, found his calling early in life. For him, WCM-Q wasn't just an educational institution — it was a bridge between home and a global future. His groundbreaking research on COVID-19 vaccines, under the mentorship of Dr Laith Abu-Raddad, professor of population health sciences, and director of the biostatistics, epidemiology, and biomathematics research core at WCM-Q, won him accolades and helped shape his approach to patient care. His interest in medicine was sparked in high school, and he was determined to pursue it while remaining close to his family. 'WCM-Q allowed me to do what I loved, while staying rooted,' he said. His time at the college helped him develop a strong aptitude for research, which began as early as his second year in the pre-medical track. Over the years, this interest evolved into a deep commitment. He believes this experience not only honed his analytical and communication skills but will also help him counsel patients with vaccine hesitancy in clinical practice. He is now headed to Rochester General Hospital to begin his residency in internal medicine, with ambitions to specialise further in cardiology or gastroenterology. For American-born Kevin Zhai, the choice to study medicine in Qatar was deliberate. Eschewing offers from US schools, he embraced the cultural diversity and intimacy of WCM-Q's campus, where he thrived in leadership roles and led pioneering research in nanomedicine. He will soon begin his residency in neurology in the United States. 'I knew I would receive the same Cornell curriculum here, but with the added benefit of understanding a different culture and healthcare system,' he said. What stood out for Kevin was the more intimate academic environment compared to large US universities. With smaller class sizes and strong faculty access, he found ample opportunities for leadership and innovation. Over the past few years, he led a research team as principal investigator, exploring the intersections of nanotechnology and medicine. His work, funded through various grants and published in peer-reviewed journals, has contributed to a growing body of knowledge in biomedical innovation. He will now return to the US to begin his residency in neurology. Another graduate Mohammad Saad Javed, originally from Pakistan but raised in the UK, has been living in Qatar for the past decade. He joined WCM-Q at a time when it was the sole provider of American-style medical education in the country. Now, with several years of rigorous training behind him, he appreciates the institution's holistic and supportive learning environment. 'The faculty are incredibly engaged. They truly care about student growth,' he shared. Though he didn't highlight a specific research project, he expressed pride in simply completing the programme and stepping into the next phase of his career. He is now preparing to begin his residency in psychiatry in Florida. Then, there's the story of Omar Mourad and Aisha Serpedin — two students whose paths converged both professionally and personally. Amar, a Syrian national raised in Qatar, and Aisha, who moved from the US with her Romanian-American family, were drawn to WCM-Q for similar reasons: the opportunity to receive an American education close to home. They are now headed to the University of Vermont for their residencies with Amar specialising in internal medicine and Aisha in neurology — with plans to return and serve the region they call home. 'There are unique cases and healthcare challenges in this region. Studying medicine here gave me exposure to both American medical standards and local cultural contexts,' Aisha said. For Amar, treating Arabic-speaking patients and practising in a community he knew well was a key motivation. Both valued the professionalism and high standards of education that WCM-Q offered. As fate would have it, their shared journey extended beyond the classroom. The couple matched together at the University of Vermont — Aisha into neurology and Amar into internal medicine. They hope to return to Qatar after their US training to serve the region with their acquired expertise. From aspiring physicians to future specialists in internal medicine, neurology, psychiatry, gastroenterology, and cardiology, these graduates are now set to begin their residencies in top institutions across the United States. They leave behind a legacy of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and a strong commitment to serve. As they step into the global medical landscape, their stories remain anchored in the halls of Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar, an institution that has empowered them to heal, to lead, and to inspire.
