Latest news with #WCMQ
Al Bawaba
20-07-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
High school students explore medicine at WCM-Q
Eighty-three local and international high school students aspiring to pursue careers in medicine had the opportunity to gain early exposure to the field through the Medical Minds Online Program (MMOP), a summer program organized by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q).The week-long virtual event was part of the Summer Enrichment Programs, designed to introduce pre-college students to the field of medicine and science through engaging and interactive sessions led by WCM-Q's faculty and staff, who are experts in their by WCM-Q's Office of Student Outreach and Educational Development, the program aims to provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the medical field to students with a keen interest in medicine and the sciences. It targets students in Qatar's high schools and from different parts of the world who have shown academic excellence in the sciences and girls and 33 boys from 43 schools engaged in a variety of live Zoom sessions and self-paced modules, such as medical ethics, anatomy, surgery, forensic biology, and the admissions process at participating students, entering grades 10, 11, and 12, came from various schools across Qatar, while international students joined the sessions from Algeria, Brazil, Canada, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and by physicians, medical educators, and WCM-Q student mentors, the program offered both academic knowledge and personal development skills, including building a professional identity in medicine and exploring career pathways. The students also learned how to work on Canvas, a learning management system used by educational program explored different specialties in medicine to give the students a chance to see which field they were passionate about. To inspire them further, the faculty shared personal stories about their medical five WCM-Q pre-medical students served as student assistants in a session titled 'Building your Professional Identity in Medicine,' where they facilitated group discussions that asked students to identify their personal values, reflect on what drew them to medicine, and link these values to their vision of medical practice. The students were Fatima Abdulla, Shaikha Al Ishaq, Nouf Alabdulmalik, Noof AlMalik, and Mohammed Ali medical and pre-medical students, Reem Al Janahi, Batoul Arabi, Fatima Al-Mohammed, Anns Mahboob, and Ola AboMoslim, also conducted a panel discussion where they tackled topics such as writing personal statements, interview techniques, and student life at the conclusion of the program, all students were awarded a certificate of Saleh, director of premedical administration, student outreach, and educational development, said: 'The MMOP was a wonderful opportunity for high school students to get a glimpse of the medical field. By combining both academic content and real-life insights from professionals and our students, I believe this will help the students make informed decisions about their future and build a strong foundation for those considering careers in the healthcare sector. Offered online, the program's international reach expanded attracting students from more than ten different cities around the world, in addition to Doha, Qatar.'Student participant Faisal Alazawi of The Hamilton International School, who is heading to grade 12, said: 'The program was an eye-opener, and I have learned that everyone's journey into medicine is personal and unique. Hearing the doctors share their experiences, including the challenges they have encountered, motivations, and turning points, was really inspiring, which showed me that there's no single path to becoming a physician. The program being held virtually made it incredibly accessible, allowing us to learn from anywhere while still gaining insight into what WCM-Q students experience. The self-paced modules kept me productive now that we are on summer break.' Dr. Rachid Bendriss, assistant professor of education in medicine, associate dean for foundation, student outreach, and educational development programs, and professor of English as a second language, said: 'I believe that besides introducing the students to medical topics, the program helped them build essential skills like critical thinking, communication, and self-directed learning. It's incredible to see young minds grow more confident about pursuing their goals in medicine in the future.'
Al Bawaba
07-07-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
WCM-Q shares advances in neuromusicology with specialized centers in Jordan
Dr. Ghizlane Bendriss, a neuroscientist and esteemed faculty member at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), recently visited Amman, Jordan, as part of a regional collaboration on music-based Bendriss is at the forefront of pioneering research on the effects of Arab music maqams (the melodic system used in Middle Eastern music) on brain physiology and her trip, she presented initial findings from her electroencephalogram (EEG) clinical trial on Arabic maqams and brain activity, which is the only study of its kind registered on The presentation took place at Crescendo Music & Art Academy, a well-established institute with comprehensive music and arts education, in the presence of ethnomusicologists, therapists, and special needs educators. Her research results indicated that Maqam Saba can evoke measurable emotional responses in participants with Arab backgrounds compared with participants with no Arab background, challenging the notion that music perception is universal. These findings pave the way for the development of music therapy approaches that are tailored to specific cultural Bendriss also visited the Orient Spirit Development Organization, the first specialized vocational training center in the Middle East dedicated to training individuals with disabilities and learning difficulties, which engages in music therapy, crafts, and income-generating activities to build their autonomy and on her work, Dr. Bendriss said: 'I'm incredibly proud that this clinical trial is now yielding its first results. It's the first study of its kind to bring neuroscientific evidence to what scholars like Al-Farabi and Ibn Sina described centuries ago — the therapeutic power of musical modes, or maqams, used in the earliest mental health hospitals, the Bimaristans. Just as Mozart's music has been studied neurologically, our work at WCM-Q examines for the first time the brain's response to 'Howa Sahih El Hawa Ghalab,' a classic interpreted by Umm Kulthum in Maqam Saba. The findings challenge the idea that sadness in music is universal, suggesting instead that music-based interventions must be culturally grounded. Sharing these results in Jordan — home to one of the region's oldest music therapy degree programs — was deeply meaningful. It reflects my aspiration to foster lasting regional collaborations that bridge science, heritage, and care, and ultimately serve children with special needs through more inclusive, culturally informed therapeutic practices.'These collaborations are closely linked to Dr. Bendriss's broader research interests in neurodevelopmental disorders and the sensory dimension of the gut-brain axis. They also build on the momentum of her continuing professional development course, 'Training in Music-Based Interventions,' the region's first accredited program of its kind. The course featured Ms. Rula Barghouthi, a music therapist from the Orient Spirit Development Organization, and equips healthcare professionals with tools to help individuals build self-esteem, express emotions, and address speech and motor deficits associated with conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The growing significance of WCM-Q's commitment to advancing neuromusicology is further affirmed by the official recognition of music therapists under Qatar's art therapy license.
Al Bawaba
25-06-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
WCM-Q research highlights Qatar's path to ‘global health excellence' in cancer care and research
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. One measure we in the healthcare sector advocate is to work closely with like-minded countries in the region - such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan - to share experiences, expertise and datasets, which has the potential to be of huge benefit to the cancer care and research strategies of all participating countries.' 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. Indeed, research by Dr. Chouchane's lab at WCM-Q has been at the forefront of precision medicine approaches to cancer care. 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 neighboring countries who have populations with similar ethnic backgrounds could provide a dramatic boost for precision oncology in the region.'
Al Bawaba
22-06-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
WCM-Q concludes 2025 cycle of biomedical research training program
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 Program (BRTP) for Nationals. The interns who participated in this year's program are Raghad Rabie El Ghali, Hadeel Alashwal, Maryam Ali, and Sara Muhamed program 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 celebrate their successful completion of the program, the interns were presented with certificates at a special graduation year marks the 13th annual cycle of the Biomedical Research Training Program for Nationals, which was launched in 2011. To date, the program has helped 62 graduates, including this year's cohort, take their first steps toward successful careers in Khaled Machaca, professor of physiology and biophysics/senior associate dean for research, innovations, and commercialization at WCM-Q, said: 'I am honored to congratulate our latest cohort of talented graduates from the Biomedical Research Training Program. 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 program is more than just training; it's about building a diverse and capable biomedical workforce for Qatar. The program 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 program 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 programs in Qatar and abroad, while others have established careers in research at prestigious institutions across Qatar and the region. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
Zawya
21-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
WCM-Q concludes 2025 cycle of biomedical research training program
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 Program (BRTP) for Nationals. The interns who participated in this year's program are Raghad Rabie El Ghali, Hadeel Alashwal, Maryam Ali, and Sara Muhamed Saleh. The program 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 program, the interns were presented with certificates at a special graduation ceremony. This year marks the 13th annual cycle of the Biomedical Research Training Program for Nationals, which was launched in 2011. To date, the program 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 honored to congratulate our latest cohort of talented graduates from the Biomedical Research Training Program. 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 program is more than just training; it's about building a diverse and capable biomedical workforce for Qatar. The program 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 program 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 programs in Qatar and abroad, while others have established careers in research at prestigious institutions across Qatar and the region. About Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar is a partnership between Cornell University and Qatar Foundation. It offers a comprehensive Six-Year Medical Program leading to the Cornell University M.D. degree with teaching by Cornell and Weill Cornell faculty and by physicians at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Sidra Medicine, the Primary Health Care Corporation, and Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, who hold Weill Cornell appointments. Through its biomedical research program, WCM-Q is building a sustainable research community in Qatar while advancing basic science and clinical research. Through its medical college, WCM-Q seeks to provide the finest education possible for medical students, to improve health care both now and for future generations, and to provide high quality health care to the Qatari population. For more info, please contact: Hanan Lakkis Associate Director, Media and Publications Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar hyl2004@
