26-05-2025
QU Health students advance to SESAM SimUni finals in Spain
Tribune News Network
Doha
A distinguished team of students from Qatar University (QU)'s Health Sector has earned a prestigious place in the final round of the SESAM SimUni Global Medical Simulation Competition, organised by the European Society for Medical Simulation.
Following an exceptional performance during the virtual preliminary rounds, the team earned its place among the top six teams globally and will compete at the Society's Annual Meeting in Valencia, Spain, from June 25 to 27, 2025.
The competition's opening stage featured teams from 12 countries across three continents —Morocco, the United Kingdom, Georgia, Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, Ukraine, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Qatar.
Each team demonstrated advanced simulation capabilities in high-pressure simulation scenarios at their home institutions, under real-time supervision by SESAM via assessments focused on clinical decision-making, interprofessional communication, and collaborative problem-solving.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration across health professions, Dr. Alla El-Awaisi, advisor to the vice-president for Health and Medical Sciences and Section Head of Interprofessional Education, said: 'This outstanding achievement reflects our firm belief in the power of simulation and interprofessional education to transform health profession learning. The team's success highlights the strength of collaboration across QU Health colleges and the effectiveness of experiential learning in nurturing confident, competent health professionals.'
Reflecting on the achievement, Dr. Moustafa Al Hariri, acting section head of the Simulation Lab at QU, said: 'Securing a spot in the finals of this prestigious competition marks a defining moment for our students and Clinical Affairs office.'
Among the team members, Zainab Hajialthakar, a student at the College of Medicine, expressed her excitement about the journey ahead, saying: 'Representing my university is a true honour, and I strive to do so in the best way possible. We are beyond thrilled to have been selected to travel to Spain for the final round. This experience has already transformed our perspective on interprofessional teamwork, and I have no doubt it will continue to shape us until the very last day.'
Tasnim Kharofa, a student from the College of Pharmacy, shared her reflections, saying: 'Qualifying for Phase 2 is an incredible moment that fills me with pride and gratitude. Despite the tight timeline, we went through every challenge with determination and teamwork. Seeing our hard work pay off is truly rewarding, not just on a personal level but also as a reflection of our university's growing excellence in the simulation system.'
Nour Abdullah, a student from the College of Nursing, emphasised the learning opportunities that lie ahead.
She said, 'I am incredibly excited to represent my college and my country in the final round. This is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with peers and refine my communication in a dynamic healthcare setting. I look forward to the challenges ahead and the valuable learning experiences this competition will bring.'
As the Qatar team prepares to compete in real-time scenarios at the SESAM Annual Meeting, they carry with them the pride of being outstanding and the support of a university community committed to advancing health profession education through innovation and collaboration.
Their journey continues in Valencia, where they will once again demonstrate the power of teamwork, resilience, and excellence.
