Latest news with #TribuneNewsNetworkDohaSidraMedicine
Qatar Tribune
29-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Sidra Medicine provides 1st full adolescent eating disorders clinic in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, offers a specialised eating disorders clinic within its Adolescent Medicine programme to support children and young people, aged eight to 17. As the only comprehensive eating disorder programme in Qatar, the clinic plays a vital role in addressing a growing health concern by providing holistic, multidisciplinary care tailored to the complex physical and mental health needs of adolescents. Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team including paediatricians, psychologists, dietitians, and social workers. The team is trained in gold-standard therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) and Family-Based Therapy. The clinic provides diagnosis and management for conditions such as Anorexia Nervosa (restrictive and binge-purge types); Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID); and co-occurring mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and low self-esteem. Dr. Madeeha Kamal, acting division chief of Adolescent Medicine, General Paediatrics, and Dermatology at Sidra Medicine, said: 'Eating disorders are not simply about food or weight. They are complex mental health conditions with deep emotional and psychological roots. They often go unnoticed, as many young people hide their symptoms. Our clinic is committed to raising awareness and providing specialised care that combines medical, psychological, nutritional, and family support.' A standout feature of the programme is its integration of allied health professionals who play a crucial role in each patient's recovery. Dietitians offer tailored nutritional support to help adolescents, and their families reach treatment goals, while psychologists address underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and body image concerns. Social workers also work closely with families to address relational dynamics that may be contributing to the disorder, reinforcing the importance of trust and support throughout the healing process. The programme also has an inpatient service for adolescents requiring round-the-clock care and therapy. Patient management, for both outpatients and inpatients, is based on the American Academy of Paediatrics guidelines. Dr. Al Hammadi, chair of paediatric Medicine at Sidra Medicine, said: 'At Sidra Medicine, we have witnessed many success stories. One patient, admitted at age 13 with severe malnutrition and a critically low heart rate, made a full recovery through coordinated inpatient care and ongoing outpatient support. 'She went on to graduate with distinction and gained admission at a leading international university. All of us were so proud of her progress and milestones. With more than 90 percent of our patients achieving long-term recovery, this programme demonstrates that with comprehensive treatment and strong family involvement, adolescents can regain their health and lead fulfilling lives.' Dr. Kamal shared some advice and guidance for parents, if they are worried about their children's eating habits, saying: 'Early detection is extremely crucial when it comes to eating disorders. Which is why it is important for us to work together with the family because together we can make a difference in their child's life.' 1. Early detection: Look out for warning signs in your child. • Are they skipping meals or following rigid food rules like eliminating whole food groups (like carbs or fats) or preoccupied with calories, 'clean eating,' or weight? • Have you seen any noticeable weight fluctuations? • Is your child avoiding eating in social situations? nutrition matters: Supports growth, development, and emotional health. • What does a balanced diet look like? • It includes 3 meals and 2-3 snacks daily and daily food intake is composed of key food groups: Fruits & Vegetables; Whole Grains; Proteins; Dairy or Alternatives and Fats: Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils for brain health. 3. Importance of family meals: To foster connection and structure • Incorporate daily family meals into your routine with your child. • Make mealtimes a safe and supportive space. • Family meals are essential in the recovery journey from eating disorders – regular shared meals provide stability, support and connection. Sidra Medicine remains committed to advancing adolescent health through innovation, research, and compassionate care.
Qatar Tribune
20-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Sidra Medicine to host Women's Health Conference in September
Tribune News Network Doha Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, will host its annual Women's Health Conference (WHC 2025) from September 26 to 27, 2025 at the Sidra Medicine auditorium in Doha, Qatar. To be held under the theme 'Priorities in Women's Health: A Vision for the Future', the conference will provide a dedicated platform for clinical excellence, innovation, and knowledge exchange across the entire spectrum of women's healthcare. It will bring together a distinguished lineup of experts and healthcare professionals to explore the most pressing and evolving topics in the field. WHC 2025 will focus on emerging trends and challenges across prenatal diagnosis, pregnancy and childbirth, fertility, reproductive health, and women's wellness. In particular, it will examine the critical role of technology and artificial intelligence in shaping diagnostic tools, treatment pathways, and long-term care strategies for women. Prof. Johnny Awwad, chair of Women's Services at Sidra Medicine, said: 'This year's conference emphasises a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to women's health. From puberty to menopause and everything in between, we are proud to provide a platform for open dialogue and collaborative learning among specialists who are shaping the future of women's healthcare.' The two-day event will also explore how advances in digital health, predictive analytics, and minimally invasive treatments are transforming the care landscape for women in Qatar and globally. The conference is designed to encourage the adoption of best practices and empower institutions to embrace new tools and models of care. Dr. Hala Abdullahi, senior attending physician – ObGyn, at Sidra Medicine, and co-chair of WHC 2025, said: 'We understand that women's health is not limited to clinical care. It is influenced by continuous innovation, education, and equitable access throughout every stage of life. WHC 2025 reflects our dedication to advancing this vision by creating a space for meaningful dialogue around complex and often underrepresented issues.' Sidra Medicine invites healthcare professionals and stakeholders to join this event, which aims to advance the conversation on women's health in Qatar and beyond, foster meaningful collaborations,ultimately shaping a healthier future for women everywhere. Register to secure your place at the Women's Health Conference 2025 at: Women Health Conference 2025 - Online Single Registration.
Qatar Tribune
01-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Sidra Medicine joins global research on adipose tissue
Tribune News Network Doha Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has contributed to a major international research study published in Nature Metabolism, titled 'Towards a consensus atlas of human and mouse adipose tissue at single cell resolution'. The study presents the first global roadmap to standardise how adipose tissue is studied at the single cell level in both humans and mice. Adipose tissue, commonly known as body fat, is increasingly understood to be a highly active organ that plays a central role in metabolism, immune regulation, and hormone signalling. The connective tissues' endocrine function regulates energy metabolism, appetite, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation. Dysfunction in this tissue has been linked to a wide range of serious health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and lipodystrophies. Led by the Human Cell Atlas Adipose Network, the study bridges the gap between basic research and clinical application by providing clear anatomical definitions, standardising cell-type annotations, and establishing best-practice guidelines for the production and analysis of single-cell data from adipose tissue. These advancements empower researchers to better understand an organ central to metabolism, immunity, and overall health, while also enabling precision medicine approaches for obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions. Dr Luis R Saraiva, director of the Congenital Malformations Translational Research Programme at Sidra Medicine and co-lead of the study, said: 'Despite its critical role in human health, adipose tissue research has long lacked the standardised tools needed for consistent study. 'This consensus paper changes that. It gives us a shared reference that allows scientists around the world to speak the same language about how we define fat tissue, how we analyse it, and how we apply those findings. That clarity is essential if we want to move from fragmented insights to real breakthroughs in understanding and treating diseases.' Prof Khalid Fakhro, chief research officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'This landmark study reflects Sidra Medicine's commitment to advancing research that connects fundamental biology to real world health challenges, and the active role our scientists play in global consortia advancing precision health. 'By contributing to this Human Cell Atlas effort, we are establishing a reference point that will shape the future of research for conditions like obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and impact millions of patients suffering from these and other related conditions all around the world.' The paper brings together over one hundred researchers from leading institutions worldwide, including Harvard Medical School, the University of Chicago, and the University of Southern Denmark. It also highlights the role of the Human Cell Atlas consortium; a global initiative aimed at creating comprehensive reference maps of all human cells. To read the full study, visit: Towards a consensus atlas of human and mouse adipose tissue at single-cell resolution | Nature Metabolism.
Qatar Tribune
24-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Sidra Medicine honours Class of 2025 graduates
Tribune News Network Doha Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, honoured the achievements of the 2024-2025 graduating class of residents, fellows, medical doctors, and event, part of its third annual Medical Education Day, was held on June 21. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister of Public Health His Excellency Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, Managing Director of Hamad Medical Corporation Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Chief Medical Officer of Hamad Medical Corporation Dr. Khalid Mohammed Al Jalham, and Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Medical Education at Hamad Medical Corporation Dr. Abdulla Rashid Al Naimi. The Class of 2025 featured 68 individuals across Sidra Medicine's academic programmes, including 19 residents from Paediatrics; 36 fellows from both Women's and Paediatrics; five undergraduate students from Medicine, Nursing and Biological Sciences, and eight sponsored staff from Genomics, Research, Medical Imaging and Neuroscience Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, chief executive officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'Medical Education Day is a celebration of ambition, resilience and the promise of what comes next. It reflects not only the hard work of our graduates, but the dedication of those who taught, mentored and supported them. The recognition of our graduates reflects Sidra Medicine's ongoing commitment to building a healthcare workforce prepared to meet the region's most pressing challenges through excellence in education, collaboration and clinical innovation.' Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, chief medical officer of Sidra Medicine, said: 'As graduates of Sidra Medicine, our Class of 2025 are now in a position to help lead critical change in healthcare across our region. Many of the conditions affecting children in the MENA region are still not well understood, as our populations are often left out of global healthcare research and clinical trials. This must change. I look to the current and future generation of graduates to play a big role in bringing a much-needed perspective to the health and research wish them all the best in their exciting journeys as healthcare and research pioneers, leaders and team builders.' The graduation event also featured an Appreciation and Award Ceremony, recognising the outstanding contributions and achievements across a range of categories, celebrating faculty, trainees, and teams who exemplify excellence in education and clinical practice. The following awards were distributed: • The Best Resident Award was presented to Dr. Fatima Al Maadid, who was commended for her excellence in medical knowledge, dedication to patient care, commitment to ongoing education, and outstanding leadership and communication skills. • The Best Fellow Award went to Dr Ahmed Saeed, who demonstrated exemplary medical knowledge, dedication to patient care, commitment to education and research, and exceptional leadership. • The prestigious Medical Education Department DIO Award was presented to Dr. Eman Al Maslamani. • The Excellence in Simulation-Based Education Award was awarded to the Paediatric Residency Simulation Team. • Dr. Madeeha Kamal received the Best Faculty Member Award. • Dr. Khalid Alyafei was recognised with the UME Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award. • The Best Programme Coordinator Award was granted to Krystal Sicsic. • The Best Learning Environment Award was given to the Nephrology programme.
Qatar Tribune
03-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Sidra to host inaugural MENA ART meet
Tribune News Network Doha Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, will host its inaugural MENA ART (Advanced Research Technologies for Personalized Medicine) conference on May 18 and 19. MENA ART will bring together leading scientists, clinicians, and industry experts from around the world to explore how flow cytometry and optical microscopy are shaping the future of precision medicine. The theme of the conference, 'Innovation in Flow Cytometry and Optical Microscopy', will highlight how these technologies are transforming disease diagnosis, biomarker discovery, and the development of targeted therapies. It aims to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and showcase pioneering research that is changing the landscape of healthcare. Dr Giusy Gentilcore, Manager of the Flow Cytometry Core Facility at Sidra Medicine and co-chair of MENA ART 2025, said: 'Flow cytometry and Optical Microscopy are at the heart of many breakthroughs in immunology and personalised medicine. At MENA ART 2025, we are bringing together global experts to showcase how this powerful technology advances our understanding of diseases and improves patient outcomes. The hands-on workshops are a highlight, providing participants with the practical skills needed to maximise the impact of their research.' The conference will feature expert-led sessions on cutting-edge applications across cancer biology, immunology, small particles, digital pathology, and translational medicine. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in high-throughput imaging, spatial proteomics, and single-cell analysis. Flow cytometry is a powerful tool that enables rapid, high-dimensional cell analysis, supporting breakthroughs in diagnostics and therapeutic innovation. Whereas optical microscopy provides detailed views into cellular structures and biological processes, allowing scientists to visualise disease mechanisms, track treatment responses, and drive discovery at the molecular level. Dr Abbirami Sathappan, Lead of the Advanced Imaging Core at Sidra Medicine, said: 'The MENA ART 2025 conference represents a unique platform for researchers, clinicians, and technology leaders to exchange ideas and explore the latest innovations in imaging. By focusing on the real-world impact of optical microscopy in diagnostics and translational research, we aim to drive meaningful conversations that inspire collaboration and accelerate scientific progress in the region and beyond.' In addition to the main conference, Sidra Medicine will host the region's first hands-on workshop of its kind from May 20–22, offering participants an immersive experience in flow cytometry and optical microscopy technologies. Led by expert instructors from around the world, the workshop will feature high-end demo equipment alongside cutting-edge platforms from our own laboratories. Participants will gain direct, practical training in data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation, building essential skills to advance precision medicine research. The MENA ART conference highlights Sidra Medicine's role in advancing precision medicine through research, innovation and collaboration.
