Latest news with #WCM-Q
Qatar Tribune
20-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QNL's Murshidi Programme: Shape your future in eight diverse sectors with expert guidance
Tribune News Network Doha In today's competitive academic and professional landscape, having the right guidance at the right time can significantly shape your future. The Murshidi Programme, led by Qatar National Library (QNL), offers an invaluable opportunity for high school students, university students, and recent graduates to receive dedicated, one-on-one mentorship from accomplished academics and professionals across a wide range of disciplines. Experts from Education City, its distinguished alumni network, and other institutions in Qatar provide more than just answers; they offer personalised support tailored to your unique goals, whether you're navigating university applications, exploring scholarship opportunities, or planning your career trajectory. The Murshidi programme is your gateway to informed decision-making, strategic thinking, and professional growth in the following fields: Health and Medical Sciences Medicine and innovative healthcare is a critical field for any society. Understanding disciplines such as immunology, cancer research, and neurology helps mentees explore careers that directly impact community well-being. With mentors from Sidra Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, WCM-Q, QBRI and Nature Portfolio, students gain exposure to real-world medical research and practice. Technology Technology is rapidly transforming every industry. Learning from experts in AI, cybersecurity, and data science allows mentees to understand emerging trends and develop skills that are in high demand. This field is essential for those interested in shaping digital solutions and driving innovation with the support of experts from QCRI, HBKU, MCIT and Cytomate. Academia and Research A strong foundation in research and critical thinking is essential for academic and professional success. Mentors from institutions like HBKU, Qatar University, WCM-Q, HEC Paris, and Qatar Foundation help mentees refine their intellectual interests, improve academic performance, and consider research as a potential career path. Public Policy, International Affairs and Law This field is vital for students interested in governance, diplomacy, or legal systems. Understanding how laws and regulations are developed and implemented allows mentees to see the impact of public policy on business and society. Professionals from the Ministry of Commerce, QRDI, CILE and QICCA offer insight into real-world policymaking, legislation, and international relations. Finance, Business and Banking Business knowledge is fundamental regardless of your chosen career. Mentorship in this field introduces students to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and corporate strategy. Professionals from Ahli Bank, CWALLET, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and QF guide mentees in navigating business environments and evaluating new opportunities in fintech. Media and Communication Effective communication is key to leadership, advocacy, and influence. This field helps mentees develop essential skills in media literacy, public speaking, and digital communication. Mentors from Al Jazeera, QF, Msheireb, and the Global Studies Institute provide practical perspectives on storytelling, journalism, and strategic communication. Creative Industries The creative field plays a major role in cultural preservation and innovation. Whether through visual design, architecture, or heritage conservation, mentees can explore how creativity can shape identity and social impact. Mentors from Qatar Museums, and Msheireb support students in connecting artistic expression with professional purpose. Education Education serves as the foundation for both personal growth and societal progress. Mentorship in this field encourages careers in teaching, academic leadership, and education policy. With guidance from mentors at Qatar National Library, Qatar Foundation universities, and Qatar University, students gain valuable insights into the transformative impact of education and the critical role it plays in shaping the future. Ready to Shape our Future? Whether you're a student, innovator, researcher or explorer, your journey starts with the right guidance. Join the Murshidi programme to become part of the community that shape Qatar's future across every field. To apply, visit
Qatar Tribune
20-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Local, int'l high school students explore medicine at WCM-Q
Tribune News Network Doha 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 Programme (MMOP), a summer programme organised by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). The week-long virtual event was part of the Summer Enrichment Programmes, 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 field. Offered by WCM-Q's Office of Student Outreach and Educational Development, the programme 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 mathematics. Fifty 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 WCM-Q. The 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 Oman. Conducted by physicians, medical educators, and WCM-Q student mentors, the programme 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 institutions. The programme 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 journeys. Additionally, 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 Abdulla. WCM-Q 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 WCM-Q. Following the conclusion of the programme, all students were awarded a certificate of completion. Noha 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 programme's international reach expanded attracting students from more than 10 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 programme 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 programme 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 programmes, and professor of English as a second language, said: 'I believe that besides introducing the students to medical topics, the programme 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.'
Qatar Tribune
14-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
WCM-Q clinician scientist ranked number one medical researcher in Qatar for 3rd year running
Tribune News Network Doha Dr. Rayaz Malik, professor of medicine and assistant dean for clinical research partnerships at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) and senior consultant physician in endocrinology and diabetes at Hamad Medical Corporation, has been ranked the number one researcher in medicine in Qatar for the third year in a row by an independent research portal that compiles a global list of high-achieving scientists each year. The list also ranked Dr. Malik among the top 10,000 researchers in medicine in the world, placing him at number 8,350. The ranking is based on an analysis of the number of influential pieces of research authored by the scientist, combined with awards, fellowships and academic recognition they have received from leading research institutions and government agencies. To date, Dr Malik has published 729 scientific papers, and his work has been cited 40,188 times. The majority of his research (over 350 papers) has been published since he joined WCM-Q from the University of Manchester, UK in June 2014. Dr. Malik said: 'Our clinical research programme is now recognized internationally, with Qatar ranking second in the world for publications in diabetic neuropathy, with a Relative Publication Output per capita (RPOP) of 18.01 publications per inhabitant. I am very grateful for the support from WCM-Q and the investment in research infrastructure made by Qatar Foundation and the Ministry of Public Health.' Dr. Malik added: 'According to the Global Burden of Disease study published in Lancet Neurology in 2024, neurodegenerative diseases affect 3.4 billion people across the world and diabetic neuropathy, characterized by pain, numbness and ulcers with lower leg amputation, has witnessed the biggest increase (92%) in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021. The key to improving patient's lives with neurodegenerative diseases is earlier diagnosis and treatment.' With this as a key focus, Dr. Malik and his team have pioneered use of the Corneal Confocal Microscope (CCM), a rapid eye scan to diagnose and predict progression of diabetic neuropathy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, schizophrenia and autism, among other conditions. Dr. Malik also said: 'Our clinical research program could not have been so successful without our very positive collaborations with clinicians and researchers in major healthcare institutions across Qatar, including diabetes and endocrinology and neurology and the Clinical Trials Unit in Hamad Medical Corporation; endocrinology and gastroenterology in Sidra Medicine and several key departments in Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Qatar University.'
Qatar Tribune
07-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
WCM-Q shares neuromusicology advances with centres in Jordan
Tribune News Network Doha 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 interventions. Dr 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 emotions. During 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 contexts. Dr Bendriss also visited the Orient Spirit Development Organization, the first specialized vocational training centre 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 confidence. Reflecting 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 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.
Qatar Tribune
25-06-2025
- 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.'
