Latest news with #WCMQ
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
WCM-Q hosts simulation educator course
Doha – Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently held its fourth annual 'Simulation Educator Course: Designing and Debriefing Effective Simulations,' offering clinicians, technologists, health professionals, and educators an opportunity to master the effective use of simulation-based education. During the two days, participants explored the theoretical foundations of simulation-based learning and designed simulation scenarios aligned with healthcare simulation standards of best practice. The course emphasized the three-step approach of prebrief, simulation, and debrief to ensure psychological safety for learners to identify and address gaps in their knowledge and practice. Discussions revolved around emerging evidence on the importance of eliciting learners' emotional reactions at the outset of any debriefing conversations to ensure emotions did not block cognition and to provide a forum for practitioners to recognize and express 'stressful situations' and learn approaches to manage similar emotions in the clinical setting. Interactive debriefing and peer feedback sessions enabled participants to reflect on, analyze, and understand the risks and benefits of observed behaviors. The course was designed and delivered by Dr. Stella Major, a professor of family medicine teaching in medicine and director of the Clinical Skills and Simulation Lab (CSSL) at WCM-Q, and Dr. Michelle Brown, an associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), founding program director of the healthcare simulation master's degree, educator in the Office of Interprofessional Simulation, and director of research for the Office of Interprofessional Simulation. They were joined by three simulation facilitators: Rudy Bahri, the manager of CSSL at WCM-Q; Arlene Masaba, from the Nursing Department at the College of Health Sciences, University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST); and Dr. Maham Batool Hadi, a clinical tutor at Qatar University College of Medicine. Dr. Major, the course director, said: 'There is growing evidence to support the impact of simulation-based training on improved patient care and building effective teamwork. I am delighted to see a growing interest among educators seeking opportunities to learn to become better simulation practitioners. Thus far, our course has welcomed 136 participants from Qatar and the MENA region and offered them an opportunity to meet, experience, reflect, and discuss ways they can enhance their skills as simulation practitioners. Seeing participants' eyes light up when they connect the theory to practice is really rewarding. One attendee remarked: 'Although I have applied the debriefing techniques before, this course helped me in knowing the proper structure of the debriefing technique and the reasons why they are relevant to be followed and used.'' Dr. Major added: 'In my mind, one of the key takeaways of our course is that it reminds attendees, who are often subject matter experts in their respective clinical fields, that it is important to harness best practices in education and always begin by identifying learners' needs and educational objectives, before embarking on designing and delivering simulations. Clear learning objectives help craft better scenarios and assist in conducting structured debriefing.' This year, the course welcomed 36 participants, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, healthcare simulation professionals, technologists, and educators. Reflecting on her experience, Emily Kelly from Sidra Medicine said: 'The course totally exceeded my expectations. Phenomenal level of professionalism, teaching environment, welcoming, open, and nurturing. Thank you!' Another participant, Mahmoud Al Afeef, a clinical educator at Naufar, said: 'This course adds a lot if you are seeking new approaches to impact teaching and learning for both students and clinical staff. We had a lot of discussions, lots of people from different areas and levels of experience, and a lot of learning from each other. Sharing this knowledge was so useful.' The course is accredited in Qatar by the Department of Healthcare Professions-Accreditation Section (DHP-AS) of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). 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@
Al Bawaba
26-05-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
WCM-Q hosts simulation educator course
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently held its fourth annual 'Simulation Educator Course: Designing and Debriefing Effective Simulations,' offering clinicians, technologists, health professionals, and educators an opportunity to master the effective use of simulation-based education. During the two days, participants explored the theoretical foundations of simulation-based learning and designed simulation scenarios aligned with healthcare simulation standards of best practice. The course emphasized the three-step approach of prebrief, simulation, and debrief to ensure psychological safety for learners to identify and address gaps in their knowledge and practice. Discussions revolved around emerging evidence on the importance of eliciting learners' emotional reactions at the outset of any debriefing conversations to ensure emotions did not block cognition and to provide a forum for practitioners to recognize and express 'stressful situations' and learn approaches to manage similar emotions in the clinical setting. Interactive debriefing and peer feedback sessions enabled participants to reflect on, analyze, and understand the risks and benefits of observed behaviors. The course was designed and delivered by Dr. Stella Major, a professor of family medicine teaching in medicine and director of the Clinical Skills and Simulation Lab (CSSL) at WCM-Q, and Dr. Michelle Brown, an associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), founding program director of the healthcare simulation master's degree, educator in the Office of Interprofessional Simulation, and director of research for the Office of Interprofessional Simulation. They were joined by three simulation facilitators: Rudy Bahri, the manager of CSSL at WCM-Q; Arlene Masaba, from the Nursing Department at the College of Health Sciences, University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST); and Dr. Maham Batool Hadi, a clinical tutor at Qatar University College of Medicine. Dr. Major, the course director, said: 'There is growing evidence to support the impact of simulation-based training on improved patient care and building effective teamwork. I am delighted to see a growing interest among educators seeking opportunities to learn to become better simulation practitioners. Thus far, our course has welcomed 136 participants from Qatar and the MENA region and offered them an opportunity to meet, experience, reflect, and discuss ways they can enhance their skills as simulation practitioners. Seeing participants' eyes light up when they connect the theory to practice is really rewarding. One attendee remarked: 'Although I have applied the debriefing techniques before, this course helped me in knowing the proper structure of the debriefing technique and the reasons why they are relevant to be followed and used.'' Dr. Major added: 'In my mind, one of the key takeaways of our course is that it reminds attendees, who are often subject matter experts in their respective clinical fields, that it is important to harness best practices in education and always begin by identifying learners' needs and educational objectives, before embarking on designing and delivering simulations. Clear learning objectives help craft better scenarios and assist in conducting structured debriefing.' This year, the course welcomed 36 participants, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, healthcare simulation professionals, technologists, and educators. Reflecting on her experience, Emily Kelly from Sidra Medicine said: 'The course totally exceeded my expectations. Phenomenal level of professionalism, teaching environment, welcoming, open, and nurturing. Thank you!' Another participant, Mahmoud Al Afeef, a clinical educator at Naufar, said: 'This course adds a lot if you are seeking new approaches to impact teaching and learning for both students and clinical staff. We had a lot of discussions, lots of people from different areas and levels of experience, and a lot of learning from each other. Sharing this knowledge was so useful.' The course is accredited in Qatar by the Department of Healthcare Professions-Accreditation Section (DHP-AS) of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
WCM-Q connects with global continuing education community in Chicago
Doha – The Division of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) played a leading role in discussions and knowledge sharing at the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education's (ACCME) annual meeting, 'ACCME Learn to Thrive 2025,' held in Chicago. The three-day event served as an important platform for professional development, bringing together stakeholders from across the healthcare education continuum to learn and share educational approaches that enhance healthcare every day. The WCM-Q CPD team in attendance included Ms. Deema Al Sheikhly, lecturer of education in medicine and director of medical education and continuing professional development; Dr. Phyllis Muffuh Navti, assistant director of CPD; and Ms. Laudy Mattar, manager of CPD. Developed through their leadership in a 2024 'ACCME Learn to Thrive' working group, the WCM-Q CPD team proudly took center stage during the 2025 annual meeting to launch a new resource, 'Navigating CE Research: A Practical Guide.' WCM-Q spearheaded the development of the initiative, playing a key role in empowering the continuing education (CE) community to embrace research and scholarship. The resource also supports them to pursue ACCME commendation criteria for educational leadership and reinforces WCM-Q's role as a catalyst for innovation and a global leader in continuing education. Additionally, the WCM-Q CPD team delivered two dynamic workshops, 'Inspire' and 'Teach,' which equipped participants with actionable strategies to enhance CE through research and to achieve and sustain ACCME accreditation with commendation. The team's research posters also highlighted the effectiveness of a targeted intervention workshop designed to boost engagement in CE research and examined interprofessional participation in a Qatari CPD series focused on medication safety. Further amplifying their role, the team contributed to a global plenary session exploring the value and adaptability of U.S.-accredited CE worldwide. The session fostered dialogue among international regulators and promoted a vision for a more unified, collaborative continuing education system. This multifaceted engagement not only showcased WCM-Q's leadership but also delivered tools and insights with the potential to shape the future of CE globally. Ms. Al Sheikhly said: 'The annual ACCME meeting was an excellent opportunity to engage with the continuing education community and actively contribute to informing and inspiring others toward excellence in accredited education. We take great pride in achieving ACCME accreditation with commendation while sustaining excellence in CE. Achieving recognition as a global hub for world-class continuing medical education activities is no small feat. It reflects our commitment to educational excellence, lifelong professional development, and advancing healthcare outcomes worldwide.' Dr. Thurayya Arayssi, professor of clinical medicine and vice dean for academic and curricular affairs, said: 'Our collaboration with the ACCME demonstrates our mutual commitment to advancing global standards in professional development. By actively engaging with the international continuing education community, WCM-Q is helping shape strategic discussions that promote a more unified and meaningful global system, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes in Qatar, the region, and beyond.' WCM-Q CPD activities offer high-quality professional development opportunities for physicians and other healthcare professionals based on identified needs and the latest scientific and medical advancements. These programs aim to increase competence, enhance performance in practice, and improve healthcare. Additionally, WCM-Q activities are accredited in Qatar by the Department of Healthcare Professions-Accreditation Section (DHP-AS) of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). 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@
Al Bawaba
18-05-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
WCM-Q researchers probe links between insulin resistance and colorectal cancer
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) Program 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. Dr. 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. Our study, therefore, examined the mechanisms through which insulin resistance may facilitate the development of colorectal cancer, particularly in younger populations.' 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. This is because the possible early signs of insulin resistance usually go unnoticed, and blood tests for insulin resistance are not commonly done as a routine screening measure unless obesity, pre-diabetes/diabetes, or metabolic syndrome have been diagnosed. While several studies link obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome to the risk and progression of CRC, insulin resistance as a risk factor in its own right is often overlooked. 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. 'For example, the overuse of antibiotics or supplements disrupts the microbiome of a pregnant mother, leading to insulin resistance that could also affect the fetus,' said Prof. Busselberg. Environmental factors and minor dietary and lifestyle choices may contribute to insulin resistance, which can play a role in the occurrence of EOCRC. Ms. 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. The study was made possible through funding from the Biomedical Research Program at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar and NPRP-Standard (NPRP-S) 14th Cycle grant NPRP14S-0311-210033 from Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation).
Al Bawaba
12-05-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
WCM-Q declared a Center of Excellence by leading diabetes body
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) has become the first medical institution in Qatar to receive official designation as an International Diabetes Federation Center of Excellence for diabetes care, research and education. It joins an elite group of 25 other centers of excellence across the world. To be designated a center 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 organization 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 center 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 health care professionals that will improve the diagnosis and management of people with diabetes and those at risk of developing diabetes. By working closely with organizations 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 honor 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.'
