The Qatar University College of Medicine (QU-CMED) focuses on four pillars of medical research – molecular medicine, clinical research, medical education and public health, a top official of the university told Gulf Times.
“One of our main goals is to unite CMED researchers, faculty and students with all departments and stakeholders in Qatar to conduct world-class research in medical health, and contribute to the growing healthcare sector. For this, we have identified molecular medicine, clinical research, medical education and public health as the major areas of research,” said Dr Egon Toft, QU vice president for Medical and Health Sciences and CMED founding dean.
“The College’s molecular medicine research aims to improve patient care by combining basic research excellence with innovations in clinical practice. The research strategy of the college is to shift to translational medicine in addressing major diseases such as diabetes, cancer, inflammatory, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as clinical infections such as enteric pathogens causing diarrhoea, ulcer forming bacteria and several respiratory infections,” explained Dr Toft.
According to the official, in clinical research, researchers and biomedical scientists from QU Health are working closely with researchers across QU health programmes and from HMC to combine basic research excellence with innovations in clinical practice.
“Medical education research is another focus for us with a special interest in developing agreed standards of professional competence and ethics, and also the use of technology to enhance learning and teaching especially simulation technology in medical education. In public health research, the college is focusing on five inter-disciplinary themes – epidemiological studies on chronic diseases, health promotion and healthy lifestyle, healthcare delivery systems, evidence-based healthcare and health informatics,” continued the dean.
The official maintained that the college focuses on research in areas of national priority. “Our research covers the full translational pathway from basic science to applied health research with the aim to advance the healthcare sector in Qatar. CMED’s research agenda is within the broader university-wide health research strategy, and aligns with both the QU 5-year research roadmap and the National Health Strategy. The college has established partnerships with healthcare providers in Qatar especially those under HMC and PHCC, covering the area of research collaboration and aiming to further contribute to enhancing Qatar’s health research,” he noted.
“The college has enrolled 93 new students to its Class of 2022 in Fall 2016. This is an increase of 16% of the number of students who enrolled the previous year. At 62%, the majority (58) of the new admits are Qatari nationals.
“The college has also adopted an interactive and engaging pedagogy, incorporating technology-based learning, which contributes to preparing students for the future and to shaping doctors for tomorrow. The college is also registered in the WHO’s international directory for medical schools, this registration strengthens its reputation and credibility,” added the official.
QU vice president for medical and health sciences and CMED founding dean Dr Egon Toft.
