QU and HMC to collaborate on education, research and community outreach

Qatar University (QU) signed yesterday an agreement with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) to cement partnership and establish cooperation in the fields of education, research and training. The agreement was signed by QU President Dr Hassan Al-Derham and HMC Managing Director Dr Hanan Al Kuwari in the presence of QU VP for Medical Education and Dean of the College of Medicine (CMED) Dr Egon Toft, as well as leaders of QU’s health programs and officials from both institutions.

The terms of the agreement include collaboration in education and clinical research, training, preceptorships and clerkships, as well as scholarships and sponsorship for students from CMED and the pharmacy and health science disciplines. The agreement also covers joint governance between both institutions including joint committees for decision-making processes on specific topics and the appointment of research and clerkship coordinators to facilitate processes that maximize joint research and improve clinical training.

HMC clinical staff and health practitioners will teach QU students and deliver specific courses and lectures at the university while QU clinical staff will carry out patient-care responsibilities at HMC facilities. Both institutions will also organize joint forums, as well as health awareness and outreach activities. Additionally, they will collaborate on the design and implementation of continuing education programs in the fields of pharmacy, health sciences and medical education, and deliver joint faculty development programs. The agreement also includes cooperation on establishing a multiparty graduate program in medical sciences, developing PhD programs in various health-related disciplines, and creating a university-hospital model in line with international best practices.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr Al-Derham said: “The agreement will jointly benefit QU and HMC in their respective roles as key partners contributing to the National Health Strategy. It will also enrich the academic and research experience of our students in medicine, pharmacy and health sciences, to build their capabilities and competencies in close alignment with the specificities of the healthcare sector. Working towards a university-hospital model of collaboration demonstrates both organizations’ commitment to the future of healthcare in Qatar, capitalizing on the engagement of students in patient-care, and of practitioners in professional development programs that strengthen their knowledge and skills in line with the rising expectation and excellence standards in the fast-developing sector.”

Dr Al Kuwari said: “The signing of this Memorandum symbolises the cementing of a partnership between HMC and Qatar University and represents an investment in capacity and capability building within our Corporation, which will help shape the future health and wellbeing of our population. “The agreement reinforces HMC’s commitment to developing internationally recognized learning and research opportunities and provides an environment for the nurturing of Qatari clinical leaders of the future.”