Dr Javaid and Dr al-Kuwari shaking hands after signing an agreement yesterday.
By Joseph Varghese/Staff Reporter
Officials of Aspetar and Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) signed an agreement yesterday to expand the existing clinical training and education partnership.
The agreement, signed by Dr Khalifa al-Kuwari, director general, Aspetar; and Dr Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCMC-Q, is for another five years.
Dr al-Kuwari said: “Our renewed agreement with WCMC-Q represents a long-standing relationship between our organisations. It also signifies Aspetar and Weill Cornell’s firm belief in collaborating to achieve the common goal of providing outstanding medical education and raise the level of health services across Qatar and beyond.”
He explained that the collaboration will help in realising various needs of the country. It will cater to the needs of the students of WCMC-Q, will look into preventive medicine related to sports medicine and will lead to enhanced scientific research in bone
surgery and preventive medicine.
Javaid Sheikh commented: “WCMC-Q and Aspetar share common interests in education, research and clinical practice, and we are very happy with the partnership, we have enjoyed since 2009. We look forward to continuing our work with Aspetar to realise the ambitions in the Qatar National Vision 2030 of creating a knowledge-based society, a capable and motivated workforce, and healthy communities.”
He elaborated “We are looking for a long time relationship and collaboration. Every five year, the collaboration is reviewed and renewed. We started it in 2009 and now we have renewed it for another five years.”
The dean pointed out that the university was looking for more research collaboration in the areas of translational research looking at the mechanism underlying the bone injuries and looking at innovative ways of
treatment.
The original agreement signed in 2009 saw Aspetar becoming a designated centre for providing academic and clinical training opportunities to WCMC-Q medical students, and promoting medical education in primary care and specific clinical services such as the diagnosis and management of musculo-skeletal disorders.
“This agreement will continue to strengthen our ties in order to enhance current and future requirements in the fields of medical education, biomedical research and clinical services that align with the goals and objectives of the National Health Strategy 2011-2016 and the Qatar National Vision 2030, ” added Dr al-Kuwari.
The collaboration entails that Aspetar provides its premises, facilities and well-reputed experienced staff for the education and training of WCMC-Q students. In addition, WCMC-Q faculty will provide clinical services to Aspetar’s patients within its scope of services. Both organisations will be able to use the two facilities for integrated biomedical research and related publications.