Expert proposes linking of medical institutions

Developed as part of the Sidra symposia series, the aim of the event was to inform and educate the local and regional medical community, stimulate discussion with international experts about the future of obstetrics and gynaecology and the profession’s development in the region.

Helping progress the profession in the Middle East, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG), joint organiser, initiated discussion on plans to open its first chapter in the region and hold a regular regional meeting under the RCOG banner.

RCOG president Dr David Richmond said: “As the population continues to grow and faces complex healthcare needs, the region will see an unprecedented growth in healthcare demand in the coming decade. There is now an opportunity to link institutions throughout the region to help provide opportunities for training, collaboration and promotion of women’s health. We look forward to continuing these discussions with our colleagues.”

Making an important contribution to professional recognition and growth of obstetricians and gynaecologists in Qatar, RCOG also named 33 physicians to the coveted status of Fellow during a Fellows’ Admission
ceremony.

Dr Lolwa Mohd al-Ansari, assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, was chosen as the first Qatari female clinician to receive the coveted honour.

A key theme emerging from the ‘hot topics’ conference was the need for improved patient safety and access to related training for medical professionals in the region. Internationally recognised leaders in patient safety and practical applications in obstetrics and gynaecology noted that when moving towards a culture of patient safety, it is crucial to train individuals as part of a team, build a culture of fairness and accountability.

“This has been an unprecedented event for the region with some of the world’s foremost experts joining us in Doha this week. The feedback and interest in our vision for the future of obstetrical and gynaecological care Sidra and our peers wish to provide to patients in the region has been overwhelming and we are looking forward to formalising next steps with RCOG for implementing some of the initiatives we discussed during the event,” said Dr Joachim Dudenhausen, deputy chief medical officer, Sidra’s.