English - Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar - Cornell University
English - Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar - Cornell University
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QATAR CHRONICLESummer 2013<strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>Breast cancer is one ofthe world’s biggest killersof women. WCMC-Q isdeterm<strong>in</strong>ed to stop it
HIGHLIGHTSThe magaz<strong>in</strong>e of <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong><strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>Produced and published by the Officeof Government & Public Affairs, <strong>Weill</strong><strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>DEANJavaid Sheikh, M.D.DIRECTOR OF Government& PUBLIC AFFAIRSNesreen M. Al-RifaiEDITORRichard HarrisSENIOR WRITERDr. Hilton KolbeWRITERJohn HaywardPHOTOGRAPHERJohn SamplesPRODUCTION MANAGERMohanad Khori20Graduation ceremony honors the Class of 2013
News • 3A 21stcenturysolution towatch<strong>in</strong>gyour weightA new mobile phone app that helps users ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>a healthy diet and encourages them toexercise as well has been launched by WCMC-Q.The application, which is available on Androidand iOS devices and called Your Health First:Calorie Counter, was released as part of thecollege’s ongo<strong>in</strong>g Sahtak Awalan: Your HealthFirst campaign.Users are able to easily and conveniently countthe number of calories they are consum<strong>in</strong>g eachday and will be prompted to choose healthy,nutritious foods <strong>in</strong>stead of those high <strong>in</strong> saturatedfats, sugar and salt. The vision is that userswill use the app to help them ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> a healthyweight and make appropriate lifestyle choices.The application is available <strong>in</strong> both Arabic and<strong>English</strong>-language versions.The app deploys a system of traffic lightsto denote how healthy or unhealthy differentdietary choices are, draw<strong>in</strong>g on a vast databaseof common foodstuffs. For example, if the userlogs a meal of a burger and fries, they will beawarded a red light. If they choose a healthysalad or a dessert of fruit, they will receive agreen light. Opt<strong>in</strong>g for too many unhealthy foodswill cause the app to suggest healthy alternativesfor the next meal. Even when eat<strong>in</strong>g with<strong>in</strong>the recommended daily calorie <strong>in</strong>take, it will alsonotify a person as to whether they aren’t gett<strong>in</strong>genough of a specific fruit or vegetable.Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCMC-Q,welcomed the launch of the new app.“With this new application WCMC-Q isembrac<strong>in</strong>g the opportunities offered by mobilephone technologies to deliver our message abouthealthy lifestyles to an ever larger audience,”he said.“The Sahtak Awalan: Your Health Firstcampaign aims to encourage everyone <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>to adopt behaviors that will promote their longtermhealth, and diet is a key element of thecampaign’s message. By mak<strong>in</strong>g it very easyfor people to monitor their diets, the app allowsusers to track exactly what they are eat<strong>in</strong>g andsee where they are eat<strong>in</strong>g too many of the wrongth<strong>in</strong>gs. Hav<strong>in</strong>g access to this sort of <strong>in</strong>formationcan give someone a real boost when they aretry<strong>in</strong>g to improve their diet.“Ultimately, the app can help more peopleswitch to the healthy lifestyle necessary toenable people to contribute to the goal of mov<strong>in</strong>gtowards a knowledge-based economy, as laid out<strong>in</strong> the <strong>Qatar</strong> National Vision 2030.”A unique feature of the app is a completelynew database of typical Arabic foods, such asthureed or machboos, which until now havenever featured <strong>in</strong> popular dietary databases.Furthermore, anyone who downloads the appwill be able to use their phone to suggest otherArabic foods to add to the database, mean<strong>in</strong>gthe app will become ever more comprehensiveover time.The app has been developed and poweredby the campaign’s exclusive communicationspartner, Vodafone <strong>Qatar</strong>, <strong>in</strong> conjunction withthe college.John Saad, chief market<strong>in</strong>g officer at Vodafone<strong>Qatar</strong>, said: “We’re proud to have created anapplication with the Your Health First team. Ourfocus was to build someth<strong>in</strong>g simple, <strong>in</strong>tuitive,and easy to understand. Users can calculatetheir optimum calorie <strong>in</strong>take by just shar<strong>in</strong>g afew details and their personal goal. Users willbe able to track their progress and even rely onit to tell them whether their choice <strong>in</strong> food ishealthy or not.“We’re committed to support<strong>in</strong>g WCMC-Q’svision to promote a healthier <strong>Qatar</strong> and toeducate people to make wiser decisions whenit comes to their choice of food.”
4 • NewsStudents celebratecompletion of thepre-medical programMohammed Haji receives his certificate from Dr. Marco AmeduriDalal Hussa<strong>in</strong>, Sarah Kanbour, Razan Al Marri and Am<strong>in</strong>a Bougaila.Family, friends, faculty and staff all gatheredtogether to celebrate the completion ceremonyof WCMC-Q’s pre-medical program.In all, 41 students completed the rigoroustwo-year program that has seen them studythe sciences, <strong>English</strong> and mathematics throughlectures, laboratory sessions and problem-basedlearn<strong>in</strong>g exercises.At an event on April 25, they were congratulatedby faculty members and receivedcertificates mark<strong>in</strong>g their achievement.Dr. Marco Ameduri, associate dean forpre-medical education, thanked the students’families for their cont<strong>in</strong>ued support and spokeof the pleasure that is felt <strong>in</strong> the college at thestudents’ success.He said: “To the students I say that the facultyand I are very proud of your achievements andso are your families.”The keynote speech was given by Ian Miller,lecturer of <strong>English</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g, whose eclecticspeech veered from despair <strong>in</strong> the forests ofOregon to The keynote speech was given by IanMiller, lecturer of <strong>English</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g, whose eclecticspeech veered from despair <strong>in</strong> the forests ofOregon, to Star Wars, to mythologist JosephCampbell; the thread throughout be<strong>in</strong>g for thestudents to stay true to themselves and to say“yes” to life and the challenges they will face.Student speaker Moath Abdelrehim’s tongue<strong>in</strong>-cheekspeech drew laughs from his peers ashe detailed the hard work and long nights ofstudy<strong>in</strong>g that is expected from students on thepremedical program.But he added: “We’ve been given the gift of aworld-class education so it is our duty to serveour community and share our assets.”The successful students were:Moaz AbdelrehimJoud Abu OdehAli Al-JabriFatima Al-BaqaliKhalid AlbureshadSahar Al-KurbiMohammadshah GulMohammed HajiAhmed HammoudaDalal Hussa<strong>in</strong>L<strong>in</strong>a IrshaidBilal JaradatAbdulaziz Al-MalkiRazan Al-MarriAlaa Al-NaamaIan Miller discusses Star WarsAhmad Al-ShahraniAbdulaziz Al-ThaniHaya Al-ThaniElizabeth BoctorAm<strong>in</strong>a BougailaAnchalia ChandrakumaranSaly El HajjAya El JerbiAbdullah El ZafaranyAlaaeld<strong>in</strong> ElsayedSarah ElsoukkaryOmar FalahSarah KanbourAli KhairatAyesha KhalidOmar KhurshidHaidar KubbaAlaa KubbarAhmed MushannenHamzah OglatJosia SchloglFatima ShebanMohammed SheriffDiala SteitiehShruthi SureshKhalid Taha
News • 5Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dr. Marco Ameduri and Dr. Rachid Bendriss with the successful foundation studentsDay of celebration forfoundation studentsThe goal of becom<strong>in</strong>g a qualified physician moveda little closer for 16 students as they celebratedcomplet<strong>in</strong>g the university’s foundation program.The students were presented with certificates<strong>in</strong> front of an audience of their parentsand faculty members <strong>in</strong> a ceremony held atWCMC-Q <strong>in</strong> May.The foundation program helps studentsimprove their <strong>English</strong> and provides a solidground<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the basic sciences, equipp<strong>in</strong>gthem with the skills and knowledge neededto successfully undertake the university’s premedicalprogram.Dr. Marco Ameduri, associate dean for premedicaleducation, addressed the audience tocongratulate the students.He said: “You all worked very hard whilewe put a lot of demands on you, so you reallydeserve to celebrate today. I want to thank youfor your commitment, your families for support<strong>in</strong>gyou and our wonderful faculty and teach<strong>in</strong>gassistants for their hard work. We are honoredand proud to acknowledge the support of <strong>Qatar</strong>Foundation under the visionary leadership of HerHighness Sheikha Moza B<strong>in</strong>t Nasser.“In this course we have been deal<strong>in</strong>g withthe very fundamental and basic facts of nature,but these concepts are not easy to understandor to grasp – you have done a wonderful job.”Dr. Ameduri and Dr. Kev<strong>in</strong> Smith, assistantdean for pre-medical education, then presentedthe completion certificates to the students.Student Aldana Shahbik said: “It’s a relief tohave completed the program, which has beenreally <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g for me. We went through a lotto get here, but it has been worth it because Inow feel much more confident about tak<strong>in</strong>g onthe pre-medical program.”Foundation ProgramCompletion Student RollHanof AhmedLatifa Al-BadrDena Al-DabhaniFatima Al-MohannadiHamad AlmuhannadiSoud Al-MullaAisha Al-ShahwaniMohammed AlsubaieShaikha Al-ThaniMohammed El-DebsGawaher ElkhatibYasser JanahiReem MubarakMaryam OwnRamez RawhaniAldana Shahbik
6 • NewsGraduate pleads forenvironmental changeat COP18 meet<strong>in</strong>gDr. Noor Al-KhoriAlumna Dr. Noor Al-Khori was featured <strong>in</strong> anenvironmental documentary shown at the COP18climate change conference as part of a plea tothe high profile audience.Dr. Al-Khori is a graduate of WCMC-Q Class of2010 and is currently do<strong>in</strong>g a radiology residencyat NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.“The documentary was screened at theopen<strong>in</strong>g ceremony of COP18 <strong>in</strong> November andat the end of it I appeared on stage and delivereda few l<strong>in</strong>es urg<strong>in</strong>g the audience to take action.Honestly, I was a bit nervous deliver<strong>in</strong>g my l<strong>in</strong>es,”Dr. Al-Khori said.“I felt very honored to be given this opportunity,especially because the subject of climatechange has always been one I have deeply caredabout. Grow<strong>in</strong>g up, I have always felt stronglyabout issues like recycl<strong>in</strong>g, preserv<strong>in</strong>g naturalresources, and protection of endangered forestsand animals. Furthermore, as a physician andtherefore a humanitarian, I felt obligated tospread awareness about such a humanitariancause.“When I read the script, I felt that it was trueto me and how I felt about the issue. There is nodoubt that climate change represents the biggestchallenge we face as humanity, perhaps evenbigger than war and disease. The seriousnessof the matter really hit me when I witnessedfirst-hand the panic and chaos caused <strong>in</strong> NewYork by Hurricane Sandy. People’s homes weredestroyed. Access to clean water and electricitywas lost <strong>in</strong> many areas, and there were major<strong>in</strong>terruptions <strong>in</strong> transportation.“Entire hospitals shut down, hospitalcomputer systems crashed, and patientssuffered enormous disruptions <strong>in</strong> care. I realizedhow important the issue of climate was, and howimportant it was to mitigate its consequences.Sandy may have not been directly caused byclimate change, but its effects were def<strong>in</strong>itelyexacerbated by climate change.”Dr. Al-Khori was part of a group that presenteda film urg<strong>in</strong>g people to take climate changeseriously. The documentary <strong>in</strong>cluded several<strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g stories of people <strong>in</strong> different communitiesaround the world striv<strong>in</strong>g to protect theearth’s natural resources.The film also <strong>in</strong>cluded examples of how <strong>Qatar</strong>,under the leadership of His Highness the EmirSheikh Hamad B<strong>in</strong> Khalifa Al Thani and HerHighness Sheikha Moza B<strong>in</strong>t Nasser, is mak<strong>in</strong>ggreat strides <strong>in</strong> the direction of susta<strong>in</strong>abilityby establish<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>Qatar</strong> Science & TechnologyPark and <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> solar energy research, forexample.“There is a small personal element to myrole <strong>in</strong> the film, where some parallels are drawnbetween the goals of medic<strong>in</strong>e and those ofclimate change prevention,” Dr. Al-Khori said.“However, an important po<strong>in</strong>t from the filmwas that climate change is a universal issuethat affects all people of this earth, no matterwhat their age, country, socio-economic status,or profession. You don’t have to belong to anyparticular group to care about and to do someth<strong>in</strong>gabout the issue. We all share one earth,and are responsible for the damage we do to it.S<strong>in</strong>ce harm<strong>in</strong>g the earth will <strong>in</strong>evitably lead toour own harm, it is imperative that all of us actbefore it’s too late.”S<strong>in</strong>ce the United Nations FrameworkConvention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) came<strong>in</strong>to force <strong>in</strong> 1994, the Conference of the Parties(COP) to the UNFCCC has been meet<strong>in</strong>g annuallyto assess progress <strong>in</strong> deal<strong>in</strong>g with climatechange. There are now 195 parties to the conventiontak<strong>in</strong>g part <strong>in</strong> climate change negotiations.All parties to the UNFCCC were represented atthe Doha conference.
News • 7Recogniz<strong>in</strong>g excellence <strong>in</strong> educationW<strong>in</strong>ners of the Excellence<strong>in</strong> Education Awards 2013Pre-<strong>Medical</strong> Program AwardsDr. Sheikh with some of the Excellence <strong>in</strong> Education w<strong>in</strong>nersFaculty members at WCMC-Q have beenpresented with awards <strong>in</strong> recognition of theirdedication to students.Students voted for their favorite professorsand teach<strong>in</strong>g assistants <strong>in</strong> the Excellence <strong>in</strong>Education awards, which culm<strong>in</strong>ated <strong>in</strong> a presentationceremony at the university <strong>in</strong> April.The ceremony was presided over by Dr.Marcell<strong>in</strong>a Mian, act<strong>in</strong>g associate dean formedical education, and Dr. Marco Ameduri,associate dean for pre-medical education, whoannounced the award w<strong>in</strong>ners <strong>in</strong> each of the 15award categories.Dr. Ameduri told the audience: “This is aceremony at which all of us have the chanceto get together and celebrate the true teach<strong>in</strong>gexcellence we have with<strong>in</strong> our walls.“I don’t see the awards as just be<strong>in</strong>g a competition.Yes, it is based on the votes of studentsand there will be w<strong>in</strong>ners <strong>in</strong> each category, butthis is really a moment for us all to rejoice <strong>in</strong>the quality of the teach<strong>in</strong>g that we have here.“Thank you all for be<strong>in</strong>g so deeply committedto the success of our students and to the teach<strong>in</strong>gmission of our college.”Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCMC-Q, thenpresented the awards.The foundation program award went to visit<strong>in</strong>gassistant professor Dr. Renee Richer, while thew<strong>in</strong>ners <strong>in</strong> two categories for best teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>the first-year pre-medical program were Dr.James Roach, visit<strong>in</strong>g associate professor ofchemistry, and Dr. Daniel Renzi, visit<strong>in</strong>g assistantprofessor for mathematics.Notable w<strong>in</strong>ners <strong>in</strong> the medical programsection <strong>in</strong>cluded Dr. Naim Haddad, associateprofessor of cl<strong>in</strong>ical neurology, for his Bra<strong>in</strong>and M<strong>in</strong>d teach<strong>in</strong>g sessions, and Dr. ThurayyaArayssi, associate dean for graduate medicaleducation, for her Basis of Disease teach<strong>in</strong>gmodule.Pay<strong>in</strong>g tribute to the faculty at WCMC-Q,Dr. Mian said: “All of our faculty are verycommitted to the success of our students. Theymake every effort to ensure that each of ourstudents reaches his or her maximum potential.“Because we have a high faculty to studentratio, our students are often able to receiveone-to-one teach<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>dividual programsto motivate them and push them forward.”Dr. Richer was delighted to w<strong>in</strong> an award. “Itis such an honor to be recognized by the studentslike this,” she said.“The greatest pleasure for all of us as educatorsis when we see students both enjoy andreally grasp a subject. That is what makesteach<strong>in</strong>g worthwhile.”• Foundation Program: Dr. Renee Richer• 1st Year Pre-<strong>Medical</strong> Program:Dr. Daniel Renzi• 1st Year Pre-<strong>Medical</strong> Program:Dr. James Roach• <strong>English</strong> Writ<strong>in</strong>g Pre-<strong>Medical</strong> Program:Mr. Ian Miller• 2nd Year Pre-<strong>Medical</strong> Program:Dr. Moncef Ladjimi• 2nd Year Pre-<strong>Medical</strong> Program:Dr. Kev<strong>in</strong> Smith• Teach<strong>in</strong>g Assistant: Mr. Timothy Becker<strong>Medical</strong> Program Awards• Molecules, Genes and Cells:Dr. Khaled Machaca• Human Structure and Function:Dr. Rachel Koshi• Host Defenses: Dr. Ali Sultan• Bra<strong>in</strong> and M<strong>in</strong>d: Dr. Naim Haddad• Basis of Disease: Dr. Thurayya Arayssi• Basis of Disease: Dr. Gerardo Guiter• Medic<strong>in</strong>e, Patients and Society I:Dr. Ziyad Mahfoud• Medic<strong>in</strong>e, Patients and Society II: Dr.Naim Haddad• Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Clerkship: Dr. Badreldeen Ahmed• Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Clerkship: Dr. Hassen Al Am<strong>in</strong>• Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Clerkship: Dr. Thurayya Arayssi• Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Clerkship: Dr. Bakr Nour• 1st Year Visit<strong>in</strong>g Faculty: Dr. EstomihMtui• 2nd Year Visit<strong>in</strong>g Faculty: Dr. Robert Kim• 2nd Year Visit<strong>in</strong>g Faculty: Dr. EstomihMtui
8 • FeatureShishaposessevere riskto publichealthThe global shisha fad has the potential to causea public health catastrophe, warns Dr. ZiyadMahfoud, WCMC-Q’s associate professor ofpublic health.The myth that shisha is a safe alternativeto cigarettes has led to more people pick<strong>in</strong>gup the habit and putt<strong>in</strong>g themselves at risk ofdevelop<strong>in</strong>g a range of serious diseases, saidDr. Mahfoud <strong>in</strong> an address given as part of theuniversity’s Medic<strong>in</strong>e and U public lecture series.Dr. Mahfoud said: “Shisha smok<strong>in</strong>g hasbecome extremely popular <strong>in</strong> the last 20 yearsor so s<strong>in</strong>ce the <strong>in</strong>troduction of new forms offlavored tobacco, and it is be<strong>in</strong>g smoked by amuch wider range of people.“Previously, shisha was smoked only by theolder generation and only traditional tobaccowas available. Now you can get flavors likeapple, p<strong>in</strong>eapple and chocolate, and there hasbeen a lot of mislead<strong>in</strong>g advertis<strong>in</strong>g falselyclaim<strong>in</strong>g that shisha is not dangerous to health.Some advertisements even claim shisha is goodfor you, which is completely untrue.”Dr. Mahfoud expla<strong>in</strong>ed that shisha is consideredmore socially acceptable for women thancigarettes, especially <strong>in</strong> the Middle East and Gulfregion, and that shisha is cheaper than cigarettes<strong>in</strong> many places.He added: “These factors have radicallybroadened the appeal of smok<strong>in</strong>g shisha, mak<strong>in</strong>git attractive to young people and to both menand women.“This is dangerous because shisha smokersput themselves at risk of develop<strong>in</strong>g seriousillnesses like lung cancer, periodontal disease,respiratory illness and heart disease.”A large part of the problem is the misconceptionthat shisha smoke is milder and lessdangerous to health than cigarette smoke,expla<strong>in</strong>ed Dr. Mahfoud.He said: “Many people th<strong>in</strong>k that because thetobacco smells and tastes fruity, it is somehowless harmful than normal tobacco, which has a
Feature • 9Dr. Ziyad Mahfoudbitter taste. This is completely wrong - shishatobacco conta<strong>in</strong>s at least as many tox<strong>in</strong>s andcarc<strong>in</strong>ogens as traditional tobacco.”There is also a widespread belief that thewater <strong>in</strong> the pipe filters the harmful tox<strong>in</strong>s outof the smoke. This is also false.“Research has found that the water <strong>in</strong> thepipe does not actually filter out the tox<strong>in</strong>s,” saidDr. Mahfoud.Moreover, shisha pipes tend to produce moresmoke than cigarettes, expos<strong>in</strong>g shisha smokersto higher levels of dangerous tox<strong>in</strong>s. In addition,the charcoal used to burn the tobacco <strong>in</strong> shishapipes produces very high levels of harmful carbonmonoxide, which is <strong>in</strong>haled by the smoker.“Because of the charcoal, shisha smokerscan be exposed to 20 to 30 times more carbonmonoxide than cigarette smokers,” added Dr.Mahfoud.Another problem is the alum<strong>in</strong>um foil onwhich the charcoal is burned. The foil releasespoisonous heavy metals, which are <strong>in</strong>haled bythe smoker.The cool<strong>in</strong>g effect of the pipe is mislead<strong>in</strong>g,said Dr. Mahfoud. “People th<strong>in</strong>k that the smokeis less harmful because it is cooled by the water,but this is not true. The smoke still conta<strong>in</strong>stox<strong>in</strong>s, and it is the tox<strong>in</strong>s that are harmful, notthe heat.“Shisha smokers need to know that the mythssurround<strong>in</strong>g shisha are untrue, and to be awarethat they are putt<strong>in</strong>g themselves at greater riskof develop<strong>in</strong>g serious, even fatal, diseases.“People must also be aware that women whosmoke while pregnant risk their babies be<strong>in</strong>gborn with low birth weights.”Dr. Mahfoud believes the enthusiasm forshisha smok<strong>in</strong>g is a global phenomenon and thatit will cause a public health crisis <strong>in</strong> the next 10to 20 years, unless action is taken soon.He said: “While shisha smok<strong>in</strong>g is usuallyassociated with the Middle East and NorthAfrica, it is also very popular <strong>in</strong> the United Statesand Canada, the UK, right across Europe, and <strong>in</strong>India and parts of Asia.“Although there have been no long-termstudies on the effects of shisha smok<strong>in</strong>g becauseof its relatively recent surge <strong>in</strong> popularity, we can<strong>in</strong>fer that its long-term effects will be similar tothose of cigarette smok<strong>in</strong>g.“For this reason, shisha smok<strong>in</strong>g shouldbe subject to the same legal restrictions ascigarettes are, and governments have an obligationto warn the public about the dangers ofshisha smok<strong>in</strong>g. If action is not taken, I believewe will see a significant rise <strong>in</strong> the number ofsmok<strong>in</strong>g-related illnesses and deaths all over theworld, which will put a great deal of pressure onboth national and private healthcare providers.“If we are not prepared for this, we willstruggle to cope. But the best option would beto prevent these illnesses occurr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the firstplace.”Dr. Mahfoud advocates public healthcampaigns that dispel the myths surround<strong>in</strong>gshisha and replace them with facts about thereal health risks it poses. He says tobaccocontrol laws must be widened to <strong>in</strong>clude shishaand enforced more rigorously. And he believeshealthcare providers should offer smok<strong>in</strong>gcessation services tailored specifically to shishasmokers.He said: “We should not wait until this crisisis upon us, we should act now to prevent peoplefrom gett<strong>in</strong>g ill <strong>in</strong> the future.”By John Hayward
10 • FeatureResearchers tacklescourge of breast cancerThe goal of WCMC-Q’s biomedical researchprogram is to focus on the most press<strong>in</strong>gmedical needs of the region. These <strong>in</strong>cludediabetes, metabolic syndrome and cancer.For women, breast cancer is the big killerbut a study conducted earlier <strong>in</strong> the year byHamad <strong>Medical</strong> Corporation, <strong>University</strong> ofCalgary - <strong>Qatar</strong>, and Primary Health Care,found that less than a third of Arab womenliv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> participated <strong>in</strong> screen<strong>in</strong>g forthe disease.At WCMC-Q, two separate researchteams are work<strong>in</strong>g to improve our understand<strong>in</strong>gof the disease and the methodswith which it can be treated.Breast cancer ranks among the most perniciousdiseases affect<strong>in</strong>g women, with one <strong>in</strong> eight atrisk by the age of 70.The World Health Organization (WHO) ratesbreast cancer as the most common cancer <strong>in</strong>women worldwide and the ma<strong>in</strong> cause of deathfrom cancer among women globally. Despite thehigh <strong>in</strong>cidence rates <strong>in</strong> Western countries, 89percent of women diagnosed with breast cancerare still alive five years after their diagnosis. Thisis due to early detection and treatment.Research figures from the National CancerInstitute <strong>in</strong> the U.S. estimated that <strong>in</strong> early 2013there were already 232,340 women and 2,240men who presented with new cases of breastcancer <strong>in</strong> the country and a stagger<strong>in</strong>g 39,620women and 410 men had already died this yearfrom breast cancer.Breast cancer is def<strong>in</strong>ed as cancer that forms<strong>in</strong> tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubesthat carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glandsthat make milk). It occurs <strong>in</strong> both men andwomen, although male breast cancer is rare.It comes then as no surprise that researchers,laboratories and health academics around theglobe have turned the focus of attention on thisproblem by seek<strong>in</strong>g to provide improved treatment,greater knowledge, better diagnosticsand, dare to even suggest; a solution to thedisease. At WCMC-Q the Tabrizi stem cell andGhiabi is study<strong>in</strong>g tumor microenvironment effect on breast cancer progression, stemness and metastasis
Feature • 11The <strong>in</strong>cidence of breast cancer is <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the develop<strong>in</strong>g world due to <strong>in</strong>creased urbanization and adoption of Western lifestylesmicroenvironment laboratory under the leadershipand direction of Dr. Jeremie Arash Tabrizi,associate professor of genetic medic<strong>in</strong>e, isundertak<strong>in</strong>g impressive breast cancer research.Pegah Ghiabi is a researcher on the team anda PhD student whose work focuses on breastcancer and its microenvironment. “The focus ofmy work is on study<strong>in</strong>g tumor microenvironmenteffect on breast cancer progression, stemnessand metastasis,” Ghiabi said.Her work has already attracted high-levelacademic <strong>in</strong>terest. At a recent award ceremonyhosted by <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation at <strong>Qatar</strong> NationalConvention Centre - the venue for <strong>Qatar</strong>International Conference on Stem Cell Scienceand Policy - she was recognized for excellence <strong>in</strong>stem cell research, with the research exhibitedthrough poster presentations dur<strong>in</strong>g the conference.Ghiabi actually received an award for herpresentation which focused on research <strong>in</strong>totherapy to <strong>in</strong>hibit the cancer stem cell populationthat was aimed at prevent<strong>in</strong>g the recurrence ofbreast cancer.The World Health Organization warns that the<strong>in</strong>cidence of breast cancer is <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> thedevelop<strong>in</strong>g world due to <strong>in</strong>creased life expectancy,<strong>in</strong>creased urbanization and adoption ofWestern lifestyles. Although some risk reductionmight be achieved with prevention, these strategiescannot elim<strong>in</strong>ate the majority of breastcancers that develop <strong>in</strong> low and middle-<strong>in</strong>comecountries where breast cancer is diagnosed <strong>in</strong>very late stages. Therefore, early detection <strong>in</strong>order to improve breast cancer outcome andsurvival rema<strong>in</strong>s the cornerstone of breastcancer control.“One of the components of the tumor microenvironmentthat I am <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> is theendothelial cells,” Ghiabi said. These cells arethe build<strong>in</strong>g blocks of blood vessels; however,recently scientists have shown that <strong>in</strong> additionto act<strong>in</strong>g as conduits for oxygen and nutrients,they are responsible for regulat<strong>in</strong>g tumor growthby secret<strong>in</strong>g several growth factors.“In order to study how endothelial cells affectbreast cancer progression, I have designedseveral co-culture experiments by mix<strong>in</strong>gbreast cancer and endothelial cells together <strong>in</strong>the laboratory. After several days of co-cultivation,breast cancer cells were separated fromendothelial cells by flow cytometry and theirfunctional properties were assessed.“Interest<strong>in</strong>gly, endothelial cells were capableof enhanc<strong>in</strong>g breast cancer cell growth, <strong>in</strong>vasiveness,and metastatic properties. Mostimportantly, endothelial cells enhanced thecancer stem cell population of breast cancercells. This is noteworthy because breast cancerstem cells, like any other cancer stem cells, areresponsible for cancer re-<strong>in</strong>itiation after therapy.“If we can elim<strong>in</strong>ate this small population byblock<strong>in</strong>g their <strong>in</strong>teraction with endothelial cells,
12 • FeatureEndothelial cells (green) penetrat<strong>in</strong>g among breastcancer cells (gray) <strong>in</strong> a co-culture sett<strong>in</strong>gConfocal image show<strong>in</strong>g close <strong>in</strong>teractionbetween breast cancer stem cells (red) andendothelial cells (green) <strong>in</strong> vitrowe are capable of com<strong>in</strong>g up with more effectivetherapy approaches to combat cancer.”Ghiabi said another aspect of her work focuseson how breast cancer cells <strong>in</strong>duce endothelialcells to undergo phenotypic changes that makethem more potent <strong>in</strong> support<strong>in</strong>g tumor progression.“My <strong>in</strong>itial observations support ourhypothesis on the <strong>in</strong>volvement of breast cancercells <strong>in</strong> deriv<strong>in</strong>g endothelial cells <strong>in</strong>to fibroblaststhat can actually help cancer cells grow better.”Ghiabi’s work on the reciprocal <strong>in</strong>teractionbetween endothelial and breast cancer cells isbe<strong>in</strong>g conducted <strong>in</strong> the stem cell and microenvironmentlaboratory at WCMC-Q and at ParisXI <strong>University</strong>, France, and will be published <strong>in</strong>the near future.Dr. Tabrizi says Ghiabi’s work perfectly <strong>in</strong>tegrates<strong>in</strong> the scope of the laboratory. “Indeed,despite tremendous progress <strong>in</strong> cancer therapiesthe mortality still rema<strong>in</strong>s high. Recently,many groups have illustrated the role of the host(microenvironment) <strong>in</strong> nurtur<strong>in</strong>g tumor cells. TheTabrizi laboratory focuses on the <strong>in</strong>teractionbetween cancer cells and normal cells of thebody. Ghiabi’s work conforms to similar f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gswe have <strong>in</strong> ovarian cancer and helps <strong>in</strong> def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gnew therapeutic strategies that will disrupt thecross-talk between cancer and normal cells.“Focus<strong>in</strong>g on breast and ovarian cancer isquite logical as these are the most frequentand the most deadly cancers affect<strong>in</strong>g women.When we consider the role of women <strong>in</strong> oursocieties (often be<strong>in</strong>g the core of the family) acancer is not only tragic for the patient but alsodevastat<strong>in</strong>g at the family level.“We are therefore try<strong>in</strong>g to have a group ofsolid scientists that unite their effort to f<strong>in</strong>d newsolutions today and maybe the cure one day tothis terrible disease,” said Dr. Tabrizi.By Hilton KolbeThe abstractThe work determ<strong>in</strong>es a role for tumor microenvironment(niche) <strong>in</strong> cancer progression thathas been recently <strong>in</strong>dicated. Several componentsreside <strong>in</strong> the niche that is partly responsible forthe survival advantages acquired by tumorcells. Among them, endothelial cells - thebuild<strong>in</strong>g blocks of tumor vasculature - have beenshown to have additional benefits than merelya conduit for supply<strong>in</strong>g oxygen and nutrients.The research <strong>in</strong>tends to show the critical role ofthe Akt-activated endothelial cells (E4ORF1) onbreast cancer development, survival and <strong>in</strong>vasiveness.Breast cancer cell (BCC) and cancerstem cell (BCSC) proliferation was measured byco-cultivat<strong>in</strong>g E4ORF1 with BCCs under adherentand non-adherent conditions.Furthermore, BCSC enrichment by E4ORF1was evaluated by analyz<strong>in</strong>g the CD44+/CD24Low/- population of BCCs by FACS and byassess<strong>in</strong>g the expression of pluripotency markersus<strong>in</strong>g RT-PCR. BCSCs resistance to drugs was<strong>in</strong>vestigated by addition of metform<strong>in</strong> drug <strong>in</strong>the presence/absence of E4ORF1.The <strong>in</strong>volvement of E4ORF1 <strong>in</strong> BCC metastasiswas shown by scratch and adhesion assayswith/out E4ORF1 cells.The results demonstrated that E4ORF1 wascapable of conferr<strong>in</strong>g survival advantages totumor cells <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a 5-fold <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> theself-renewal capacity of BCCs and BCSCs;4-fold <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> CD44+/CD24Low/- population;up-regulation of pluripotency markers; a2.5-fold <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> survival rate of BCSCs; andenhanced <strong>in</strong>vasion/adhesion property of BCCs.The data suggest a major role for E4ORFl<strong>in</strong> BC progression, stemness, resistance andmetastasis. This characteristic of E4ORF1 cellscan be exploited <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g novel therapyapproaches to combat BC more effectively.
News • 13<strong>Qatar</strong>i <strong>in</strong>terns jo<strong>in</strong> research programAmna Al-Thani and Dr. Najla Al-HajFive new <strong>Qatar</strong>i <strong>in</strong>terns were welcomed on tothe Biomedical Research Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Program forNationals.The six-month research tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g program is aunique opportunity for <strong>Qatar</strong>i college graduateswith an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> biomedical research to ga<strong>in</strong>hands on experience <strong>in</strong> world-class researchlaboratories at WCMC-Q. The aim is to help buildthe susta<strong>in</strong>able scientific human capital <strong>in</strong> thecountry <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with <strong>Qatar</strong> National Vision 2030.Dr. Khaled Machaca, associate dean forresearch at WCMC-Q, said the program demonstratesthe commitment that the college hasto develop<strong>in</strong>g human capacity and researchopportunities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.Dr. Machaca said: “The Biomedical ResearchTra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Program for Nationals is now <strong>in</strong> its thirdyear and we have seen some exceptional young<strong>Qatar</strong>i graduates come through our doors, someof whom are still work<strong>in</strong>g with us <strong>in</strong> the researchdivision.“Part of the mission of <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong><strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> is to conduct research at thecutt<strong>in</strong>g edge of knowledge and to tra<strong>in</strong> the nextgeneration of <strong>Qatar</strong>i researchers.”One of those graduates is Najla Al-Haj, whomajored <strong>in</strong> psychiatry and is now work<strong>in</strong>g withWCMC-Q’s Dr. Hassen Al-Am<strong>in</strong>, associateprofessor of psychiatry and a consultant atHamad <strong>Medical</strong> Corporation.Another of the new <strong>in</strong>terns is Amna Al-Thani,who graduated <strong>in</strong> biomedical science from <strong>Qatar</strong><strong>University</strong>. She is now work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the laboratoryof Dr. Moncef Ladjimi, professor of biochemistryat WCMC-Q, and is study<strong>in</strong>g prote<strong>in</strong>s associatedwith Park<strong>in</strong>son’s disease.Amna said: “I saw the advert for theBiomedical Research Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Program and I was<strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g WCMC-Q as it’s a leader <strong>in</strong>the science field and it would mean that I wouldga<strong>in</strong> more laboratory experience.”Another <strong>in</strong>tern, Fatima Fakhroo, graduatedfrom <strong>Qatar</strong> <strong>University</strong> with a degree <strong>in</strong> statistics.She said the chance to work at WCMC-Q wassometh<strong>in</strong>g “she could not miss”.“It’s an opportunity for me to start work andit’s an opportunity for me to comb<strong>in</strong>e what I’velearned <strong>in</strong> my degree with what I’m <strong>in</strong>terested<strong>in</strong>, which is biomedical science,” Fatima added.She is now work<strong>in</strong>g with Dr. Karsten Suhreand his team on the best statistical methods toapply to metabolomics data.Although the program is aimed at recent graduateswho are <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> pursu<strong>in</strong>g a careeras a bench scientist, cl<strong>in</strong>ician or biomedicalresearcher, graduates are also accepted whohave non-science degrees that can be used <strong>in</strong>the field of research adm<strong>in</strong>istration.By Richard Harris
14 • FeatureA genetic battle aga<strong>in</strong>st tumorsDr. Shan and Dr. Chouchane focused their research on a gene known as TNRC9A study conducted by researchers at WCMC-Qhas identified a previously unknown geneticpathway that determ<strong>in</strong>es the aggressivenessof breast cancer tumors.The study, authored by Dr. Lotfi Chouchane,professor of genetic medic<strong>in</strong>e and immunologyand assistant dean for basic sciences atWCMC-Q, and Dr. J<strong>in</strong>gxuan Shan, a postdoctoralresearch associate, could lead to the developmentof new treatments to combat the disease.Dr. Chouchane and Dr. Shan focused theirresearch on a gene known as TNRC9 and theway <strong>in</strong> which it <strong>in</strong>teracts with another gene,labeled BRCA1. While both genes have longbeen known to be <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the developmentof breast cancer, their precise functions and theways <strong>in</strong> which they <strong>in</strong>teract with each other tocause the disease were not understood. Throughanalysis of data from breast cancer patients andexperiments on mice and tumor tissue, the studywas able to identify a relationship between thetwo genes that gives rise to the proliferation ofmalignant tumor cells.The study, entitled ‘TNRC9 downregulatesBRCA1 expression and promotes breast canceraggressiveness’ has now been published <strong>in</strong> thepeer-reviewed Cancer Research, the journal ofthe American Association for Cancer Research.Dr. Chouchane expla<strong>in</strong>ed the f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs of thestudy.“Both genes have a well-established l<strong>in</strong>k withbreast cancer,” he said.“It is known that mutations of BRCA1 causesthe disease and people with the TNRC9 geneare known to be susceptible to breast cancer.While we are quite familiar with BRCA1, the roleof TNRC9 is less well understood. The questionwe asked when we began the study was ‘whatis the role of TNRC9 <strong>in</strong> breast cancer?’“Through our study of TNRC9 we discoveredthat the two genes have a direct relationship andwe were able to show this with our experiments.”In order to understand how TNRC9 leads tobreast cancer, it is first necessary to know therole of the BRCA1 gene, said Dr. Chouchane.“BRCA1 plays a role <strong>in</strong> suppress<strong>in</strong>g tumorswith<strong>in</strong> cells. In fact, we consider BRCA1 to bethe ‘guardian’ of other tumor-suppress<strong>in</strong>g genes.
Feature • 15So, dysfunction or reduced expression of BRCA1means that tumor-suppress<strong>in</strong>g functions are<strong>in</strong>hibited, which causes tumors to grow.”The study found that the TNRC9 gene is oftenamplified and overexpressed <strong>in</strong> breast cancerpatients, particularly <strong>in</strong> advanced cases of thedisease.Dr. Chouchane said: “Where TNRC9 is overexpressed,we f<strong>in</strong>d that BRCA1 expression isdim<strong>in</strong>ished. The experiments that we carried outand the datasets we analyzed suggest that theexpression of TNRC9 and BRCA1 are <strong>in</strong>verselycorrelated.”The f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs led Dr. Chouchane and Dr. Shanto surmise that a high level of TNRC9 expressioncauses low expression or ‘downregulation’ ofBRCA1, lead<strong>in</strong>g to breast cancer.In order to determ<strong>in</strong>e if this was the case, theresearchers carried out <strong>in</strong> vitro tests on tumortissue <strong>in</strong> the laboratories at WCMC-Q. They alsoperformed <strong>in</strong> vivo tests on mice <strong>in</strong>jected withhuman breast cancer cells.In one group, the mice were <strong>in</strong>jected withboth breast cancer cells and so-called TNRC9‘knock-down’ genes, which prevent TNRC9from function<strong>in</strong>g. In a second group, the micereceived no TNRC9 knock-down genes. Theresults showed that the mice <strong>in</strong> the groupwith <strong>in</strong>hibited TNRC9 function did not developtumors, while the mice <strong>in</strong> the control group did.Dr. Chouchane said: “We assessed thebehavior of the tumor cells <strong>in</strong> both groups ofmice and we found that the average tumor sizewas considerably smaller <strong>in</strong> mice <strong>in</strong>jected withthe TNRC9 knock-down cells. In fact, the mice<strong>in</strong> this group had barely palpable tumor cells.”The study also analyzed data from a groupof breast cancer patients <strong>in</strong> Tunisia and found astrong relationship between mortality and highTNRC9 levels.Dr. Chouchane added: “We concluded thatthere is a very clear correlation between thelevel of TNRC9 expression and the aggressivenessof tumor cells.“This opens up new avenues because itpresents a very attractive target for cancertreatment research. There is potential forfuture research to f<strong>in</strong>d molecules that disruptthe function of TNRC9, which could reduce theaggressiveness of tumors.“The f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs have unveiled new pathways<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> cancer pathologies, which could leadto the development of new therapeutic targets.”By John HaywardThe research showed there appears to be a correlation between TNRC9 expression and the aggressiveness of tumor cells
16 • NewsStudents and workers learn togetherThe program has brought benefits to both students and workersIn their spare time, students have shifted theirfocus of attention to improv<strong>in</strong>g the lives ofcampus assistants and cleaners by provid<strong>in</strong>gcomputer tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and basic <strong>English</strong> languagetuition classes as part of the Reach out to Asia(ROTA) program.The turnout has been impressive with largenumbers of workers turn<strong>in</strong>g up for the free tuition,which has been overseen by the college’s associateprofessor of <strong>English</strong>, Dr. Rodney Sharkey.“We have been a bit overwhelmed by theresponse,” Dr. Sharkey said. “But we havemanaged to accommodate all the people whowere <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> learn<strong>in</strong>g IT and improv<strong>in</strong>gtheir <strong>English</strong> skills. Next semester we are hop<strong>in</strong>gto make even more places available for those<strong>in</strong>terested and we will also be start<strong>in</strong>g classesfor the cleaners who work <strong>in</strong> the Student Center.“For many of these migrant workers, it is amajor battle to improve their <strong>English</strong> skills. Theyare keen to learn because it is a great asset <strong>in</strong>their daily lives,” he added.The group of IT and <strong>English</strong> students gatheredon campus <strong>in</strong> May for the end-of-programcelebrations where lunch was served andcertificates of completion awarded. Prizes werealso awarded for enthusiasm and outstand<strong>in</strong>gperformance <strong>in</strong> the program. Participants votedfor Inesh Kumar, from Sri Lanka, who works asa cleaner <strong>in</strong> the WCMC-Q storeroom. Inesh wonthe ma<strong>in</strong> prize for putt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the most effort andhe was delighted with his new iPad.Pre-medical student Aisha Khalid is presidentof the WCMC-Q ROTA Teach<strong>in</strong>g Club and shehanded out the certificates and prizes.“This has been such a wonderful opportunityfor all of us as students to do someth<strong>in</strong>gmean<strong>in</strong>gful and helpful for others,” Aisha said.“Together with my fellow students, we wereall very happy to be <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> this program. Itmeans so much to the workers and it will <strong>in</strong>creasenot only their work skills and job opportunitiesbut it will also contribute to the improvementof their lives.”Gita Bhandari, a cleaner at WCMC-Q, who leftNepal for a better life <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> more than twoyears ago but with a limited grasp of <strong>English</strong>language skills, said she was very happy thatshe could benefit from the program and improveher <strong>English</strong>. “It is very important to be able tospeak <strong>English</strong> properly. It makes my life easierand I can now express myself a lot better,” shesaid. Gita was awarded a certificate of completionand hopes to cont<strong>in</strong>ue with the programnext semester.Gary Rabang, from the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, whohas been work<strong>in</strong>g as an office assistant atWCMC-Q for nearly two years, completed acourse <strong>in</strong> Photoshop and is now look<strong>in</strong>g forwardto attempt<strong>in</strong>g the advanced course next year.“This was such a good idea. It gives us an extraskill and it is all for free,” he said.Dr. Sharkey said the programs benefited boththe students, who learned new communicationskillsthrough their <strong>in</strong>teraction with the workers,and the workers, who improved their life skillsand <strong>English</strong> language proficiency by work<strong>in</strong>g withand learn<strong>in</strong>g from the students.“There are w<strong>in</strong>ners on both sides,” he said,“and we are all very happy that our ROTA programhas had such great impact so far. We are look<strong>in</strong>gto build on this success by offer<strong>in</strong>g the programsto more people who may be <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> selfimprovementand there are also plans to <strong>in</strong>cludea few more subjects.“Thanks also go to Thomas Rooney <strong>in</strong> Facilitiesfor help<strong>in</strong>g us set up the runn<strong>in</strong>g of the program.”
18 • NewsStudents’ workimmortalized <strong>in</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>tPre-medical student Angela Dandan reads from her contribution tothe bookA diverse collection of artworks created bystudents was released with the publication ofthe third edition of Between Sem<strong>in</strong>ar Rooms.The compendium is released each spr<strong>in</strong>g andcomprises poetry, short stories, autobiographicalliterature, photographs, pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs and draw<strong>in</strong>gs,among other works.The book was launched on April 1 at an eventheld <strong>in</strong> the college’s student lounge, whichfeatured musical performances by students andread<strong>in</strong>gs by contributors.Second-year pre-medical student AyeshaKhalid began with a read<strong>in</strong>g of her piece TheOther Home, which was followed by excerptsfrom works penned by fourth-year medicalstudent Moath Hamed, third-year medicalstudent Navid Iqbal and third-year medicalstudent Afaf Osman, among others. All of theread<strong>in</strong>gs were received with wild applauseDr. Adam Larsonfrom the audience and words of encouragementfrom event coord<strong>in</strong>ator Dr. Adam Larson, visit<strong>in</strong>glecturer <strong>in</strong> <strong>English</strong> as a second language.Dr. Larson expla<strong>in</strong>ed the ethos of BetweenSem<strong>in</strong>ar Rooms.“The book is a place where we can showcasethe talents of our students beyond theclassroom,” he said. “We appreciate that ourstudents enjoy express<strong>in</strong>g themselves <strong>in</strong> a verywide variety of ways, so we accept submissionsof nearly anyth<strong>in</strong>g, from stories, comic strips andpoems to photographs and even recipes.“There are some excellent pieces of work <strong>in</strong>this book and there is a great sense of humorrunn<strong>in</strong>g all the way through it.”Dr. Larson paid tribute to the sponsors ofBetween Sem<strong>in</strong>ar Rooms - Dr. Marco Ameduri,associate dean for pre-medical education, andAhmad Sami and Ameen Al-Aghil were two of the students thatparticipatedhis department - for their cont<strong>in</strong>ued support forthe book.Students were also keen to register theirappreciation. Moath Hamed, who contributeda literary piece entitled Rapid Eye Movement,said: “This is the third time I have contributedto Between Sem<strong>in</strong>ar Rooms - I really enjoy theprocess of writ<strong>in</strong>g and the opportunity to bepublished. I enjoy writ<strong>in</strong>g for its own sake but Ith<strong>in</strong>k it is also a useful exercise for develop<strong>in</strong>gthe ability to communicate effectively, which ishelpful because <strong>in</strong> the future I will need to givepatients a narrative about their condition andtheir treatment that they can understand andengage with.”Copies of Between Sem<strong>in</strong>ar Rooms are availablefree from WCMC-Q’s Writ<strong>in</strong>g Center.By John Hayward
News • 19<strong>Qatar</strong>i students embraceliterary classicsIan Miller and Dr. Bendriss with the foundation studentsThe three best book reviews written by foundationstudents were announced at the culm<strong>in</strong>ationof WCMC-Q’s foundation extensive read<strong>in</strong>gprogram.Participat<strong>in</strong>g students, all of whom were<strong>Qatar</strong>i nationals, gathered <strong>in</strong> the university’sDeLib Read<strong>in</strong>g Room to see Shaikha Al Thani,Hamad Al Muhannadi and Hanof Ahmedawarded certificates <strong>in</strong> recognition of the qualityof their reviews.Dr. Rachid Bendriss, visit<strong>in</strong>g lecturer of <strong>English</strong>as a second language, <strong>in</strong>troduced the w<strong>in</strong>nersand expla<strong>in</strong>ed the purpose of the program.He said: “The quality of the book reviews hasbeen very impressive and it was extremely difficultto choose the top three, so Shaikha, Hamadand Hanof truly deserve our congratulations. Theaim of the program is not only to help foundationstudents improve their <strong>English</strong> language skillsbut also to encourage them to develop a lovefor literature and read<strong>in</strong>g.“From the <strong>in</strong>sights you have given <strong>in</strong> yourreviews it is clear that many of you have donejust that.”Shaikha, who reviewed As I Lay Dy<strong>in</strong>gby Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g authorWilliam Faulkner, said: “At the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g Ifound Faulkner’s writ<strong>in</strong>g style difficult and thestory hard to follow because it jumps betweencharacters and scenes a great deal. But once Iacclimatized to his style I loved the book andfound it had <strong>in</strong>credible depth and subtlety.”Hamad reviewed J.D. Sal<strong>in</strong>ger’s A Catcher <strong>in</strong>the Rye. He said: “The book really makes youidentify with Holden Caulfield and I just couldn’tput it down. I’m really encouraged to read moreand I notice <strong>in</strong> class that my <strong>English</strong> skills haveimproved dramatically.”In Fall 2012, Dr. Bendriss launched the foundationextensive read<strong>in</strong>g program. Foundationstudents chose three books to read and gavetheir thoughts on them to their peers <strong>in</strong> classpresentations, weekly read<strong>in</strong>g circles and bycontribut<strong>in</strong>g to writ<strong>in</strong>gmajlis.com, an onl<strong>in</strong>e blog.The f<strong>in</strong>al stage of the course saw students writereviews of their third book for publication on theofficial WCMC-Q Distributed eLibrary website.Dr. Bendriss expla<strong>in</strong>ed the approach.“Studies have proven that extensive read<strong>in</strong>g isone of the most effective methods of languageacquisition,” he said.“Students see marked improvements <strong>in</strong> theirvocabulary, grammar and the way they structuresentences, and the ideas they put forwardbecome more sophisticated. These are clearlyskills that will help them to study the complexmaterial of the pre-medical and medical coursesmore effectively.”Reviews written by students for the read<strong>in</strong>gprogram can be viewed via http://qatar-weill.cornell.edu/elibrary/
20 • NewsGlitter<strong>in</strong>g ceremony welcomesnew doctors to medic<strong>in</strong>eThe Class of 2013 with Dr. Sheikh, Dr. Glimcher and Dr. Antonio GottoThirty-five of the world’s newest doctorsreceived their M.D. degrees <strong>in</strong> a ceremony heldat <strong>Qatar</strong> National Convention Centre.The students of the Class of 2013 took to thestage to receive their U.S. accredited medicaldegrees <strong>in</strong> front of an audience of proud familymembers, friends and WCMC-Q faculty who hadcome to cheer them on.Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCMC-Q, was <strong>in</strong>attendance to read the Hippocratic Oath and paytribute to the achievements of the university’slargest ever graduat<strong>in</strong>g class.Dr. Sheikh said: “It gives all of us at <strong>Weill</strong><strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> great pleasureto be here to formally acknowledge our graduatesas doctors for the first time.“The members of the Class of 2013 haveearned the right to enter the medical professionthrough their great commitment to their studies,their compassion for people <strong>in</strong> need of care andtheir unfail<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>tellectual curiosity.“These talented young physicians will nowgo on to take their places <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ternationalmedical community, contribut<strong>in</strong>g the skills andknowledge they have learned here <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> tothe goal of improv<strong>in</strong>g human lives <strong>in</strong> this regionand across the globe.“We have no doubt that they will be wonderfulambassadors for <strong>Qatar</strong> and for WCMC-Q,contribut<strong>in</strong>g to the grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational reputationthat both have for pursu<strong>in</strong>g excellence <strong>in</strong>higher education.”The event heard an address from studentspeaker and graduate of the Class of 2013, Dr.Zaid Tafesh.Dr. Tafesh said: “A physician is someone whostrives to master the art of medic<strong>in</strong>e, and thus aphysician must be someone that values a humanlife on all levels. So to my classmates and dearfriends, always ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> your dedication, reliabilityand companionship that def<strong>in</strong>e you sowell.“For it is these very qualities that will allowyou to value the life of your patients and to practicemedic<strong>in</strong>e as the great physicians you are alldest<strong>in</strong>ed to be.”Includ<strong>in</strong>g the 35 new graduates, WCMC-Qhas now produced a total of 147 doctors s<strong>in</strong>cethe university was <strong>in</strong>augurated <strong>in</strong> 2002. Thisyear’s graduat<strong>in</strong>g class comprises 15 men and20 women, represent<strong>in</strong>g 19 different countries.Graduates of WCMC-Q receive their qualificationfrom <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>University</strong>, the first and onlyU.S <strong>in</strong>stitution to offer its M.D. degree overseas.Also <strong>in</strong> attendance was Dr. Laurie Glimcher,dean of <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> NewYork.Dr. Glimcher said: “I am delighted to havethe opportunity to witness the Class of 2013
News • 21Dr. Javaid SheikhDr. Laurie Glimcherreceiv<strong>in</strong>g their medical degrees and to offer themmy warmest congratulations.“The success of the Class of 2013 is testamentnot only to their own hard work anddedication, but also to the ongo<strong>in</strong>g progress of<strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> and itsgoal of advanc<strong>in</strong>g excellence <strong>in</strong> medical practicethroughout the Middle East.“We look forward to build<strong>in</strong>g on this success<strong>in</strong> collaboration with our partners here <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.”Dr. David Skorton, president of <strong>Cornell</strong><strong>University</strong>, addressed the audience via arecorded video message.He said: “It is my great pleasure to celebratethe commencement of the <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong><strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> Class of 2013. Members of thisgraduat<strong>in</strong>g class have worked with great commitmenttoward their medical degrees, and alongwith successful completion they have earned ourwarm congratulations and good wishes.“At this important moment <strong>in</strong> the life of themedical school, we gratefully acknowledge theleadership and support of His Highness SheikhHamad B<strong>in</strong> Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of <strong>Qatar</strong> andHer Highness Sheikha Moza b<strong>in</strong>t Nasser, chairof <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation. They have been visionary<strong>in</strong> their aspirations for their people, and mostgenerous <strong>in</strong> their commitment to this medicalcollege.”Top students scoop awards atConvocation 2013The most talented graduat<strong>in</strong>g students ofWCMC-Q’s Class of 2013 were handed awardsrecogniz<strong>in</strong>g their academic achievements atthe university’s Senior Honors Convocationceremony.The event was attended by Dr. Laurie Glimcherand Dr. Antonio Gotto, co-chair of the WCMC-QJo<strong>in</strong>t Advisory Board.Awards were also presented to facultymembers, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the Senior List award, whichhonored eight WCMC-Q and two WCMC-NYfaculty members for their commitment to excellence<strong>in</strong> teach<strong>in</strong>g.Senior Honors Convocation Class of2013: Awards W<strong>in</strong>ners <strong>in</strong> FullStudent Awards- Pre-Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Courses• Excellence <strong>in</strong> the Molecules, Genesand Cells Course: Khawla Ali• Excellence <strong>in</strong> the Human Structureand Function Course: Khawla Ali• Excellence <strong>in</strong> the Host DefensesCourse: Ladan Davallow Ghajar• Excellence <strong>in</strong> the Medic<strong>in</strong>e, Patientsand Society I Course: LadanDavallow Ghajar• Excellence <strong>in</strong> the Bra<strong>in</strong> and M<strong>in</strong>dCourse: Khawla Ali• Excellence <strong>in</strong> the Basis of DiseaseCourse: Co-awarded to LadanDavallow Ghajar and Khawla Ali• Excellence <strong>in</strong> the Medic<strong>in</strong>e, Patientsand Society II Course: Khawla Ali• Excellence <strong>in</strong> the Pre-Cl<strong>in</strong>icalCurriculum: Khawla AliStudent Awards – Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Courses• Excellence <strong>in</strong> Internal Medic<strong>in</strong>e:Co-awarded to Sadeer Al K<strong>in</strong>di andFadwa Ali
22 • NewsKhawla Ali takes the Hippocratic OathHaya Ahram listens <strong>in</strong>tently• Excellence <strong>in</strong> the Medic<strong>in</strong>e, Patientsand Society III Course: Rana Emam• Excellence <strong>in</strong> Neurology: SetarehSalehi Omran• Excellence <strong>in</strong> Obstetrics andGynecology: Sundus Mari• Excellence <strong>in</strong> Pediatrics: LadanDavallow Ghajar• Excellence <strong>in</strong> Primary Care:Co-awarded to Ladan DavallowGhajar and Iqbal El Assaad• Excellence <strong>in</strong> Psychiatry: LadanDavallow Ghajar• Excellence <strong>in</strong> Public Health:Co-awarded to Abdullah FirozeAhmed and Sundus Mari• Excellence <strong>in</strong> Surgery:Tarrek HegabSadeer Al K<strong>in</strong>di and Zaid Tafesh check their appearancesStudent Awards – Senior Awards• Leadership <strong>in</strong> Medic<strong>in</strong>e Award:Ladan Davallow Ghajar• Biomedical Research Award:Co-awarded to Sadeer Al-K<strong>in</strong>di andFadwa Ali• Outstand<strong>in</strong>g Community ServiceAward: Co-awarded to AbdullahFiroze Ahmed and Jowhara Al-Qahtani• The Good Physician Award: ZaidTafesh• Student Leadership Award: RanaEmam• Oustand<strong>in</strong>g Public Health andCommunity Medic<strong>in</strong>e ResearchAward: Ladan Davallow Ghajar• Global and Public Health Award ofMerit: Maryam AyazFaculty and House Officer Awards• House Staff Teach<strong>in</strong>g Award: Dr.Mohammed Yousif, Department ofSurgery, Hamad <strong>Medical</strong>Corporation• The Senior List: WCMC-Q Faculty:Dr. Hassen Al Am<strong>in</strong>, Dr. ThurayyaArayssi, Dr. Gerardo Guiter, Dr.Wanis Hamad Ibrahim, Dr. BakrNour, Dr. Pablo Rodriguez del Pozo,Dr. Dora Stadler, Dr. Basim Uthman.WCMC-NY Faculty: Dr. Mark Pecker,Dr. Joseph Safdieh• Humanism <strong>in</strong> Medic<strong>in</strong>e Award:Faculty: Dr. Mohamud Verjee.Student: Rana Emam• Excellence <strong>in</strong> Pre-Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Teach<strong>in</strong>gAward: Co-awarded to Dr. GerardoGuiter and Dr. Rachel Koshi• Excellence <strong>in</strong> Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Teach<strong>in</strong>gAward: Dr. Bakr Nour
News • 23The students have made friends for life.Iqbal Assad and Dr. Marcell<strong>in</strong>a Mian, act<strong>in</strong>g associate dean formedical education• Excellence <strong>in</strong> the Cl<strong>in</strong>icalCurriculum: Khawla AliWCMC-Q congratulatesyoungest medical schoolgraduateAt just 20 years old, Iqbal El-Assaad is theyoungest student to ever graduate fromWCMC-Q.Iqbal, who is Palest<strong>in</strong>ian but born and raised<strong>in</strong> Lebanon, arrived at WCMC-Q to start her premedicalstudies aged just 14. Six years later shesuccessfully completed the challeng<strong>in</strong>g M.D.course to become probably one of the youngestdoctors <strong>in</strong> the world.She said her <strong>in</strong>spiration has been Palest<strong>in</strong>ianrefugees, particularly children, who are oftendesperately short of medical care.“Those children and the upcom<strong>in</strong>g generationsneed a doctor to heal their wounds and someoneto be by their side as an advocate to guide themand light their path dur<strong>in</strong>g their most difficultstages,” she said.To beg<strong>in</strong> her medical education at such ayoung age, Iqbal graduated from high school at12 years old and with the assistance of a scholarshipfrom <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation secured a place <strong>in</strong>the medical program at WCMC-Q.“My dad tells me that when I was reallyyounger, like two and a half years old, I used tolearn from my other sibl<strong>in</strong>gs,” she said. “I learnedhow to count from one to 10 just by myself andlisten<strong>in</strong>g to my brothers and sisters who wererecit<strong>in</strong>g homework tasks.”From k<strong>in</strong>dergarten - where teachers sawthat she was advanced for her age - Iqbal wentFor many, graduation marks their greatest achievement so farstraight to year 2 and it has been a steadyprogression of jump<strong>in</strong>g classes through primaryand high school s<strong>in</strong>ce then. She also has an olderbrother who f<strong>in</strong>ished high school when he was14 and is now <strong>in</strong>to his second year of a PhD <strong>in</strong>physics at Lyon <strong>University</strong>.Currently Iqbal’s <strong>in</strong>terest is <strong>in</strong> pediatricsand she is also th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g about tak<strong>in</strong>g a pediatriccardiology fellowship <strong>in</strong> the future. Shewas drawn to pediatrics because she grew uphear<strong>in</strong>g stories about Palest<strong>in</strong>ian parents andtheir children suffer<strong>in</strong>g because they could notafford treatment. Soon she will be leav<strong>in</strong>g forresidency at the Cleveland Cl<strong>in</strong>ic for Pediatrics,<strong>in</strong> Cleveland, Ohio but hopes to return to theMiddle East to work.
24 • NewsHonor for top scor<strong>in</strong>gstudentsAnother milestone was celebrated <strong>in</strong> the 10-yearhistory of WCMC-Q when 29 high achiev<strong>in</strong>g premedicalstudents were named on the Dean’sHonors List at a ceremony on the Hamad B<strong>in</strong>Khalifa <strong>University</strong> campus.Students who successfully earned a 3.75 GPAor higher <strong>in</strong> the fall 2012 term were <strong>in</strong>ductedto the Dean’s Honors List. The event is now anannual fixture of the college’s academic calendar.WCMC-Q’s dean, Dr. Javaid Sheikh presentedthe awards and congratulated the students ontheir impressive academic achievements. He alsoencouraged the students to cont<strong>in</strong>ue to strivefor excellence.“I am delighted to applaud the exceptionalperformance of these students as they arerecognized for this significant academic honor,”said Dr. Sheikh.“The Dean’s Honors List reflects the highcaliber of WCMC-Q’s student body and it is atradition that is becom<strong>in</strong>g firmly entrenched <strong>in</strong>the college.“These young men and women have demonstratedan outstand<strong>in</strong>g level of work to achievethis honor and their commitment and talentis <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g to all at WCMC-Q. We are proudto support them and help them achieve theirundoubtedly remarkable potential.”Dr. Dietrich Büsselberg, professor of physiologyand biophysics and assistant dean forstudent affairs gave the open<strong>in</strong>g speech whileWCMC-Q’s assistant professor of writ<strong>in</strong>g, Dr.Rodney Sharkey, delivered the keynote address.Dr. Sharkey said: “As these excellent studentscont<strong>in</strong>ue to excel, they confirm for us the valueof hard work, determ<strong>in</strong>ation, self-belief and thevalue of a commitment to improv<strong>in</strong>g the livesof others. They are to be commended for theirsterl<strong>in</strong>g efforts.”Dean’s Honors ListYoumna Abdel Ghany, Sara Taha, Basem Ali,Yanal Shaheen, Faryal Malick, Nora Al-Fakhri,Ahmad Salah Sami, Nahel Tunio, Aulia Ahmad,Nourhan Kika, Mountasir El-Tohami, Mhd SalamaChaker, Mu Ji Hwang, Imen Becetti, HawraAl Lawati, Ayesha Khalid, Ali Al Jabri, SarahElsoukkary, Diala Steitieh, Hamza Oglat, ShruthiSuresh, Josia Schlogl, Aya El Jerbi, ElizabethBoctor, Sarah Kanbour, L<strong>in</strong>a Irshaid, AnchaliaChandrakumaran, Khalid Taha, MohammedSheriff.
News • 25A career <strong>in</strong>emergencymedic<strong>in</strong>eHamad Hospital has one of the busiest emergency departments <strong>in</strong> the worldEmergency medic<strong>in</strong>e is the ultimate teamsport where specialists, physicians andparamedics work together under extremepressures <strong>in</strong> any number of life threaten<strong>in</strong>gevents, students at WCMC-Q were told.The analogy was made by Dr. PeterCameron at a forum of the college’sEmergency Medic<strong>in</strong>e Interest Group.Dr. Cameron is the chairman and head of theemergency department at HMC and presidentof the International Federation for EmergencyMedic<strong>in</strong>e. He leads a new multi-discipl<strong>in</strong>aryteam that is tasked with transform<strong>in</strong>g emergencyservices across all of HMC’s hospitals. It washis first visit to WCMC-Q, where he addressedmedical students and staff and encouragedcurrent students to consider a career <strong>in</strong> emergencymedic<strong>in</strong>e at HMC after graduation.“Hamad is currently undergo<strong>in</strong>g anextensive program of redevelopment andconstruction that will place it at the forefrontof emergency medical services of a similarstandard to the best hospitals <strong>in</strong> the world,”Dr. Cameron said.“A comprehensive review of Hamad’semergency department practices has led toimprovement recommendations based on<strong>in</strong>ternational best practices that have beenimplemented rapidly by a globally recognizedmulti-professional team.“We now have an exceptionally strongteam of local and <strong>in</strong>ternational experts tolead the cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g transformation of ouremergency medical services. Our recruitmentstrategy is designed to attract even more newemergency specialists and reta<strong>in</strong> the best ofour tra<strong>in</strong>ee emergency doctors. Our objectiveis to transform our emergency department <strong>in</strong>toa world lead<strong>in</strong>g emergency center, ensur<strong>in</strong>gimproved patient care and satisfaction.”Hamad General Hospital (HGH) has one ofthe busiest emergency departments <strong>in</strong> theworld, treat<strong>in</strong>g between 1,200 and 1,500patients on an average day. The emergencydepartment is supplemented by servicesprovided at Al Khor and Al Wakra with themost serious cases handled at HGH.<strong>Qatar</strong> is <strong>in</strong> a unique position, and with athriv<strong>in</strong>g economic base, among very few countriescapable of large scale implementation ofquality healthcare facilities, said Dr. Cameron.He added: “Under the visionary leadershipof the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad B<strong>in</strong>Khalifa Al Thani and Her Highness SheikhaMoza B<strong>in</strong>t Nasser there is a desire and will<strong>in</strong>gnessto transform the health system <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.”Dr. Cameron said the emergency departmentat HMC provided both a stimulat<strong>in</strong>gand challeng<strong>in</strong>g environment where youngphysicians can develop and be exposed to awide range of useful and often rare medicalexperiences. This was largely because of thediverse population and the <strong>in</strong>flux of temporarymigrant laborers from ma<strong>in</strong>ly underdevelopedcountries who present with a range ofuncommon diseases.In a country where nearly half the populationis obese and half of the population agedDr. Cameron said the emergency department at HMC was a stimulat<strong>in</strong>g place towork.over 40 suffers from diabetes that will<strong>in</strong>variably lead to further serious health problems<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g heart disease and renal failure,there will be an <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g need for youngphysicians to consider a career <strong>in</strong> emergencymedic<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>, Dr. Cameron said.“It is not a career suited to everyone,” hewarned but he encouraged students with an<strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> emergency medic<strong>in</strong>e to seriouslyconsider the opportunities available at HMC.
26 • NewsA yellowfeverepidemic <strong>in</strong>SudanThe worst outbreak of yellow fever seen for 20years and the prospect of the virus tak<strong>in</strong>g holdon the Arabian Pen<strong>in</strong>sula was the focus of a talkorganized by WCMC-Q’s department for globaland public health.The lecture was held <strong>in</strong> January and deliveredby Aly Verjee, a senior researcher with the RiftValley Institute based <strong>in</strong> Kenya.Mr Verjee’s talk was based on the recentepidemic of yellow fever <strong>in</strong> Darfur <strong>in</strong> Sudan thatbegan <strong>in</strong> September 2012, peaked <strong>in</strong> October andNovember and tailed off <strong>in</strong> January 2013. Thisfollowed a susta<strong>in</strong>ed immunization campaignby the Sudanese government, the World HealthOrganization (WHO) and non-governmentalorganizations (NGOs). It was the WHO thatdescribed the outbreak as the worst for 20 years.The Aedes aegyptii mosquitoIn the 1930s it was not believed that yellowfever, which has a mortality rate of 20 per cent,was found <strong>in</strong> Sudan. But with the advent of airtravel the country became a major transit postand the disease arrived. A spray<strong>in</strong>g campaignaga<strong>in</strong>st the Aedes aegypti mosquito thattransmits the virus, along with a vacc<strong>in</strong>ationprogram, brought the disease under control. Butby the 1980s yellow fever had re-emerged andhas rema<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the region ever s<strong>in</strong>ce due tore-<strong>in</strong>festations of the Aedes mosquito and a drop<strong>in</strong> vacc<strong>in</strong>ations. Currently the disease is endemic<strong>in</strong> a huge swathe of sub-Saharan Africa fromthe east to west coastl<strong>in</strong>e and it is also found<strong>in</strong> South America.Until recently, however, the virus was notconsidered to be a major problem <strong>in</strong> Sudan but MrVerjee suggested that the current socio-politicalsituation <strong>in</strong> Darfur may have been a contribut<strong>in</strong>gfactor as conflict and human displacementalways have a negative effect on public health.There have also been no susta<strong>in</strong>ed vacc<strong>in</strong>ationprograms.He said: “Public health has clearly taken a backseat <strong>in</strong> Darfur and that is l<strong>in</strong>ked to trust. Trusthas been eroded between local populations andthe government which may have led to people<strong>in</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> areas not seek<strong>in</strong>g treatment until itwas too late.”But he added that the Sudanese government,with aid agencies, has reacted quickly to theoutbreak of the epidemic and three million peoplehave s<strong>in</strong>ce been vacc<strong>in</strong>ated with a further twomillion to follow. Reported cases of the virushave reached around 1,000 and there have been
News • 27Aly Verjee (center) with Dr. Rav<strong>in</strong>der Mamtani, associate dean for global and public health, and Dr. Sohaila Cheema, manager of the division of global and public healthabout 200 deaths although there may well beunreported outbreaks.Mr Verjee also raised the prospect thatthe disease could one day reach the ArabianPen<strong>in</strong>sula, particularly the western coast ofSaudi Arabia. The Aedes aegypti mosquito isalready found <strong>in</strong> Jeddah and carries dengue feverbut for some unknown reason no Aedes mosquitoes<strong>in</strong> Asia have been found carry<strong>in</strong>g the yellowfever virus, despite dengue fever be<strong>in</strong>g rampanton the Indian subcont<strong>in</strong>ent. However, with themosquitoes now found <strong>in</strong> southern Egypt thepotential rema<strong>in</strong>s for the disease to spread east.Symptoms and pathologyYellow fever is a viral, hemorrhagic fever ofthe same category as ebola although the diseaseis most closely related to dengue fever –thelatter, however, has a mortality rate of only fiveper cent.The <strong>in</strong>cubation period for yellow fever afterbe<strong>in</strong>g bitten by an <strong>in</strong>fected mosquito is betweenthree and six days with sufferers then experienc<strong>in</strong>ga high fever, myalgia and vomit<strong>in</strong>g. Mostpatients then recover but some – after a periodof apparent remission – may then suffer jaundice,vomit<strong>in</strong>g, general hemorrhag<strong>in</strong>g, hepaticfever and death.The disease is ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> nature bymonkeys, which are believed to be the reservoirof the virus. Although more naturally found<strong>in</strong> forests, where deforestation occurs themosquitos are well adapted for life <strong>in</strong> an urbanenvironment, lay<strong>in</strong>g their eggs just above thewater l<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> all manner of conta<strong>in</strong>ers –, bottles,barrels, discarded tires, plant pots and the like.The eggs can hatch <strong>in</strong> as little as two days andtraditional preventive measures like mosquitonets are not always effective as the <strong>in</strong>sect isactive dur<strong>in</strong>g the day.In the 1930s the disease was found as farnorth as southern Europe, the U.S. as well asIndia and Asia. Historically, too, it has beengeographically widespread; the population ofPhiladelphia <strong>in</strong> 1793 was decimated by 20 percent as a result of the virus.FACT FILE• Vacc<strong>in</strong>e developed by Max Theiler whowon the 1951 Nobel Prize <strong>in</strong> Physiologyor Medic<strong>in</strong>e for his discovery;• In Africa, an estimated 508 million peopleliv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 32 countries are at risk.• The first written evidence of a yellowfever epidemic occurred <strong>in</strong> the Yucatan<strong>in</strong> Mexico <strong>in</strong> 1648.• Worldwide there are 300,000 annualcases result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 60,000 deaths.• There is no specific cure for the disease.
28 • NewsMatch Day def<strong>in</strong>es the students’ careers for between two and seven yearsStudentsexcel atMatch Day<strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> is celebrat<strong>in</strong>gafter 31 students were offered residencyplaces at hospitals for after they graduate.The annual Match Day event, on March 15,was held at the WCMC-Q campus <strong>in</strong> the presenceof family, friends, faculty and staff memberswhere the students learned <strong>in</strong> which hospitalthey would be do<strong>in</strong>g their residency tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g forthe next two to seven years of their medicalcareers.Eight WCMC-Q graduates will now be go<strong>in</strong>gto the <strong>in</strong>ternationally respected NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, two to Hamad <strong>Medical</strong>Corporation (HMC) and the 21 others are head<strong>in</strong>goff to equally impressive hospitals <strong>in</strong> the U.S.WCMC-Q dean, Dr. Javaid Sheikh congratulatedall the students and wished them well forthe rest of their careers.Dr. Sheikh said: “This is a fantastic achievementby our students. These impressive resultsare a wonderful tribute to their hard work andeffort as well as a clear demonstration of thequality of education they have received atSeifeld<strong>in</strong> Sadek (left) and Tarrek Hegab (right) celebrate with firstyear medical student Mostafa RefaatWCMC-Q. Our faculty and staff are very proudof each and every one of them.”For Mason Al Nouri, HMC was the place ofchoice for his residency <strong>in</strong> orthopedic surgery.Mason said his time at WCMC-Q had been greatpreparation for the future.He said: “It’s been six years and it’s beena great experience. From the start it’s been awhole rollercoaster of adapt<strong>in</strong>g to new <strong>in</strong>formationand medical knowledge and it prepares youwell for residency as you need to learn a lot <strong>in</strong> ashort space of time.”Mason added that he applied for HMC becauseof its reputation.“Orthopedic surgery is a grow<strong>in</strong>g field that Ireally wanted to pursue,” he said, “and I wantedto pursue it at an <strong>in</strong>stitute that is well known andgood and HMC is the best place <strong>in</strong> the region.”While Mason is at HMC, Haya Ahram will betak<strong>in</strong>g a three-year residency <strong>in</strong> family medic<strong>in</strong>eat <strong>University</strong> of Connecticut School of Medic<strong>in</strong>e<strong>in</strong> the U.S.Of her time at WCMC-Q, she said: “It’s beenwonderful. Education-wise it’s been excellent,Han<strong>in</strong> Abou Ayash, Zena Ghazala and Ladan Davallow all learnedwhere they would be go<strong>in</strong>ghelp was always there and the environment wasalways warm and friendly.”Haya said she chose family medic<strong>in</strong>e as it willallow her to treat a wide range of ages, conditionsand pathogens and allow her to providecont<strong>in</strong>uity of care to the whole family. In thefuture she said she might pursue a fellowship <strong>in</strong>palliative care and possibly even enter the worldof academia – although she would always wantto cont<strong>in</strong>ue practic<strong>in</strong>g as a cl<strong>in</strong>ician.Match Day is an <strong>in</strong>tensely competitive experiencethat can shape budd<strong>in</strong>g medical careers.It is the culm<strong>in</strong>ation of a four-year journey forgraduat<strong>in</strong>g medical students, one of the f<strong>in</strong>alhurdles before graduation but equally important<strong>in</strong> their emerg<strong>in</strong>g careers <strong>in</strong> medic<strong>in</strong>e.More than 40,000 graduat<strong>in</strong>g medical studentsaround the world competed for approximately25,000 residency positions <strong>in</strong> the largest match<strong>in</strong> the National Resident Match<strong>in</strong>g Program’shistory. More than half of U.S. seniors matchedto their first choice and graduat<strong>in</strong>g students fromWCMC-Q showed similar results.
News • 29A summerWCMC-Q faculty members, the high school students and their families.of researchfor essayw<strong>in</strong>nersThree <strong>Qatar</strong>i high school students will be jett<strong>in</strong>goff to New York on summer research scholarshipsafter w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g WCMC-Q’s annual Heal<strong>in</strong>gHands essay contest.The competition is now <strong>in</strong> its sixth year andgives local high school students the chanceto spend time <strong>in</strong> the research laboratory ofDr. Ronald G. Crystal at <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong><strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> New York. This year’s essay themewas Car<strong>in</strong>g Without Borders with the questionask<strong>in</strong>g the entrants to write about how theywould ensure the health of the victims of animag<strong>in</strong>ed humanitarian crisis.The essays were judged by a panel of expertsfrom WCMC-Q and the eventual w<strong>in</strong>ners chosen.These were Kholoud Essa Abu-Holayqah ofAl Bayan Education Complex for Girls, NaimaAbdulrahman Alobaidli from Debakey HighSchool for Health Professionals at <strong>Qatar</strong>, andSalah Majid Mahmoud from <strong>Qatar</strong> Academy.Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCMC-Q, said theHeal<strong>in</strong>g Hands competition was a chance forthe college to get young people excited aboutmedic<strong>in</strong>e and <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> study<strong>in</strong>g at WCMC-Q.He said: “This is the opportunity of a lifetimefor these three w<strong>in</strong>ners. To be so young yet toDr. Dietrich Büsselberg, assistant dean for student affairs, and Dr. Sheikh with the w<strong>in</strong>ners, from left to right, Kholoud Essa Abu-Holayqah, NaimaAbdulrahman Alobaidli and Salah Majid Mahmoudbe welcomed <strong>in</strong>to a professional research laboratoryis an experience they will never forget.Under the care of Dr. Crystal, they will learnexactly what the research process <strong>in</strong>volves, thecare and precision needed, and the dedicationof the researchers.“It will be an unforgettable <strong>in</strong>tellectual journeyfor them.”Noha Saleh, director of student recruitment,said the Heal<strong>in</strong>g Hands contest is a wonderfulway to <strong>in</strong>troduce potential students to WCMC-Q.She said that as part of its community outreachprogram, WCMC-Q encourages <strong>Qatar</strong>i nationalswho are consider<strong>in</strong>g a career <strong>in</strong> medic<strong>in</strong>e to learnmore about WCMC-Q and take an active <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong> college life and healthcare issues.For Naima Abdulrahman Alobaidli the prizemeans she can experience the career she hopesto one day pursue. She said: “I’m look<strong>in</strong>g forwardto learn<strong>in</strong>g more about the medical field. I’mextremely <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> a career <strong>in</strong> medic<strong>in</strong>e andI would just like to thank everyone.”Kholoud Essa Abu-Holayqah said she hopedto study at WCMC-Q and thought that be<strong>in</strong>gchosen as one of the three w<strong>in</strong>ners would nowhelp her application.She added: “I’m <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> becom<strong>in</strong>g asurgeon <strong>in</strong> later life but I never thought I wouldw<strong>in</strong>.”Fifteen-year-old Salah Majid Mahmoud hashis father to thank for br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g the essay contestto his attention.Salah said: “My dad brought me the applicationpapers and I thought it was a really goodquestion. Medic<strong>in</strong>e is important to me and I’dlike to be a physician when I grow up. I am proudof my country and I’d like to help it by be<strong>in</strong>g adoctor.”The three w<strong>in</strong>ners and their nom<strong>in</strong>ated guardianswill now spend two weeks <strong>in</strong> New York,hosted by Dr. Crystal, the chairman of geneticmedic<strong>in</strong>e at WCMC.Everyone who entered the Heal<strong>in</strong>g Handscontest also received a certificate of appreciationand three received an honorable mention – DanaMohammed Alyafei of Al Kawthar SecondarySchool for Girls; Fahad Saad Al-Suwaidi, ofNasser Al Atteya Secondary Independent Schoolfor Boys; and Sarah Jassim Al-Kuwari, fromDebakey High School for Health Professionalsat <strong>Qatar</strong>.
30 • NewsA leader ofthe futureNationals Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Program coord<strong>in</strong>ator YassirHussa<strong>in</strong> was among a dynamic group of younghigh-achievers <strong>in</strong>vited to attend the prestigiousGeorgetown Young Leaders Sem<strong>in</strong>ar.Yassir, who works <strong>in</strong> WCMC-Q’s researchdivision, was one of 18 young achievers from theMENA region who were <strong>in</strong>vited to the sem<strong>in</strong>ar,which was held at Georgetown <strong>University</strong> Schoolof Foreign Service <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> (SFS-Q) dur<strong>in</strong>g April.The two-day annual forum is organizedby SFS-Q and the Institute for the Study ofDiplomacy. It is modeled on the GeorgetownLeadership Sem<strong>in</strong>ar held <strong>in</strong> Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,D.C., and is described as a premier executiveeducation and network<strong>in</strong>g program focused on<strong>in</strong>ternational affairs for senior leaders from thepublic, private, and non-profit sectors all overthe world.For Yassir, a <strong>Qatar</strong>i national, it was an opportunityto meet and network with some of thesharpest young m<strong>in</strong>ds <strong>in</strong> the region.“It was an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g exercise,” he said,“because the people who attended are alltalented and gifted <strong>in</strong> some k<strong>in</strong>d of activity likepolitics, the environment and education and theywere all selected to attend this sem<strong>in</strong>ar becausethey are most likely to play an important leadershiprole <strong>in</strong> society <strong>in</strong> the future.”Yasser himself holds a bachelor of sciencedegree with a focus on neurobiology from <strong>Cornell</strong><strong>University</strong> <strong>in</strong> Ithaca, where he also worked asan undergraduate teach<strong>in</strong>g assistant <strong>in</strong> organicchemistry for life sciences.He said: “For me it was an honor to beselected and it was also a useful opportunityto make new friends and contacts both here <strong>in</strong><strong>Qatar</strong> and across the Middle East.”The sem<strong>in</strong>ar br<strong>in</strong>gs together a group ofemerg<strong>in</strong>g leaders from the region to exam<strong>in</strong>ethe most press<strong>in</strong>g global trends and <strong>in</strong>ternationalissues affect<strong>in</strong>g them. The participantsare chosen from many different communities<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g political/social activists, religiousYassir Hussa<strong>in</strong>, one of 18 young achievers who were <strong>in</strong>vited to the sem<strong>in</strong>arfigures, journalists, scholars, government officials,NGO representatives, and corporate/f<strong>in</strong>ancial executives.Major themes explored at this year’s sem<strong>in</strong>ar<strong>in</strong>cluded:• The challenges and opportunities ofthe Arab Spr<strong>in</strong>g.• Build<strong>in</strong>g susta<strong>in</strong>able, competitiveeconomies.• Global issues (e.g. environment,health, food security, and population).• The <strong>in</strong>fluence of new and traditionalmedia on <strong>in</strong>ternational affairs.• The rise of new economic powersand their impact on the globaleconomy, <strong>in</strong>ternational development, and worldwide energyresources.
News • 31Success fornew lectureseriesA tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g course <strong>in</strong> biomedical research methodologiesrun by faculty from New York and<strong>Qatar</strong> has proved a hit with graduate students,postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty.The course - entitled Concepts <strong>in</strong> BiomedicalResearch Methodologies - attracted 166subscribers, pav<strong>in</strong>g the way for the programto be repeated <strong>in</strong> the near future. Attendees,the majority of whom were Hamad <strong>Medical</strong>Corporation (HMC) physicians and cl<strong>in</strong>ical staff,heard 15 lectures over the course of two weekson topics such as ethics <strong>in</strong> research, how todesign cl<strong>in</strong>ical studies, how to write a scientificpaper, the benefits of collaborative research andhow to secure fund<strong>in</strong>g from the private sector.Dr. David Hajjar, professor of biochemistryat <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> New York,directed the course, while WCMC-Q facultymembers Dr. Ziyad Mahfoud, associate professorof public health, and Dr. Amal Khidir, assistantprofessor of pediatrics, both delivered lectures.Lectures were also given by Dr. Hajjar and hisNew York colleagues Dr. Brian Lamon, Dr. RandiSilver, Dr. Curtis Cole and Dr. Lisa Kern.Dr. Hajjar was encouraged by the level ofsupport for the course.He said: “I was extremely pleased with thereaction we got to the program. We started outwith around 20 tra<strong>in</strong>ees from the medical schoolDr. David Hajjar, professor of biochemistry at <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> New York, and Dr. Khaled Machaca, associate dean for research atWCMC-Qenrolled on the course, but when more peopleheard about it, enrollment blossomed to morethan 165.“We plan to offer the course aga<strong>in</strong> and to openit up to even more participants, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g facultyand students at <strong>Qatar</strong> <strong>University</strong>. We want thecourse to be as <strong>in</strong>clusive as possible.”Dr. Hajjar expla<strong>in</strong>ed that many of the skillstaught on the course are essential for ensur<strong>in</strong>gsuccess <strong>in</strong> research but are generally notaddressed by medical degree programs.“We are teach<strong>in</strong>g skills and impart<strong>in</strong>g knowledgethat medical professionals are expectedto pick up through experience outside of theirformal medical tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g,” he said. “A medicaldegree is excellent at teach<strong>in</strong>g the science ofour discipl<strong>in</strong>e, but it will generally not expla<strong>in</strong>someth<strong>in</strong>g like how to discover new fund<strong>in</strong>gsources for research projects, a skill that canbe extremely beneficial to a researcher’s career.”The first of the course’s three phases beganwith a lecture entitled Fundamentals of ResearchMethodology and was followed by four furtherlectures address<strong>in</strong>g design of scientific studies,the use of biostatistics <strong>in</strong> medical research, <strong>in</strong>formationtechnology <strong>in</strong> research and translational<strong>in</strong>formatics.Participants then jo<strong>in</strong>ed a tutorial sessionto review case studies related to the firstfive lectures. Lectures six to n<strong>in</strong>e addressedcommunity-based research, foundations ofcl<strong>in</strong>ical research and trials, and ethical conduct ofresearch <strong>in</strong> relation to both humans and animals,before a second tutorial session to review thematerial.The f<strong>in</strong>al phase of the course consisted ofsix lectures, cover<strong>in</strong>g an analysis of a modelscientific paper, the roles of the biotech andpharmaceutical <strong>in</strong>dustries <strong>in</strong> research, a guide topresent<strong>in</strong>g research proposals, how to discoverfund<strong>in</strong>g sources and the emergence of collaborativescience, with the f<strong>in</strong>al lecture devoted to asummary of all of the concepts addressed bythe program.Dr. Khaled Machaca, associate dean forresearch, said: “We are extremely encouragedby the success of the methodologies course,both <strong>in</strong> terms of its popularity and the valuethat participants have ga<strong>in</strong>ed from the subjectmatter that was taught. Not only does the coursestrengthen the healthy work<strong>in</strong>g relationship thatWCMC-Q has with HMC, but it also serves toenhance the rapidly develop<strong>in</strong>g biomedicalresearch culture here <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.“This success gives us the green light to goahead and develop the course further and spreadthe benefits to even more medical professionals<strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.”
34 • NewsLife througha lens:filmmakerscreensmovies atDr. Suzannah Mirghani with Uday Rosario and Arnel SalimWCMC-QBudd<strong>in</strong>g director Dr. Suzannah Mirghani treatedstudents and faculty of WCMC-Q to a screen<strong>in</strong>gof two of her short films.Dr. Mirghani presented her <strong>in</strong>dependentlymade films, Hamour and Eddie, at WCMC-Qas part of the college’s Literary Lecture Series,hop<strong>in</strong>g to both enterta<strong>in</strong> the members of heraudience and <strong>in</strong>spire them to jo<strong>in</strong> Doha’s fledgl<strong>in</strong>gamateur film scene.Dr. Ian Miller, visit<strong>in</strong>g lecturer of <strong>English</strong>writ<strong>in</strong>g at WCMC-Q, also encouraged studentsto experiment with film as an art form. He said:“From our writ<strong>in</strong>g workshops we know that ourstudents here at WCMC-Q have a great appetitefor artistic storytell<strong>in</strong>g. Mak<strong>in</strong>g films is an excellentoutlet for that creative drive.”Hamour tells a fictional story from Doha’sfish<strong>in</strong>g community, explor<strong>in</strong>g the disparitybetween the lifestyles of the fishermen whobr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the catch and the customers who buytheir produce. At once an enterta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g tale abouta group of fishermen who land a gigantic hamourand a bit<strong>in</strong>g social commentary, the film revealsthe unseen lives of Doha’s work<strong>in</strong>g people,whose day-to-day struggles contrast markedlywith the city’s conspicuous prosperity.Discuss<strong>in</strong>g Hamour, which was shown at theDoha Tribeca Film Festival 2011, Dr. Mirghaniexpla<strong>in</strong>ed how the medium of film allows directorsto express themselves <strong>in</strong> a unique waythrough the juxtaposition of images, sound andstoryl<strong>in</strong>e.Speak<strong>in</strong>g at the event <strong>in</strong> March, she said:“The beauty of film is that you can <strong>in</strong>fluence themood of the audience by contrast<strong>in</strong>g differentimages aga<strong>in</strong>st each other and through music.For <strong>in</strong>stance, the lives of the fishermen revolvearound their fish<strong>in</strong>g dhow, which probably looksmuch like fish<strong>in</strong>g dhows did 1,000 years ago,but <strong>in</strong> the background we can see the modernskyl<strong>in</strong>e of Doha. The contrast draws you <strong>in</strong> andmakes you th<strong>in</strong>k of the lives of the fishermen assomehow dist<strong>in</strong>ct from the identity of the citythat most of us are familiar with.”Dr. Mirghani, who is manager and editor ofpublications at the Center for International andRegional Studies of Georgetown <strong>University</strong> –School of Foreign Service <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>, used localpeople with no act<strong>in</strong>g experience for both ofher films, which were self-f<strong>in</strong>anced. In Eddie,starr<strong>in</strong>g Arnel Salim as the film’s eponymoushero, she tells the tragicomic story of a lonelystreet sweeper who borrows a jacket and tie<strong>in</strong> the hope of woo<strong>in</strong>g a girl to have d<strong>in</strong>nerwith him. The film also stars Uday Rosario andWCMC-Q’s assistant professor of <strong>English</strong>, Dr.Rodney Sharkey.Dr. Mirghani said: “Both films draw on themulticultural character of Doha and the <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>gencounters between people of differentcultures that are thrown up. There is a realwealth of untold stories to be dug up <strong>in</strong> Doha,offer<strong>in</strong>g lots of opportunities and <strong>in</strong>spiration foramateur filmmakers.”
News • 35Students walkthe red carpetat GoldenStethoscopesawardsceremonyStudents who have made an outstand<strong>in</strong>gcontribution to extracurricular activities wererecognized at an awards ceremony held at theHamad B<strong>in</strong> Khalifa <strong>University</strong> (HBKU) StudentCenter.The Golden Stethoscope Awards werepresented to WCMC-Q students on 8 April ata glitzy event modeled on high-profile awardsceremonies like the Golden Globes and theGrammys.Students entered the build<strong>in</strong>g along a redcarpet and took part <strong>in</strong> a photoshoot, beforesettl<strong>in</strong>g down to a three-course meal andwatch<strong>in</strong>g the awards be<strong>in</strong>g presented. Theeven<strong>in</strong>g, which was organized by the <strong>Medical</strong>Student Executive Council, also featured musicalperformances by WCMC-Q students and ademonstration of the Palest<strong>in</strong>ian dabke dance,given by students from across HBKU.The awards acknowledge the efforts ofstudents who organize or excel at extracurricularactivities <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g sports, the arts andcommunity build<strong>in</strong>g, which help to develop andenhance civil society at WCMC-Q. The w<strong>in</strong>nersof all the awards were decided by a popular voteamong the WCMC-Q student body.The outstand<strong>in</strong>g student leader awardwas won by first-year medical student RebalTurjoman, president of the WCMC-Q studentThe event was a break from study<strong>in</strong>g for the studentsgovernment, while the outstand<strong>in</strong>g club awardwent to the Student Research Association.First-year medical student Ahmed Saleh wonthe outstand<strong>in</strong>g community developer award forthe medical program, with first-year pre-medicalstudent Sahar Mahadik cl<strong>in</strong>ch<strong>in</strong>g the same titlefor the pre-medical program.Other notable w<strong>in</strong>ners <strong>in</strong>cluded second-yearmedical student M<strong>in</strong> Kyung Choi for outstand<strong>in</strong>gmusical performance and Abdullah El Zafarany,also a second-year medical student, who wonthe Big Red Award for attract<strong>in</strong>g large audiencesto student events. Donney Moroney, director ofstudent affairs and academic counsel<strong>in</strong>g, wonthe outstand<strong>in</strong>g student advocate award, theonly honor presented to a non-student.Third-year medical student Yazan Abou-Ismail,one of the organizers of the event, was enthusedby the positive reaction to the ceremony bystudents, many of whom took time out of theirbusy exam schedules to attend.Yazan said: “In spite of the curricular pressuresexerted on our students, these awards have highlightedour best leaders, athletes and talents. Ihope the effort that has gone <strong>in</strong>to creat<strong>in</strong>g thisannual ceremony encourages more and morestudents to be <strong>in</strong>volved and proactive at build<strong>in</strong>gthe student community at WCMC-Q.”W<strong>in</strong>ners of the GoldenStethoscope Awards• Outstand<strong>in</strong>g Club Award: The StudentResearch Association• Outstand<strong>in</strong>g Student Leader: RebalTurjoman• The Big Red Award: Abdullah El Zafarany• Outstand<strong>in</strong>g Community Developer(<strong>Medical</strong>): Ahmed Saleh• Outstand<strong>in</strong>g Community Developer(Pre-medical): Sahar Mahadik• Outstand<strong>in</strong>g WCMC-Q Representation <strong>in</strong>Education City: Ahmed Hamed• Outstand<strong>in</strong>g Music Performance: M<strong>in</strong>kYung Choi• Outstand<strong>in</strong>g Dance Performance: ThePalest<strong>in</strong>ian Dabke• The Artistic Award: Fatima Al Baqali• Most Valuable Players: MohamadAbdulhai, AlHasan Sedeeq, Leen AlHafez• Person of the Year: Yazan Abou-Ismail• Outstand<strong>in</strong>g Student Advocate: DonneyMoroney• Class of the Year: Class of 2018
36 • NewsPoor diet,unhealthylifestylesa deadlychoiceDr. Ali, Dr. Sheikh and Dr. Lowenfels with the Journal of Local and Global Health Perspectives<strong>Qatar</strong> has overtaken the U.S. <strong>in</strong> the obesitystakes and people must do more to ensure ahealthy future, free of diabetes and associatedillnesses, for themselves and their children.That was the message that came from ahigh-level symposium organized by WCMC-Q’sdepartment of global and public health.The event, which was co-sponsored by theSupreme Council of Health (SCH), was entitled“Emerg<strong>in</strong>g Trends <strong>in</strong> Health Care and LifestyleDiseases: A Special Focus on <strong>Qatar</strong>”, andfeatured speakers from around the world. Itwas also an opportunity for the department ofglobal and public health to launch the Journal ofLocal and Global Health Perspectives. This is an<strong>in</strong>ternational peer-reviewed, open access journalfrom QScience.com. Dr. Rav<strong>in</strong>der Mamtani,WCMC-Q’s associate dean for global and publichealth and Dr. Albert Lowenfels from New York<strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> are the jo<strong>in</strong>t editors-<strong>in</strong>-chiefand the aim is to provide a global perspectiveon health issues and to publish research <strong>in</strong>to theapplication of public health strategies <strong>in</strong> diverseregions and environments.The new journal was welcomed by Dr. FalehMohamed Hussa<strong>in</strong> Ali, assistant secretarygeneral for policy affairs at the SCH, whodelivered the keynote remarks and welcomedthe publication as a much needed and timelyarrival for researchers, physicians and medicalstudents.“We are miss<strong>in</strong>g such journals and it is awelcome addition to the medical publicationslandscape and will also be a great contributiontowards the health of our nation as a whole,”Dr. Faleh said. “This is someth<strong>in</strong>g that showsperspective, both <strong>in</strong> local and <strong>in</strong>ternationaldimensions. Hav<strong>in</strong>g someth<strong>in</strong>g that looks at thescientific issues from a local and <strong>in</strong>ternationalperspective is a great benefit to us all.”Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCMC-Q delivereda speech on “Optimiz<strong>in</strong>g Health Care throughEducation, Research and Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Programs”,while Dr. Mamtani spoke on the topic “ChronicDisease Risk Factors <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>: Recent F<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs”.Dr. Mamtani said recent research hadshown that lifestyle diseases are of concern <strong>in</strong><strong>Qatar</strong>. Obesity is an important risk factor andthe number of people liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> who areoverweight is <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g. Obesity <strong>in</strong>creases therisk of chronic diseases such as heart disease,hypertension and diabetes.“Globally, 63 per cent of people die fromnoncommunicable diseases. In these illnessesthe top four are cardiovascular conditions,cancer, respiratory diseases and diabetes andthey constitute about 80 per cent of mortalities,”Dr. Mamtani said.Prevalence of these diseases and risk factorsare also widespread <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>. About 70 per centof people <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> are overweight and 41 per centare obese <strong>in</strong> recent data provided by the SCH.“These diseases, as science has shown, killprematurely, they compromise quality of life andwe also know they are <strong>in</strong>fluenced by behavior,”Dr. Mamtani added. “Even though genetics isan important component, these issues can beprevented or their onset delayed.“Often we th<strong>in</strong>k that we need to do a lot toprevent these illnesses. That is not the case.Often simply mak<strong>in</strong>g some marg<strong>in</strong>al changes willhelp. In the case of obesity, for example, as little
as eight to 10 pounds reduction <strong>in</strong> weight willcontribute to improved health. Equally important,simple self-care approaches such as a healthydiet, regular physical activity and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>ga normal body weight are immensely helpful<strong>in</strong> reduc<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>cidents of diseases such asdiabetes.”That message was echoed by Dr. David Katz,the director of Yale <strong>University</strong>’s PreventionResearch Center, and an <strong>in</strong>ternationallyrenowned expert on nutrition, weight managementand chronic disease prevention.Dr. Katz added that the problems <strong>Qatar</strong> facedwere mirrored across the world.He said: “Obesity threatens the U.S future asmuch as it threatens the future of <strong>Qatar</strong>. Theseproblems are global. Obesity is a major problemthat leads to many illnesses and diseases.”The symposium was told that 42 per cent ofAmericans are expected to be obese by 2030and one third of all American adults will faceproblems caused by diabetes by 2050.Dr. Katz blamed lack of physical activity,tobacco and poor diet as the ma<strong>in</strong> causes ofearly death by illness and it is someth<strong>in</strong>g thatwe can all control <strong>in</strong> our daily lives. What isneeded is a return to basic lifestyle choices, hesaid, stress<strong>in</strong>g that personal motivation rema<strong>in</strong>sa crucial element <strong>in</strong> chang<strong>in</strong>g dietary habits,rais<strong>in</strong>g activity levels and adopt<strong>in</strong>g healthieroptions to ward off the possibility of illnessessuch as cardiovascular disease, diabetes,obesity and cancer which have the highestmortality rates across the globe.The symposium also heard speeches fromProfessor Stephanie Abbuhl, a lead<strong>in</strong>g women’sadvocacy speaker from Pennsylvania <strong>University</strong>where she is the executive director of focuson health and leadership for women. ProfessorAbbuhl provided a perspective on advanc<strong>in</strong>gwomen <strong>in</strong> medic<strong>in</strong>e and science.F<strong>in</strong>ally, Dr. Albert Lowenfels’ talk focused onhealth, disease and the <strong>in</strong>test<strong>in</strong>al microbiome.In his discussion he expla<strong>in</strong>ed about the possiblerelationship between the gut bacteria andchronic disease such as obesity and diabetes.Further research is currently underway regard<strong>in</strong>gthe possible health effects of chang<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>test<strong>in</strong>almicrobes.By Hilton KolbeNews • 37
38 • FeatureDiabetes prevention campaigns criticalto risk of heart attacks and strokesDiabetes tops the list of preventable conditionsand risk factors associated with heart attackand stroke <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>, accord<strong>in</strong>g to a study thatappeared <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>augural issue of the Journalof Local and Global Health Perspectives.The article, “Prevention dur<strong>in</strong>g the epidemiologicshift to chronic illness: a case control studyof risk factors associated with cardiovasculardisease <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>”, presents the results of astudy conducted at Hamad <strong>Medical</strong> Corporation(HMC) <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> from June 2006 to June 2008.The study was led by public health researchersat <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> andNew York as well as physicians at HMC. It wassupported by <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation, the <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong>Cl<strong>in</strong>ical and Translational Science Center, and thebiostatistics, epidemiology and biomathematicsresearch core of WCMC-Q.“Diabetes is a very expensive disease thatcarries multiple risk factors for other serioushealth problems, and a considerable fractionof people with diabetes may not be aware oftheir diagnosis,” said study co-author Dr. Laith J.Abu-Raddad, associate professor of public healthat WCMC-Q and director of the biostatistics,epidemiology and biomathematics research core.“We need to understand the precise scale andnature of the problem. Our study <strong>in</strong>dicates a needfor preventive measures as well as a large-scale,nationally representative epidemiologic studyon levels of diabetes and pre-diabetes <strong>in</strong> thepopulation.”Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal <strong>in</strong>vestigator and senior author ofthe study, Dr. Alv<strong>in</strong> I. Mushl<strong>in</strong>, professor andchairman of the department of public health atWCMC-NY, added: “Cardiovascular diseaseshave for some time been the lead<strong>in</strong>g cause ofdeath worldwide.“But high <strong>in</strong>come countries <strong>in</strong> the ArabianGulf region, such as <strong>Qatar</strong>, have experienced anespecially dramatic <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> cardiovasculardisease and other non-communicable and chronic
Feature • 39diseases, driven <strong>in</strong> part by major changes <strong>in</strong>population and lifestyle factors <strong>in</strong> recent years.Our study tried to estimate the associationbetween five preventable risk factors and thedevelopment of heart attack and stroke.”The five risk factors studied were diabetes,hypertension, dyslipidemia (high levels ofcholesterol and other blood fats), smok<strong>in</strong>g, andobesity.The study recruited patients admitted to HMCwith heart attack or stroke. Cases <strong>in</strong>cluded both<strong>Qatar</strong>i nationals and non-<strong>Qatar</strong>i expatriates.Controls were randomly selected from unrelated<strong>in</strong>patient and outpatient departments.Data collected <strong>in</strong>cluded socio-demographic<strong>in</strong>formation, medical and family history, lifestylecharacteristics, and depression assessments.In <strong>Qatar</strong> today, expatriates and migrantworkers account for more than 70 percent ofthe population. Thus, the <strong>Qatar</strong>i nationals <strong>in</strong>the study were also studied as a sub-group, todeterm<strong>in</strong>e if they have characteristics relatedto the development of cardiovascular diseasethat may dist<strong>in</strong>guish them from others liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>the country.“Our study had some <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs,”said lead author Dr. Paul J. Christos, lecturer <strong>in</strong>public health <strong>in</strong> the division of biostatistics andepidemiology at WCMC-NY. “More than twothirds of the heart attack patients and half ofthe stroke patients were younger than 55 years;some were younger than 40. Men made up themajority of cases. Approximately 40 percent ofparticipants were overweight and an additional30 percent were obese.“We found that diabetes <strong>in</strong>creased the riskby more than four fold and was the strongestpreventable risk factor for both heart attackand stroke. High blood pressure was the secondmajor preventable risk factor for stroke and animportant factor for heart attack. Low amountsof physical activity <strong>in</strong>creased the risk of bothheart attack and stroke by approximately 80percent, while smok<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>creased the risk ofheart attack two-fold.“For the sub-group of <strong>Qatar</strong>i nationals whotook part <strong>in</strong> the study, diabetes, high blood pressure,high cholesterol, and smok<strong>in</strong>g were alsoidentified as potential preventable risk factorsfor cardiovascular disease. Additionally, thesefactors seemed to <strong>in</strong>crease heart attack andstroke risk to a greater extent among the <strong>Qatar</strong><strong>in</strong>atives as compared to other groups.”Dr. Mushl<strong>in</strong> added: “While the risk factors forheart attack and stroke are the same <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> asDr. Abu-Raddad and Hiam Chemaitelly<strong>in</strong> the rest of the world, the magnitude of thesefactors <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> suggests that the effectivenessof alter<strong>in</strong>g these largely preventable risk factorsis even more likely to have a significant impact.“Design<strong>in</strong>g population-level prevention<strong>in</strong>terventions with awareness campaigns andsupport<strong>in</strong>g a culture of preventive health arecritical for both <strong>Qatar</strong>i nationals and the expatriatepopulation.”He expla<strong>in</strong>ed that the study also re<strong>in</strong>forcesthe likelihood that special genetic factors maybe <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the severity of diabetes among<strong>Qatar</strong>is. In collaboration with Dr. Ronald Crystal,he and other <strong>in</strong>vestigators at WCMC-Q andWCMC-NY have begun two grant projectssponsored by the <strong>Qatar</strong> National Research Fundto study genetic variability and susceptibility totype 2 diabetes <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Qatar</strong>i population and thegenetics of risk for ret<strong>in</strong>opathy among <strong>Qatar</strong>iswith type 2 diabetes.Additional study co-authors <strong>in</strong>clude HiamChemaitelly of the <strong>in</strong>fectious disease epidemiologygroup at WCMC-Q, and Dr. Abdul RazakGehani and Dr. Dirk Deleu of HMC.
40 • NewsStudents geta taste of lifeat collegeThe high school students learned about medical techniques us<strong>in</strong>g a mannequ<strong>in</strong>Students from high schools across <strong>Qatar</strong> sampleduniversity life for two weeks dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>Qatar</strong><strong>Medical</strong> Explorer W<strong>in</strong>ter Program.Tak<strong>in</strong>g advantage of the w<strong>in</strong>ter holidaysenjoyed by <strong>Qatar</strong>i high schools, 26 male andfemale students from grades 10, 11 and 12 jo<strong>in</strong>edthe program run by WCMC-Q dur<strong>in</strong>g February.Students were welcomed and <strong>in</strong>troduced tothe courses on offer at WCMC-Q <strong>in</strong> a sessiongiven by Noha Saleh, director of student recruitment.They then spent the first week tak<strong>in</strong>glectures and laboratory sessions <strong>in</strong> chemistry,physics and biology, learn<strong>in</strong>g presentationskills and discover<strong>in</strong>g the history of medic<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>a lecture given by Dr. Hekmat Al Rouh, projectcoord<strong>in</strong>ator <strong>in</strong> the global public health division. Ahighlight of first week was a visit to the Cl<strong>in</strong>icalSkills Center, when students had the chance toexam<strong>in</strong>e standardized patients and work withthe center’s learn<strong>in</strong>g aids, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Harvey, theuniversity’s hi-tech robotic dummy.In the second week, the program was heldat the Hamad B<strong>in</strong> Khalifa <strong>University</strong> StudentCenter and saw students learn study skills,tips for pass<strong>in</strong>g tests and how to write effectivepersonal statements. Dr. Pablo del Pozo,associate professor of public health, led a studysession on medical ethics, while Dr. Amal Khidir,assistant professor of pediatrics, spoke aboutadolescent health. Dr. Chris Triggle, professor ofpharmacology and assistant dean for admissions,presented an <strong>in</strong>troduction to pharmacology.Dur<strong>in</strong>g week one, students were divided <strong>in</strong>togroups, assigned topics to research and taskedwith present<strong>in</strong>g their f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs to their peers onthe f<strong>in</strong>al day of the program. Topics focused onsome of the most press<strong>in</strong>g contemporary publichealth issues such as obesity, hypertension,diabetes, smok<strong>in</strong>g, cancer, and road trafficaccidents and trauma.To demonstrate the holistic approach tolearn<strong>in</strong>g at the university, Dr. Rodney Sharkey,assistant <strong>English</strong> professor, ran three workshopson poetry, understand<strong>in</strong>g narratives anddramatic techniques. Paul Mussleman, <strong>in</strong>formationservices librarian, <strong>in</strong>troduced the studentsto the Distributed e-Library.Throughout the two-week program, studentsreceived guidance about how to make their applicationsto WCMC-Q as strong as possible. Thepurpose of the program is to give high schoolstudents a taste of life at WCMC-Q, allow<strong>in</strong>gthem to make an <strong>in</strong>formed choice about whetherthey are well suited to a career <strong>in</strong> medic<strong>in</strong>e, aswell as help<strong>in</strong>g them through the admissionsprocess, expla<strong>in</strong>ed Syed Hasna<strong>in</strong>, studentrecruitment programs manager.“It is important to give the students a reallyaccurate impression of what it is like to study atWCMC-Q,” he said. “That way, they can clearlysee whether this career path is right for them.The program gives them the opportunity to testtheir skills, work out if they can follow the materialpresented <strong>in</strong> the lectures and lab sessions,and decide if they have the passion for medic<strong>in</strong>ethat will susta<strong>in</strong> them through several years ofstudy.“We also give them plenty of guidance onhow to get their application to the university <strong>in</strong>good order.”Grade 11 student Abdulrahman Janahi, aged16, was visit<strong>in</strong>g from Omar B<strong>in</strong> Khattab Schoolfor Boys.He said: “I would love to become a doctor andI hope to be able to study at WCMC-Q.“Com<strong>in</strong>g to the university is very <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>gbecause of the professional attitude of thefaculty here - they make you feel like you canlearn a lot from them. As students, we knowthat it is hard to get <strong>in</strong>to WCMC-Q because thestandards are very high, so it is useful to visitand see if we are able to follow the material.”At a clos<strong>in</strong>g ceremony, Noha Saleh and Dr.Triggle presented participat<strong>in</strong>g students withcertificates for complet<strong>in</strong>g the program.Participat<strong>in</strong>g schools:• Al Bayan Educational Complex for Girls• Al Doha Independent School for Boys• Al Maha Academy• Al Wakra Independent Secondary Schoolfor Boys• Omar B<strong>in</strong> Khattab School for Boys• <strong>Qatar</strong> Academy• <strong>Qatar</strong> International School• <strong>Qatar</strong> International School of Choueifat• Rabiaa Aladawyea Secondary Schoolfor Girls
News • 41Top studentessayistsunveiled atbook launchThe best essays written by students at WCMC-Qhave been unveiled with the launch of Qira’at,a compendium of literary works published bythe university.The book, published biennially and now <strong>in</strong>its third volume, was officially presented tothe public at a ceremony held at the universitythat also saw the three best student essayistsawarded prizes for the quality of their work.First place <strong>in</strong> the Best Essay awards wascl<strong>in</strong>ched by third-year medical student AbdelazizFarhat for his exploration of medical ethics, entitled“The Right to Know: Inform<strong>in</strong>g Term<strong>in</strong>allyIll Patients”. Second prize went to secondyearpre-medical student Josia Schlögl for anessay penned as part of a writ<strong>in</strong>g sem<strong>in</strong>ar onIslamic medic<strong>in</strong>e, entitled “Compatibility ofAnthropological Views with Islamic Teach<strong>in</strong>gsabout the Evil Eye”. Both Josia and Abdelazizgave presentations at the launch event <strong>in</strong> Marchto set their essays <strong>in</strong> context.Abdelaziz, whose essay was supervised by Dr.Pablo Rodríguez del Pozo, associate professor ofpublic health, told the audience: “The purposeof my essay was to dispute the idea that therecan be a justification for withhold<strong>in</strong>g the truthfrom term<strong>in</strong>ally ill patients. I argued that patientsmust always be told the truth, no matter howdifficult the circumstances might be.“Reasons for withhold<strong>in</strong>g the truth generallybenefit the physician and not the patient.Ian Miller with Josia Schlögl who took the second prize for his essay on the “Compatibility of Anthropological Views with Islamic Teach<strong>in</strong>gs aboutthe Evil Eye”Avoid<strong>in</strong>g tell<strong>in</strong>g a patient the truth may savehim or her some pa<strong>in</strong>, but it will also deprive thepatient of their autonomy, prevent them frommak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formed decisions regard<strong>in</strong>g their treatmentand deprive them of the opportunity to saygoodbye to their family and friends, among otherimportant considerations.”A total of 43 essays are <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> Qira’at,which means ‘Read<strong>in</strong>gs’ <strong>in</strong> <strong>English</strong>, tackl<strong>in</strong>gsubjects from healthcare provision <strong>in</strong> India andthe challenges fac<strong>in</strong>g bra<strong>in</strong>-dead patients, tothemes of violence and revenge <strong>in</strong> Shakespeare.First-year medical student Risheek Kaul’sMarxist critique of a Hollywood blockbuster,entitled “The Misrepresentation of ‘Reality’ <strong>in</strong>The K<strong>in</strong>gdom”, won third place <strong>in</strong> the contest,which was judged by two Ithaca facultymembers, Dr. Kather<strong>in</strong>e Gottschalk, the Walter C.Teagle director of first-year writ<strong>in</strong>g sem<strong>in</strong>ars, andDr. Paul Sawyer, director of the Knight Institutefor Writ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the Discipl<strong>in</strong>es.Dr. Gottschalk, visit<strong>in</strong>g from the U.S.,addressed the launch event: “When we sat downto select w<strong>in</strong>ners, Paul and I were <strong>in</strong> the happyposition of be<strong>in</strong>g confronted with a collection ofexcellent essays,” she said.“When you read these essays, you will noticehow aware the writers are of the need to analyzethe complexity of a situation before com<strong>in</strong>g toconclusions; you will notice their awarenessof various perspectives. You will f<strong>in</strong>d that theycritically analyze ‘facts’ to see if they are <strong>in</strong>deedfacts. And you will f<strong>in</strong>d that they share a gift forclarity and strength of expression.“The qualities that we looked for <strong>in</strong> the essaysare, of course, qualities that one hopes to f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong>a medical practitioner.”Dr. Gottschalk also paid tribute to the editorialteam of Qira’at, which comprised Dr. AlanWeber, Dr. Krystyna Golkowska, Dr. Ian Miller,Dr. Mary Ann Rishel, and Dr. Rodney Sharkey.Lead editor Dr. Weber, assistant professor of<strong>English</strong>, expla<strong>in</strong>ed the purpose of Qira’at.He said: “Qira’at was created because wewanted somewhere to showcase the talents ofour students. Qira’at is also very effective froma teach<strong>in</strong>g perspective because we can use it togive students <strong>in</strong> our writ<strong>in</strong>g classes examples ofthe standard they should be aim<strong>in</strong>g for.“Through Qira’at, and the process of reflectivewrit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> general, our students learn criticalcommunication skills that will make them betterphysicians. They also learn to identify and empathizewith the experiences of patients, and toappreciate that they must understand the audiencethey are writ<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>in</strong> order to communicateeffectively.“Because Qira’at offers the possibility of be<strong>in</strong>gpublished, we f<strong>in</strong>d that it <strong>in</strong>spires the students towrite and to write well, and I’m very impressedwith the standard of the essays.”
42 • NewsBreakthrough <strong>in</strong> diabetesresearch projectThe research team is search<strong>in</strong>g for biomarkers, among other aims Sara Abdulkader <strong>in</strong> the laboratory Dr. Karsten Suhre, pr<strong>in</strong>cipal <strong>in</strong>vestigator and professor of physiologyand biophysicsA study by researchers at WCMC-Q has madediscoveries that could lead to the developmentof a non-<strong>in</strong>vasive test for diabetes.The groundbreak<strong>in</strong>g study has also establishedmany new processes that will facilitatefuture cl<strong>in</strong>ical research projects at the university.The project, entitled QMDiab: The <strong>Qatar</strong>Metabolomics Study on Diabetes, gatheredsamples of blood, ur<strong>in</strong>e and saliva from patientsat Hamad <strong>Medical</strong> Corporation (HMC) to be sentfor analysis at laboratories <strong>in</strong> Germany, the USand Canada. Patients, who represented a broadrange of ages, social and ethnic backgrounds,and education levels, also completed questionnairesto help researchers discover correlationsbetween personal characteristics and diabetes.Among other research goals, the study issearch<strong>in</strong>g for biomarkers – telltale moleculespresent <strong>in</strong> samples of blood, ur<strong>in</strong>e or saliva thatare associated with the metabolic processesknown to cause diabetes.Although the results of the study are stillbe<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terpreted, the research team hasalready identified a biomarker that could beused for determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g glycemic control levels<strong>in</strong> patients through analysis of saliva samples.The test could be used for determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g whethera patient is at risk of develop<strong>in</strong>g diabetes, therisk of suffer<strong>in</strong>g complications associated withthe disease, and how well a diabetes suffereris manag<strong>in</strong>g his or her condition. Crucially, thetest would be non-<strong>in</strong>vasive, m<strong>in</strong>imiz<strong>in</strong>g the pa<strong>in</strong>and <strong>in</strong>convenience caused to patients.New ground was broken dur<strong>in</strong>g the study <strong>in</strong>that it is believed to be the first time researchershave analyzed the metabolomics of saliva – butwhat exactly is meant by the term metabolomics?Dr. Karsten Suhre is professor of physiologyand biophysics <strong>in</strong> WCMC-Q’s research divisionand the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal <strong>in</strong>vestigator of the study, whichis funded by <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation’s BiomedicalResearch Program (BMRP).He expla<strong>in</strong>ed: “Metabolomics is the study ofmetabolic processes at cellular level <strong>in</strong> a holisticfashion.“Just as genomics is the study of the entiregenome and proteomics is the study of all ofthe prote<strong>in</strong>s created by that genome, metabolomicsseeks to understand all of the chemicalprocesses that those prote<strong>in</strong>s then give rise to<strong>in</strong> order for an organism to function.”
News • 43The research has <strong>in</strong>volved the cooperation of various departmentsThe study recruited 374 patients from HMC’sdermatology cl<strong>in</strong>ic, approximately half of whomsuffer from diabetes, expla<strong>in</strong>ed Dr. Suhre.“Many patients with diabetes have sk<strong>in</strong>disorders so you can easily f<strong>in</strong>d many diabetespatients <strong>in</strong> the dermatology cl<strong>in</strong>ic,” he said.“Sourc<strong>in</strong>g patients from the dermatology cl<strong>in</strong>icalso meant we were able to f<strong>in</strong>d non-diabetespatients, who provided us with control samples.”The study drew together the expertise andfacilities of several departments at WCMC-Q,prompt<strong>in</strong>g new work<strong>in</strong>g relationships to emergeand establish<strong>in</strong>g new capabilities, much to thesatisfaction of Dr. Suhre.He said: “This study has really been a teameffort and it was very encourag<strong>in</strong>g to see somany people from different departments atWCMC-Q and HMC work<strong>in</strong>g together towardsa common goal.“The project is really the first to be carriedout at WCMC-Q under the university’s cl<strong>in</strong>icalresearch core and it <strong>in</strong>volved research both <strong>in</strong>the lab and <strong>in</strong> the cl<strong>in</strong>ic. This <strong>in</strong>volved br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>gmany different departments <strong>in</strong>to the project andalso our partners at HMC.”At WCMC-Q, the study received a boost <strong>in</strong>its early stages from Dr. Kip Kantelo, director ofresearch compliance, who reviewed the project’sapplication to the Institutional Review Board(IRB), the committee responsible for uphold<strong>in</strong>gstandards of patient safety and ethical conduct<strong>in</strong> medical research projects. Tom Doyle, directorof environmental health and safety, developedprotocols for laboratory safety and security, aswell as devis<strong>in</strong>g a system for ensur<strong>in</strong>g samplesposted overseas rema<strong>in</strong>ed chilled to preventthem from spoil<strong>in</strong>g. This <strong>in</strong>volved packag<strong>in</strong>g thesamples with dry ice and f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g a specialistshipp<strong>in</strong>g firm able to monitor the temperatureof the parcels.A new system for stor<strong>in</strong>g samples was alsodeployed for the first time, with hundreds ofvials exhaustively catalogued and preservedat -80°C <strong>in</strong> the cl<strong>in</strong>ical research department’srobotic freezer. The programmable freezer allowsresearchers to retrieve scores of samples foranalysis at the touch of a button. Records ofsamples and analytical results were logged ona database created by members of WCMC-Q’s ITdepartment, overseen by research applicationseng<strong>in</strong>eer Jillian Rowe.A key member of the research team was Dr.Dennis Mook, a research associate who visitedWCMC-Q for a year and was tasked with coord<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>gthe practical side of the project.At HMC, the key contact for the research teamwas senior consultant <strong>in</strong> the dermatology cl<strong>in</strong>ic,Dr. Mohamed Mohy El D<strong>in</strong> Selim. Aged 85, Dr.Selim was at the center of the project at HMC,oversee<strong>in</strong>g his team of five doctors, all of whomcontributed their patients to the study.Dr. Selim said: “The ongo<strong>in</strong>g collaborationbetween HMC and WCMC-Q <strong>in</strong> this comb<strong>in</strong>edresearch project has been very successful andhas benefited our Department of Dermatologyimmensely. We look forward to work<strong>in</strong>g withWCMC-Q’s researchers on future projectsrelated to other important diseases – there isa lot we can do together.”Dr. Suhre said: “The energy and enthusiasmof Dr. Selim and his entire cl<strong>in</strong>ic was wonderfuland contributed a great deal to mak<strong>in</strong>g the studya success. We are very grateful for their help.”The upshot of the study is that the researchdivision at WCMC-Q now has a bluepr<strong>in</strong>t for cl<strong>in</strong>icalresearch that can be adapted and is alreadybe<strong>in</strong>g used <strong>in</strong> new projects. Dr. Suhre expla<strong>in</strong>edthat large parts of the IRB protocol could bereused whenever studies require patients tocontribute samples or complete questionnaires.New procedures for manag<strong>in</strong>g questionnaireresults have been set up and can be used aga<strong>in</strong>,and the prototype database created for the studyhas established a robust method for ensur<strong>in</strong>g theconnection between patients and their samplesis never lost.Dr. Suhre added: “We are really pleased tohave developed a new non-<strong>in</strong>vasive test fordiabetes, which is a great breakthrough for us.But we are equally pleased that the study hasset up new work<strong>in</strong>g relationships and proceduresfor cl<strong>in</strong>ical research at WCMC-Q. This gives theuniversity the potential to explore many newresearch pathways and to l<strong>in</strong>k the laboratory tothe cl<strong>in</strong>ic, so that our research has real, tangiblebenefits for patients.”
44 • NewsWCMC-Q and QOCjo<strong>in</strong> forces forYour Health FirstH.E. Sheikh Saoud B<strong>in</strong> Abdulrahman Al-Thani, secretary general of QOC, and Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCMC-Q<strong>Qatar</strong> Olympic Committee (QOC) has become astrategic partner <strong>in</strong> Sahtak Awalan: Your HealthFirst, <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>’shealth campaign.Sahtak Awalan’s goals are to encouragepeople to make positive lifestyle choices. Thecollege’s campaign already has several highprofilepartners, but the <strong>in</strong>clusion of QOC willbr<strong>in</strong>g sport<strong>in</strong>g expertise of an <strong>in</strong>ternationallevel. For QOC, the campaign is an opportunityto widen the outreach work it already does <strong>in</strong>encourag<strong>in</strong>g people to lead active lives.H.E. Sheikh Saoud B<strong>in</strong> Abdulrahman Al-Thani,secretary general of QOC, said: “Through thisstrategic partnership with WCMC-Q, QOC will beable to contribute to build<strong>in</strong>g a healthy society. Infact, QOC and the Sahtak Awalan campaign havesimilar goals <strong>in</strong> that we both seek to promotethe physical well-be<strong>in</strong>g of the <strong>in</strong>dividuals uponwhom the future of our nation rests.“We are totally confident that by work<strong>in</strong>gtogether we can reach more people <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>,pav<strong>in</strong>g the road to healthy <strong>in</strong>dividuals who cancontribute to <strong>Qatar</strong> National vision 2030,” H.E.added.As part of the new agreement, QOC willprovide Sahtak Awalan with access to sportsfacilities and will collaborate with communityactivities, help<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>spire the nation – andfuture generations – to participate <strong>in</strong> sport andexercise. It is hoped top athletes will be ambassadorsfor Sahtak Awalan events, motivat<strong>in</strong>gothers to follow <strong>in</strong> their footsteps.Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCMC-Q,welcomed the partnership between the collegeand QOC.“This is tremendous news and can only have apositive impact on the health of the population,”said Dr. Sheikh. “When two organizations cometogether for a common purpose the whole isalways greater than the sum of the parts and Iam confident that through work<strong>in</strong>g together wecan do even more to create a healthy society ableto contribute to a knowledge-based economy.”Through partner<strong>in</strong>g with QOC, WCMC-Qhopes to be able to <strong>in</strong>still some of the Olympicspirit <strong>in</strong>to its campaign and encourage participants<strong>in</strong> Sahtak Awalan to embrace that samespirit. QOC will provide support for the campaignat sports events and will allow Sahtak Awalanto reach more people, not just <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> but thewider GCC.Sahtak Awalan was launched <strong>in</strong> June 2012with the aim of educat<strong>in</strong>g the population of <strong>Qatar</strong>about unhealthy lifestyle choices and encourag<strong>in</strong>gthem to take positive action. The five-yearcampaign is targeted at all nationalities liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>the country but has a special focus on youth.QOC will jo<strong>in</strong> our strategic partners: TheSupreme Council of Health, The SupremeEducation Council, <strong>Qatar</strong> Petroleum, Occidental<strong>Qatar</strong>, ExxonMobil, and Vodafone <strong>Qatar</strong>.
News • 45Conference br<strong>in</strong>gs hi-techto higher educationThe conference exam<strong>in</strong>ed the ways <strong>in</strong> which technology is used <strong>in</strong>the education sectorFaculty, students and staff of WCMC-Q jo<strong>in</strong>eda conference explor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>novations <strong>in</strong> the waytechnology is used <strong>in</strong> higher education.The annual Technology <strong>in</strong> Higher Education(THE) Conference focuses on identify<strong>in</strong>g theshifts, challenges and opportunities for educatorsand IT professionals, and aims to encourage<strong>in</strong>novation <strong>in</strong> the sector. The conference is jo<strong>in</strong>tlyorganized by <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation and the n<strong>in</strong>ecolleges of Hamad B<strong>in</strong> Khalifa <strong>University</strong> (HBKU).Stephen Kenney, chief adm<strong>in</strong>istrative officerat WCMC-Q gave the open<strong>in</strong>g remarks at theconference, held at <strong>Qatar</strong> National ConventionCentre <strong>in</strong> April. Kenney recounted his experience<strong>in</strong> the early 1980s of work<strong>in</strong>g with one of the firstpersonal computers to become widely available.He said: “The mach<strong>in</strong>e changed the waypeople approached their work and it mademe ask myself some serious questions. Wouldthis mach<strong>in</strong>e make my job irrelevant? Was thismach<strong>in</strong>e sitt<strong>in</strong>g on my desk go<strong>in</strong>g to take myjob away? These were th<strong>in</strong>gs people wereconcerned about at the time.“Technology is often talked about today asbe<strong>in</strong>g ‘disruptive’, but it is important that weshould not be afraid of new technologies. Instead,Sharon Holl<strong>in</strong>sworth, WCMC-Q’s director of education comput<strong>in</strong>gwe must take advantage of the many greatopportunities they offer us. This conferenceaims to encourage people <strong>in</strong> higher educationto embrace change and to share their technicalexpertise with their colleagues and students.”Delegates heard a keynote speech given byPhilip Long, retired chief <strong>in</strong>formation officer atYale <strong>University</strong>. Long expla<strong>in</strong>ed that new technologieshave the potential to radically alter theway education is delivered, cit<strong>in</strong>g the example ofMOOCs (Massive Open Onl<strong>in</strong>e Courses), whichallow educators to reach hundreds of thousandsof students via the Internet.Day one of the event also saw a presentationgiven by two members of WCMC-Q’s advancedcomput<strong>in</strong>g division, associate director HanifKhalak and systems adm<strong>in</strong>istrator Greg Smith.Entitled High Performance Comput<strong>in</strong>g andAcademic Research, the session discussed theways <strong>in</strong> which scientific research has drivenadvances <strong>in</strong> comput<strong>in</strong>g.On day two, a workshop entitled PresentationTools: Back to Basics was given by Gloria Peay,applications tra<strong>in</strong>er <strong>in</strong> WCMC-Q’s IT servicesdivision and Reya Saliba, <strong>in</strong>formation servicesspecialist <strong>in</strong> the university’s Distributed eLibrary.Stephen Kenney, chief adm<strong>in</strong>istrative officer at WCMC-Q, gave theopen<strong>in</strong>g remarksPeay gave attendees advice on creat<strong>in</strong>gsuccessful presentations us<strong>in</strong>g MicrosoftPowerPo<strong>in</strong>t. “The key to effective communication<strong>in</strong> a presentation is to achieve acomplementary balance between images andtext,” she said.The conference concluded with a plenarysession <strong>in</strong> which the Chief Information Officersof HBKU colleges shared their visions for thefuture of technology <strong>in</strong> higher education.THE 2013 strategic partners• <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation• <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>• Texas A&M <strong>University</strong> at <strong>Qatar</strong>• Georgetown <strong>University</strong> – School ofForeign Service at <strong>Qatar</strong>• Northwestern <strong>University</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>• UCL <strong>Qatar</strong>• HEC Paris <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>• Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Commonwealth <strong>University</strong> <strong>in</strong><strong>Qatar</strong>• <strong>Qatar</strong> Faculty of Islamic Studies• Carnegie Mellon <strong>University</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>
46 • NewsImprov<strong>in</strong>gpatient carewith improved teach<strong>in</strong>gThe benefits that improved teach<strong>in</strong>g can br<strong>in</strong>gto healthcare were discussed at this year’sEducators Across the Health Care Spectrum(EAHCSS) event held at <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong><strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> (WCMC-Q) and Hamad <strong>Medical</strong>Corporation.The annual three-day event, which was heldfrom January 21 to 23, featured speeches andvarious workshops <strong>in</strong> which educators discussedhow teach<strong>in</strong>g methods could be improved.This year the keynote speech, entitled“Improv<strong>in</strong>g Patient Care Through ImprovedTeach<strong>in</strong>g,” was given by Professor ScottRichardson, an <strong>in</strong>ternational expert on teach<strong>in</strong>gevidence-based healthcare. He shared his viewswith healthcare professionals from across Dohaat the event, which was hosted by WCMC-Q’sGraduate <strong>Medical</strong> Education (GME) division <strong>in</strong>association with Hamad <strong>Medical</strong> Corporation(HMC) and <strong>in</strong>troduced by Dr. Amal Khidir, chairof the EAHCSS organiz<strong>in</strong>g committee. <strong>Medical</strong>staff and academics <strong>in</strong> the Hajar Auditorium atHMC also received a live transmission of thekeynote address.In addition, a series of workshops on a varietyof topics were conducted over three days. Topics<strong>in</strong>cluded teach<strong>in</strong>g evidence-based medic<strong>in</strong>e(EBM) and cl<strong>in</strong>ical reason<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>ical sett<strong>in</strong>gs;enhanc<strong>in</strong>g our learners’ cl<strong>in</strong>ical reason<strong>in</strong>g skills;and <strong>in</strong>corporat<strong>in</strong>g EBM <strong>in</strong>to our teach<strong>in</strong>g.Dr. Khidir said the <strong>in</strong>terest and energy dur<strong>in</strong>gdiscussion and evaluations of the EducatorsAcross the Health Care Spectrum to EAHCSS,as well as their <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> actually <strong>in</strong>corporat<strong>in</strong>gevidence-based teach<strong>in</strong>g.She said: “The discussion and <strong>in</strong>teractions<strong>in</strong> these workshops emphasized the movement<strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> towards <strong>in</strong>ter-professional education.I see this activity, and more to come, as anopportunity to cont<strong>in</strong>ue the collaborative spiritand exchange of expertise across the healthcarespectrum.”The event highlighted the importance of life-long learn<strong>in</strong>gWCMC-Q’s manager for GME, DeemaAl-Sheikhly, said the educational series highlightedthe need for cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g education atthe highest levels and proved popular withacademics and staff.“It is an important cross-discipl<strong>in</strong>ary educationalprogram that will br<strong>in</strong>g two world-classscholars to WCMC-Q each year to speak onkey topics <strong>in</strong> health education,” she said. “Thiscollaborative effort between WCMC-Q’s GMEdepartment provided a great opportunity fornetwork<strong>in</strong>g and build<strong>in</strong>g a susta<strong>in</strong>able localcapacity <strong>in</strong> the field of health education.”Dr. Leopold Streletz, associate professor of neurology, discusses apo<strong>in</strong>t with colleagues
News • 47QF support forhealth campaign<strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation for Education, Science andCommunity Development is seek<strong>in</strong>g to promotea wider understand<strong>in</strong>g of critical health issues byextend<strong>in</strong>g its support to the Sahtak Awalan; YourHealth First campaign, and to ensure maximumcommunity outreach.In keep<strong>in</strong>g with its mission to develop a cultureof medical research and knowledge, <strong>Qatar</strong>Foundation is committed to support<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Weill</strong><strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>’s (WCMC-Q)ongo<strong>in</strong>g campaign by communicat<strong>in</strong>g preventivemeasures that can effectively reduce the numberof people suffer<strong>in</strong>g from debilitat<strong>in</strong>g diseases.The five-year educational campaign targetsall segments of society, with a particular focuson <strong>in</strong>fluenc<strong>in</strong>g young people between 10 and 25years of age to make healthy lifestyle choices.With the shared objective of enhanc<strong>in</strong>g thequality of healthcare across the population,<strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation is eager to re<strong>in</strong>force and facilitateWCMC-Q efforts by encourag<strong>in</strong>g youth totake positive action to get fit and stay healthy.Rashed Al-Qurese, <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation’s Deputydeputy director of communication, said: “Both<strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation and WCMC-Q aim to createwidespread awareness by educat<strong>in</strong>g and<strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g the community to make positive lifestylechoices that can go a long way towardsprevent<strong>in</strong>g many of our modern-day ailments.This objective is perfectly aligned with ourmission to support youth and to provide themwith the highest standards of education andhealthcare.”WCMC-Q consistently strives to implementquality healthcare concepts that can enhance thepublic’s understand<strong>in</strong>g of modern-day diseases.Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong><strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>, welcomed the support providedby <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation and underl<strong>in</strong>ed the importanceof shar<strong>in</strong>g the campaign’s focal messagewith a wider audience.“<strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation is a natural partner for thecollege’s Sahtak Awalan campaign, as we arealready partners <strong>in</strong> so many other ways,” hesaid. “WCMC-Q is passionate about fulfill<strong>in</strong>g itscommitment to the public to improve healthcareboth now and for future generations and I knowthat <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation is equally committed toimprov<strong>in</strong>g the lives of everyone <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>. Togetherwe can have a huge impact and help propel <strong>Qatar</strong>forward to the goals of <strong>Qatar</strong> National Vision2030.”The <strong>in</strong>itiative, which was launched <strong>in</strong> June oflast year by His Excellency Abdulla B<strong>in</strong> KhalidAl Qahtani, m<strong>in</strong>ister of public health and secretarygeneral of the Supreme Council of Health,comprises several stages. In the first phase,the community is <strong>in</strong>troduced to issues relatedto public health, particularly healthy practicesand the importance of physical activity and diet.Subsequent phases will address a number ofmedical issues such as diabetes and cardiovasculardisease, osteoporosis, bone diseases,rheumatism, anxiety, and sleep disorders.The <strong>in</strong>itiative is be<strong>in</strong>g run <strong>in</strong> conjunctionwith several strategic partners <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gthe Supreme Council of Health, the SupremeEducation Council, <strong>Qatar</strong> Petroleum, OccidentalPetroleum of <strong>Qatar</strong> Ltd., ExxonMobil, Vodafone<strong>Qatar</strong> and <strong>Qatar</strong> Olympic Committee. The YourHealth First campaign is expected to concludewith the completion of the National HealthStrategy <strong>in</strong> 2016.
48 • NewsShowcas<strong>in</strong>g the workof the research divisionDr. Machaca highlighted some of the research program’s achievementsThe Annual Research Retreat was held <strong>in</strong>January provid<strong>in</strong>g an opportunity for the collegeto showcase the achievements of both facultyand students <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> establish<strong>in</strong>g WCMC-Qas a center of excellence for biomedical research<strong>in</strong> the region.The event, which is now <strong>in</strong> its third year, wasopened with a speech by Dr. Javaid Sheikh, deanof WCMC-Q, while the keynote address wasgiven by Dr. Thomas Zacharia, executive vicepresident of research and development at <strong>Qatar</strong>Foundation. His speech was entitled “Build<strong>in</strong>ga World Lead<strong>in</strong>g Research and InnovationEnterprise”. Dr. Khaled Machaca, associate deanof research at WCMC-Q, gave an overview ofthe college’s research program and highlightedsome of the notable achievements. He alsotalked about how the program was designed tocomplement <strong>Qatar</strong>’s own vision for its future.Dr. Machaca said: “We have a simple goalthat’s quite challeng<strong>in</strong>g – to create a center ofexcellence <strong>in</strong> basic, translational, biomedical andcl<strong>in</strong>ical research. Our goal is to come up withnovel discoveries at the bench, apply them tothe bedside and eventually <strong>in</strong> the community andkeep assess<strong>in</strong>g and improv<strong>in</strong>g the healthcare atthe public health level of the population <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>and the region.”Dr. Machaca also spoke of the college’swork <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g human capacity, tell<strong>in</strong>gthe audience that 50 research specialists andcl<strong>in</strong>ical coord<strong>in</strong>ators have been recruited andtra<strong>in</strong>ed locally, seven <strong>Qatar</strong>i nationals have beentra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> various aspects of biomedical researchand that the WCMC-Q student body has beenactively <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> laboratory <strong>in</strong>ternships overthe past three years.He said: “A major goal of the research programis not only to publish papers and come up withnovel discoveries but also importantly to buildhuman capacity and technical capacity <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>so that whatever is be<strong>in</strong>g accomplished is notgo<strong>in</strong>g to end when a scientist leaves but actuallyhas a cont<strong>in</strong>uum and is self-susta<strong>in</strong>ed with theknow-how that is <strong>in</strong> the country.”
News • 493 rd Annual Research Retreat 2013 -‐ Award W<strong>in</strong>nersPrize Presenter Name Board No. Abstract Title1st Mohammed Premjee 12Predict<strong>in</strong>g ventricular heart rhythms us<strong>in</strong>g a novel Dom<strong>in</strong>antFrequency method2nd Fathima S. Ameerudeen 193rd (a) Risheek Kaul 173rd (b) Sarah Saleh Al Khawaga 1Category 1 -‐ Students -‐ Short termAnalysis of Mat<strong>in</strong>g Plug Components <strong>in</strong> DrosophilamelanogasterNew “Dom<strong>in</strong>ant Frequency” Methods for use <strong>in</strong> the ImprovedTreatment of Cardiac ArrhythmiasNon<strong>in</strong>vasive Detection of Acute Rejection of KidneyAllograftsPrize Presenter Name Board No. Abstract Title1st Vignesh Shanmugam 28Comparative Gene Expression Profil<strong>in</strong>g of Pilocytic andDiffuse astrocytomas2nd Hala Omar 243rd Mohammed Al Hajajji 26Category 2 -‐ Students -‐ Long termTarget<strong>in</strong>g microRNAs 221 and 222 offers a new therapeuticapproach for the treatment of diabetes-relate cardiovasculardisease.Isolation and Characterization of the Odorant Receptor GeneFamily of Arabian CamelPrize Presenter Name Board No. Abstract Title1st Ishmail Abdus-‐Saboor 39Evidence for a Cell Fate Ref<strong>in</strong>ement Mechanism <strong>in</strong> SensoryNeurons2nd Pegah Ghiabi 45Category 3 -‐ Post DocAkt-activated Endothelial Cells Enhance Self-renewal,Stemness, Drug Resistance, and Metastasis <strong>in</strong> BreastCancer3rd Rashmi P. Kulkarni 40 miRNA mediated regulation of Stim and Orai expressionPrize Presenter Name Board No. Abstract Title1st Silva Kouyoumjian 48Category 4 -‐ Research SpecialistThe epidemiology of HIV <strong>in</strong>fection <strong>in</strong> Morocco: Systematicreview and data synthesis2nd Elizabeth Varghese 55Auranof<strong>in</strong>, an anti-rheumatic gold compound, modulatesapoptosis by elevat<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>tracellular calcium concentration([Ca2+]i) <strong>in</strong> MCF-7 breast cancer cells3rd Sara Kader 51 Ethnic and gender differences <strong>in</strong> sk<strong>in</strong> auto-fluorescencePeople's Choice AwardPrize Presenter Name Board No. Abstract Title1st Ahmed El-‐Meer 30Novel pyrid<strong>in</strong>ium-based cationic lipids as gene deliveryvectors2nd Satanay Z. Hubrack 573rd Vignesh Shanmugam 28Properties of the Xenopus TRPV6 channel and its regulationby TRPC1.Comparative Gene Expression Profil<strong>in</strong>g of Pilocytic andDiffuse astrocytomasJennifer Pasquier, postdoctoral associate <strong>in</strong> genetic medic<strong>in</strong>e, discusses a poster with Dr. Hassen Al-Am<strong>in</strong>,associate professor of psychiatryThe retreat was also a chance for all membersof <strong>Qatar</strong>’s research community to networkand discuss possible future collaborations.The highlights of the retreat were the posterpresentations by students, postdoctoral fellowsand research specialist and the faculty talks.The retreat featured dozens of poster presentationswith topics <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g breast cancer,genetics and epidemiology. Lectures weregiven by various WCMC-Q faculty on subjects,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g olfaction, lipid metabolism, genedelivery, the epidemiology of HIV, depression,menopause and the role of the endothelium <strong>in</strong>tumor progression.The event closed with awards for the bestposter presentations.Fathima Shajeedha Ameerudeen, Class of 2016, with Dr. Kev<strong>in</strong> Smith, assistant dean for pre-medical education
50 • FeatureMedic<strong>in</strong>e & U cont<strong>in</strong>ues to boostcommunity health objectivesInternational health experts cont<strong>in</strong>ue to beattracted to the Medic<strong>in</strong>e & U outreach programto provide advice on a variety of commonillnesses prevalent <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.The program was started by WCMC-Q <strong>in</strong>March 2009 as a series of lectures that wereopen and accessible to the general public.The <strong>in</strong>itiative has focused on health issueswidespread <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> such as diabetes, cardiovasculardiseases, obesity, hypertension and arange of other common diseases and illnesses.Runn<strong>in</strong>g annually from September through toJune, the monthly talks have been well receivedby locals and expats alike with ever-<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gnumbers attend<strong>in</strong>g the sessions at WCMC-Q.The aim is to provide the public with basic healtheducation <strong>in</strong> a simple, easy to understand format<strong>in</strong> a friendly atmosphere that promotes goodhealth and healthy liv<strong>in</strong>g.Dr. Marcell<strong>in</strong>a Mian, the act<strong>in</strong>g associate deanfor medical education, designed the Medic<strong>in</strong>e& U program to <strong>in</strong>troduce the general public tothe world of medic<strong>in</strong>e with topics importantto the community. Subjects have <strong>in</strong>cludedbreast cancer, emergency care and nutritionalsupplements.Dr. Mian cont<strong>in</strong>ues to be an active participant<strong>in</strong> the activities.At a recent lecture, she advised families andchild carers to be alert to the dangers of accidents<strong>in</strong> the home <strong>in</strong> keep<strong>in</strong>g with their child’sdevelopmental age.“Children are vulnerable to a wide varietyof <strong>in</strong>juries and accidents around the home, <strong>in</strong>playgrounds and <strong>in</strong> any number of situations thatmay pose danger. Parents need to be vigilant toprevent these <strong>in</strong>juries and also know some basicfirst-aid techniques that can be life sav<strong>in</strong>g,” Dr.Mian told the audience.The Medic<strong>in</strong>e & U public lecture series is an<strong>in</strong>tegral component of the mission of WCMC-Qto provide quality education, research andpatient care and to provide the highest qualityof care to the community. The vice-chair andprofessor of neurology and director of neurologyclerkship at WCMC-Q, Dr. Basim Uthman, hasDr. Mian recently talked about the dangers children face <strong>in</strong> the home
Feature • 51been plann<strong>in</strong>g and host<strong>in</strong>g the programs s<strong>in</strong>ceSeptember 2009, assisted by other faculty andstaff from the Office of Curriculum Support,and Government and Public Affairs. WCMC-Qfaculty, faculty from Hamad <strong>Medical</strong> Corporationand other <strong>in</strong>ternationally renowned specialistshave also provided their expertise <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g toexpla<strong>in</strong> complicated health issues for the peopleof <strong>Qatar</strong>.Dr. Uthman began the lecture series <strong>in</strong> April2009 with a discussion of a common neurologicaldisorder, epilepsy. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the lecturehe summarized the scope of the problem andits impact on society. Various presentations ofseizures and their causes were addressed andmyths and facts <strong>in</strong> regards to public op<strong>in</strong>ionsof epilepsy and patients with epilepsy werediscussed.In work<strong>in</strong>g closely with speakers, a fact sheetand a press release is generated, <strong>in</strong> Arabic and<strong>English</strong>, with highlights of practical <strong>in</strong>formationthat attendees and the audience at large cantake home. Follow<strong>in</strong>g each lecture, Dr. Uthmanmoderates a question-and-answer session thataddresses general concerns of the audience. Acertified translator provides real-time Arabictranslations of the lecture and Q&A sessions. Dr.Mary Anne Baker, WCMC-Q’s director of assessmentand academic achievement coord<strong>in</strong>atesthe Medic<strong>in</strong>e & U series.There have been sessions that focused onstroke <strong>in</strong> pregnancy, particularly <strong>in</strong> older women,the prevalence of heartburn, the role of thepathologist when diagnosis is uncerta<strong>in</strong>, andschizophreniaDur<strong>in</strong>g Medic<strong>in</strong>e & U 2013, Dr. H<strong>in</strong>a Ghoryfocused on the need for emergency services<strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>. Dr. Ghory is an assistant attend<strong>in</strong>gphysician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospitaland holds two separate academic appo<strong>in</strong>tmentsas cl<strong>in</strong>ical <strong>in</strong>structor <strong>in</strong> medic<strong>in</strong>e; one at <strong>Weill</strong><strong>Cornell</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> New York <strong>in</strong> the divisionof emergency medic<strong>in</strong>e and the other atWCMC-Q <strong>in</strong> the medical education department.“<strong>Medical</strong> emergencies such as sk<strong>in</strong> woundsand amputations, burns, strokes and seizures,medication overdoses, chok<strong>in</strong>g, allergic reactionsand heart attacks are among the morecommon events that may require <strong>in</strong>itial outof-hospitalmanagement. This is where basictra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> first aid is very helpful and is someth<strong>in</strong>gthat should be encouraged here <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>,”Dr. Ghory said.Dr. Mark Pecker discussed problems with highblood pressure and he warned that it posedamong the greatest health risks because mostThe need for emergency first aid tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g was the focus of Dr. Ghory’s lecturepeople rema<strong>in</strong> unaware that they have thiscondition until it is too late.Uncomplicated high blood pressure oftencauses no symptoms for many years, evendecades, until it f<strong>in</strong>ally damages certa<strong>in</strong> criticalorgans, Dr. Pecker said. He advised greaterpublic awareness and urged regular screen<strong>in</strong>gfor hypertension, especially for pregnantwomen and the obese. Poorly controlled highblood pressure ultimately can cause damageto blood vessels <strong>in</strong> the eye, thicken<strong>in</strong>g of theheart muscle and heart attacks, harden<strong>in</strong>g ofthe arteries, kidney failure, and strokes, all withsevere consequences.Dr. Pecker is attend<strong>in</strong>g physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, professor of cl<strong>in</strong>icalmedic<strong>in</strong>e and professor of cl<strong>in</strong>ical medic<strong>in</strong>e<strong>in</strong> physiology and biophysics at <strong>Weill</strong> <strong>Cornell</strong><strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>in</strong> New York.Associate professor of public health Dr. ZiyadMahfoud highlighted the dangers of shishasmok<strong>in</strong>g with a talk entitled The Health Risksof Smok<strong>in</strong>g Shisha: Facts and Fiction.He warned that shisha smokers as comparedto non-smokers are at a higher risk of develop<strong>in</strong>gcancer, respiratory illness, and periodontaldisease. Shisha smok<strong>in</strong>g has also been l<strong>in</strong>kedto low birth weight.“Tobacco use and tobacco smoke produceddur<strong>in</strong>g shisha smok<strong>in</strong>g conta<strong>in</strong> similar toxicsubstances and known carc<strong>in</strong>ogens, generally <strong>in</strong>stronger concentrations than found <strong>in</strong> cigarettesmok<strong>in</strong>g. The charcoal and alum<strong>in</strong>ium foil used<strong>in</strong> burn<strong>in</strong>g the tobacco produce high levels ofcarbon monoxide and heavy metals that arealso dangerous to health,” Dr. Mahfoud said.With grow<strong>in</strong>g public <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the lectureseries and the commitment of WCMC-Q tosupport<strong>in</strong>g the vision of the <strong>Qatar</strong>i leadershipand partner<strong>in</strong>g with other health care <strong>in</strong>stitutionsof the country, the college plans to cont<strong>in</strong>ueprovid<strong>in</strong>g Medic<strong>in</strong>e & U lectures to the public.Dr. Uthman said: “We hope that the knowledgega<strong>in</strong>ed will boost public awareness ofcommon medical conditions relevant to thesociety of <strong>Qatar</strong> and empower the residentsof this nation to seek appropriate and timelymedical advice and lead healthier life styles.”By Hilton Kolbe
52 • Happen<strong>in</strong>gsCreat<strong>in</strong>g a masterpiece for Pa<strong>in</strong>t Your Healthy Future is a messy bus<strong>in</strong>essال ميكن الرسم من دون العبث بالألوانChildren had the opportunity to get creative with the Pa<strong>in</strong>t Your Healthy Future<strong>in</strong>itiative, part of WCMC-Q’s Sahtak Awalan campaignاأطفال يظهرون اإبداعهم يف الرسم والتلوين خالل »لون مستقبلك بألوان الصحة«، كجزء من حملة صحتكاأوالً التي اأطلقتها كلية طب وايل كورنيل يف قطرYoung members of <strong>Qatar</strong> Scout and Guides with H<strong>in</strong>d Bouzra, assistant to the director of government and public affairsاأطفال من كشافة قطر ومن مرشدات قطر مع هند بوزراع مساعدة مديرة اإدارة الصوؤون احلكومية والعامةPa<strong>in</strong>t Your Healthy Future gave children the chance to be creative on a huge scaleفعّالية »لون مستقبلك بألوان الصحة« اأتاحت اأمام االأطفال التعبري بالألوانConcentration is everyth<strong>in</strong>g when color<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>تركيز خالل التلوين
• 53 فعالياتNoha Saleh, director of student recruitment, at <strong>Qatar</strong> Career Fairنهى صالح مدير استقطاب الطالب خالل املعرض املهنيLamya Mubayed launches a kite outside the college dur<strong>in</strong>g April’s basant eventملياء املبيض تطريّ طيارة من ورق خالل فعّالية بايسنت التي ينظمها الطالب سنوياً خالل شهر اأبريلSian Pearson, HR generalist, talks with cl<strong>in</strong>ical research coord<strong>in</strong>ator Wafaa Gherbiat an HR Open House session <strong>in</strong> Januaryمن اليسار: شون بريسون مصوؤولة صوؤون املوظفني تتحدث اإىل وفاء غربي خالل اليوم املفتوح الذي نظمته اإدارة املوارد البشريةFadwa Ali and Abdullah Firoze, both of the Class of 2013, take part <strong>in</strong> basantBasant gave the future doctors a chance to relaxبايسنت مينح اأطباء املستقبل فسحة بعيداً عن الدراسة والتدريبفدوى علي وعبداهلل فريوز من دفعة ٢٠١٣ يشاركان يف فعاّلية بايسنت للطائرات الورقية
53 • Happen<strong>in</strong>gsDr. Javaid Sheikh at the farewell reception of outgo<strong>in</strong>g act<strong>in</strong>g chief adm<strong>in</strong>istrative officer Bruce Montgomeryالدكتور جاويد شيخ خالل حفل وداع بروس مونتجومري الرئيس التنفيذي للصوؤون االإدارية بالوكالةDist<strong>in</strong>guished faculty members Dr. Lyuba Konopasek, associate dean for medical education,and Dr. Nithila Isaac, assistant professor of anatomy, were bid fond farewells <strong>in</strong> Mayخالل حفل وداعمها، من اليسار: الدكتورة لوبا كونوبسيك العميد املشارك للتعليم الطبي والدكتورة نيتيال ايزاكاأستاذ مساعد يف علم التشريحClockwise from left: Alice Burnett, Hitomi Nakashima, Sudha Karthikeyan, Rochelle Gatdula, Rita Vaz and Wumi Ak<strong>in</strong>ade<strong>in</strong> the Distributed eLibraryمن اليسار: األيس بورنيت، هيتومي ناكاشيما،سودا كرتتيكيان، روشيل جاتدوال، ريتا فاز، يومي اأكيماد يف املكتبة االإلكرتونيةPaul Mussleman, <strong>in</strong>formation services librarian, with two visitors to the deLib Open Houseبول موسيلمان اأمني اخلدمات املعلوماتية يف املكتبة االإلكرتونية معل زوار املكتبة خالل يوم املكتبة املفتوحDr. Mohamud Verjee, assistant professor of family medic<strong>in</strong>e, <strong>in</strong>troduces high schoool students to ‘Harvey’, the college’srobotic learn<strong>in</strong>g aid, <strong>in</strong> the Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Skills Centerالدكتور حممد فريجي، اأستاذ مساعد يف الطب العائلي، يعرف طالب املدارس على »هاريف«، الدمية االإلكرتونية املربجمة التي يتعلم عليها طالب الطباملهارات االإكلينيكية
• ٥٢ فعالياتDr. Sohaila Cheema, Faten Shunnar and Donney Moroney enjoy the performances at Coffee House 2013 <strong>in</strong> Aprilمن اليسار: الدكتورة سهيلة شيما، فاتن الشنار ودوين موروين يشاهدن عروض الطالب يف فعّالية كويف هاوس التي اأقيمت يف شهر اأبريلM<strong>in</strong> Kyung Choi plays the piano for the crowdمني كيونغ تشوي تعزف على البيانوThe event was well-attended as alwaysحضور كثيف كالعادةMohammed El-Debs perform<strong>in</strong>g at Coffee House 2013Coffee House saw the usual mix of eclectic acts enterta<strong>in</strong> the audienceكويف هاوس ملتقى املواهب الطالبية ومناسبة يستمتع بها احلضورحممد الدبس يعزق على اجليتار خالل كويف هاوس