Doha, October 03 (QNA) - The College of Medicine at Qatar University (QU) succeeded in consolidating its position as a distinguished educational edifice, and consolidating its steps to achieve its vision of "being a pioneering college, the first choice for an elite group of students, local and international academics, and a driving force towards innovation in care. It is a partner in facing the main national health challenges, and a reliable source for providing Qatar with doctors of a high level of quality and trust."

The college was established, under the directives of the wise leadership in the country, and designed its medical educational program in accordance with the best international practices, and in line with the local context and the needs of the State of Qatar, and its national priority in education and health, as confirmed by its founders, as it currently offers two academic programs: a general practitioner program and the doctoral program in medical sciences, which falls under the umbrella of the university's health and medical specializations.

The College of Medicine is a member of this grouping, which includes five colleges (medicine, pharmacy, nursing, health sciences, and dentistry), and it is a grouping that aims to unify efforts in joint educational courses between the various colleges, as well as in scientific research, training, rehabilitation and interactive activities for students.
In 2021, Qatar University celebrated the graduation of the first batch of the College of Medicine, which included 46 students, followed by the second batch in 2022, which graduated 59 students, while the third batch is expected to graduate next year includes 56 students.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) about the developments that the college has witnessed since its establishment, the Dean of the College of Medicine Dr. Marwan Abu Hijleh said that the college that opened its doors to students in 2015 has now become a preferred destination for hundreds of students from within the country, as well as distinguished academics and researchers from various countries of the world, in an indication of its success in establishing its name among the most prestigious medical schools in the region and the world.

He stated that more than 90 percent of the college's graduates obtained seats in residency programs to specialize in Hamad Medical Corporation in more than 13 medical specialties, which are internationally recognized programs and have strict criteria for admission; This is why it is witnessing a high demand from graduates and doctors from inside and outside Qatar.
The first batch of medical school graduates joined the medical residency program at Hamad Medical Corporation in 2021 after completing a six-year university study program, followed by the second batch this year; This represents an important achievement for everyone who contributed to the development of the university's medical education program, which is one of the leading programs in the region.

He stressed that accepting students in residency programs is an indication of the extent of medical education development in the College of Medicine, which focuses in the field of medical studies on modern learning methods through problem solving, while adopting the best international education practices, enhancing opportunities for innovation in education, and achieving the highest standards that It guarantees outputs equivalent to its counterparts in developed countries.

He said that the college adopts the best methods of medical education with international evaluation standards as a condition for graduation, including the international exam, which consists of two parts, the basic medical sciences exam and the clinical medical sciences exam..
He stressed that the average achievement scores for college students are 6 to 8 percent higher than the global average.

The Dean of the College of Medicine explained that the students' passing these two reference exams gives an indication that the college is on the right path in the field of education and medical rehabilitation for students, and that the level of graduates is comparable to that of developed countries.

In another context, the Dean of the College of Medicine announced the completion of the designs for the College of Medicine building, in the name of Ebn Sina Building, to include, in addition to medicine, the Colleges of Health Sciences, Dentistry and Nursing, and he expected the construction work to start next year.

He also announced the future teaching hospital project, which will represent a shift in medical education and a tributary to the health sector in the country, as it will be closely linked to the sector (represented by the Ministry of Health and Hamad Medical Corporation), which represents a strategic partner for the five colleges now and in the future.

He revealed that the College of Medicine has begun preparations for international academic accreditation, and said that the college is communicating, regarding this accreditation, with a Turkish institution accredited by the World Federation for Medical Education, based in the United States, and expects to obtain accreditation by the end of next year.

With regard to scientific research, the college places scientific research projects on its list of priorities, in line with the college's strategy and the strategy of Qatar University, which has advanced amazingly in the field of research, to occupy a prominent place in international rankings.

The Dean of the College of Medicine said that the postgraduate studies (Master's and PhD) in the Health and Medical Sciences Consortium enhance the outputs of scientific research for the College, noting that the gathering currently includes about 14 students in the master's and doctoral stages.

In terms of international partnerships, the college has set out, since its inception, to conclude scientific and research partnerships with universities, colleges, and internal and external medical bodies; With the aim of exchanging experiences, and cooperating in research, scientific and training fields, in addition to student exchange, which represents a basis for enhancing students abilities and skills.

For her part, Dr. Halima Fayez Al-Farsi, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the College of Medicine, said to (QNA) that the number of students in the college at various levels currently exceeds 490 male and female students (70 percent of females and 30 percent of males), and the percentage of Qataris is more than 50 percent of the total students.

The College of Medicine sets competitive criteria for admission; The most important of which is a high school rate of at least 85 percent, passing the International English Test (TOEFL) or (IELTS) with a minimum average of 6 or its equivalent, and the mathematics test (SAT), (ACT) or (QU-Placer Math Test).

Dr. Al-Farsi confirmed that these are necessary criteria for admission to the College of Medicine, without which the student cannot be accepted in any way.. She said: "There is a great demand for the college, and the important thing that we take into consideration is quality, not quantity, to ensure more distinguished outputs locally and globally." .

She stated that the college's annual capacity currently amounts to about 100 students from government, private and international schools, noting that field visits are organized to schools to introduce the college, explain the requirements and conditions for admission, and highlight the educational, training and research environment, services and facilities provided to students; To enhance their academic excellence and achieve their scientific and practical ambitions.

She also drew attention to the college's interest in training students in hospitals and health centers in the country, starting from the second year, while students from the fourth year enter the clinical field, stressing the existence of important cooperation with the health sector in the country.

She said that the College contributes significantly to meeting a large percentage of the needs of the medical sector in the country, and provides it with doctors who have a deep understanding of the characteristics of health care in Qatar.

She referred to the role the students played during Coronavirus pandemic, and their current role in work sites and giving in hospitals and health centers through the graduates of the first and second batches.

She affirmed the College of Medicine's keenness to continuously monitor its Qatari graduates through the Alumni Association, to support and encourage them to complete postgraduate studies to join the college's teaching staff. (QNA)