Qatar University (QU) signed yesterday an agreement with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) to cement partnership and establish co-operation in the fields of education, research and training.
The agreement was signed by QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham and HMC managing director Dr Hanan al-Kuwari in the presence of QU vice president for Medical Education and dean of the College of Medicine (CMED) Dr Egon Toft, as well as leaders of QU’s health programmes and officials from both institutions.
The terms of the agreement include collaboration in education and clinical research, training, preceptorships and clerkships, as well as scholarships and sponsorship for students from CMED, the pharmacy and health science disciplines. The agreement also covers joint governance between both institutions including joint committees for decision-making processes on specific topics and the appointment of research and clerkship co-ordinators to facilitate processes that maximise joint research and improve clinical training.
HMC clinical staff and health practitioners will teach QU students and deliver specific courses and lectures at the university, while QU clinical staff will carry out patient-care responsibilities at HMC facilities.
Both institutions will also organise joint forums, as well as health awareness and outreach activities. Additionally, they will collaborate on the design and implementation of continuing education programmes.
The agreement also includes co-operation on establishing a multiparty graduate programme in medical sciences, developing PhD programmes in various health-related disciplines, and creating a university-hospital model in line with international best practices. Dr al-Derham said: “The agreement will jointly benefit QU and HMC in their respective roles as key partners contributing to the National Health Strategy.”