Qatar - QF empowers women in medicine and science

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Fazeena Saleem | The Peninsula

Women physicians and researchers in Qatar are entrepreneurial and resourceful. They are finding innovative solutions to healthcare problems, and passionate care to those in need. For more women to make achievements in the field of medicine and science, the country offers ample opportunities. 

Some senior physicians and researchers at Qatar Foundation's (QF) Sidra Medicine share their insights, inspirations, challenges and advice for young women. Each of them agrees that, despite not always being easy, their journey so far has been fulfilling.

Division Chief, Adolescent Medicine at Sidra Medicine, Dr. Alanoud Al Ansari, said that policies and opportunities in Qatar and at Sidra Medicine have encouraged her achieve career goals. 

“Qatar as a country and Sidra Medicine as an organisation is well known for having culturally diverse workforce. Our leadership believes in the impact of women in healthcare. Through professional development, diverse workforce, and leadership opportunities, Sidra Medicine has provided me with many opportunities to accomplish my goals and further refine my skills. This has allowed me to support the younger generations of women in health care and empower them to achieve their career goals and give the tools that will enable them to change the future of Qatar,” Dr. Al Ansari said.

“I am happy to work in an organisation that supports my career development and with leaders who can see my potential and support me to grow further,” she added.

Dr. Al Ansari advises young women who are looking to pursue a career in the field of medicine to look for a mentor or a role model of female in medicine that can be an inspiration and support for them during their journey. 

“Medicine as a career can be challenging yet very rewarding. You are doing your job while helping many people along the way. The gratification, although sometimes delayed of seeing patients get better over time and the impact that you have on them is something that no one else can experience while doing their jobs. If someone who enjoys learning, likes challenges, likes to help people and improve their life and if the way the body works interest them then you should definitely think about pursuing a career in medicine,” she said. 

With reference to this year's International Women's Day theme 'Collectively Ce Can All Break The Bias', Dr. Al Ansari said that's she is proud to be breaking the bias and building a better future alongside many amazing women role models who come from diverse backgrounds. 

For her colleague, Acting Division Chief of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Dr. Jehan Al Rayahi, QF has played a major role in shaping the career and achieving goals. Dr. Al Rayahi is one of the first ever graduates from the class of 2008 from Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, a QF partner university. 

“One of the visions of Qatar Foundation is to invest into the public workforce infrastructure through strong education. H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of QF, herself has taken part in the recruitment plan of several elite colleges that are now instituted in Education City,” she said. 

“Qatar has one of the strongest support system for education in medicine as well as a high demand for all medical specialities, so the ball is in your court. We have one of the best Ivy league medical schools, Weill Cornell Medicine, present in the country and this has made it possible for so many people, particularly young women to study medicine without the need to travel abroad,” she added.

Dr. Al Rayahi also said that interestingly, she has rarely sensed inequality during her career. 

“Most of my colleagues in residency were women and the Minister of Health in Qatar is a woman. As women we have equal rights but different responsibilities caring for our families when we go home. Some may consider it a disadvantage because it may get overwhelming and it does at times. But it also makes us more efficient. As mother, I have learnt to multitask and always plan ahead, which I feel at times, makes me more proficient under pressure at work,” she said. 

While, Dr. Moza Al Kowari, a researcher at Sidra Medicine, encourages all young people to consider science as a career, adding that the pandemic has make clear the importance of science. 

Dr. Al Kowari, had a dream to become a medical doctor but due to circumstances has studied biomedical science and earned a Ph.D. from QF's Hamad Bin Khalifa University. 

“I was sponsored by Sidra Medicine through the employee sponsorship program to do my Ph.D. And the research department offered the opportunity to apply for funds. Although it was highly competitive, I was able to get the fund in 2017 for my research project titled: Molecular and Genetic Characterization of Childhood Hearing Loss in Qatar. In this project, we establish collaboration between the research department and ENT clinic, at Sidra Medicine.”

Noora Al Mohannadi, a graduate associate at Sidra Medicine choose her profession as a result of her curiosity and her journey with QF started when she joined Qatar Academy Alkhor (QAK). 

“As a kid I have always gravitated towards learning new things and solving problems. When I first learned about genes, cells, and different biological processes at school, I started to develop a deep interest in biology, specifically, how disruptions in such mechanisms are associated with different diseases.

This has pushed me to pursue a career in biomedical research,” she said.

 “Later I completed my Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University Qatar (CMUQ). At CMUQ, I had the chance to learn within an inspiring community of students and professors. I was also a part of Sidra Medicine's scholarship program through which I was able to grow professionally by attending various career-focused workshops and research internships organised by Sidra Medicine. Looking back, I greatly appreciate the dynamic environment offered by QF, as I had the opportunity to grow both academically and professionally and begin my career journey in biomedical research,” she added.

Al Mohannadi says that science is an exciting field full of inspiring women. Therefore, her advice to young women is to try and learn from their contributions and seek out supportive mentors.

For Research Specialist II, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, at Sidra Medicine, Fatima Al Ali, QF and Sidra Medicine have played a major role by sponsoring to pursue her honor's and Master's degree. 

“I am one step closer to Ph.D. Your generosity made our dreams come true and helped us serving our community,” she said.

She says that pursing a degree in science and working in the same field is a great opportunity by itself. “The most important inspiration and motivation step to continue in this field, is the desire to discover something new and find new methods and interventions. This desire gives you the energy to work hard and search continuously,” said Al Ali. 

Speaking about equality in the society, she said,“Together we can challenge the existing processes, question the current norms, have our voice heard and continue being role models for the younger generation to enhance their awareness about being inclusive, equal and eliminate stereotypes and discrimination.” 

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