HMC highlights academic health system at Qatar Foundation’s Annual Research Forum

As part of efforts to highlight the recently-launched Academic Health System (AHS), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) recently took part in a research fair organized as part of Qatar Foundation’s Annual Research Forum. HMC’s participation also aims to promote the forthcoming Translational Research Institute (TRI), a key component of the initiative which will facilitate internationally competitive outcomes in translational and clinical research. 

HMC occupied a booth at the Exhibition Hall of the Qatar National Convention Center during the three-day forum last week, which was attended by research experts and renowned scientists from across 75 different global institutions. The HMC booth was manned by researchers and staff working on the AHS, and showcased information on the initiative with a particular focus on translational research. 

HMC Managing Director Dr Hanan Al Kuwari said, “HMC’s participation in the Annual Research Forum is an important part of our efforts to disseminate knowledge on the Academic Health System, to take advantage of opportunities for knowledge exchange and research collaboration that the research forum presents, and to support the forum’s quest towards the global advancement of research and the establishment of Qatar as a leading center for innovative research and development.” 

Academic health systems integrate research, education and clinical practice in a unique, seamless manner to improve patient care and well-being, search for innovative healthcare solutions, and ensure a modern, flexible and sustainable workforce. Launched in August in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, HMC’s Academic Health System is a groundbreaking partnership with Weill-Cornell Medical College in Qatar and other academic and healthcare institutions in Qatar, including Sidra Medical and Research Center, Qatar University, University of Calgary-Qatar, College of the North Atlantic-Qatar and Primary Health Care. 

Academic health systems are recognized internationally as a model for pioneering medical discoveries and for making these discoveries available to patients. 

“The AHS focus on translational research means pioneering new research and discoveries and bringing them directly to the wards and bedsides to treat patients as soon as they have been safely tested,” said Dr Al Hareth Al-Khater, Chairman of the Medical Research Center at HMC. “This focus will help HMC make the best medicines and treatments available to patients more quickly and more effectively.” 

The Translational Research Institute to be established under the initiative is scheduled for completion in 2013, and will provide state-of-the-art core research facilities for translational (bench to bedside) and clinical research focusing on the fields of cancer, trauma, infectious diseases, neuroscience, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and women and children’s health. The research institute will facilitate the translation of basic biomedical discoveries into new diagnostic biomarkers and therapies.