HMC, Qatar University celebrate success of laboratory staff and biomedical sciences program graduates

In a high profile event held at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), 20 Laboratory Staff from the joint Biomedical Sciences Program of Qatar University and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at HMC were honored.

The event held at Hajar auditorium at Medical Education Centre was presided over by Dr. Ajayeb Al Nabit, Chairperson of Laboratory and Pathology at HMC. Dr. Ajayeb along with Dr. Eiman Mustafawi, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the College of Arts and Sciences in Qatar University honored and commended the Technologists for achieving the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board Certification.

“It is the highest rating in clinical laboratory services worldwide. Graduates from Qatar University are the first to achieve this unique distinction outside of United States of America,” Dr. Eiman said.

The four year BSc Program in Biomedical Sciences was developed 28 years ago by HMC's Laboratory Department and the Biomedical Sciences faculty of Qatar University.

“As part of the collaboration, staff from HMC’s Laboratory Department participate actively in teaching and guiding the students in achieving excellence in their field. It caters to the growing need for well trained Lab Technologists in the country. Many of the graduates are employed with HMC,” Dr. Ajayeb said.

In 2008 it was the first such program outside of United States of America to achieve the highest academic accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). It is committed to being the premier international agency world wide for accreditation and approval of educational programs in the clinical laboratory sciences and related health professions through the involvement of expert volunteers and its dedication to public service.

The NAACLS accreditation enabled all Graduates from the Biomedical Sciences Program to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board Certification (ASCP) exam. The Board Certification is the culmination of their training in the health professions and demonstrates that they have met a high internationally recognized standard.

“Since the last three years thirteen Graduates from the program have now successfully passed the ASCP Exam. With this achievement the Graduates have now become Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS), as they have achieved the highest academic rating any where in the world,” said Dr. Victor Skrinska, Laboratory Manager at HMC. Seven other laboratory staff have been recently awarded an International Board Certification by ASCP.

The Board Certification ceremony held at HMC was well attended by senior medical staff from HMC including Dr. Mohamed Elkhalifa, Assistant Chairperson of Laboratory and Pathology among many other honorable guests.

Senior faculty members from Biomedical Sciences Program and officials from Qatar University also took part in the celebrations.