The University of Calgary–Qatar (UCQ) staged its second annual Partners Dinner to thank its counterparts in health care and education for their support.
“It is your devotion to the advancement of health care and education in Qatar, and nursing in particular that contributed greatly to UCQ’s success. To us, you are more than just partners in health care, research, education, government, the private sector, the community and the media. You are our friends; our allies,” Dean and CEO Dr Kim Critchley told the gathering.
Representatives from Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra, College of the North Atlantic, Qatar University and the Women’s Hospital were present.
A special tribute was paid to Dr Nabila Al Meer, Deputy Chief of Continuing Care and Supreme Council of Health Nursing Affairs. Dr Latifa Al Houty, Project Director of the nursing programme, thanked Al Meer for the leadership she has provided throughout her glorious career to advance the nursing profession and Qatar’s health and wellness.
Dr William Owen, Chief Executive Officer of Sidra, in a keynote address, talked of the transformation nursing has made from being a service jot to a health profession. But he believes that transformation is far from complete. “Medicine still functions as a hierarchy with a strict chain of command. There is a pecking order. Medicine still functions as a virtual caste system with the doctor at the top of the profession pyramid. Far too many in my profession believe nurses are not partners in care but subordinates.
“This is not acceptable — it is simply the wrong way to care for patients,” he said.
Nahrida Nazir Band, a member of UCQ’s first graduating class and presently enrolled in the Masters Programme, said the university helped her fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.
“During my educational journey, I encountered creative methods of teaching in the classroom.
“I must say that all the success and achievement I experienced wouldn’t be possible without your support, guidance and hard work.”
UCQ enrolment now stands at 336 students. Right students are taking the Masters programme.
The Peninsula
