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Doha: Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has made a significant contribution in strengthening Qatar’s healthcare system and developing regional talent, particularly in paediatric and women’s health.
The Medical Education programme aims to equip the next generation of physicians and researchers with not only medical expertise but with empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of the communities they serve.
The programme has graduated over 173 medical trainees, residents and fellows, successfully graduating from its medical education programme since its launch in 2023.
Chief Medical Officer of Sidra Medicine, Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, speaking to The Peninsula, shared about the institution’s educational impact, its vision for developing healthcare leaders, and the importance of regional representation in specialised medical fields.
Prof. Janahi underlined the importance of encouraging more regional talent to pursue careers in paediatrics and women’s specialities and said, “To ensure culturally sensitive, language-appropriate care that reflects the unique needs of local populations. Regional representation also builds trust with patients, strengthens the local workforce, and supports sustainable, community-driven healthcare solutions.”
Sidra Medicine offers 41 advanced training programs, of which 24 are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education – International (ACGME-I).
These programmes span a wide range of paediatric subspecialties, including Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Medical Genetics, Pulmonology, Neurology and Epilepsy, Hospital Medicine and Haematology and Oncology.
Sidra Medicine has also emerged as a research powerhouse, with a strong emphasis on genomics, precision medicine, and biomedical sciences, offering future healthcare professionals exposure to cutting-edge advancements in translational and clinical research.
While the majority of Sidra’s trainees hail from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) and Qatar University (QU), the institution has also drawn aspiring clinicians and scientists from across the globe. International students from over 20 countries, including Kuwait, Jordan, Sudan, Syria, the UK, USA, India, Russia, and Malaysia, have joined Sidra’s programs, further reinforcing its role as a global centre for medical excellence.
Among the specialities, Paediatric Hospital Medicine, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, and Paediatric Emergency Medicine have seen the largest number of trainees.
Several graduates have continued their professional journeys at Sidra Medicine itself—nine have officially joined the workforce, contributing to the institution’s growth and continuity.
Prof. Janahi highlighted the pressing need to expand capacity in underrepresented areas, especially in mental health, women’s health, and perinatal psychiatry.
“Mental health issues among youth are increasing, yet access to specialised care remains limited. Similarly, women’s health requires more attention, particularly in underserved areas, to address gender-specific needs,” he said. “Perinatal and reproductive psychiatry is also critically under-resourced, despite its importance in supporting maternal mental health and early child development. Expanding capacity in these fields is essential to meet current and future healthcare demands,” he added.
Prof. Janahi in a message to aspiring healthcare professionals, said, “We commend trainees pursuing careers in healthcare. Your choice reflects a commitment to serving others with compassion and resilience. Strengthen not only your body, but also your mind and heart. Patients need your passion and dedication. Your journey is vital to the future of care.”
