Doha: 15/06/2011 - As part of the efforts to improve the quality of care for patients in Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation and Qatar Robotic Surgery Centre started a collaborative surgical program. Eighty two residents from HMC different surgical divisions including General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Urologic Surgery, Thoracic Surgery and OB/GYN celebrated on June 15 the successful completion of their Basic Laparoscopic Skill Course (BLSC) that started a year earlier.

QSTP and HMC have joined forces to design and organize a post graduate surgical training course of a high international standard to train surgeons from the different surgical residency programs in HMC. The BLSC provides a solid introduction to laparoscopic surgery, or minimally invasive surgery, and its basic skills which would yield a positive outcome for the patients taken care by these doctors. This should lead to shorter hospital stay, smaller surgical incisions and most importantly increased patient safety and better outcome.

Dr. Tidu Maini, QSTP Executive Chairman and Science and Technology advisor explained, "We highly value our partnership with HMC, and we are pleased to be working with their surgeons to make this training possible. Whether through robotic or laparoscopic surgery, it is very impressive to see HMC take the initiative of using technology and advanced surgical techniques to better serve their patients and improve their surgeons' skills. I believe technology will be a key factor in the future of medicine, and HMC is already on that path. The mission continues to be serving to the country and focusing on programs that will have a local impact. QRSC training programs are strongly rooted in local practice and clearly answer the needs of Qatar and the region, while upholding international standards of quality."

Laparoscopic techniques have become an integral part of the operative management in virtually every specialty of surgery. The well structured program started in June 2010 with 6 courses of training the trainers followed by 14 courses targeting 82 surgical residents that completed by April 2011.

Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari, HMC Managing Director stated; "The modern era of technological advancement in medical education has left no place for students and surgeons to train on humans. Training on the basic surgical procedures should start on simulators and animals before embarking on hands-on training in operating rooms".

"Providing high quality services with excellent records of patients' safety is the main goal of our organizations", she added. "The way of achieving this should start with the proper training of our staff and students utilizing up-to-date technology. Laparoscopy has become a standard surgical approach all over the world; HMC has well established laparoscopic surgical services through its surgical specialties. This course is an excellent example of a well structured program to achieve specific goals. Training such a high number of doctors within ten months is really admirable. We value the dedicated team work, efforts and persistence of the joint team (HMC & QRSC) in their endeavor to devolve surgical technology in Qatar. Our gratitude goes to QRSC and QSTP for their fundamental role in realizing this goal" Dr. Hanan emphasized.

This course is the outcome of dynamic team work between 30 skilled HMC experienced surgeons and QRSC technical staff. BLSC is the starting point in the training of Surgeons to build up their skills in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This training program will be followed soon by intermediate and advanced courses that will include animal Lab training.

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About QSTP:
Qatar Science & Technology Park is the national agency charged with executing applied research and delivering commercialized technologies in four themed areas, Energy, Environment, Health Sciences and Information & Communication Technologies.  QSTP is located in Qatar Foundation's Education City and has access to the resources of its cluster of leading research universities.  In addition to QSTP's centres, members include small companies, international corporations and research institutions, which have together committed to funding new ventures, creating intellectual property, enhancing technology management skills and developing innovative new products in line with the national vision.  QSTP supports economic and human development in Qatar and has achieved recognition as an international hub for applied research, innovation and entrepreneurship.  www.qstp.org.qa

About HMC:
Hamad Medical Corporation is the premier non-profit healthcare provider in Doha, Qatar.  It was established by Emiri decree in 1979 and manages five highly specialized hospitals, namely, Hamad General Hospital, Rumailah Hospital, Women's Hospital, Al Amal Hospital and Al Khor Hospital.  Since its establishment, HMC has rapidly developed medical facilities capable of providing state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of diseases that previously could only be managed in overseas medical centers.

HMC prides itself in providing quality and cost efficient healthcare for all patients regardless of nationality, in line with the State of Qatar's pledge of "Health for All".  For this purpose, the Corporation implements a policy of continuous improvement of all management systems and patient care protocols. HMC's ethos is based on three key pillars which are Health, Education and Research.

For more information, please contact:
Marketing, Media and Public Relations Department
Hamad Medical Corporation
Tel. No.: +974 4439 5272
Fax No.: +974 4439 5002
www.hmc.org.qa          

Khaled Al-Mohannadi
Communications Director
Qatar Science & Technology Park
kalmohannadi@qstp.org.qa
+974 4454 7040

© Press Release 2011