Sidra and the Excellence in Paediatrics Institute sign landmark agreement for Sidra to host prestigious Excellence in Paediatrics Conference in Doha in December 2013

Doha, Qatar (November 18th, 2012) - Sidra Medical and Research Center announced today that the fifth annual Excellence in Paediatrics Conference will take place in Doha on December 4-7, 2013, at the Qatar National Convention Centre. It is the first time the conference will be held in the Middle East. The Excellence in Paediatrics Conference will bring together international academics, scientists and clinicians to share cutting edge research and best practice with the aim of improving care for pediatric patients. The conference, which will be hosted by Sidra, is expected to be one of the largest international pediatric conferences of the year and will be attended by more than 3,000 healthcare professionals from 98 countries. 

Dr. Edward Ogata, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medical and Research Center, commented on the opportunity to share knowledge with top international pediatricians. "Excellence in Paediatrics is an important forum for those at the frontline of delivering pediatric healthcare, bringing clinicians together with scientists and academics to identify innovations and insights that have the potential to transform care for children all around the world," he said. "We are very proud to be hosting this event in 2013 and look forward to working with the Excellence in Paediatrics Institute to make it an outstanding success. We are particularly excited about sharing our vision for Sidra with those visiting Qatar, and having the opportunity to showcase some of the innovations that will help to make Sidra a beacon of excellence in pediatric care.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Dimitri Christakis, a leading US-based pediatrician and Chairman of Excellence in Paediatrics, said, "In four short years, Excellence in Paediatrics has emerged as one of the biggest and best general pediatric congresses in Europe. In 2013, in partnership with Sidra, the Excellence in Paediatrics Institute will make it one of the most exciting and innovative in the world."

Sidra's Communications Project Director Khalid Al Mohannadi said, "Today is an important day for Sidra and for Qatar, and for children everywhere in the world. We are delighted to partner with the Excellence in Paediatrics Institute, which shares our vision of better care for children through innovation, training, education and partnership. Through this partnership, we can contribute to global advances in pediatric care. The countdown to December 4th, 2013, begins now."

As a specialty hospital that will focus on the health and wellbeing of women and children in Qatar and the region, Sidra Medical and Research Center aims to set new standards in patient care through clinical care, research, and medical education. Sidra will provide extensive pediatric services, including oncology, trauma, surgical care, and support services. The new facility will be all-digital, incorporating the most advanced information technology applications in all clinical, research and business functions, ensuring the highest quality of innovation-driven patient care.

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About Sidra Medical and Research Center
Sidra Medical and Research Center is a groundbreaking hospital, research and education institution, currently under construction in Doha, Qatar, that will focus on the health and wellbeing of women and children regionally and globally. Sidra will be a fully digital facility, incorporating the most advanced information technology applications in clinical, research and business functions. Sidra will initially have around 400 beds with infrastructure to enable expansion to 550 beds in a subsequent phase.

Sidra represents the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser who serves as its Chairperson. The high-tech facility will not only provide world-class patient care but will also help build Qatar's scientific expertise and resources. Sidra will be funded by a US$7.9 billion endowment from Qatar Foundation, one of the largest endowments of its kind in the world.

Sidra is part of a dynamic research and education environment in Qatar that includes leading international institutions, such as: Sidra's academic partner Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, and Qatar Science and Technology Park. Through strong partnerships with leading institutions around the world, Sidra is creating an intellectual ecosystem to help advance scientific discovery through investment in medical research.

Sidra will have a unique working structure with inter-professional collaboration at the heart, providing the best holistic care for patients and an unparalleled learning environment for its medical professionals. Sidra will combine the best in design, technology, operations and practices from medical centers around the world - to offer its employees an environment that is at once familiar and extraordinary.

For further information, please contact:
Doha, Qatar (EST +7 hours)
Khalid Al Mohannadi
Email: kalmohannadi@sidra.org
Tel: +974 4404 2333

Rakiya Farah
Email: rfarah@sidra.org
Tel: +974 4404 2366

© Press Release 2012