Doha, February 25, 2014

Sidra Medical and Research Center recruited 150 candidates for scholarships in the medical field at the seventh annual UK-Qatar Career Fair in London, a number that is a testament to the growing interest among Qatari students in pursuing a career in medicine.

The Sidra Scholarship Team was on hand to speak with Qatari students pursuing studies in UK universities, with over 300 students turning up for the event.

Many students enjoyed the career fair, particularly the Sidra booth. Students stated that "Sidra is one of the best places in Qatar to sponsor students. We particularly enjoyed the presentation by Dr. Bothina Al Mulla, (a current scholarship student at Sidra). Ambassadors, the Minister of Education and some diplomats, including Mr. Hassan Al Sai visited the Sidra Scholarship Team at the fair. Thus far, 11 students have commenced the application process and have begun their interviews and many more are expected in the coming weeks.

Noora Al Fadala, Manager of the Scholarship Office, stated, "Meeting Qatari students around the world is an inspiring experience because you see the lengths they go to pursue their passion and bring back their knowledge to build Qatar's expertise. Sidra is committed to transforming local talent into world-class expertise and with over 90% of scholarships going to Qataris, we are on track to realize our vision."

The Sidra Scholarship Program helps to prepare those interested in building a career with Sidra by equipping them with the necessary skills and experience. The Program is part of Sidra's vision to grow domestic talent into world-renowned medical professionals. The program, currently sponsoring over 250 students, supports study in medical fields and scholarships are offered in bachelor and post-bachelor degrees, PhDs, residencies, fellowships and research programs. Sidra also offers the Jana Program, which is a development opportunity offered to Qataris who hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university in Health, HR, IT, or Business. If selected, Qataris take part in a training program in one of Sidra's project team departments (HR, Finance, IT, PMO, Clinical Planning, Support Services, Communications, Support Services) where they are exposed to a health care environment and learn about a variety of career options.

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ABOUT Sidra Medical and Research Center
Sidra Medical and Research Center, currently under construction in Doha, Qatar, will be a groundbreaking hospital, research and education institution, focusing 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 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. 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.

Noor Al Kobaisi
Telephone: 4404-2383
Email: nalkobaisi@sidra.org

© Press Release 2014