Announces the Learning and Talent Development Organization

Doha, Qatar (December 17, 2013)

Sidra Medical and Research Center invited Sidra employees to attend National Day Celebrations, which included traditional music shows, dishes, falcons and many other cultural representations of the State of Qatar.

On this momentous day, Sidra announced the consolidation of two important divisions that focus on one of Sidra's pillars - Education. Career Planning and the Learning & Talent Development Organization, which encompasses, among others, the Scholarship, Qatarization, and JANA programs for fresh graduates, have been merged to operate as one department. Mr. Ali Al Humaidi, who has been appointed as the Executive Director for the Learning and Talent Development Organization, will lead the newly-formed department reporting directly to Sidra Chief Executive Officer Dr. William Own Jr.

"The dream behind establishing Sidra envisions it as an iconic institution. To fulfill this long-term aspect, as well as contribute to the 2030 National Vision, significant emphasis has been placed on education and development of talent. This strategic move signifies the emphasis Sidra places on developing the Qatari nationals to fulfill the need for professionals and leaders in the field of medicine," said Mr. Al Humaidi.

Part of transforming Qatar according to the National Vision 2030 is to ensure it is capable of sustaining its own development and providing for a high standard of living for its entire population for generations to come. Sidra, as part of Qatar Foundation, aims to help deliver these goals through its vision of providing high quality patient care, unparalleled medical education and becoming a leading center for biomedical research.

Currently, nationals represent 25% of Sidra's total workforce and 90% of students sponsored by Sidra. Sidra is also developing the first three Qatari females as "Certified Child Life Specialists," as well as the first group of Qatari females as "Patient Educators." The Patient Educators will be trained to support patients and their families through all phases of hospitalization, from admission to discharge, ensuring optimum communication is maintained during the entire hospital stay and beyond. The Patient Educators are professional communicators with the knowledge, attitude and judgment needed to put patients more at ease in what is typically a high-stress situation, while Child Life Specialists concentrate more on the child's wellbeing.

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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.

For further information, please contact:
Doha, Qatar (EST +7 hours)
Ms. Noor Al Kobaisi
Direct: +974-4404-238
nalkobaisi@sidra.org

© Press Release 2013