DOHA: Sidra Medical and Research Centre honoured the next generation of health care professionals at its inaugural Sidra Excellence Awards ceremony yesterday. A total of 32 students, who are part of Sidra’s Scholarship Programme, were awarded for their academic excellence.
The President of Qatar Foundation, Dr Mohammad Fathy Saoud, attended the ceremony which took place in Four Seasons Hotel with over 250 guests. During the evening, hosted by Haitham Abou Saleh, a journalist from Al Jazeera Arabic, students were presented with certificates and academic bonuses in recognition of their achievements.
The Sidra Scholarship Programme is founded on the idea that education is the key to building a highly-skilled workforce in Qatar. Established in 2009, the programme helps prepare those interested in a career at Sidra, equipping them with necessary skills and experiences.
This initiative now has 168 students training for both clinical and non-clinical roles, as well as taking part in research programmes. Scholarships are offered for bachelor and post-bachelor degrees, PhDs, residencies, fellowships, and research programmes are also available for a variety of academic disciplines.
Sidra’s CEO Dr William F Owen Jr said: “The recognition and celebration of academic achievements by our young talent is an important activity. Sidra is a health care delivery organisation with the best, the brightest, and the nicest faculty. To us, these scholars are the embodiment of what Sidra represents. They are the greatest future resource in Qatar, and we are proud and honoured to support the development of these wonderful future leaders.”
This year, nine students graduated from the Scholarship Programme and joined Sidra’s Jana trainee programme, with two medical graduates sent for residency in the United States. The majority of the students in the programme are in medical roles, with another large portion studying allied health and business management professions. Both nationals and long-term resident non-Qataris can apply for the scholarships.
“The Sidra Programme has been oversubscribed for two consecutive years now, encouraging competition and passion from the students to be the very best they can be,” said Sidra’s Head of Scholarship Office Noora Al Fadala. “Congratulations to those who have graduated, and to all our students who are setting an excellent example of the standards we can expect from health care in Qatar in the future.”
The Peninsula
