As a pioneering member of Qatar Foundation, Sidra Medicine continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing Qatar’s healthcare system and nurturing regional talent—especially in the critical fields of paediatrics and women’s health.
Through its robust Medical Education Program, Sidra is preparing the next generation of physicians, scientists, and specialists—not only with medical expertise, but also with the empathy, resilience, and cultural awareness needed to serve diverse communities. Since the program’s launch in 2023, more than 173 medical trainees, residents, and fellows have successfully graduated, contributing directly to the nation’s growing pool of healthcare professionals.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Professor Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine, shared the institution’s long-term vision: to develop healthcare leaders who are regionally rooted, globally competent, and deeply committed to community-driven care. “Encouraging more regional talent to specialise in paediatrics and women’s health,” he said, “ensures care that is culturally sensitive, linguistically appropriate, and truly reflective of local needs.”
Prof. Janahi emphasized that regional representation helps build trust, strengthens the national healthcare workforce, and leads to sustainable, homegrown solutions.
Currently, Sidra offers 41 advanced training programs, including 24 internationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education – International (ACGME-I). These span a wide array of paediatric subspecialties such as:
Paediatric Emergency Medicine
Medical Genetics
Pulmonology
Neurology and Epilepsy
Haematology and Oncology
Hospital Medicine
Beyond clinical training, Sidra Medicine has become a regional hub for medical research, with a strong focus on genomics, precision medicine, and translational research. This approach gives future clinicians hands-on exposure to cutting-edge scientific advancements and reinforces Qatar’s global standing in biomedical innovation.
While many of Sidra’s trainees come from Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar (WCM-Q) and Qatar University, the institution also attracts aspiring professionals from more than 20 countries, including Kuwait, Jordan, Sudan, Syria, the UK, USA, India, Russia, and Malaysia—highlighting Sidra’s growing international footprint.
Among the most sought-after programs are Paediatric Hospital Medicine, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, and Paediatric Emergency Medicine. Notably, nine graduates have gone on to join Sidra’s medical staff, ensuring continuity and institutional growth.
Prof. Janahi also called attention to underrepresented fields in the region—namely mental health, women’s health, and perinatal psychiatry. “Mental health concerns among youth are rising, yet specialised care is limited,” he said. “Similarly, women’s health in underserved areas and maternal mental health require immediate attention. Perinatal and reproductive psychiatry is crucial for both maternal well-being and child development, yet remains critically under-resourced.”
In a heartfelt message to aspiring healthcare professionals, Prof. Janahi concluded:
“Choosing a career in healthcare is a choice to serve with compassion and strength. Patients will rely not just on your knowledge, but on your integrity, empathy, and dedication. Strengthen your mind and heart. The future of care depends on you.”
Source: The Peninsula
