Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently participated in the International Association for Health Professions Education (AMEE) annual conference in Basel, Switzerland for the first time. This conference is a global gathering of educators, researchers, and professionals in health professions education, with over 3,000 participants from around the world. WCM-Q faculty and staff attended to engage with other healthcare education professionals, discuss innovations in the field, and assess the impact of educational efforts on learners, patients, and society. The Division of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) from WCM-Q also had a booth in the conference exhibition area to showcase their medical education programs and research activities, as well as their continuing medical education courses, certificates, and workshops for healthcare professionals.
As a silver sponsor of the conference, WCM-Q had the opportunity to promote the college and its initiatives to the global health education community. The CPD activities offered by WCM-Q aim to provide high-quality professional development opportunities for physicians and healthcare professionals, focusing on identified needs and the latest scientific and medical developments. These activities are accredited locally in Qatar by the Ministry of Public Health and internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. The Division of CPD has been expanding its reach in recent years, with more healthcare professionals from outside of Qatar participating in WCM-Q CPD courses, either in-person or remotely.
Deema Al Sheikhly, director of medical education and continuing professional development at WCM-Q, highlighted the importance of the AMEE annual conference in promoting WCM-Q as a top medical school and showcasing their world-class continuing medical education activities globally. Laudy Mattar, manager of continuing professional development, was also present at the conference and collaborated with the AMEE CPD Committee to enhance the quality and effectiveness of professional development opportunities. At the conference, two WCM-Q faculty members, Dr. Mai Mahmoud and Dr. Douglas Bovell, presented on topics related to medical team decision-making and learning support, respectively, furthering WCM-Q’s impact on healthcare education.
Dr. Thurayya Arayssi, professor of clinical medicine and vice dean for academic and curricular affairs at WCM-Q, expressed delight at the college’s participation in connecting with the global community of health professions educators. The goal of enhancing healthcare outcomes for patients in Qatar, the region, and beyond was underscored through WCM-Q’s presence at the AMEE annual conference. The conference provided a platform for WCM-Q to showcase their contributions to healthcare education and their commitment to advancing medical knowledge and skills globally. By engaging with the international community of health educators, WCM-Q is establishing itself as a leader in medical education and continuing professional development on a global scale.
Overall, WCM-Q’s participation in the AMEE annual conference in Basel, Switzerland was a strategic move to deepen connections with the global healthcare education community, promote the college’s medical education programs and research activities, and highlight their continuing medical education initiatives. The conference provided a valuable opportunity for WCM-Q faculty and staff to engage with other healthcare education professionals, share innovative practices, and exchange ideas on enhancing healthcare outcomes for patients worldwide. WCM-Q’s presence at the conference underscored their commitment to excellence in medical education and their role as a global leader in continuing professional development for healthcare professionals.