Precision medicine is a revolutionary approach to healthcare that tailors medical treatment to individual characteristics such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment. In Doha, Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has taken significant steps towards integrating precision medicine into its healthcare practices. Dr. Salha Bujassoum, Assistant Chair of the Precision Medicine Committee at HMC, emphasized the importance of HMC’s robust infrastructure and stakeholder support in advancing precision medicine in both clinical research and direct patient care. She highlighted the establishment of the Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI) as a key player in recognizing and restructuring existing precision medicine achievements within HMC.
HMC’s journey towards implementing precision medicine has been ongoing for the past two decades, with the establishment of comprehensive programs such as metabolic genetics, cancer genetics, prenatal screening, reproductive genetics, and adult cardio-genetics, supported by a well-advanced molecular genetic lab and diagnostic radiology departments. Dr. Bujassoum explained that HMC is well-equipped to implement precision medicine and has all the stakeholder ecosystems necessary to integrate precision medicine into clinical research and direct patient care.
The Precision Medicine Clinical Initiative at HMC is led by Dr. Abdulla Al Ansari, Chief Medical Officer and Chair of the precision medicine committee, along with Dr. Salha Bujassoum as Assistant Chair and other multidisciplinary stakeholders. One of the most promising initiatives by HMC is the establishment of the Medical Care and Research Center (MCRC) and the upcoming launch of a multidisciplinary implementation pharmacogenetic program with support from senior leadership. HMC is currently the sole healthcare provider in Qatar offering precision medicine interventions related to prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and management of patients.
HMC’s Precision Medicine Program has established collaborations and partnerships with institutions at both the national and international levels, including QPHI, Qatar Foundation, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Scientific Club, Genomics England, Precision Medicine Coalition, and global pharmaceutical companies. Clinical pilots are being conducted in collaboration with QPHI, and future plans include making pharmacogenetic testing and counseling available for physicians to support routine prescribing. Additionally, a clinical referral pathway has been established for the return of genetic information for QPHI participants, allowing for clinical care to manage and prevent disease occurrence linked to inherited genetic mutations.
Despite the progress made by HMC in implementing precision medicine, there are still challenges to overcome. Coordination between healthcare providers, genetic counselors, resource allocation, and access to care are some of the obstacles that need to be addressed. Dr. Bujassoum mentioned plans to establish a new Center for Clinical Precision Medicine and Genomics at the MCRC to enhance communication and develop clinical pathways and referrals between different stakeholders. Patient-related challenges such as lack of knowledge and awareness about precision medicine and its clinical application are being addressed through collaborative efforts with academic and research facilities.
Looking ahead, HMC’s future plans related to precision medicine focus on integrating electronic medical records, adopting new technologies such as artificial intelligence, enhancing education, and disseminating knowledge through seminars and workshops. Dr. Bujassoum stressed the importance of increasing awareness among the public through various channels such as social media, newsletters, TV, seminars, and podcasts. With a commitment to advancing precision medicine, HMC is paving the way for personalized and targeted healthcare in Qatar.
