Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programmes Department at the Ministry of Public Health, has launched a certification for physicians in Obesity Management and Bariatric Care in Qatar in collaboration with the Qatar Metabolic Institute at Hamad Medical Corporation (QMI-HMC), the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), and the National Diabetes Committee at the MoPH. This innovative educational and training initiative aims to equip primary care physicians with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to effectively combat obesity. The programme is CPD accredited by the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) at the Ministry of Public Health for a duration of six months.
In his opening remarks, Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad Al Thani highlighted the urgent need for continuous evidence-based interventions at the community level to address obesity in Qatar. He emphasized the significant health risks associated with obesity, such as diabetes and cancer, and stressed the importance of empowering physicians with the tools and knowledge to proactively tackle obesity. He stated that through this program, primary care providers will be equipped with both expertise and compassion to make a real and lasting impact on public health across Qatar. This initiative is viewed as a critical mission for the health of the nation as a whole.
Professor Abdul Badi Abou Samra, Director of the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) at HMC and Co-Chair of the National Diabetes Committee at the MoPH, highlighted the programme’s role as a key element in the upcoming action plan for Diabetes, Obesity, and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases from 2024-2030. He stressed the importance of integrating obesity management into primary care settings across Qatar and emphasized the need for healthcare professionals to pay special attention to obesity as it may be the root cause of many other health issues for patients. Professor Abou Samra also underlined the significance of having a two-way referral pathway between primary and secondary care to facilitate access to specialized medical care teams when necessary.
Dr Samya Al Abdulla, Senior Consultant of Family Medicine and Executive Director of Operations at Primary Health Care Corporation, mentioned that primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients struggling with obesity. Completing this certification will enable physicians to better manage the complexities of obesity and play a pivotal role in preventing its progression and related complications. Dr Al Abdulla emphasized the importance of approaching obesity holistically to ensure patients receive optimal care from the outset, reducing the burden on the healthcare system. She expressed her appreciation for the collaboration with various healthcare institutions in making this comprehensive programme available to family and community medicine doctors at PHCC.
Dr Mohamed Aly ElSherif, Endocrinology and Obesity Medicine Consultant at the Qatar Metabolic Institute at Hamad Medical Corporation (QMI-HMC) and Chair of the Scientific and Planning Committee, expressed pride in launching the CPD-accredited programme funded through an educational grant from Novo Nordisk. The programme is designed for physicians interested in obesity management from PHCC and HMC, covering topics such as behavioural interventions, nutritional counselling, pharmacotherapy, and appropriate referrals. Participants will undergo in-person workshops, online training, and clinical training at specialized centers at the Qatar Metabolic Institute in HMC, receiving SCOPE certification upon completion. Dr Elsherif is hopeful that the programme will successfully support doctors and improve patient care by enhancing their skills and knowledge in obesity management and bariatric care.
Overall, the certification for physicians in Obesity Management and Bariatric Care in Qatar aims to equip primary care providers with the necessary expertise and skills to effectively address obesity and its related health risks. With a focus on evidence-based interventions at the community level and a two-way referral pathway between primary and secondary care, the programme seeks to enhance healthcare professionals’ ability to manage obesity holistically and prevent its progression. The collaboration between various healthcare institutions and the integration of obesity management into primary care settings are key steps in combatting obesity and improving public health outcomes across Qatar.
