QU CMED and University of Illinois at Chicago establish collaboration agreement

A recent agreement signed between Qatar University College of Medicine (QU-CMED) and the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) established collaboration in education and faculty/student exchange. The terms of the agreement include collaboration on faculty development, consultations, faculty and student exchanges, joint educational programs, and the development of academic materials. The agreement was signed by QU VP for Medical Education Dr EgonToft and UIC Board of Trustees comptroller Walter K Knorr earlier this month.

“This agreement is part of a series of collaborations between the College and top international universities in the field of medical education and research,” Dr Toft said, adding, “It will enrich our students’ academic journey by building their capacity in clinical practice and medical education, and provide our faculty with valuable opportunities to collaborate with their colleagues at UIC. It also highlights our efforts to enhance shared knowledge and expertise with top medical education institutions which will be of considerable benefit to students and faculty from both institutions, as well as to the Health Care industry in Qatar.”

UIC College of Medicine dean Dr DimitriAzar said: “UIC has a long history of collaborations with institutions of higher education worldwide. The primary aim of these collaborations is to encourage faculty and student exchange, initiate joint research projects, and enhance the quality of both medical education and health care delivery internationally.” He further elaborated the concept of partnership, adding, “It is a long-term and ongoing collegial relationship characterized by mutual and multidimensional planning, exchange and benefit with a forward-looking purpose -- a cornerstone of international activities at UIC. Over the years, these partnerships have developed degree programs, certificate programs, workshops, individual professional development, and faculty consultations.”

As part of the agreement, CMED recently held in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) a workshop for clinical clerkship directors to orient them on academic essentials, and equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills and capacities for teaching, education, assessment and evaluation. Over 13 participants from the College, HMC and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) were given valuable insight into clinical teaching and information on successful teaching/learning approaches and the conditions or external influences that enhance it, the role of teachers and learners, and the types of teacher/learner interactions.