Event Highlights Groundbreaking Advances in Personalised HealthcareDoha, Qatar – 15 October 2024 – Msheireb Museums, in collaboration with Sidra Medicine, hosted the fifth session of the Science Café series on 14 October 2024 at Bin Jelmood House. Titled “Unveiling the Wonders of Precision Medicine,” the event offered valuable insights into the transformative potential of personalised care, which tailors healthcare solutions based on a patient’s genetic makeup, environment, and lifestyle.
Mr. Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, expressed his pride in the ongoing collaboration with Sidra Medicine, saying, “The Science Café series continues to serve as an essential platform for discussing the future of healthcare and creating accessible opportunities for members of our community to gather knowledge and insights that can improve their lives. Today’s session supports our museum’s mission of sharing remarkable stories of transformation. By convening experts, researchers, and the public, we are facilitating a knowledge exchange that could pave the way for healthier futures.”
Prof. Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer, who also spoke about Sidra Medicine’s Precision Medicine Program said: “The latest Science Café session on Unlocking the Power of Genomic Information, puts the spotlight on Qatar’s innovative programs to bring genomic research into healthcare. Sidra Medicine is leading this effort to personalize diagnosis and treatment for our young patients. Our milestones in genomic screening, clinical trials and whole-genome sequencing continue to push boundaries in standard-of-care, to develop best in class management for pediatric precision health in Qatar and the region.”
The session featured presentations from leading experts in the field of precision medicine. Dr. Khalid Fakhroo spoke about Sidra Medicine’s precision medicine programme, while Dr. Khalid Hussain discussed the potential for precision medicine to tackle complex diseases through the use of genomic testing. Additionally, Dr. Said Ismail highlighted the power of genomic data to unlock remarkable improvements in patient outcomes.
Sidra Medicine’s Chief of Endocrinology, Prof. Khalid Hussain, presentation on “Personalising Care through Genomic Insights” featured updates on the targeted therapies used for children with obesity. Prof. Hussain shared a patient story about the successful treatment protocol of a young infant who was genetically predisposed to obesity, whose life was dramatically changed by the care she received at the hospital.
Dr. Sahar Da’as, Research Manager at Sidra Medicine, who leads the Science Café series said, “Platforms like our Science Café series have been a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community on a wide range of topics that previously would have been inaccessible. We are grateful to Msheireb Museums for being a fantastic partner in helping us highlight the depth and the wealth of the scientific and research programmes in Qatar, that make precision medicine a reality for children and families.”
The event included an engaging panel discussion and an interactive Q&A session that allowed participants to explore how precision medicine is shaping the future of healthcare, making treatments more effective and tailored to the individual. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to visit information booths and learn more about ongoing research projects and their implications for future healthcare models.
Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine remain committed to continuing the Science Café series, bringing experts, patients, and the wider community together to explore and discuss critical health issues. This collaboration demonstrates the shared vision of both organisations to elevate the conversation around healthcare and drive change in fields like precision medicine and beyond.