Medical education retreat encourages scholarship and publishing


June, 2012
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Dr. Ara Tekian delivers his keynote speech

Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, in association with Hamad Medical Corporation, hosted faculty and staff at a medical education research retreat at the Doha Ritz Carlton yesterday [June 13] where the focus was on scholarship and academic publishing.

WCMC-Q Dean, Dr. Javaid Sheikh who promoted the value of scholarly engagement, officially opened the three-day forum. Dr. Sheikh said the value of academic publishing and scholarly research cannot be underestimated as a means towards academic progression, delivering institutional value and contributing to career objectives like promotion and tenure.

In his opening address, Dr. Sheikh welcomed faculty and staff from WCMC-Q, Qatar University and Hamad Medical Corporation. “This is a workshop that is looking to get the faculty more into research on multiple levels. It is also an opportunity to look at how we can contribute to the larger literature of medical education research in a broader fashion,” Dr. said.

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WCMC-Q Dean, Dr. Javaid Sheikh, officially opened
the three-day forum

WCMC-Q Associate Dean for Medical Education Dr. Lyuba Konopasek led discussions on building an academic portfolio and demonstrating scholarship in medical education. Dr. Konopasek reminded the participants of the academic adage “Publish or Perish” and encouraged the forum to continue the pursuit of academic excellence and scholarship.

The keynote speakers for the event were Dr. Ara Tekian and Dr. Jack Boulet.  Dr. Tekian is Associate Professor and Director of International Affairs in the Department of Medical Education (DME), and Associate Dean of International Affairs at the College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Dr. Boulet is the Associate Vice President for Research and Data Resources at the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) based in the United States. FAIMER is a non-profit foundation committed to improving world health through education.