Tribune News Network
Doha
The College of Health Sciences at Qatar University (QU) is paving the way for aspiring health professionals through the first and only graduate degree programme of its kind, an MSc in Human Nutrition in the State of Qatar. Within this programme, students like Fatima Yakti engage in advanced coursework encompassing the biochemical, clinical, community, and behavioural dimensions of nutrition.
Commencing her MSc journey immediately after graduating with a BSc in Human Nutrition from the College of Health Sciences in 2022, Fatima is now approaching the culmination of her third semester in the second year of the programme. The upcoming semester is set to be the final stretch on her academic timeline, marking the anticipated endpoint of her MSc voyage.
Fatima’s MSc journey primarily revolves around research skills in nutrition, incorporating facets like clinical and food policies. She has actively engaged in elective courses, choosing to explore the intriguing intersection of nutrition and pharmaceuticals through the Nutrient & Drug Interaction course. This exploration not only proved enjoyable but significantly enriched her understanding of pharmaceutical basics and their interplay with nutrient metabolism.
Fatima actively participates in numerous webinars and conferences related to nutrition and health. These engagements, integrated into each course, expose her to diverse perspectives and expertise, ensuring a well-rounded education. Fatima says, “I am planning to participate in the 2nd Paediatric Nutrition conference scheduled for February 2024 here in Qatar University. During my BSc, I presented our graduation project titled “Clustering of Lifestyle Risk Factors among Algerian Adolescents: Comparison between Urban and Rural Areas: GSHS Data” at the QU Annual Research Forum and Exhibition in 2021.”
Fatima underscores the practical applicability of her MSc studies to her everyday work life. By staying updated on new nutritional research, she ensures that nutritional interventions provided, including counselling and planning, are rooted in the latest evidence and recommendations. This commitment, she believes, leads to enhanced client satisfaction and improved quality of life.
QU Health’s emphasis on critical thinking and collaboration resonates strongly with Fatima. She appreciates the diverse backgrounds of students, contributing to team spirit, the exchange of ideas, and the development of crucial communication skills. This collaborative approach aligns seamlessly with global health initiatives. Fatima said, “Engaging in a collaborative effort with a professor from my department, we embarked on a project titled “The Association of Egg Consumption and Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Chinese Adults: NHANES Data.” Recognising the need for additional expertise during our research, my professor reached out to a colleague in China, who graciously joined our research team to address specific challenges. This collaboration not only proved invaluable for the project but extended beyond, fostering meaningful connections with researchers from different countries.”
Fatima paints a vibrant picture of life at QU, highlighting the supportive facilities, including specialised labs, the QU Library, and the Graduate Learning Support (GLS) centre. She says, “Our College provides essential support and resources for my MSc journey, featuring well-equipped labs crucial for working with human milk samples. The QU Library offers free access to a variety of journals, aiding my research efforts. The GLS centre hosts webinars and sessions, supporting my thesis work. QU Health organises events, including the Interprofessional Education activity, fostering collaboration among students from different health colleges. This emphasises the importance of interprofessional team discussions in addressing complex patient cases. The experience is enriching and enjoyable, highlighting the significance of collaborative learning in health care.”
Fatima encourages aspiring students to invest in their knowledge through graduate studies. She underscores the importance of continuous learning and critical thinking for a successful future career in the health professions. Looking ahead, Fatima envisions continuing her academic journey with a PhD in Human Nutrition or a related field. Her master’s degree has equipped her with comprehensive knowledge in research, epidemiology, and nutritional epidemiology, laying a robust foundation for future pursuits. For more information, please contact: Dr. Reema Tayyem, professor of Human Nutrition, QU Health, College of Health Sciences at [email protected]
