+ A
A -
Tribune News Network
Over 20 teams of secondary students across Qatar impressed a team of independent medical experts with their detailed research and presentations during the fifth edition of the 'Medical Review School Conference' hosted by Doha College.
The eight participating schools researched topics from five areas of medicine: epidemiology of infectious diseases; pharmacological developments; radiological, pathological and diagnostic updates; feto-maternal medicine; hereditary and metabolic diseases; and finally cancer.
Some themes presented were ground-breaking in terms of medical science, such as 'Organs on Chips' research, prepared by a Doha College team of Qurratu Aini binti Hasihim and Arij Ahmed, who were placed second in the competition. Their presentation revealed emerging technology based on chips made with advanced high transparency material and human cells, which could re-create organs' responses to experimental medication, thus reducing costs, trial times and animal testing.
On the other end of the scale was research on the 'Epidemiology of the Black Death', a topic that most people would think belongs safely in the past, but has recently returned in Madagascar. This research earned Jewel D'souza from Doha British School joint third place, along with a Doha College team who researched pre-eclampsia.
The coveted first place was awarded to research on the Wilson's disease, whose aim was enlighten and raise awareness that a lack of subsidiary 'workers' in the human body can be just as impactful to the system as principal 'workers'. This was presented by Harun Gunes, Nat'e1lia Wazny and Tiago Huber from Doha College.
Doha College Principal Steffen Sommer congratulated all the teams which participated."As education practitioners, we have a keen interest in the medical profession, as both fields share the very important aspect of caring for people. For this reason we have a close contact with Hamad Medical Corporation and Elite Medical Centre, both of which partnered with DC to make this event happen".
The independent judges who presided over the final of the conference were quite absorbed by the content presented to them, but had a difficult time scoring them apart. Here are their thoughts on the event:
*"The quality of the presentations was great. The students were self-assured, confident and I hope they all go to medical schools in the future." Dr Nesrin Ghazi Elkhatib, Elite Medical Centre
*"These were high-class presentations, all well researched. It shows that you can do a lot if you put your mind to it." Mr Eric Amoah, Hamad Medical Corporation
*"The students did incredibly well, especially the winners who were only in Year 11. They chose a relevant topic and this conference is good training for their future in medical education." Dr Osama Hassan Salha, Elite Medical Centre
*"They were very bright pupils, who will make good doctors one day. They chose complicated topics and did well under questioning. They were not intimidated and showed they could think on their feet." Professor Peter Woodruff, Hamad Medical Centre
Summing up, Nazish Khan, chemistry teacher at Doha College, said:"It was great to see eight schools from Qatar making a contribution towards the Qatar 2020 vision in healthcare. We look forward to welcoming many more in the future."
List of participating schools:
Al Khor International School British Curriculum
Al Khor International School CBSE Curriculum
Doha British School
Doha College
GEMS American Academy
International School of London
MES Indian School
Qatar International School
