UCQ students and faculty make significant impact at All Together Better Health XI conference

The University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) made a significant impact at the All Together Better Health XI conference, held in Doha from Nov. 6 to 9. Hosted by Qatar University, the event focused on interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP), drawing participants from around the world. UCQ's nursing students and faculty actively participated, showcasing their dedication and expertise in the health-care sector.

Held for the first time in the Middle East, the conference aimed to inspire attendees by fostering knowledge exchange, diverse perspectives, and pivotal shifts in IPECP. Themed Cultivating a Collaborative Culture: Sharing Pearls of Wisdom, it highlighted critical subthemes: Sharing Models of Best Practice; Guiding Global Policies and Standards; Advocating for Health and Well-being; Embracing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and a Sense of Belonging; and Promoting Safety within and Beyond Health-care Services.

During the conference, UCQ made notable contributions through student representation. Genwan Yassine and Safa Mukadam presented on pre-professional gatherings and its value in establishing a foundation for collaboration. Additionally, Alia Muzafar delivered a presentation that addressed the importance of holistic well-being for future health-care professionals. Muzafar further represented UCQ in the Student Interprofessional Debate, focusing on integrating interprofessional education and practice into certification and licensing processes. 

Another significant contribution was recognized in the ATBH XI Art Competition. Third-year students Maxine Ayag and Juliana Tabuzo creatively used symbolic artwork by depicting pearls as wisdom, emphasizing the central role of shared knowledge and teamwork among health-care professionals.

Furthermore, UCQ had several faculty members making noteworthy presentations throughout the conference. Shehnaaz Mohamed and Ihab Safi showcased innovative teaching methods for interprofessional collaboration, while Nicole Boulais-McBain underscored the importance of partnerships between academia and clinical practice. Adding to UCQ’s contributions was Kristi Yassine’s presentation on the development of an innovative IPE activity, followed by Mariam Khanum and Nganga Ambigai Sinnasamy’s presentation which delved into the significance of role clarity in enhancing experiential learning for undergraduate students.

UCQ's presence at the conference was highlighted by its bronze sponsorship and an engaging booth that attracted visitors from around the world. Dignitaries such as Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), and H.E. the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Hanan al-Kuwari, graced the event, elevating UCQ's visibility.

UCQ’s president, Professor Hala Sultan Said Al-Easa, said, "Our participation reflects UCQ's commitment to advancing health-care education globally, fostering excellence and collaboration among future health-care professionals."

Kristi Yassine, faculty member and UCQ’s interprofessional education lead, said, "This conference provided a valuable platform to exchange ideas, enhancing our dedication to shaping well-rounded health-care professionals equipped for real-world challenges."

UCQ received an award at the event's gala dinner, hosted at Qatar's iconic Museum of Islamic Art, recognizing the institution's outstanding contributions to the health-care field.

These presentations and recognitions at the conference reaffirm UCQ's dedication to enriching health-care education through research, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to shaping the future of health-care professionals in the State of Qatar and beyond.