Tribune News Network
Doha
Msheireb Museums, in collaboration with Sidra Medicine, hosted the sixth and final session of the 2024 Science Café series at Bin Jelmood House on Monday.
The event, titled ‘The Art of Healing: Blending Work, Family, and Mental Health’, brought experts together to discuss the relationship between mental health, society, and scientific advancements.
Abdulla Al Naama, general manager of Msheireb Museums, highlighted the significance of the Science Café series in encouraging community engagement and promoting public dialogue on important issues.
“The partnership with Sidra Medicine has been a tremendous success, bringing together science and culture in an enriching and interactive way. This series has touched on a wide range of themes, from medical innovations to precision medicine, and has created thought-provoking discussions that benefit the public,” he said.
“This event is part of our ongoing efforts to connect with the public and raise awareness on important topics such as mental health and its impact on society. By partnering with Sidra Medicine, we’ve created a platform for insightful discussions that blend culture with science,” he added.
Prof Khalid Fakhro, chief research officer from Sidra Medicine, highlighted the importance of the Science Café sessions in advancing public understanding.
“Through our collaboration with Msheireb Museums, we have been able to bring the science behind so many health issues including fertility, autism and cancer to the community. Our last session on mental health, highlights our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for the public to engage with science and grow their understanding of how advancements in healthcare can improve lives,” he said.
The final session of the series provided an in-depth exploration of mental health, highlighting its importance in today’s society. The event featured a diverse group of experts who shared their perspectives on the challenges individuals face when trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance and the importance of addressing mental health in all aspects of life. The speakers included Dr Zainab Imam, an adult and perinatal psychiatrist at Sidra Medicine, who discussed the complexities of mental health, emphasising its importance in overall well-being.
Shefa Ali, a life and business coach, shared advice on balancing work and personal life, offering practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining a healthy mental state.
Joelle El Khoury, a family and child development specialist at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, discussed how to create a supportive environment within families, stressing the importance of understanding and compassion when dealing with mental health.
Joseph Al Haddad, a learning and development consultant at My Life Map, spoke on ‘Emotional Strength in a Chaotic World’ and shared inspiring stories of individuals who overcame adversity.
The event also featured an interactive panel discussion, where the speakers engaged with the audience, further expanding on the themes of mental health and its societal implications.
Dr Sahar Da’as, research manager at Sidra Medicine, who leads the Science Café series, said: “2024 marked the beginning of a very important partnership with Msheireb Museums in launching the Science Café Series. We are excited to continue the series in 2025, exploring further advancements in precision medicine and its contribution in personalised healthcare. We hope that it will continue to be a unique opportunity for the public to learn, ask questions, and stay informed on the latest breakthroughs shaping the future of healthcare in Qatar.”
Looking ahead to 2025, the Science Café series will continue to focus on the latest developments in precision medicine, a field that holds great potential for revolutionising healthcare by offering personalised treatments.
“We are excited about the 2025 Science Café series, which will continue to reaffirm our role as a cornerstone of public engagement in the healthcare space. We will continue to encourage and inspire people to be partners in their personalised journeys towards a healthier future. Our upcoming sessions will focus on how precision medicine is shaping healthcare globally and its influence on individuals in Qatar,” added Dr Da’as.
