The Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development has announced that it will build a 350-bed, $900 million, all-digital specialty teaching hospital in Doha, Qatar, complete with an $8 billion endowment—the largest cash endowment of a hospital and research center in the world. Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar will partner with the Qatar Foundation in the governance of the new facility and will direct the Hospital's research endeavors.
With construction expected to be completed in 2008, the academic medical center will provide particular expertise in women's and children's health and serve as the primary teaching hospital of Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar. The establishment of a General Clinical Research Center is proposed that will focus on women's medical issues, including fertility, diabetes and cardiovascular care, as well as on neonatal and infectious childhood diseases.
"After gaining one of the best medical qualifications around, it is fitting that our students should have the opportunity to apply their new knowledge and skills and supplement their education in a cutting-edge facility," said Dr. Daniel Alonso, dean of Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar.
Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar was established in 2001, also with support from the Qatar Foundation. The medical college offers a complete medical education in Qatar, leading to a Cornell University M.D. degree. The first degrees will be awarded in the spring of 2008.
The Qatar Foundation was established in 1995 as a private, non-profit organization on the personal initiative of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, wife of the Emir, serves as chairperson of the Foundation and is a member of the Weill Cornell Medical College Board of Overseers.
August 16, 2004
Dr. Daniel Alonso