Doha, 20 May, 2025: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Institute, achieved another milestone in healthcare leadership by successfully hosting the first comprehensive Oncoplastic Breast Surgery Workshop in the region last week.
This landmark initiative highlighted HMC's commitment in advancing healthcare and education in the region, establishing Qatar as a hub for clinical excellence and professional training in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, which calls for a skilled healthcare workforce.
Oncoplastic breast surgery, which combines oncologic and plastic surgical techniques to achieve optimal cancer control and aesthetic outcomes, is now considered the global gold standard in breast cancer treatment. This workshop also marked HMC's success in establishing the region's first specialized Oncoplastic Breast Surgery Unit and dedicated Oncoplastic Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
"This was the first initiative of its kind in the region, and we are proud to position Qatar as a regional center of excellence for oncoplastic education," said Dr. Artefaa Alshamari, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon and Clinical Lead of the Breast Surgery Unit at HMC. "Our vision is not only to improve the quality of care delivered to patients locally and across neighboring countries, but to also foster a culture of shared learning and surgical advancement in the region."
The workshop featured a two-day, hands-on training program focusing on basic-level oncoplastic techniques, live surgical demonstrations and interactive case discussions. It was designed to equip surgeons with the latest advancements in breast surgical oncology and aesthetic reconstruction. A structured mentorship program that follows will offer continuous support to participants until the advanced workshop takes place later this year.
Surgeons from across the region showed keen interest in the workshop. The first cohort included five surgeons from Saudi Arabia and two from Pakistan, all of whom will be mentored over the coming months in preparation for the second advanced-level workshop.
"This was more than a workshop – it's a long-term educational journey. We are committed to training breast surgeons in the most up-to-date, evidence-based techniques and to sharing our surgical experience and clinical expertise with specialists in the region," added Dr. Alshamari.
This landmark initiative further established HMC as a driving force behind surgical innovation while cementing Qatar's position as a regional leader in healthcare education, collaboration and excellence.
