HMC Well-Prepared to Implement Precision Medicine

HMC Implement Precision Medicine

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the leading healthcare provider in the country, has made significant strides in integrating precision medicine.

According to Dr. Salha Bujassoum, Assistant Chair of the Precision Medicine Committee at HMC, the corporation’s robust infrastructure and strong stakeholder support are critical to advancing precision medicine in clinical research and patient care.

Dr. Bujassoum highlighted that the newly established Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI) will help in recognizing and restructuring existing precision medicine achievements at HMC. HMC is a member of QPHI’s clinical council, which focuses on the clinical implementation of precision medicine through collaborative efforts.

“At HMC, we are well-equipped to implement precision medicine,” Dr. Bujassoum stated in an interview with The Peninsula. “We have all the necessary stakeholder ecosystems to integrate precision medicine in clinical research and direct patient care.”

Reflecting on HMC's journey toward precision medicine, Dr. Bujassoum noted, “Over the last two decades, HMC has been paving the way for precision medicine within the organization.” She emphasized that HMC has established comprehensive programs such as metabolic genetics, cancer genetics, prenatal screening, reproductive genetics, and adult cardio-genetics, supported by a well-advanced CAP-accredited molecular genetic lab and diagnostic radiology departments.

The Precision Medicine Clinical Initiative at HMC is led by Dr. Abdulla Al Ansari, Chief Medical Officer and Chair of the Precision Medicine Committee, and Dr. Salha Bujassoum, along with other multidisciplinary stakeholders.

Dr. Bujassoum pointed out that one of the most promising initiatives at HMC is the establishment of the Medical Care and Research Center (MCRC). She also mentioned that a multidisciplinary implementation pharmacogenetic program is set to begin soon, with strong support from senior leadership.

Currently, HMC is the sole healthcare provider in Qatar offering precision medicine interventions related to prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and management of patients. HMC also promotes, supports, and conducts precision medicine clinical application pilots.

The HMC Precision Medicine Program collaborates with national institutions such as QPHI, Qatar Foundation, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and Qatar Scientific Club, and internationally with Genomics England, Precision Medicine Coalition, and various global pharmaceutical companies.

“Currently, HMC is conducting clinical pilots in collaboration with QPHI. In the future, pharmacogenetic testing and counseling will be available for physicians to support routine prescribing,” Dr. Bujassoum added. Additionally, HMC and QPHI have established a clinical referral pathway for the return of genetic information for QPHI participants and provide clinical care to manage and develop strategies to prevent or reduce the risk of diseases linked to certain inherited genetic mutations.

However, HMC faces challenges in implementing precision medicine, such as coordination between healthcare providers, genetic counselors, resource allocation, and access to care. “We will overcome these challenges by establishing our new Center for Clinical Precision Medicine and Genomics (at the MCRC) and enhancing communication through the development of clinical pathways and referrals between different stakeholders,” Dr. Bujassoum stated.

Patient-related challenges include a lack of knowledge and awareness about precision medicine and its clinical application. “There is ongoing activity to spread information, which requires collaborative efforts not only by HMC but also by academic and research facilities,” she said, adding that public awareness is being raised through social media, newsletters, TV, seminars, and future podcasts.

Dr. Bujassoum emphasized that HMC’s future plans for precision medicine include integrating electronic medical records, adopting new technology such as artificial intelligence, and enhancing education and knowledge dissemination through seminars and workshops.

 

Source: The Peninsula Qatar