Trade Mission to Turkey and the Gulf 2019
A synopsis on CIHEA’s second annual trade mission to the Middle East and the Gulf.
The Canadian International Health Education Association (CIHEA) partnered with the Canada Arab Business Council (CABC) and the Canada-Turkey Business Council (CTBC) to host a trade mission to the Middle East (UAE, Oman, Qatar) and Turkey.
The tour began on November 14 in Turkey, Istanbul, making scheduled visits in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, and ended on November 21 in Qatar, Doha. The mission was considered to be a great success by 26 representatives from 16 organizations
Turkey
On November 14 members of CIHEA and the Canada-Turkey Business Council spoke at the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEiK) Conference as panelists. The panel was titled Providing Canada-Turkey Solutions in the Healthcare Education and Life.
Nov 14 DEik Conference Turkey Panel
Pictured above from left to right: Professor Dr. Baris, Dr. Andrew Padmos, CEO of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and Board Chair at CIHEA, Dr. Abdel Rahman Lawendy, Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon and Associate Dean at Western University, Dr. Semra Kayumak, Deputy Directorate at General Health Services in Turkey, and Mr. Sylvain Beaudry, Director, Strategic Alliances and Business Development at CAE Healthcare.
Evening reception, November 14, 2019, Deik Conference, Turkey, Istanbul.
On November 15, CIHEA was invited to tour Acibadem University and Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Acibadem University is dedicated to the field of health sciences, training, and teaching using dynamic and contemporary educational programs. Altogether, the university is very modern, enterprising, and is keen to engage with Canadian counterparts.
Acibadem University Turkey Istanbul retrieved from The Arab Hospital Magazine 2018.
Abu Dhabi
On November 17 CIHEA attended a conference at Sheik Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi, an integrated medical facility providing patients with world-class healthcare and medical services, cutting-edge facilities, technologies, and diagnostics through strategic partnerships. The conference included sessions devoted to medicine, nursing, dental care, allied health, and innovation in the technology industry. CIHEA’s Board Chair, Dr. Andrew Padmos, met with H.E. Marcy Grossman, the Ambassador of Canada to the UAE, and Dr. Ali Al Obaidli, Group Chief Academic Affairs Officer at SEHA.
Sheik Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, November 17, 2019.
First photo: Dr. Ali Obaidli, H.E. Marcy Grossman, Dr. Andrew Padmos
Dubai
On November 19 CIHEA attended the DHA Canada Health Education Forum in Dubai where the Dubai Health Strategy 2021 was presented and Dr. Wadeia Mohammad Sharief, the Director at DHA Medical Education and Research Department, presented on Dubai’s health education sector. Dr. Andrew Padmos and H.E. Jean-Phillippe Linteau, Consul General of Canada in Dubai, provided meaningful opening remarks. Panel discussions focused on building the future healthcare workforce and strategies to accelerate innovation in the healthcare sector.
DHA Canada Health Education Forum, Dubai, November 19, 2019.
Bottom photo: Signing of MoU between RCI and UAE’s National Institute for Healthcare Specialties NIHS). Dr. Mohammed AlHouqani and Dr. Andrew Padmos
Canadian International Health Education Association Day, Oman, MOU signing, November 20, 2019.
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada signed an MOU with the United Arab Emirates’ National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS), effectively establishing an educational collaboration between the organizations to support the growth of the NIHS.
Qatar
On November 21 CIHEA visited Qatar to participate in a panel discussion and presentations focusing on Qatar’s health care sector. Sheik Dr. Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin J. Al-Thani, Qatar’s Director of Public Health, presented on public health care in Qatar including an overview of Qatar’s national health status, and strategies for systematic and education advancement. Panel discussions followed where we heard from Dr. Deborah White – Dean at the University of Calgary in Qatar, Dr. Abdullatif Al-Khal – Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Medical Education at Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Janahi – Chairman and DIO Medical Education at Sidra Medicine, and Dr. Layla Al Jasim – Executive Director of Workforce Training and Development at Primary Health Care Corporation.
Canadian International Health Education Association Day, Qatar, November 21, 2019.
November’s mission was effective at leveraging the success of CIHEA’s inaugural mission conducted in April 2018. Future plans for CIHEA in 2020 include visiting Mexico in the fall, possibly India at an undetermined point, and potentially China when bilateral relations improve.
As an organization, we aim to further develop and strengthen international health systems. CIHEA’s trade missions are a central tool for accomplishing this goal, along with the ongoing support and relationships with our members.
We thank all those who participated in our recent mission, as can be observed below, and invite interested partners to learn more about our forthcoming missions, and membership offerings that might be of benefit to your business, school, or organization.
November 2019 Trade Mission Participants
Accreditation Canada International/Health Standards Organization
CAE Healthcare
Canadian International Health Education Association (CIHEA)
Dalhousie University
International Hospitals Recruitment Inc.
MD BriefCase Inc
Niagara College
Queen’s University
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
University of Toronto
London Health Sciences Centre
University of Western Ontario
Medical Council of Canada
Thornhill Medical
Gowling WLG
Canada Arab Business Council
Canada Turkey Business Council