General Surgery

Welcome to the General Surgery Residency Program, an ACGME-I accredited training program dedicated to producing highly competent, compassionate, and well-rounded general surgeons. Our program is based at Hamad Medical Corporation and its affiliated hospitals, providing a diverse patient population and exposure to a comprehensive range of surgical pathologies.

Our program is designed to provide broad-based training in all essential areas of general surgery, exceeding the requirements set forth by the ACGME-I. We are particularly proud of our ample training opportunities in:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Residents gain extensive experience with laparoscopic and robotic techniques across various surgical disciplines.
• Trauma and Acute Care Surgery (ACS): Our high-volume trauma center provides unparalleled exposure to the management of critically injured patients and a wide spectrum of surgical emergencies.
• Gastrointestinal Surgery: Comprehensive training in the surgical management of conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus.
• Surgical Intensive Care: Robust rotations in the surgical intensive care unit, focusing on critical care management of complex surgical patients.
• Vascular Surgery: Significant experience in both open and endovascular techniques for arterial and venous diseases.
• Hepatobiliary Surgery: Training encompasses the surgical management of diseases of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.
• Breast and Endocrine Surgery: Comprehensive exposure to the surgical treatment of breast diseases and disorders of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands.
• Transplant Surgery: Opportunities for exposure to the principles and practice of organ transplantation.

Beyond the clinical experience, our program is committed to fostering academic growth and technical excellence. We offer ample research opportunities and facilities, encouraging residents to engage in scholarly activities and contribute to the advancement of surgical knowledge.

A cornerstone of our technical skills training is our partnership with ITQAN Simulation Center. Residents benefit from dedicated simulation sessions focusing on fundamental surgical skills, advanced laparoscopic techniques, and crisis resource management. Furthermore, our curriculum includes regular courses and workshops utilizing both dry and wet labs, including training on live animals and human cadavers, providing invaluable hands-on experience in a controlled environment.

We emphasize continuous assessment and preparation for board certification. Residents participate in a yearly ABSITE exam to gauge their knowledge progression. Our good mentoring program pairs residents with experienced faculty members to provide guidance on clinical training, research, and career development.

Upon completion of our program, residents are well-prepared for Certification from both the ARAB BOARD OF Surgery and the Qatari Board of Medical Specialties (QBMS), providing them with broad recognition and opportunities for practice.

Our program is a challenging yet supportive environment where residents are integral members of the surgical team from day one. We are dedicated to training skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate surgeons who will excel in their future careers.

Program Overview

General surgery is a broad surgical specialty that encompasses a wide range of procedures and treatments. It focuses on the diagnosis, preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of conditions affecting various parts of the body, including the alimentary tract, abdomen, breast, skin, soft tissue, head and neck, vascular system, endocrine system, and more. General surgeons are trained to handle trauma cases, surgical oncology, and critical care, ensuring comprehensive patient management across different medical scenarios. Their expertise allows them to perform both traditional open surgeries and minimally invasive procedures, improving patient outcomes and recovery times.

The training for general surgery is rigorous and typically lasts at least five years. During this period, residents gain extensive hands-on experience in various surgical disciplines, including emergency care, surgical intensive care, and endoscopic procedures. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in surgical principles while allowing specialization in areas such as trauma surgery, oncologic surgery, and vascular surgery. Residents rotate through different departments, working closely with experienced surgeons to refine their skills and develop the ability to manage complex surgical cases independently.

Advancements in technology have significantly transformed general surgery, making procedures less invasive and more efficient. Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries have become common, reducing recovery times and postoperative complications. Additionally, ongoing research in immunology and genetics has led to more personalized treatment approaches, improving patient care. General surgery remains a dynamic and evolving field, continuously adapting to new medical discoveries and innovations to enhance surgical outcomes and patient safety

Goals and Objectives

Goals

• Train competent and independent general surgeons capable of managing a wide range of surgical conditions.
• Provide a structured educational environment that fosters technical proficiency, clinical judgment, and professionalism.
• Prepare residents for board certification and lifelong learning in surgical practice.
• Encourage research and innovation to advance surgical techniques and patient care.
• Promote ethical and compassionate patient care while emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration.

Objectives

• Develop proficiency in diagnosing and managing surgical diseases, including emergencies.
• Master surgical techniques, including open and minimally invasive procedures.
• Enhance communication skills for effective patient interactions and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Utilize evidence-based medicine and surgical literature to guide clinical decision-making.
• Demonstrate leadership and responsibility in patient care and surgical education.
• Engage in research and quality improvement initiatives to advance surgical outcomes

Clinical Training and Key Rotations

Contact Information

Program Director:
Dr Noof Al Naimi

Associate Program Director(s):
Dr Mohammed Yousif and Dr Ahmed Nafie

Program Coordinator:​
Issra Bencafu

Program Email:
ibencafu@hamad.qa​​​