Dr. Mashael Alshafai
Associate Professor in Biomedical Science (Human Genetics) & Director of Graduate Studies
Qatar University
PREPARING THE SCENE FOR GENETIC COUNSELING
Abstract:
Genetic counseling is a rapidly advancing field, particularly vital in Qatar due to the population's unique demographic factors, such as high consanguinity rates and large family sizes, which contribute to an increased prevalence of genetic conditions. Over the past decade, institutions like Hamad Medical Corporation and Sidra Medicine have expanded genetic counseling services to address needs across all life stages, including premarital, reproductive, prenatal, pediatric, adult, and cancer care. A significant milestone was the launch of the genetic counseling master’s program at Qatar University in 2018, aimed at developing culturally competent local expertise. The recognition of genetic counseling as a profession and its licensure by Qatar's Ministry of Public Health further ensures service quality and professional standards. Additionally, initiatives like the Qatar Biobank and Qatar Genome Program have bolstered genetic research and precision medicine, highlighting Qatar's commitment to advancing genetic health on both national and global levels.
Biography:
Dr Mashael Al-Shafai is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Science (Human Genetics) and Director of Graduate Studies at QU Health- Qatar University. She earned her bachelor degree with honors in Huma Genetics from University of Leeds, United Kingdom, in 2009, and a PhD degree in Clinical Medicine Research from Imperial College London in 2016. She joined the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the College of Health Sciences as an assistant professor and worked on establishing Qatar’s first Master program in Genetic Counselling, which was launched in 2018. She served as the head of research and graduate studies in the college of health sciences in Fall 2020-Fall 2022 and as the director of graduate studies in QU health in Fall 2022. She was promoted to associate level in May 2023. She has supervised 12 undergraduate students, 10 master and 2 (current) PhD students. She was awarded several grants by Qatar University and Qatar National Research Fund. She has authored more than 30 research articles in international scientific journals and participated in national international events and represented the State of Qatar in international organizations such as UNESCO. Dr Al-Shafai is a member of the Transnational Alliance for Genetic counselling (TAGC) and a member in many committees at the national level such as the Health Research Ethics Committee and the National Obesity Taskforce. She also served in several QU-level committees such as the WASC Accreditation Committee and the Institutional Review Board (QU-IRB). She is a member of the Qatar Genome Consortium and leading the establishment of the first twin registry in Qatar.