Alberta Premier Danielle Smith tours University of Calgary campus in Qatar

The University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) welcomed UCalgary alumna and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith as she embarked on a visit to explore the institution's work in health-care education and leadership in early December.

The milestone visit on Dec. 11 saw her take part in engaging activities, discussions and interactions with key figures within the UCQ community.

Smith and other distinguished guests were greeted by Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chair of the Board of Trustees at UCQ, along with UCQ President and CEO Prof. Hala Sultan Saif Al-Easa, and UCQ Dean of Nursing Dr. Janet Rankin, PhD. The visit included a series of activities meticulously planned to provide Smith with insights into UCQ's contributions to health-care leadership and education in Qatar.

The itinerary commenced with a welcome address by Al-Easa, followed by a brief, but impactful video presentation providing a snapshot of UCQ's history, journey and its significant role in shaping the health-care landscape within the region.

A guided tour of the UCQ campus allowed Smith to witness first-hand the institution's infrastructure and facilities dedicated to nurturing the next generation of health-care professionals. The tour provided a tangible understanding of UCQ's commitment to excellence in nursing education.

A pivotal component of the visit was the roundtable discussion focusing on the theme of "Leadership in Healthcare." Smith engaged in a dialogue with select faculty members and students, along with key health-care partners, delving into their experiences and insights in health-care leadership, highlighting UCQ's pivotal role in fostering capable leaders in the field.

The event concluded with a networking session over refreshments, fostering connections and discussions among the guests, UCQ board members, faculty, students and senior leadership. Group and individual photos with the UCQ community added a personal touch to the visit, capturing moments of collaboration and shared commitment towards health-care excellence.

UCQ, in its 15-year journey, has significantly contributed to Qatar's nursing scope, championing workforce development through its various programs and collaborations with health-care partners. The institution's dedication to providing top-tier nursing education, evident in its graduates' impact across local health-care organizations, has garnered widespread recognition.

Smith's visit marks a testament to the strong ties between UCalgary's Calgary and Qatar campuses. It underscores the significance of international collaborations in advancing health-care education and leadership, setting a path for continued excellence and impact in the health-care sector.

UCQ continues to enrich health and wellness in Qatar through its commitment to providing world-class education to nursing leaders and practitioners.