Doha: Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine hosted the fourth session of the "Science Café" series for 2026 at Bayt Bin Jalmeed, under the title "Beyond the Label: Medications and Dietary Supplements," with broad community participation.
The session addressed the safety of prescription medications and dietary supplements, as well as their uses in daily life.
Speakers emphasized the importance of clear communication based on scientific evidence between healthcare providers and patients, as well as the general public, especially in the context of the ongoing development of self-medication practices, the growing demand for dietary supplements, and the expanding scope of personalized approaches in pharmacological treatment.
The session was moderated by Mr. Ibrahim Al-Sanousi from "Irada Fitness" and included a distinguished panel of speakers, among them Professor Marco Cardinali, Executive Director of Research and Scientific Support at Aspetar, and Dr. Anas Hamad, Deputy Head of the Pharmaceutical Supplies Department at Hamad Medical Corporation. Representing Sidra Medicine were Ms. Fathiya Azhar, Director of Pharmacy; Dr. Sarah Tomie, Acting Director of the Advanced Research Center; and Dr. Analisa Tieranigra, Head of the Precision Nutrition Laboratory.
The speakers reviewed the scientific evidence related to the effectiveness of vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, as well as their safety and regulation of use. They also discussed pharmacogenetics and personalized drug dosages, including the role that genetic factors can play in guiding therapeutic choices and determining doses. They highlighted the promising opportunities this field offers and how genetic information may contribute to improving treatment outcomes.
Commenting on effectiveness, Mr. Mohammed Al-Yousef, Director of Operations and Visitor Relations at Msheireb Museums, stated that the "Science Café" series reflects Msheireb Museums' commitment to providing the opportunity for meaningful dialogue on issues that affect society.
He added: "Through this session, we contribute to bringing important discussions about the safe and conscious use of medications and dietary supplements closer to the public, while simultaneously encouraging them to engage with information based on scientific evidence and to deepen their understanding of the factors that can affect their health and well-being." For her part, Dr. Sahar Al-Da'as, Director of Research at Sidra Medicine and organizer of the 'Science Café' series, stated that the strength of the 'Science Café' sessions "lies in bringing together diverse perspectives on the intersections between medications, dietary supplements, and health, ranging from the safe and appropriate use of medications and patient education to nutrition, athletic performance, genomics, and personalized medicine."
Entering its third consecutive year, the "Science Café" seminar series continues to solidify its position as one of the key pillars of the partnership between Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine, providing a shared platform for community engagement and the promotion of scientific awareness.
This initiative offers an open space for the exchange of knowledge and research findings in a clear and simplified language, contributing to the transformation of specialized scientific concepts and information into discussions that are easy to understand and interact with, while allowing the public to stay informed about the latest medical and scientific developments that help shape the future of healthcare.
