First Lady Jill Biden Highlights Education and Women’s Health Research During Visit to Qatar

On December 6, First Lady Jill Biden, accompanied by her daughter Ashley Biden and U.S. Ambassador to Qatar Timmy Davis, visited the Qatar Foundation (QF) and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) in Doha. The visit underscored the strong partnership between the United States and Qatar, focusing on shared priorities in education and women’s health research.

Engagement at the Qatar Foundation

Dr. Biden began her day at the Qatar Foundation headquarters, where she was greeted by Dr. Francisco Marmolejo, the foundation's President of Higher Education, and Habes Howail, Manager of Government Partnerships. Walking along the balcony of the foundation’s striking white structure, Dr. Biden took in the expansive “Education City,” a 12-square-kilometer campus housing six U.S. university branch campuses alongside local and global research institutions.

The First Lady was briefed on the Qatar Foundation’s mission to advance education, innovation, and community development. She also attended a session led by Dr. Slim Slama, CEO of the World Innovation Summit for Health, and other medical leaders, discussing women's health research. Notably, Dr. Biden inquired about public hesitations toward health screenings since the pandemic. Dr. Slama confirmed that cultural attitudes and misinformation have contributed to low demand for testing, even prior to COVID-19.

Before departing, Dr. Biden signed the foundation’s guest book, leaving a message of hope: “May we all grow like the Sidra tree as we improve human health, build community, and enrich the world we love and share.”

Visit to Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar

Dr. Biden next toured Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, the first U.S. medical school established outside the United States. Guided by Dr. Javaid Sheikh, the institution’s Dean, she learned about its contributions to precision medicine and women’s health.

In a classroom session, she met with students Kareem Aly and Wadha Al Nabti, who showcased their research. Aly explained his work on robotics to improve surgical camera technology, which Dr. Biden likened to "windshield wipers." Al Nabti shared her research on BRCA gene mutations linked to breast cancer, revealing her personal connection to the issue. Dr. Biden encouraged Al Nabti to educate young women about breast cancer awareness as her next initiative.

The visit also had lighter moments, including a sports exchange with Dr. Roach, Associate Dean for Pre-Medical Education. When he mentioned being a Cowboys fan, Dr. Biden laughed, declaring her loyalty to the Eagles: “Sports is the international language—that’s what I always say.”

Evening Celebrations

Later, Dr. Biden will attend a royal family wedding banquet at Al-Wajba Palace, hosted by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, further symbolizing the cultural ties between the U.S. and Qatar.

This visit highlights Dr. Biden’s dedication to advancing education and health initiatives globally, as well as her ongoing advocacy for women’s health research under the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research, launched last year.