Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently hosted two webinars focusing on chronic kidney disease and the influence of environmental factors on community health, as part of its Health and YOU: Community Wellness Webinar series. The series, organised by WCM-Q’s Institute for Population Health, aims to provide clear, evidence-based health information to help individuals make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
In the first session, Dr. Mahrukh Rizvi, assistant professor of medicine at WCM-Q and an alumna of the college, addressed the topic “Safeguarding your kidneys: Understanding chronic kidney disease.” Dr. Rizvi discussed the risk factors and early symptoms of chronic kidney disease, stages of disease progression, and management strategies aimed at slowing its advancement. She also highlighted the broader impacts of kidney disease on overall health. Dr. Rizvi brings extensive clinical experience, having completed her internal medicine residency at Rochester General Hospital in New York and fellowships in nephrology and critical care at Rochester Medical Center and Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
The second webinar, entitled “How the Environment Shapes Our Health,” was presented by Dr. Sadeer al-Kindi, an associate professor at Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center and Weill Cornell Medicine in the United States, and a WCM-Q alumnus. Dr. al-Kindi, a preventive cardiologist with expertise in environmental and precision cardiovascular health, examined how various environmental conditions—including air and water quality, climate, and noise—affect disease risk, aging, and overall well-being. He discussed the ways these factors contribute to health disparities across different populations and explored preventative measures to mitigate adverse health effects. Additionally, the session covered strategies to build resilience against environmental health challenges over the lifespan.
Both webinars are part of WCM-Q’s ongoing effort to break down complex health issues into accessible conversations that empower community members to protect their health and prevent chronic illnesses. By offering scientifically sound guidance, the webinar series seeks to enhance public understanding of key health risks and promote proactive wellness management.