Author’s Note:  The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not represent the views or opinions of Sidra Medical and Research Center.

by Thomas Hobson
Child Life Director

One of the biggest tasks I have while working with Sidra Medical and Research Center is learning the Qatari culture.  Needless to say, Doha (the capital city of Qatar) is incredibly different from Memphis.  Although, I’m also learning that they’re not that different.

However, in starting any successful child life program, it is important to understand the patients and families the hospital will serve.  If you have ever lived in other areas of the United States (or “the States”, as I’ve taken to calling them here), you know that regionally there can be significant differences between peoples beliefs, motivations, and perspectives.

When I got to Qatar I was reminded of how much experiences I’ve had in learning cultures.  As a child, I did it on a much smaller scale.  My family moved around, often times to regionally different areas.  Each time, I had the opportunity to learn a new perspective, a new view points, and a new vernacular.  After being in Doha for a day, I was never more thankful for those experiences.

In my last post, I talked about meeting with various departments and clinical areas within the hospital.  In starting a child life program in Qatar, that is only part of the start up process.  Since this is my first visit to Qatar, I have two weeks to learn about the culture here.  Learning the culture is exciting and a challenge.  It takes learning all of the aspects of the life styles and perspectives.

Now, like any regional area, there are multiple layers to the culture.  For instance, in Memphis, there is the experience of Memphis natives (i.e. being born and raised in the area) and those people that move into the area.  In Qatar, there is the Qatari (the native citizens of the country) and Ex-Patriots (people living in the country, but are citizens of other countries).  Each has a different experience, and each needs to be considered.

By no means would I consider myself on expert on the culture here.  In fact, I would be the first to tell you that there are many subtle nuances that occur.  I have tried my best to learn by putting myself in the middle of cultural experiences.  I have gone to malls, movies, souks, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and many other areas.  The whole time watching people and their interactions.

I still have lots more to learn about the Qatari culture.  In fact, for every question I get an answer, I have two more questions.  My goal is to help Sidra develop a Child Life Program that is suited to the patients and families that the hospital will serve, and the more that I understand the culture of Qatar, the more effectively I can do that.