Pre-medical enrolment at WCMC-Q reaches capacity

Among them is Iqbal El Assaad, who is sponsored by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned. At 14 years old, Iqbal is the youngest student ever to enrol at WCMC-Q.

Such has been the demand for places this year that, in a new development, the Medical College opened a waiting list for the two-year Pre-medical Program.

"We are delighted to welcome our sixth intake of students," said Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, Dr. Maya Hammoud. "The number and quality of applicants continue to rise - no doubt about it, WCMC-Q is firmly on the map of pre-medical and medical education in the region."

The Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Dr. Daniel R. Alonso, highlighted the quality of all the freshmen students: " This is not only the largest class WCMC-Q have admitted, but it is also one of the strongest and most talented.

"Faculty at the Medical College look forward to working with the students over the coming years, and to nurturing their talents and ambition to become the best doctors of the future."

For Iqbal El Assaad, from Lebanon, entering WCMC-Q's Pre-medical Program is a dream come true after graduating from high school at the age of 12. "When I was offered the opportunity to come and study here, and knowing that Cornell is one of the best universities in the world, I chose WCMC-Q."

While the majority of the freshmen have entered the pre-medical Class of 2013, 17 have joined a new, year-long Foundation Program designed to nurture their abilities to better prepare them for the Pre-medical Program.

The Foundation Program has opened following the success of a pilot project run during the spring semester 2007. Covering the basic sciences, mathematics and English writing, with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving, it gives participants the opportunity to build on their skills in core areas and thereby enhance their chances to succeed in the Pre-medical Program.

Dr. Hammoud explained that those enrolling in the foundation year this fall were selected for their potential. "They were chosen because we think they are great students who not only have a lot of potential academically, but have also shown high leadership and humanistic qualities."

Like Iqbal El Assaad, Qatari pre-med freshman, Mohammed Al Hajri took part in last spring's foundation pilot project. He said: "We spent four months here and we enjoyed it. The faculty gave us support and every encouragement to be successful. Then it's up to the student: if you work hard, it will be fine."

As orientation activities ended, foundation student Ahmed Al Saie looked forward to his studies with enthusiasm. "When my brother (now a pre-med freshman) came into the pilot project, I noticed the improvement in his English language and other subjects... I am excited to be here - I'd like to start today!"