WCMC-Q welcomes new pre-medical class

The ceremony and reception for family and friends capped off the first of three days of orientation activities for the new students.

The diverse body of students hails from 18 different countries, and includes 17 Qataris. The comprehensive orientation program allows the students to have some fun as they get to know each other, while introducing them to college life and preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead.

"We are very pleased to welcome our eighth intake of students," said Interim Dean Dr. Javaid Sheikh. "They are highly intelligent and engaged individuals who, in being accepted to WCMC-Q, have already distinguished themselves as the best of the best. The college continues to attract some of the most talented medical and pre-medical students from Qatar and the region."

In addition to the 60 students joining the Pre-medical Program, 13 took part in the welcoming ceremony as they prepared to enter the yearlong Foundation Program. Covering the basic sciences, mathematics and English, with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving, the Foundation Program gives participants the opportunity to build on their skills in core areas.

Among them is Qatar native Mohamed Hajji, a winner of the First Annual WCMC-Q Healing Hands Essay Competition in 2008. Although excited and nervous on his first day, Mohamed's prior experience gave him more confidence - one advantage of WCMC-Q's many outreach programs such as the essay competition.

"I know what to expect now and I know my potential," Mohamed said. "I'm looking forward to having a good year."

This year's entering class also demonstrates how families often hold a shared interest in medicine. Four new students have brothers already enrolled in the WCMC-Q Medical Program, and two more pairs of siblings are entering the Pre-medical Program together this year.

New Pre-medical student Hayder Al-Mazraqchi says he feels proud of his older brother Yahya who is entering the first year of the Medical Program.

"He gave me lots of advice," Hayder said. "Mostly to work as hard as I can, and of course that I will make a lot of new friends."

Pierre Halteh says he was motivated to attend the WCMC-Q Pre-medical Program by the classes he took in high school here in Doha. "I enjoy biology and chemistry and thought that pursuing medicine would allow me to use those skills to benefit other people."

He says working with the teachers at WCMC-Q was a particular attraction: "The faculty here is excellent and very experienced. I heard that Cornell is the best place to learn medicine, and I am looking forward to the day I become a doctor."