Our Story

Who we are

Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar (WCM-Q), the first American medical school established outside the United States, is at the forefront of medical education, biomedical research, and population health in the Middle East. WCM-Q was founded in 2001 through a partnership between Cornell University and the Qatar Foundation.

Cornell University | Weill Cornell Medicine | Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar

Dean's Message

Since our foundation in 2001, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), a pioneering joint venture between Qatar Foundation and Cornell University, has excelled in its core mission of developing global physicians and scientists for the 21st century. Many of those physicians go on to residency programs in prestigious institutions such as Massachusetts General Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and Johns Hopkins Hospital. Our basic to translational research continuum integrates molecular, cellular, multi-omics and clinical data toward personalized medicine approaches to diseases critical to Qatar and the region. Our world class faculty’s scientific discoveries are frequently published in top tiered medical journals such as Nature Medicine, New England Journal of Medicine, and Lancet. Our clinical faculty provide cutting edge personalized care at our clinical affiliates including Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Sidra Medicine, and ASPETAR.

Our pioneering Population Health Programs with their focus on wellness of the entire population are inspiring all ages ranging from school children to adults to take an active part in self-care and perform at their peak. Our Continuing Professional Development symposia and webinars for healthcare professionals are in great demand in the region for their expert presenters and timely topics. Last, but not the least, our online platform Innovations in Global Health Professions Education (IGHPE) provides an organization to share and disseminate latest thinking and curricula for health professions education globally.

Already being recognized internationally for excellence and its outstanding accomplishments, WCM-Q is on its way to becoming an Iconic institution as we begin our third decade. It is truly an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to lead such an exceptional organization.

Javaid I. Sheikh, M.D., MBA
Dean, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar

Governance and Leadership | About Dean Sheikh

Our Vision & Mission

Vision: An internationally recognized institution advancing and transforming the health and wellness of populations in Qatar and the region, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar aspires to become an iconic organization with global impact.

Take a virtual tour

Interested in seeing Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar or Qatar Foundation but can't make it here in-person? Our virtual tour is a great way to explore campus and see what makes us unique.