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Foundation Program

Program Mission

Launched in 2007, the Foundation Program is designed to develop the skills of academically talented Qatari students to help them achieve success in the Six-Year Medical Program at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. The program is developed with the needs of individual students in mind to help them succeed and realize their full potential. It aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors to become independent, self-regulated lifelong learners.




Program Structure

The Foundation Program is a one-year credit-bearing curriculum comprised of courses intended for students who recently completed high school. Students in the program study basic science subjects required in the pre-medical curriculum in addition to extensive English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Students also take select pre-medical courses, such as Global Health and Disease and Special Studies in Biology, as well as a medical career seminar series facilitated by distinguished guest speakers and leaders from the healthcare community.

This gives each student the opportunity to be exposed to the medical profession early on in their education to prepare them for future study in their chosen field. Enrolled students must successfully complete all academic courses in the fall and spring semesters to complete the program. All Foundation courses involve ongoing assessment and end-of-semester examinations. After successfully completing the program, students receive a Certificate of Completion and are promoted to the Six-Year Medical Program at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar.



Experiential Learning Programs

The Premedical Education Division offers a range of enriching programs designed to support and guide aspiring medical professionals. These programs include valuable mentorship opportunities with alumni, providing students with insights and encouragement as they navigate their premedical journey. Students can also engage in observerships through experiential learning at our affiliate hospitals, helping them build a professional identity early in their careers. Additionally, students have the opportunity to take courses at the home campus in Ithaca, allowing them to further their premedical education and gain a cultural experience.




Program Magazines

The faculty and staff are proud of the foundation students for their dedication and resilience. We hope you enjoy this compilation and are glad to give you a taste of our students’ intelligence, creativity and achievement.