High school students learn about careers in medicine at WCM-Q
High school students spent a week at WCM-Q learning about careers in medicine on the Qatar Medical Explorers Program (QMEP).
Students from high schools across Qatar explored the possibilities offered by careers in medicine when they joined Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s Qatar Medical Explorer Program (QMEP).
Thirty-four students took advantage of the opportunity to go through a learning experience at WCM-Q, attending lectures on a wide range of subjects, including biology, chemistry, human anatomy, pharmacology and physiology, among others. They also became familiar with the world-class facilities at Qatar thanks to visits to the state-of-the-art Clinical Skills and Simulation Lab. Students also participated in self-development workshops and admissions sessions. One of the main goals of the program was to help students learn more about the admissions requirements, how to write an effective personal statement and how to undertake college interviews, which provided an insight about the holistic admission process at WCM-Q.
This year’s QMEP, which runs both a winter and a summer session, was offered in a shorter version than the traditional two-week format. Due to changes of school calendars, this year’s QMEP was offered in a one-week capsule format. Part of the enrichment programs offered by the office of student recruitment and outreach, this program is offered along a series of other initiatives designed to connect the college to the local community. Such initiatives allow talented students with an interest in the sciences not only discover what life as a medical student is like, but more importantly to gear-up for admissions and eventually acquire proper college-readiness that could pave the way for a successful career in medicine.
The conclusion of the program was marked with a closing event, at which certificates were presented to each student who participated, along with a number of awards.
Speaking at the event, Noha Saleh, director of student recruitment and outreach at WCM-Q, said: “QMEP is designed to give high schools students the chance to come and participate in sessions at WCM-Q, attending lectures and seminars, confirming their interest in science and medicine, and interacting with existing students and faculty. It offers a comprehensive and accurate impression of what it is really like to study at WCM-Q, helping the students decide if the prospect of a career in medicine is something that will inspire, challenge and fulfill them.”
The Excellence Award was then presented to the student on the course who demonstrated excellence, leadership, and motivation through the entirety of the program. This year’s award was presented to Laila Lubbad of DeBakey High School for Health Professions at Qatar. The JO Achievement Award, named after two WCM-Q graduates from the Class of 2008, was presented to the student who showed the most improvement during the course. This year the award went to Abdulrahman Mohammed Al-Serbi, also of DeBakey High School for Health Professions at Qatar.
Dr. Rachid Bendriss, assistant dean of student recruitment, outreach and foundation programs, said: “We were extremely encouraged by the sheer energy, intelligence and curiosity of this year’s cohort of students. We hope and sincerely believe a great many of them will apply to join WCM-Q and eventually become highly accomplished doctors serving their communities.”
Qatar Academy Student Khalid Fawzi Al Ajji gave an address at the completion event. He said: “This is one of the best opportunities that could be provided to aspiring doctors and has helped me to focus on medicine as a career. From learning about lab safety to pharmacology, to being introduced to human anatomy, I have been able to learn a great deal from this experience, which will help improve school grades and hopefully prepare me to be a medical student in the near future.”
