Experiential Learning

Communication and Collaboration Skills Through Simulation Learning

The Foundation Program introduces students to the Clinical Skills and Simulation Lab (CSSL) at WCM-Q to develop their interpersonal and cross-cultural communication as well as teamwork skills through discussions and focused reflections and encounters with standardized patients at CSSL. Students gain a better understanding of the critical role that simulation centers like CSSL play in helping students to develop their communication and collaboration skills.
    

Shadowing Physicians Through the Pre-medical Observership Program

Foundation and pre-medical students are given the opportunity to shadow physicians at WCM-Q’s affiliated hospitals. This optional program exposes students early in their educational journey to the healthcare system in Qatar and familiarizes them with the daily practices of medical professionals in various specialties. The program also aims to promote early career exploration and increase students’ awareness of the challenges physicians face daily. The program takes place during the students’ Winter Break. Upon completing an observership, students submit a reflective essay and receive a certificate of participation.

Journey to Being a Physician: Introduction to Professional Identity Formation

Students are introduced to the medical profession early through a semester-long project aimed at providing an understanding and appreciation of healthcare professions in Qatar. Through an experiential learning approach, students participate in a physician shadowing experience that aims at beginning a process of professional identity formation and acquiring the basics of professionalism by engaging in discussions and focused reflections on linking professionalism values to specific behaviors.

Professionalism Through Physician Shadowing Experience

The Physician Shadowing Experience is designed to expose students to the medical profession in clinical settings. Offered in the summer, this experience aims to provide future medical students with knowledge, skills, and behaviors that foster professionalism in medical school and beyond. Furthermore, students gain an understanding and appreciation of healthcare professions in Qatar and begin constructing a professional identity early in their pre-medical education. Over the summer, students visit an affiliated hospital regularly and observe physician-patient interactions, focusing on professionalism and communication dynamics. Students gain a real-life insight into the everyday challenges of being a healthcare practitioner and develop a humanistic approach towards establishing a compassionate and caring relationship with their community.

This program is open only to WCM-Q premedical students who are in good academic standing.