WCM-Q students shadow physicians to gain clinical experience

Pre-medical and foundation students from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) gained a glimpse of life as a working doctor when they had the chance to shadow practicing physicians for a week at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Sidra Medicine.

Fifty WCM-Q pre-medical and foundation students took part in the Clinical Observership Experience, spending five days in a variety of clinics at either of the two hospitals to learn about the daily routine of qualified healthcare professionals and explore the different specialties available to those pursuing careers in medicine by studying at WCM-Q.

For many of the participants, the experience reaffirmed their decision to train to become a physician. Student Hessa AlThani said: “The clinical observership reminded me again why I chose to pursue medicine. It can sometimes be challenging to stay motivated for a long time with a demanding curriculum. I would recommend all students to apply for the clinical observership as it made me look forward to seeing myself as a physician.”

The students joined the physicians at HMC and Sidra for clinical rounds each day, met with patients, and discussed cases with the physicians they were shadowing.

One student said that being able to spend a full working week in the hospital to become familiarized with the routines and rhythms of a physician’s life had been helpful in several ways. “Practice makes perfect is a cliche that works timelessly,” said Sara Al Kaabi. “As a pre-medical student, the experience was valuable not only because it gave me a glimpse of what may be my future, but also because it allowed me to reflect upon areas that I can improve in my studies.”

Both HMC and Sidra Medicine are clinical affiliates of WCM-Q, with many hospital staff holding affiliate faculty positions at the college. WCM-Q medical students gain invaluable guidance and mentorship from physicians at HMC and Sidra, as well as completing clinical rotations in the hospitals as part of their training in the final two years of their MD degree.

Dr. Rachid Bendriss, Associate Dean for Foundation, Student Outreach and Educational Development Programs, said: “The Clinical Observership Experience is always very inspiring and encouraging for our pre-medical and foundation students. Getting a glimpse of what life as a physician will be like gives them renewed enthusiasm for their studies and helps them see themselves as doctors. All of us at WMC-Q are very grateful to our affiliates at HMC and Sidra for providing such a great welcome and such a fantastic experience to our students.”