WCM-Q pre-medical students explore the intersection of biomechanics and sports medicine at Aspetar

Fifty Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) pre-medical students recently visited Aspetar hospital to learn about the application of biomechanics in sports medicine. The trip provided a unique opportunity for students to see firsthand how physics principles are used in the treatment and prevention of sports-related injuries.

During the one-day visit, the students toured different departments within the hospital, including the movement and assessment analysis laboratory and hydropathy pools, the altitude dormitory and climate chamber, the podiatry and virtual reality departments, the motion capture lab, and the medical imaging department. At each department the students learnt about the specific tools and technologies used to diagnose and treat athletes.

Before the tour of the facility, Dr. Khalid Alkhelaifi, orthopedic surgeon at Aspetar and a WCM-Q alumnus of the college’s inaugural class, inspired the students by sharing his journey. Dr. Alkhelaifi spoke about the challenges and rewards of his career in sports medicine. He pursued his pre-medical education and medical degree at WCM-Q and later furthered his studies in Canada and US.

Enthusiastically describing the trip, student Alyaa Altamimi said: “It was amazing to see how the physics concepts I have been learning in class can be applied directly to medicine. Seeing the technology and equipment used in sports medicine brought the concepts to life for me. Moreover, the tour made me realize that sports medicine is diverse, and one can venture in one of its specialties. The experience gave me an insight of how specialists and different teams work together to treat a patient. I realized how teamwork is important in a healthcare facility because each department needs the other to deliver the best treatment and care to a patient. I am also inspired to see a WCM-Q alumnus living his dream career, which motivates me to continue working hard to become a physician.”

Dr. Mohammad Yousef, professor of physics at WCM-Q said: “With the enormous technological discoveries that are reshaping medicine, it is crucial for future doctors to have a deep understanding of the physics principles involved in treatment and diagnosis. The trip to Aspetar was a great opportunity for students to see the practical applications of physics in sports medicine. The students were engaged and enthusiastic, and I am confident that this experience will have a positive impact on their academic and professional journeys.”

Dr. Yousef added: “I wish to convey my gratitude to Aspetar for providing our students with a platform to see what they learn in school being applied in the real-world. I’m proud of Dr. Alkhelaifi and I would like to thank him for finding time to share his experience and for welcoming our students to the facility.”

Aspetar is one of the affiliates of WCM-Q. Such visits help the medical students to broaden their knowledge of sports medicine and science while discovering their specialty of interest.