WCM-Q students shadow doctors at HMC and Sidra Medicine to gain hospital experience

Sixty-three pre-medical and foundation students from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) experienced the life of a working doctor when they had the opportunity to shadow physicians at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Sidra Medicine as part of the Pre-Medical Observership Program 2022-2023.

The program aims to expose students early in their educational journey to the healthcare system in Qatar and familiarize them with the daily practices of medical professionals in various specialties. The program also promotes early career exploration and student awareness of the challenges physicians face every day.

Students spent two weeks of their winter break at HMC and Sidra Medicine, where they shadowed physicians during their daily clinical rounds, discussed cases, diagnoses, and possible treatments, and met with patients.

At HMC, the students explored clinics such as medicine; surgery; radiology; pediatrics; emergency; and trauma, while at Sidra Medicine, departments included allergy/immunology; infectious disease; gastroenterology; obstetrics/gynecology and women’s services; neurology; emergency; endocrinology; plastic/reconstructive surgery; pulmonology; hematology oncology; general pediatrics; and ENT. Upon completion of the observership, students submitted a reflective essay and received a certificate of participation.

Commenting on her experience, second-year pre-medical Student Shahd Almughanni said: “Through the Pre-Medical Observership Program, I was able to experience the daily routine of a medical doctor and develop a better understanding of what being a doctor entails. It was inspirational to see the dedication of healthcare professionals, making me even more determined to become a physician in the future. The program has really motivated me to keep going, and I recommend that all students consider applying.”

Dr. Rachid Bendriss, associate dean for foundation, student outreach and educational development programs, said: “The program is designed to both educate and inspire our pre-medical and foundation students by offering them a glimpse into a physician’s life. This opportunity also encourages students to explore different areas and identify their specialties of interest. We are grateful to HMC and Sidra Medicine for providing our students with valuable practical experience.”

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 Medicine, as well as the opportunity to complete clinical rotations at the hospitals as part of their training in the final two years of their MD degree.