In November, WCMC-Q pre-medical students set up a Student Council, elected the inaugural officers, and had their first live video conference with the Executive body of the Student Council at Weill Cornell in New York to exchange notes and seek advice.

Among its main functions, the WCMC-Q Student Council may report the views of the student body to faculty on a range of issues related to academic affairs, seek to improve the physical amenities at the Medical College, and set up clubs and societies to expand the range of activities offered at the campus. There is also provision in the bylaws for one meeting per semester with the Dean of the Medical College.

In the area of academic affairs, the Student Council has a role to communicate students' views to faculty on the development and delivery of the curriculum, and work with the teaching assistants in identifying other academic needs within each department.

Discussions have already begun between the Student Council and the Office of Student Affairs focusing on improvements to the facilities at WCMC-Q. Among the subjects raised: the need for more comfortable seating in the student lounge, additional areas for quiet study, a recreation room and dining facilities (the Medical College has no dining hall of any sort.)

New clubs have also been set up, including a model United Nations and a Yoga Club. Moves are under way to form a Sports Club, and Community Services Club to enhance the opportunities for voluntary work in the community.

The link between the Executives of the student bodies in New York and Doha provides a valuable opportunity to develop the lines of communication between students at WCMC-Q and their colleagues at Weill Cornell in New York. It offers a useful forum for exchanging ideas, and a good way for the different student bodies to get to know one another.