MSEC-Q Election Results 2004
The Medical Student Executive Council-Qatar, 2004-2005. From left to right: Imran Farooq (seated behind,) Faizah Siddique,
Aalia Al-Barwani, Subhi Al-Aref, Fouad Otaki, Khalid Al-Khelaifi, Dino Terzic, Beshoy Sidrak (standing,) Anas Abou-Ismail, Nigel
Pereira, Tala Rifai, Amila Husic.
The campaign was over, the polls pointed to a close result. All that was needed was for the votes to be cast. Election Day brought an atmosphere of expectation blended with uncertainty - would there be deadlock again?
By an extraordinary coincidence of timing, November 2nd saw the final run-off to decide office-holders in the Medical Student Executive Council-;Qatar (MSEC-Q.) In reality somewhat removed from the tension of the race for the White House, the twelve members of the Council, previously elected by the 90-strong student body at WCMC-Q, were casting their votes for the man, or woman, who would be president.
Earlier in the semester, the elections to the MSEC-Q were preceded by a week of democratic campaigning, said public relations officer for the student council and first year pre-medical student, Anas Abou-Ismail. "Each Class voted for four students to represent them....... During the campaign, all of the candidates were given a chance to appeal to the voters."
The results of the November 2nd elections for the full range of posts are as follows:
| President | Fouad Otaki |
| Vice president | Amila Husic |
| Treasurer | Subhi Al-Aref |
| Secretary | Tala Rifai |
| Public relations officer | Anas Abou-Ismail |
| Club coordinators | Aalia Al-Barwani, Nigel Pereira |
| Dorms coordinator | Faizah Siddique |
| Reps at large | Imran Farooq, DinoTerzic |
| Liaison officers | Khalid Al-Khelaifi, Beshoy Sidrak |
Reps at large, Dino and Imran, act as the main link between the MSEC-Q and the student body within WCMC-Q. Keeping the lines of communication open with students at our sister organizations in Education City are liaison officers Beshoy and Khalid, while concerns about housing can be taken to dorms coordinator, Faizah.
MSEC-Q: representing the students:
"Our students come from different parts of the globe, and our duty as MSEC-Q is to bring those cultures together in an environment of respect and freedom" - Fouad Otaki, president.
The MSEC- acts as a bridge between students and faculty, and between students and administration at the Medical College. It communicates the views of the student body on a range of issues from academic affairs to student facilities, and it has a role in bringing about change. For example, in the academic year 2003-2004, it contributed to discussions that led to an increase in credit hours for certain pre-medical courses. New leisure facilities were also developed inside the Medical College building, through cooperation with the Office of Student Affairs.
"Our main goal is to serve the needs of the student body, and add something new to WCMC-Q" - Anas Abou-Ismail.
A link between students at the Cornell campuses
The MSEC-Q provides an important link between WCMC-Q students and their colleagues on the U.S. campuses of Cornell University; for example, through the Big Sibling program set up in fall 2004, first year medical students at WCMC-Q have been matched with second years at WCMC-NY. They can keep in touch by email and ask questions about life as a med student from those who have ’been there before them.‘
Through occasional videoconferences, the MSEC-Q may also exchange views and ideas with, and seek guidance from, the MSEC at Weill Cornell in New York.
Clubs and societies
For a break from the academic life, there are clubs and societies, organized under the umbrella of the MSEC--, to give students a chance to develop their talents or to try out something new. For more - watch this space.
Social activities are also organized - see our related report: Coffee House Showcases Student Talent .
