Class of 2009 Marks Completion of Pre-medical Program

The Class of 2009 celebrated the completion of their pre-medical studies at a gathering in Lecture Hall 4 on May 12th.

A festive and high-spirited occasion, this was a celebration of "two years of very hard work in preparation for the rigors of medicine," commented Dean of WCMC–Q, Daniel R. Alonso, M.D. It was also an opportunity to recognize the contribution of faculty members, including the TAs, and to wish some of them well as they return to the U.S.

Although the final decisions concerning admission to the Medical Program have yet to be announced, the evening brought a sense of both closure and excitement as the young men and women look forward to the next stage of their education.

A galaxy of class members starred in a candid photo–sketchbook looking back over the past two years. Put together by MSEC-Q president Fouad Otaki, and complete with snapshots of faculty and "Tag-Alongs" (Teaching Assistants, or TAs), the show elicited an enthusiastic response from the audience of students from both of the pre–medical classes, medical students, faculty, staff and family members.

Dean Alonso presented each member of the Class of 2009 with a certificate, while "Hakeem", the Yearbook for the Class, was presented by Senior Associate Dean for Education, Elizabeth Alger, M.D., F.A.C.P.

There were gifts of presentation dhows for the TAs in recognition of their role, as well as for faculty members Antonie Blackler, Ph.D. and Bogomil Gerganov, Ph.D., who are returning to Cornell University in Ithaca after teaching at WCMC-Q since pre–medical classes began in fall 2002. MSEC–Q member Faizah Siddique paid tribute to the "unique sense of humor and one-of-a-kind style of teaching" of Dr. Blackler, while Dr. Gerganov was thanked for his "continual guidance" to students.

For pictures of the End of Year Party Click Here

*"Hakeem" is an Arabic word that is used either as an adjective, meaning wise; or as a noun, meaning physician.