With hearts pacing, adrenalin racing and their eyes on the future, WCMC-Q's pre-medical and foundation students participated in a lively and informative orientation, August 21-23.

Opening the three-day event, Dean of the Medical College, Dr. Daniel R. Alonso told the 17 Foundation Program and 62 Pre-medical Program students that they were one of the strongest and most talented classes admitted so far.

The students represent the highest intake since WCMC-Q opened its doors to the inaugural Class of 2008 five years ago. They also model the Medical College's diversity: bringing the varied perspectives and experiences deriving from 20 nationalities.

With a combined total of some 3,000 hours of service including tsunami relief work and assisting those disadvantaged by age or disability, they have proven strengths in community care.

"This marks you as having the humanism that is so necessary and helpful in being a doctor of medicine," said Dean Alonso.

While the country with the largest number of students is Qatar, others are from Lebanon, Tanzania, Mauritania, Yemen and the United States.

This year sees the enrolment of WCMC-Q's youngest ever pre-medical student. 14-year old Iqbal El Assaad from Lebanon, is sponsored by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned. Iqbal has a goal beyond that of becoming a doctor. Her gaze is on the future and her thoughts are on what she needs to make it happen.

"I wish to build a free hospital for the poorest people in my country. I could achieve this by combining with other people who share the same idea."

Qatari freshman Mohammed Al Hajri and Nora Biary, who is a US national resident in Saudi Arabia, were filled with happiness at gaining entry to the Pre-medical Program.

"I cannot express my feelings," said Mohammed. "It is just too much - the greatest happiness."

Nora looked ahead to the future: "I will make friendships that will motivate my work as a doctor forever," she commented.

The orientation program introduced students to life at WCMC-Q, from academic rules and expectations to the benefits of living in Qatar Foundation's Education City, a campus that brings together branches of five US universities - Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, Texas A&M and Virginia Commonwealth.

To view a slideshow Click here and select Pre-medical Orientation 2007