Sharing many activities with the pre-medical Class of 2013 during orientation, August 21-23, eased the way for 17* students entering the Foundation Program this semester.

As participant Sara Al Bashraheel said: "When we came here for orientation, the pre-medical students were very helpful. We easily made friends."

The foundation students have embarked on a new program of studies designed to prepare them for success in the condensed two-year Pre-medical Program.

They are following a year-long intensive schedule of courses in the basic sciences, math and English. Also planned are a multi-disciplinary research project and careers seminars, before participants move on to the Pre-medical Program. Taken together, these will equip the students for what lies ahead.

"In all our science courses, we try to teach them how to develop critical thinking and a better way of solving problems, as well as understanding the English of science and math," said director of the program and lecturer in physics, Dr. Imad Makki.

"This way, they learn the relevant vocabulary and language, and they learn to understand the material and to apply it."

As they progressed through the orientation activities, the group began to find their feet. Sara Al Suwaidi noted the class fitted in comfortably: "We don't feel different from the pre-medical students. We feel the same, but a step behind them. We have to reach what they have reached."

Commenting on how proud they were to join WCMC-Q, the students also said they were excited to be part of the Medical College.

"I am very happy because going to medical school was my dream for many years," said Mohamed Al Hajjajji.

Giving an overview of the program during orientation, Dr. Makki and fellow faculty members Dr. Renee Richer (biology), Dr. Sheila Qureshi (chemistry) and Dr. Krystyna Golkowska (English) encouraged the students to be engaged, ask questions and build their confidence.

"We have a great program for you, and we are all really excited about it," Dr. Richer told them. "I think it will be challenging for you, and you'll enjoy it."

The introduction of the Foundation Program follows the successful completion of a pilot project offered from January to May 2007.

*The number increased to 18 as classes were underway, August 26.