Foundation students celebrate end of year

Foundation Program faculty and students celebrate the end of the
year with Dean Alonso (center front), Senior Associate Dean
Hammoud (left), and Director of the Program Dr. Imad Makki (right).

At the end of a highly successful - and densely packed - year of study and self-discovery at WCMC-Q, the 18-member Foundation Class got together May 1 for a special celebration.

They had much to celebrate. As Dean of the Medical College, Dr. Daniel R. Alonso, recalled his encounters with the class and noted their significant contribution to the WCMC-Q community, he told them: "You have left a tremendous, positive impression on us all."

Joining the foundation students - 16 women and two men - were family members, faculty and staff. They heard tributes from Senior Associate Dean for Education, Dr. Maya Hammoud, and from lecturer in physics and Director of the Foundation Program, Dr. Imad Makki.

Commending the students for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm, Dr. Makki said:  “We underline our commitment to this program, to your education and to providing you with the opportunities to succeed.”

He also thanked the families for their support during the year. In an interview afterwards, he explained: "Support at home, parents who understand and appreciate what the students are going through: this is critical."

Predominantly Qatari, the class followed an intensive program of studies in the basic sciences, math and English, with additional workshops to perfect their study and test-taking skills.

Alaa Hassan receiving her certificate of completion from Dean Alonso.

Among the majority who had already been admitted to the Pre-medical Program, Ahmed Al Saei commented: "We worked very hard - harder than I expected before I joined - and we improved in many areas in the sciences, English and math. I'm very happy to complete the Foundation Program - I am sure this will help me to excel in the Pre-medical and Medical Programs."

Also celebrating was Amna Al Khuzaei. "The best part is that we are prepared," she said. "At this point, we know all the pre-med faculty, so we know the people who'll teach us. We have the essential information"

A further strength of the program was the opportunity to learn about the reality of the medical profession, through career seminars by WCMC-Q medical faculty members and visits to Hamad General Hospital.

"This gives us a picture of ourselves in the future. Even though we have a long path (ahead), it's helpful to see," Al Khuzaei said.

Dr. Hammoud said the hospital visits were an important part of the program. "It's inspiring for them, because this is why they are here - to go to medical school. And it starts introducing them to being a doctor, to the humanistic aspects of the profession."

Once certificates of completion were awarded to the students, they neatly turned the tables and presented their own certificates of thanks to the faculty: Drs. Marina Dodigovic, Krystyna Golkowska, Sheila Qureshi and Renee Richer; the Director, Dr. Makki; and Dean Alonso and Senior Associate Dean Hammoud.

After the ceremony came the humor, especially in the form of a video review of the year by Sharifa Al Mannai and Moza Al Sulaiti, which brought to life the many different activities and interests of the class. "Education is adventurous and creative, exciting and never-ending!" said Al Saei, summing up for them all.

Report by Sylvia M. Ismail