WCMC-Q Students Show Their Artistic Sides


April 2010
Painting by WCMC-Q Student

There’s more to being a doctor than knowing math, science and how to diagnose illness, according to a group of WCMC-Q students. Their poetry, sketches and paintings fill the first-ever creative publication put out by the college.

The book, entitled “Between Seminar Rooms,” was recently launched at a ceremony where the students read excerpts and provided autographs to attendants.

“Being a physician isn’t just about knowing disease or the cause of cancer, etc. It’s about connecting with a patient and dealing with them on an emotional level,” said Salman Al Jerdi, president of WCMC-Q’s student organization, the Medical Student Executive Council-Qatar. “From a medical perspective, this publication and this event is very, very relevant.”

Autumn Watts, English lecturer, described how the idea for the book came to be—it all started when she attended her first Coffee House talent night, an Education City-wide event hosted by WCMC-Q.

 

Sketch By Student

“I saw performers, actors, multi-talented, multi-tasking students that night,” she said. “And Cornell University has a long tradition of student-authored journals, which contributes to a colorful atmosphere that everyone benefits from.”

During the book launch, student contributors—from the foundation, pre-medical and medical classes—were given three minutes each to take the podium and read their written work or explain the inspiration behind paintings and sketches. Poetry spanned the range—from love poems to eerie explorations of death to playful prose about an inspiring professor.

Additionally, oil paintings and graphite sketches emerged on the lecture hall’s projection screen as their artists explained the inspiration, experience, feelings and thoughts behind the works.

“I’m very proud of the passion and creativity of our students that this journal reflects,” Watts said. “And I’m thrilled it came together so well, thanks to our student editors and the support of our sponsors and all the others who shared advice and encouragement.”

Report By: Emily Alp