47 Students Complete Pre-Medical Program

"I am proud to be part of this amazing class, which put their individual
differences aside and came together as a class united,“ said class
speaker Emad Mansoor Alam.

Pride and satisfaction, along with a tiny sense of relief, was in the air Sunday as 47 students from 15 countries celebrated completion of WCMC-Q’s rigorous two-year pre-medical program.

“You have completed the basic pre-medical curriculum in two years, just half the time it takes in the United States. You have taken the standardized medical college admission test after just one year, not three, as they do in the US. And you did it in English which for most of you is not your native tongue,” said Michael Johnson, PhD, associate dean for premedical education. “It is a remarkable achievement,” he added.

Many of the students will go on to WCMC-Q’s four-year medical program to earn the Cornell University medical degree. Those who don’t, for whatever reason, can transfer to Cornell for a bachelor’s of science degree, if they meet the requirements, or consider other programs in Qatar. Students in the pre-medical program receive Cornell University credits for the courses they complete successfully. “This is good news for those of you who want to look at other vistas,” said Dr. Sheikh.

“We are developing a first rate biomedical research program, which will include, among other things an international center focusing on diabetes. Second, we will be working closely with the Supreme Council of Health to come up with public health programs that will benefit the Qatari population. The two initiatives will meet, Insha-Allah, in 10 to 15 years to make a dramatic different in the health of the people of Qatar and the Gulf Region,” Dr. Sheikh told the students.

“Two years ago, we all came here with our own bags of fears and insecurities,” class speaker Emad Mansoor Alam, said in his address. “We were strangers, coming from a multitude of social, cultural and academic backgrounds. I am proud to be part of this amazing class, which put their individual differences aside and came together as a class united, “ he said. “We have grown as individuals; we are ready to welcome challenges and boldly face them.”

After receiving certificates acknowledging completion of the program, the students awarded certificates of appreciation to the faculty members in the pre-medical program.

Above left: Dean Sheikh joins faculty, students and their families to celebrate the occasion. Center: Michael Johnson, PhD, associate dean for premedical education, addresses the students. Right: Students listen as Emad Mansoor Alam delivers his address.

Report by Kristina Goodnough