Medicine Unlimited Brings Science to High School Students
March, 2011
Phyllis Griffard, Ph.D., senior biology lecturer, discusses basics of
genetic engineering with high school students.
The interactive event introduced more than 320 students to WCMC-Q faculty, who shared simulations and demonstrations that reviewed the workings of genes, molecules and the human body. Staff members from the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs were also available to discuss the requirements for entrance to and success at WCMC-Q.
Students were welcomed to the event by Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCMC-Q. “We want to give you first-hand information about our pre-medical and medical program at WCMC-Q and let you see for yourselves what the Education City campus and our school offer.” The WCMC-Q six-year program of studies leads to the M.D. degree from Cornell University.
“We want high school students to gain an awareness of the many potential careers the fields of medicine and science can open for them. We also want them to see our facilities, which are truly world class,” said Noha Saleh, director of student recruitment. “Our goal is to highlight the excellent program we offer here in Doha.”
Dr. Mohamud Verjee uses medical mannequins to explain the
workings of human bodies.
At tables lining the academic wing of the WCMC-Q building, faculty members and WCMC-Q students shared a bit of medical science with the high school students.
Phyllis Griffard, Ph.D., senior lecturer in biology, introduced students to genetic engineering by explaining how bacterial plasmid DNA is cut into fragments and separated using gel electrophoresis. Students were able to go into the biology laboratory with senior biology lecturer Christopher Ogden, Ph.D., to see the technique in operation and try their hand at using pipettes to load gels.
Senior chemistry lecturer Sheila Qureshi, Ph.D., and James Roach, Ph.D,. assistant professor of chemistry, used balloons to help students understand the shape of molecules, an important first step in being able to discuss and predict their chemical properties. Balloon models of methane, a gas produced and exported in abundance by Qatar, were distributed.
Using medical models and mannequins, medical students helped explain the functioning of the human body. Faculty physicians discussed their specialties ranging from psychiatry to neurology to pediatrics and geriatrics.
A quiz show allowed students to test their knowledge and win prizes.
“Our goal is to introduce prospective students to WCMC-Q in a fun and relaxed atmosphere,” said Chris Triggle, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology and assistant dean for admissions, who served as master of ceremonies for the event.
