WCMC-Q fair points the way to a career in medicine

November, 2014

Middle and high school students flocked to WCMC-Q to take part in Medicine Unlimited, the college’s annual community outreach event.

Students and their families were welcomed to WCMC-Q to tour the college’s world-class facilities, meet with current students, faculty members, researchers, and staff and learn about studying for a career in medicine.

The visiting students also had the chance to visit stalls to view and take part in a series of interactive demonstrations as faculty members used models and simulations to describe key scientific principles and present the anatomical features of structures such as the heart, eyes and skeleton.

The event began at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Student Center, with students and their families transported by shuttle bus to WCMC-Q.

Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dean of WCMC-Q, gave a presentation to explain the college’s unique curriculum and its contribution to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

He said: “It is my great pleasure to see so many of you here today to learn more about the intellectual stimulation a career in medicine can offer to you, and what you can offer to your community by pursuing such a career. In line with Qatar National Vision 2030, we want to help you to unlock your human potential and play a part in developing the knowledge-based society of the future.”

Students who are accepted to WCMC-Q join a six-year cohesive medical education program. The college awards its graduates a U.S.-accredited M.D. degree, and is the only university outside the United States to do so. The college also offers a one-year Foundation Program that equips high school graduates with the knowledge of English, math and the basic sciences they need to tackle the six-year medical program.

So far the college has produced 181 doctors since it began operations in 2002. Previous graduates have gone on to gain places on residency programs at elite institutions such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Cleveland Clinic and Hamad Medical Corporation, among many others.

This year, Sidra Medical Research Center participated for the first time, along with Hamad Medical Corporation and the Qatar Diabetes Association, showcasing their programs and simulations to prospective students and parents.

Dr. Rachid Bendriss, Assistant Dean for Student Recruitment, Outreach and Foundation Programs, said: “The middle and high school students have really impressed us with their enthusiasm and their interest in medicine and the program that we offer here.

“Watching the young people of Qatar eagerly participate in the Medicine Unlimited event and getting inspired to pursue their dreams of becoming the nation’s future healthcare contributors is really heartwarming. It is evident today, as we host such activities, that these students understand the value of our education and are set to achieve their dreams if they work hard and dedicate themselves to their studies. Meeting our current students, seeing the facilities that we have here and interacting with our faculty is an excellent way to show these young people that if they aspire to become doctors, there is a clear path that they can follow to make that happen.”

The event attracted hundreds of visitors and concluded with an interactive quiz activity that contributed to a successful community outreach event.