WCM-Q students gain real-world exposure to Qatar’s healthcare system
Doha – March 18, 2025: Seventeen students from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) foundation and pre-medical programs participated in the 2024-2025 Pre-Medical Observership Program. The program provides students with valuable exposure to the healthcare system in Qatar and the daily practices of medical professionals. It allows them to explore the different medical specialties and career options available. The students spent two weeks of their winter break at affiliate hospitals Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Sidra Medicine, where they shadowed physicians during their daily rounds in various clinics, including obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, internal medicine, emergency, and trauma. They also observed doctor-patient interactions and listened to doctors’ discussions of cases, diagnoses, and potential treatment plans. An additional observation opportunity was exclusively offered to foundation students, who spent a week at Sidra Medicine as part of their English language course. The 19 participating students combined classroom knowledge with observations of hands-on clinical experiences. Their observations focused on themes such as professionalism, teamwork, and professional identity, with each hospital visit centered around a specific theme. Commenting on his experience, pre-medical student Abdulaziz Al-Hardan said: “I gained valuable insights into patient care, clinical decision-making, and the realities of working in a fast-paced medical environment. Witnessing a variety of intricate medical situations helped me appreciate the value of teamwork, empathy, and communication in the medical field.” This passion for medicine was echoed by fellow students Noof Al-Malik and Jassim Al-Hail from the foundation program. Al-Malik said: “As a foundation student, it’s easy to lose sight of the end goal while being preoccupied with studying. This program reminded me of my love for the profession and reignited my determination to work hard to achieve my goals.” Al-Hail added: “The days that had the most significant impact on me were spent in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit (TICU). We not only observed the meticulous work of the doctors and their team of residents while treating patients suffering from brain trauma, but we also learned invaluable lessons about life, religion, and the art of medicine.” Upon completing the observership, the students submitted reflective essays and received certificates of participation. Dr. Rachid Bendriss, associate dean for foundation, student outreach and educational development programs, said: “We are committed to providing our foundation and pre-medical students with the opportunity to gain firsthand experience of what practicing physicians face during their daily rotations. We are extremely grateful to our affiliates for hosting these enriching experiences. Offering such opportunities early in a student’s academic journey helps set realistic expectations about the challenges and rewards of a medical career.”
High school students glimpse potential of a career in medicine at WCM-Q
Doha – March 16, 2025: Thirty-three high school students spent a week at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) discovering careers in medicine during the winter session of the Qatar Medical Explorer Program (QMEP). QMEP, an immersive enrichment program offered by WCM-Q’s Office of Student Outreach & Educational Development, provides a snapshot of life as a student at WCM-Q and detailed information about careers in medicine. The program is open to grade 10 and 11 students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a particular aptitude for the sciences and mathematics. During the weeklong program, the high school students took part in a carefully designed series of sessions designed to accurately reproduce the experiences of current WCM-Q students, with classes in biology, chemistry, anatomy, surgery, and research. There was also a presentation on the life of a practicing physician by a member of the WCM-Q faculty, plus opportunities to meet admissions officers, icebreaker sessions, and a mock admissions interview to help the students prepare for applying to college. The students also experienced practical classes in WCM-Q’s state-of-the-art Clinical Skills and Simulation Lab, before giving an oral presentation of a research project to their peers and WCM-Q faculty on the penultimate day of the program. On the evening of final day, the high school students were invited to join current WCM-Q students, faculty and staff for International Night, which celebrates the cultural diversity of the college community. Noha Saleh, director of premedical administration, student outreach and educational development, said: “QMEP is designed to give a very accurate impression to high school students of what life as a WCM-Q student is like and a clear understanding of what a career in science will entail. We are very happy to provide this chance for students to explore WCM-Q and we are certain that a great many of this year’s cohort left feeling very inspired about pursuing a career in medicine.” WCM-Q also runs QMEP sessions in the summer to provide more opportunities for students to explore careers in medicine. Entry to the program is based upon academic performance and nominations from high school counselors and teachers. Dr. Rachid Bendriss, professor of English as a second language, assistant professor of education in medicine, and associate dean for foundation, student outreach and educational development programs, said: “QMEP allows high school students with an interest in the sciences and good academic performance the chance to glimpse all that a career in medicine has to offer, as well as allowing them to explore WCM-Q’s state-of-the-art facilities and world-class levels of teaching. We hope that many of the inquisitive, intelligent and hardworking students who visited us during this session of QMEP will choose to join WCM-Q and go on to serve their communities as physicians, researchers, and educators.”
Minister of Public Health Launches “Sehatuha” Campaign Led by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar
Doha – February 26, 2025: His Excellency Mr Mansoor Bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health, inaugurated today the “Sehatuha” campaign, launched by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). This initiative marks a significant milestone in efforts to enhance women’s health, emphasizing the crucial role women play in society and the urgent need to prioritize their well-being. Dr Javaid Sheikh, Dean of WCM-Q, attended the launch ceremony alongside over 70 of the college’s alumni. The event featured the unveiling of the campaign’s visual identity, a film narrating the initiative’s journey and intended impact, as well as excerpts from web and podcast episodes presented by alumni. Additionally, Dr Bothina Al-Mulla and Dr Sulaiman Alshakhs, both graduates of WCM-Q and currently Practicing at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), shared their involvement in the campaign and underscored the importance of such initiatives. The Sehatuha campaign represents a dedicated effort to drive tangible change in line with WCM-Q’s mission to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions and foster community well-being. Inspired by the principle that “prevention is better than cure,” the campaign aims to raise awareness about health issues and preventive measures. Commenting on the initiative, His Excellency Mr Mansoor Bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud highlighted the importance of Sehatuha in promoting women’s well-being. He stated, “This campaign supports our collective efforts under the National Health Strategy 2024-2030 to improve the health and well-being of the population, encouraging behavioral shifts towards greater health awareness and empowering individuals to take a proactive role in managing their health.” His Excellency further explained that women’s health had been a priority within the Second National Health Strategy, with intensified efforts to empower women and provide them with the necessary knowledge to lead healthier lives. His Excellency added, “Building on the significant achievements made, our new strategy continues to focus on improving health outcomes, with reproductive health as one of its key initiatives.” The Minister of Public Health also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting innovative health initiatives aimed at enhancing public health, commending the vital role played by WCM-Q in this domain. Additionally, His Excellency praised the support of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), for the healthcare sector, as well as QF’s remarkable contributions to the advancement of Qatar’s healthcare system and the creation of a healthier society. In his welcome speech, Dr Javaid Sheikh praised Qatar’s visionary leadership and the inspiring contributions of female role models. He said, “Inspired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Sehatuha is more than just a health campaign—it’s a transformative movement that redefines healthcare and paves the way for a healthier, more empowered future for women. Through Sehatuha, we are creating a lifelong platform for women to learn, connect, and grow in their health journey, fostering a culture of self-care, community engagement, and a legacy that will positively impact future generations.” Dr Sheikh concluded by expressing his gratitude to Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF), for her continued support of WCM-Q alumni and for empowering future generations of healthcare leaders. Sehatuha draws strength from its profound connection to the community, bridging gaps through WCM-Q’s alumni network. These healthcare leaders, who are rooted in the community and equipped with firsthand knowledge of its challenges, serve as key catalysts for change. The initiative was developed to support and raise awareness of women’s health issues, drawing on the experiences of alumni working across diverse specialties and healthcare institutions. Many WCM-Q alumni, with their deep roots in Qatar, either as nationals or long-term residents, are exceptionally positioned to champion and advance women’s healthcare education. Sehatuha addresses a woman’s entire lifecycle, from childhood and adolescence to motherhood and her golden years, highlighting health concerns specific to each stage. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and digital platforms, it promotes physical health, mental and emotional well-being, healthy lifestyle habits, and self-care. Additionally, community engagement activities will be centered on these key themes. Beyond web and podcast episodes featuring WCM-Q alumni and experts, the Sehatuha campaign will host a series of workshops and lectures throughout the year. This dedicated approach provides practical knowledge and shared experiences to inspire and empower women in making informed choices about their health and well-being. By fostering a holistic and integrated health culture, Sehatuha aims to enhance women’s well-being, support a healthier society, and promote both physical and emotional health in Qatar and beyond.
WCM-Q conference discusses impact of new technologies on medical education
Doha – November 13, 2024: A conference hosted by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) convened experts in medical education from across the globe to examine the potential for new technologies to enhance the way medicine is taught. The two-day Medical Education Technology Conference (METC) presented thought leaders in medical education from institutions in Qatar, Switzerland, the US and the UK to explore the potential for technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) to provide personalized learning and immersive training tools for healthcare practitioners. The conference also examined the intersection between technology and humanistic science, and explored ways to ensure that medical education programs cultivate empathy, compassion and creativity in future physicians in the era of AI and rapid technological change. The conference further discussed the impact of emerging technologies on medical ethics and the challenges of ensuring patient privacy, informed consent, and inclusivity in the metaverse. Other features of the conference were two panel discussions, a poster presentation of research projects, Q&A sessions, a series of expert-led presentations, and opportunities for attendees to gain hands-on interactive experiences with technologies such as immersive content creation and VR simulations. Subjects covered by speakers on the first day of the event included precision education and lifelong learning in medicine, AI and medical ethics in education, designing the next generation of learning delivery systems, medical ethics in the metaverse, and the integration of AI into medical education programs to optimize learning outcomes and clinical training. The second day featured presentations on diversity and inclusion in the metaverse, the intersection between art and medicine, and the role of social determinants of health in the age of AI. The second day also offered five workshops, which covered strategies for designing inclusive and accessible virtual environments for patients and healthcare professionals, telling stories in 3D virtual environments using cutting-edge digital tools, utilizing technology to enhance empathy among caregivers, how to create immersive 360-degree videos, and developments in AI-based simulation technologies. One of the many highlights of the event was an artistic performance given by renowned artist and director Abdulaziz Yousef which blended art, AI and virtual reality technology. The event drew participants from all over the world, with healthcare professionals, educators and students in attendance from Qatar, the wider MENA region, the US, Europe, India and elsewhere. Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Dr. Thurayya Arayssi, vice dean for academic and curricular affairs said: “This is a truly exciting time in medicine and medical education as cutting-edge technologies like AI, VR and AR are already revolutionizing the way medicine is practiced, taught and experienced. This conference was a fantastic way to explore how these new technologies can best be implemented to enhance medical education and patient care while simultaneously protecting the rights and safety of patients.” Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, said: “This conference has done a marvelous job of placing new technologies within the context of the humanistic art and science of medicine. Our guiding principle at WCM-Q is to promote the use of emergent technologies to advance world-class healthcare, while also ensuring that the foundational caregiving attributes of compassion, empathy, humility and responsibility to one’s patients are preserved and enhanced by these new developments.” The conference was accredited locally by the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Healthcare Professions – Accreditation Section and internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
