The hard work and success of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar's Class of 2012 was celebrated as the Medical College's latest graduates earned the right to call themselves doctors for the first time.
The 32 graduating students — the Medical College in Qatar's largest ever graduating class — crossed the stage May 6 in front of family, friends and faculty members to receive their Cornell University medical degrees at a ceremony held at Qatar National Convention Center.
Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of the Medical College in Qatar, paid tribute to the students' dedication and spoke of the role they can play in the future.
"Convocation is a day of immense joy and pride for all the faculty and staff at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar," he said. "Nothing gives us greater pleasure than witnessing our talented students fulfill their dream of being called 'doctor' for the first time."
"The class of 2012 has a passion for learning, a spirit of inquiry and a dedication to the improvement of human lives," he added. "Such wonderful attributes have brought these young physicians the rewards that we all enjoy celebrating with them today. As our graduates join the international medical community, we are confident that their future contributions to medicine and science will further enhance Qatar's growing global reputation as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment."
Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, a location of Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, was established in 2001 through a partnership between Cornell University and the Qatar Foundation. Students studying at the Medical College in Qatar earn medical degrees from Cornell University after successful completion of a two-year premedical program followed by a four-year medical program.
The seven women and 25 men who comprise the class of 2012 marked the culmination of their medical education in front of several Qatari officials and Medical College leaders, including His Excellency Saad Bin Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud, minister of education and higher education in Qatar; Dr. Fathy Saoud, president of Qatar Foundation; Faisal Al Suwaidi, president of research and development at the Foundation; Dr. David J. Skorton, president of Cornell University; Dr. Laurie H. Glimcher, the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College; Dr. Antonio Gotto, dean emeritus of and co-chairman of the board of overseers for the Medical College; and Dr. Abdul Latif Al Khal, director of medical education at Hamad Medical Corporation.
"The accomplishments of the graduates and the bright futures that await them affirm once again the vision and wisdom of His Highness the Amir, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and the Qatar Foundation in seeing education as a pathway to creating a knowledge-based society and a better future for all," Dr. Skorton said. "We are proud of the graduates and grateful for the confidence that has been placed in us and our partners in Education City."
With Sunday's graduation, the Medical College in Qatar reached a milestone of educating 112 new doctors since the institution's inauguration in 2002.
"With the awarding of medical degrees to the members of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar's Class of 2012, we celebrate the achievements of these talented graduates and a decade of contribution by the college to the advancement of medical practice in the Middle East," Dr. Glimcher said. "We look forward to continuing to work with our partners in Qatar."