The goal of becoming a qualified physician moved a little closer for 16 students at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar Monday as they celebrated completing the university's Foundation Program.
The students were presented with certificates of completion in front of an audience of their parents and faculty members, including Dean Dr. Javaid I. Sheikh, during a ceremony at WCMC-Q.
The Foundation Program helps students improve their English and provides a solid grounding in the basic sciences, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully undertake the university's Premedical Program.
"You all worked very hard while we put a lot of demands on you, so you really deserve to celebrate today," said Dr. Marco Ameduri, associate dean for pre-medical education, as he congratulated the students. "I want to thank you for your commitment, your families for supporting you and our wonderful faculty and teaching assistants for their hard work. We are honored and proud to acknowledge the support of Qatar Foundation under the visionary leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser."
"In this course we have been dealing with the very fundamental and basic facts of nature," he added, "but these concepts are not easy to understand or to grasp. You have done a wonderful job."
Dr. Ameduri and Dr. Kevin Smith, assistant dean for pre-medical education, then presented the completion certificates to the students.
"It's a relief to have completed the program, which has been really inspiring for me," said student Aldana Shahbik. "We went through a lot to get here, but it has been worth it because I now feel much more confident about taking on the premedical program."