Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar made history this year as 42 students — the largest group in the program's 14-year history — graduated on May 6 and received their Cornell University medical degrees.
Student speaker Dr. Ahmen Mohsen addressed the students in the graduating class, who will go on to their respective residencies in hospitals in the United States and Qatar, or take up research positions."Class of 2015, as you look forward to the next chapter in your lives, remember this unprecedented generosity of Qatar Foundation in giving you the opportunity to become world-class physicians," said Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCMC-Q. The Qatar Foundation, a non-profit that Cornell partnered with in 2001 to establish WCMC-Q, fully funds the medical school. "And consider how you can similarly enrich the lives of others, both locally and globally."
"I'd like to thank all of our educators, including our premedical and medical professors, our clinical faculty at Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medical and Research Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital," Dr. Mosehn said. "We have realized that the skills you have taught us have granted us the opportunity to serve society, provide for our families, and help steer the world into a more positive direction. Thank you for this gift, which we will cherish and promise to hold dear."
The students, their friends and family, and faculty were also joined by the Minister for Health, His Excellency Abdulla bin Khalid Al Qahtani, who spoke to them about their plans for the future, and Dr. Laurie H. Glimcher, the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College in New York.
A group of graduating students from Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar have a discussion with the Minister of Health, His Excellency Abdulla bin Khalid Al Qahtani.
"Whether you end up working at the bedside or pursuing research, working in pediatrics or geriatrics, the patient should always be the focus of your efforts — and the force propelling you forward on your path of discovery," Dr. Glimcher said.
At his last WCMC-Q commencement as president of Cornell University, Dr. David Skorton addressed the audience in a recorded video message and spoke of Cornell's pride in 2015's graduating class.
"During my nine years as president of Cornell University, one of my great joys has been to see the growth and flowering of this program and the young people of extraordinary talent and commitment who become our graduates," he said. "I congratulate all of you on your achievements and wish you great success as you move to the next stage of your medical careers."