WCM-Q celebrates largest graduating class in its history

Doha, Qatar: Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) has celebrated its largest ever graduating class, which also includes a record 22 Qatari nationals. 

The elite medical college awarded US-accredited Cornell University medical degrees to 52 new doctors at its annual commencement ceremony, which was attended by local dignitaries, members of the faculty, and the friends and family of the graduating students. 

Dignitaries in attendance at the Graduation Ceremony of the WCM-Q Class of 2026. 

The WCM-Q Class of 2026 comprises 30 women and 22 men from 15 countries, bringing the total number of doctors educated at WCM-Q since its inaugural graduation ceremony in 2008 to 693. The nationalities represented in the Class of 2026 are Qatar, the US, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Canada, Egypt, India, Iraq, Jordan, the Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Sudan, and Sweden. The class valedictorian for the WCM-Q Class of 2026 is Dr. Lina Ahmed.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the graduating students, Dr. Javaid I. Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, said: “Class of 2026, you deserve great credit for the quiet dignity with which you have completed your studies, enduring two unprecedented periods of crisis, firstly during the pandemic, and more recently through the turmoil that afflicted our region. Your perseverance and resilience, the way you have supported one another, and your laser focus on learning the art and science of medicine have been truly impressive. I have no doubt that you will make remarkable physicians and researchers.” 

Dr. Abdulla Al-Ansari, Associate Professor at WCM-Q, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Surgical Services and Medical Advisor for the Managing Director at HMC, places the academic hood upon his son, Dr. Ahmad Abdulla Al-Ansari, at the Graduation Ceremony of the WCM-Q Class of 2026. 

In attendance to witness the special occasion were H.E. Sheikh Bandar Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Governor of Qatar Central Bank; H.E. Mansour bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health; H.E. Dr. Hanan Al-Kuwari, Advisor to Prime Minister for Public Health Affairs; H.E. Sh. Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani; H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Bin Saleh Al Naimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; Sh. Mohamed Bin Faisal Bin Qasem Al Thani; Mr. Yousif Al-Naama, CEO of Qatar Foundation; and Dr. Hilal A. Lashuel, Research, Development & Innovation Advisor to the Chairperson & Executive Director of RDI.

Dr. Robert A. Harrington, Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine, gave the farewell address for the graduation of the WCM-Q Class of 2026

Dr. Sheikh’s speech also gave thanks to Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, and Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, vice chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, along with the leadership of Qatar, acknowledging the vital guidance and support they continue to provide to enable WCM-Q to produce highly accomplished doctors capable of giving world-class patient care.

The keynote speech was given by WCM-Q alumna Dr. Muneera Ali AlMuhannadi of the Class of 2009, now a senior consultant in family medicine at the Primary Health Care Corporation. She said: “As you step out of these doors and into your residencies, you will no longer just be students; you will be leaders, advocates, and healers. Approach every patient with humility and respect. Be lifelong learners, for medicine is a journey of continuous learning. And most importantly, support one another. The colleagues sitting beside you today will be your greatest allies in the years to come.”

Group photo: H.E. Mansour bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health and Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dean of WCM-Q, with the new doctors of the WCM-Q Class of 2026.

Dr. Thurayya Arayssi, vice dean for academic and curricular affairs at WCM-Q, said: “We feel the greatest happiness in seeing our Class of 2026 reach this tremendously important milestone in their careers. The adaptability they have shown in such disruptive circumstances demonstrates not only their firm commitment to medicine, but also the mental agility required to thrive in an era of rapid technological innovation. We look forwards to seeing them accomplish great things in their careers.” 

The graduates were presented with their diplomas by Dr. Moune Jabre, assistant dean for academic affairs. 

Cornell University president Michael I. Kotlikoff said: “Although we are spread across continents, we are one Cornell community—in Ithaca, in New York City, in Doha, and everywhere Cornellians work, study, and advance our mission. Our thoughts have been with all of our Cornellians, wherever they may be, affected by the conflict of these past months. On behalf of our entire community, I am delighted to congratulate the Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar Class of 2026 on their tremendous achievements, and wish them all the best as they carry the Cornell ethos forward through their lives and careers.” 

Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, warmly congratulated the WCM-Q Class of 2026 

This year, Dr. Amine Rakab, assistant dean for clinical learning, was macebearer, and Dr. James Roach, associate dean for pre-medical education, was university marshal. The graduate Arabic address was given by Dr. AlDana Al-Khalaf, and the graduate English address by Dr. Kareem Aly. Their fellow graduate Dr. Abdelrahman Mahmoud Abdalla gave the Qur’an recitation.

Also in attendance at the prestigious ceremony were Rama Chakaki, President of QSTP; H.E. Mr. Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General at HMC; Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine; Dr. Francisco Marmolejo, President of Higher Education at QF; Mr. Ali Ahmed R. A. Al-Kuwari, President and CEO of Qatar Satellite Company "Es'Hailsat";  Sheikh Salman bin Hassan Al-Thani, CFO at QF; Dr. Emmanouil Dermitzakis, President of  QPHI; Dr. Ahmed Elmagarmid, Executive Director of QCRI and Deputy Chairman of Qatar Innovation and Scientific Research Foundation; H.E. Abdulali Hussain; and H.E. Muhammad Aamer, Ambassador of Pakistan.   

Dr. Thurayya Arayssi, Vice Dean for Academic and Curricular Affairs, addresses the new graduates.

Giving the ceremony’s farewell address, Dr. Robert A. Harrington, the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine and Provost for Medical Affairs of Cornell University, said: “Members of the Class of 2026, your fortitude in the face of recent challenges is admired by the entire Cornell community. To have triumphed over these circumstances and completed your studies speaks to your commitment and resolve; both are essential traits for those who answer the call to serve the health and wellness of others. We wish you the greatest of success in your future endeavors.” 

The new doctors of the Class of 2026 will shortly begin the next stage of their careers when they take up residency positions at elite-level healthcare institutions in Qatar and the United States, including Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Case Western/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, among many others.