Dr Javaid Sheikh, Dean of WCMC-Q, with students.
DOHA: Thirty-five new graduates of the Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar’s (WCMC-Q) were presented their MD degrees in a ceremony held at the Qatar National Convention Centre.
The students of the Class of 2013 took to the stage to receive their US accredited medical degrees in front of an audience of proud family members, friends and WCMC-Q faculty who had come to cheer them on.
Dr Javaid Sheikh, Dean of WCMC-Q read the Hippocratic Oath and paid tributes to the achievements of the university’s largest ever graduating class.
“These talented young physicians will now go on to take their places in the international medical community, contributing the skills and knowledge they have learned here in Qatar to the goal of improving human lives in this region and across the globe.
“We have no doubt that they will be wonderful ambassadors for Qatar and for WCMC-Q, contributing to the growing international reputation that both have for pursuing excellence in higher education,” said Sheikh.
Dr Zaid Tafesh a graduate of Class of 2013 delivered a speech.
“A physician is someone who strives to master the art of medicine, and thus a physician must be someone that values a human life on all levels. So to my classmates and dear friends, always maintain your dedication, reliability and companionship that define you so well,” he said.
Including the 35 new graduates, WCMC-Q has now produced a total of 147 doctors since the university was inaugurated in 2002. This year’s graduating class comprises 15 men and 20 women, representing 19 different countries.
Graduates of WCMC-Q receive their qualification from Cornell University, the first and only U.S. institution to offer its M.D. degree overseas.
Dr David Skorton, President of Cornell University, addressed the audience via a recorded video message.
He said: “It is my great pleasure to celebrate the commencement of the Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar Class of 2013. Members of this graduating class have worked with great commitment toward their medical degrees, and along with successful completion they have earned our warm congratulations and good wishes.”
Dr Laurie Glimcher, Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, was also present at the ceremony.
“The success of the Class of 2013 is testament not only to their own hard work and dedication, but also to the ongoing progress of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar and its goal of advancing excellence in medical practice throughout the Middle East,” said Dr Glimcher.
The Peninsula
