DOHA: More than 400 students, including over 50 Qataris, have registered their interest to enrol in Qatar’s first public medical school which opens at Qatar University (QU) this year.
The College of Medicine has conducted an online campaign, seeking to admit up to 50 students in the first year.
Priority will be given to Qataris and outstanding international students, especially long-term residents and students born in Qatar, added officials.
Admissions begin on February 22 and continue until July 9.
QU welcomed 179 students interested in joining the college. The event drew over 250 participants and was an opportunity for them and their parents to meet the Dean, Dr Egon Toft, faculty and staff to learn more about the college, its programmes and curriculum and express their expectations and concerns.
The students also met four doctors from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Sidra and Primary Health Care Corporation who shared experiences and highlighted reasons for choosing medicine as a career.
The Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, gave the students an insight into the world of medicine and its contribution to a healthy society and national development.
The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Ghada Al Kuwari, explained admission criteria and student life and addressed questions on admission and transfers.
Pointing to the college’s slogan ‘National Focus, International Standards’, Dr Toft said, “We are national because our priorities are based on the needs of the local society; but we are also international because we are committed to international quality standards in everything we do from curriculum design to teaching and research methods.” He said while the English medium of instruction will give students access to latest advances in the medical field, the focus on Arabic communication will enhance their ability to communicate effectively with patients.
He said the curriculum will be based on international best practice and national traditions and culture will be embraced within the teaching and learning environment.
He said students will receive an education designed to empower them with knowledge and skills specific for Qatar’s needs.
“The future of healthcare in Qatar needs highly-qualified doctors that are locally-trained and locally-based. We hope you are up for this mission, we know we are!”
Dr Al Khal said: “I am confident that the college will play a significant role in helping Qatar meet its need for highly-knowledgeable, compassionate and competent doctors to support the health of the community.
“It’s collaboration with HMC will be a key factor in supporting its mission. Students will spend significant time learning clinical medicine within the hospital system.” The Peninsula
