The hard work and success of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar’s (WCMC-Q) Class of 2012 was celebrated as the college’s latest graduates received their degrees.

The 32 graduating students – WCMC-Q’s largest ever graduating class - crossed the stage in front of proud family, friends and faculty members to receive their US medical degrees at a ceremony held at Qatar National Convention Center.

Dr Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCMC-Q, paid tribute to their dedication and spoke of the role they can play in the future.

“Convocation is a day of immense joy and pride for all the faculty and staff at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar. Nothing gives us greater pleasure than witnessing our talented students fulfill their dream of being called ‘Doctor’ for the first time,” he said.
“The Class of 2012 have a passion for learning, a spirit of inquiry and a dedication to the improvement of human lives. Such wonderful attributes have brought these young physicians the rewards that we all enjoy celebrating with them today.

“As our graduates join the international medical community, we are confident that their future contributions to medicine and science will further enhance Qatar’s growing global reputation as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment,” he said. 

The convocation ceremony took place in front of several VIPs, including Saad Bin Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud, Minister of Education and Higher Education; Dr Fathy Saoud, president of Qatar Foundation (QF); Faisal Al Suwaidi, president of research and development at QF; Dr David Skorton, president of Cornell University; Dr Laurie Glimcher, the dean of Weill Cornell Medical College in New York; Dr Antonio Gotto, former dean of Weill Cornell Medical College in New York; and Dr Abdul Latif Al Khal, director of medical education at Hamad Medical Corporation.

Dr Skorton said: “The accomplishments of the graduates and the bright futures that await them affirm once again the vision and wisdom of His Highness the Amir, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and the Qatar Foundation in seeing education as a pathway to creating a knowledge-based society and a better future for all.

“We are proud of the graduates and grateful for the confidence that has been placed in us and our partners in Education City.”

Dr Glimcher added: “With the awarding of medical degrees to the members of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar’s Class of 2012, we celebrate the achievements of these talented graduates and a decade of contribution by the college to the advancement of medical practice in the Middle East.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners in Qatar.”
This year’s class of 32 graduates means WCMC-Q has now created 112 new doctors since it was inaugurated at QF in 2002. Of this year’s graduates, seven are women and 25 are men. – TradeArabia News Service