As many as 19 high school students from 15 schools successfully completed the Physics for Future Doctors Summer Programme—an initiative by Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq)in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar ( WCM-Q).
The Physics for Future Doctors Summer Programme is a one-week on-campus programme offered by WCM-Q’s Office of Student Outreach & Educational Development in the Pre-medical Division. The programme was co-created by Tamuq professor Dr Sami El Borgi and WCM-Q professor of physics Dr Mohammad Yousef, and is designed to provide motivated high school students with an opportunity to hone their physics problem-solving skills, emphasising medically relevant examples.
To take part in the programme, students must possess a good foundation in the physical sciences, demonstrated by a higher-level physics course in their high school as well as adequate English language proficiency. Additionally, students must be interested in pursuing a career in a STEMM-relevant field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine).
Students had the opportunity to explore and use an application recently developed by Tamuq in collaboration with WCM-Q and engage in hands-on sessions offered jointly by highly trained WCM-Q students and Tamuq teaching staff at WCM-Q facilities.
The programme was organised and run by WCM-Q students Aisha Kafoud, Harsh Gohil, Anns Mahboob, and Raghad Ibrahim, and, from Tamuq, Muhammad Nafees, a PhD student, and Hamad al-Dafaa, a fourth-year student.
Dr Yousef said: “We were delighted to welcome such a talented group of high school students to our one-week programme with Tamuq partners. Under the guidance of passionate graduate and undergraduate students from Tamuq and WCM-Q, the participants engaged in hands-on experiments and thought-provoking discussions. The program aimed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through medically relevant physics exercises and new technology. We encouraged fearless experimentation, free exploration, and collaboration, making learning the ultimate reward. ”
Tamuq team leader, Nafees, said: “ Through expert-led sessions on physics and human anatomy, coupled with engaging Tamuq experiments, students gained valuable insights into biomechanical principles. The integration of Tamuq ’s innovative StaticStudio software enhanced their understanding of statics and free-body diagrams, enabling visualization of physics in the context of the human body. This collaborative workshop exemplified the institutions’ commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering advancements in the dynamic field of biology, engineering, and science.”
Participating high schools included Al Arqam Academy for Girls, Al Wakra Independent School for Girls, DeBakey High School for Health Professionals at Qatar, Doha British School, Edison International Academy, Gems Wellington School, Global Academy International – Al Thumama, Lycee Voltaire, Mesaieed International School, Park House English School, Qatar Academy Al Wakra, Qatar International School, Qatar Science & Technology Secondary School for Boys, The International School of Choueifat-Doha, and West Virginia Academy.