As the Class of 2024 of Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar (WCM-Q) graduates, many of them recollected their journey that groomed them to be fine young medical doctors.

Dr Hussam Kawas, who passed out with academic distinction and excellence in professionalism in the clinical curriculum noted that the campus life at WCM-Q was vibrant, dynamic and culturally diverse.

“WCM-Q has provided me with unparalleled opportunities for hands-on learning, mentorship from esteemed faculty, and exposure to cutting-edge research, all of which have been instrumental in shaping my academic and career trajectory,” he said. Dr Kawas plans to pursue cardiology specialisation, and work in Qatar after completing the training to give back to the community.

For Dr Abdulla Mohamed al-Suwaidi, the most significant milestone was the project he had worked on for incorporating a new method of teaching medical students how to examine patients. He plans to finish his internal medicine training at Hamad Medical Corporation and is considering a career in medical education.

“I have seen the gaps in medical education, and WCM-Q gave me all the resources to fill them. I am grateful for all the support I have received from the WCM-Q faculty,” he said.

Dr Ibrahim Khalid Saeed Laswi who graduated with academic distinction and honours in research feels that his campus life was very vibrant and supportive.

“I am heading to Yale University to start my training in adult neurology. Following that, I plan on sub-specialising in vascular neurology. I hope to return to Qatar to utilise all my knowledge and skills to serve the community and improve healthcare in the region,”

Dr Turki Almutairi who graduated with academic distinction and a number of other honours said that the most significant milestone during his time at WCM-Q was the matching into his residency programme of choice in his dream specialty of anaesthesiology.

Dr Almutairi - the valedictorian at the convocation - hopes to become a board-certified anaesthesiologist and contribute to patient safety and quality care in the field. He said: “The rigorous curriculum, mentorship and support from WCM-Q was invaluable in helping me accomplish my goals. I aspire to provide the best possible care for my patients and remain humble in my pursuit of knowledge.”

Dr Areej Nauman who graduated with academic distinction and several other honours said medicine is a challenging but rewarding profession which classically requires a lot of dedication and sacrifice.

Dr Nauman plans to pursue neurology residency training at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. “One of the most valuable aspects of medical school at WCM-Q has been the privilege of gaining a diverse set of experiences both in Qatar as well as at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. It is this unique medical training which has made me strive to become a well-rounded physician who is confident and comfortable in my approach to patient care for people from all walks of life,” she added.