Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) yesterday held a graduation ceremony for its second class of physicians, awarding the Cornell MD degree to 17 students from some ten different countries. Representing Qatar, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia and the US, the group of students which included 13 women and four men with an average age of 24, were told to take on the new chapter in their lives, and “do their best for the benefit of the whole world.” The students will be taking up residencies at a number of medical institutions throughout the US as well as at Hamad Medical Corporation, with two of the students taking a year to pursue research in the fields of dermatology and internal medicine. Interim dean of WCMC-Q Dr Javaid Sheikh said: “As we celebrate the graduation of our second class, we welcome the opportunity to reflect on the growth of these men and women as individuals, as physicians and on the growth of our institution as we implement our triple mission of education, research and patient care. Their progress and ours is testimony to the dedication and hard work of all employees here and our partners.” “We are indebted to the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah and Qatar Foundation for their vision and commitment to our programme which is producing graduates of the highest quality. We also pay tribute to our colleagues in Weill Cornell Medical College in New York and Cornell University for their key roles,” he added. Cornell University President, David Skorton, added: “I am delighted to come to Qatar again to award the Cornell MD degree to members of the second class graduating from WCMC-Q. The educational mission of the college is in full swing and each year we are witnessing new doctors emerging in the country. For the university, this will always be a notable landmark in our annual calendar as it is for the students and their parents. I wish them well on their journey.” WCMC-Q Class of 2009 graduate and student commencement speaker, Imran Farooq, said: “Today is one of the highlights of our lives. This class will be bonded forever by our experiences and the relationships we have forged during our time here. Our appreciation goes to our faculty, our parents and all those staff and partners of WCMC-Q who have made our education possible.” “Congratulations to the class of 2009 – together we have succeeded!” he added. Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College, Antonio Gotto reminded the students of their obligations to their patients and society as a whole, but also noted the importance of a healthy personal and social life, claiming that, “although most things in medicine can change, some fundamental principles remain the same, and the most important things in your life will always be your family, friends, faith and your good name.” The graduating students will also attend the general commencement of Weill Cornell Medical College students at Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 2. http://gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=289190&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

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