Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), Dr. Javaid Sheikh, a partner university of Qatar Foundation, announced that the college will graduate 45 new physicians this year, raising the total number of alumni from 596 to 641. He emphasised that the increasing number of graduates reflects the university's success in supplying the healthcare sector with highly qualified professionals.In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Sheikh explained that WCM-Q began its academic journey in 2002, with the first graduating class of 15 doctors in 2008. Since then, the number has grown steadily, culminating in the Class of 2024 — the largest cohort to date, with 50 graduates from 13 nationalities, including 18 Qataris.He noted that this growth underscores the rising confidence in the college's academic program and its ability to prepare doctors who are both scientifically competent and professionally equipped to meet the healthcare needs of Qatar and the region.WCM-Q graduates, Dr. Sheikh said, form a vital part of the local medical community. He stated that they view their alumni as an extension of the university's mission, highlighting the role of the Alumni Affairs Office, which supports graduates with career guidance, training opportunities, and access to research and teaching roles, while fostering a strong sense of community.The office also facilitated the return of many graduates from US residency programs to Qatar, where they now work at institutions like Hamad Medical Corp, Sidra Medicine, and Aspetar — helping build a sustainable "talent pipeline” for Qatar's healthcare system.Dr. Sheikh praised the strong collaboration with national entities such as the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corp, the Primary Health Care Corp, and private hospitals, which create promising career pathways for WCM-Q graduates and motivate them to grow within Qatar’s healthcare ecosystem.To new graduates, Dr. Sheikh offered encouragement to remain resilient, stay connected with the college and alumni, and make use of the support network available. He advised them to uphold medical ethics, prioritise patient well-being, and care for their own mental and physical health amid the demands of the profession.Regarding in-demand specialties, he noted that while most graduates initially pursue clinical training, many combine it with research, education, or health leadership. Internal medicine, neurology, pediatrics, psychiatry, emergency medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology, and orthopedic surgery have all seen strong interest in recent years.On research, Dr. Sheikh highlighted the importance of WCM-Q's Biomedical Research Program, launched in 2009, which now includes 22 active labs and 135 researchers. The college's cutting-edge labs support projects in genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, medical imaging, and biostatistics, while fostering collaboration with Qatar Foundation institutions.WCM-Q does not offer traditional graduate programs but provides a six-year integrated medical program and a foundation program, both of which attract top students from Qatar and abroad. The college receives over 1,000 applications annually and admits about 40 — 50 students to its integrated program and 3 — 5 to the four-year track for those with prior pre-med studies.The dean also emphasised the college's ongoing efforts to adapt curricula to advancements in technology, precision medicine, and AI, notably through the launch of the "Innovation and Education in Precision Health” platform — aimed at integrating new tools into teaching and care while preserving core medical ethics.Dr. Sheikh also expressed optimism about the future of higher education in Qatar, affirming the country’s status as a regional and global academic hub. He reaffirmed WCM-Q's commitment to producing the next generation of healthcare leaders who blend scientific excellence with a deep sense of humanity.
May 03, 2025 | 12:28 AM