Several graduates from Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar (WCM-Q) shared their experiences at the university, future plans and thoughts about life after Covid-19 as the university held the graduation of Class of 2020 Wednesday.
Qatari graduate Maryam al-Jaidha who plans to do her masters in public health and specialise in dermatology, said that she cherished each moment of her time with her peers and faculty at WCM-Q.
“Covid-19 has made me take the initiative to get my master’s degree in public health which will equip me with the necessary arsenal to make sure my beloved country is well prepared for any such situation," she said.
“I am also filled with a sense of duty to serve, especially in these tough times that require healthcare practitioners to do everything to save the country. When we resolve this crisis, I believe that I will fill in a vital role as a physician and a public health specialist. My passion is to serve my country to the best of my ability. I look forward to join the frontline soon, and spend time and effort to support healthcare in Qatar,” she explained.
Fawzi Zghyer, from Palestine, termed his life at WCM-Q as a ‘beautiful experience’. “I reached here from Palestine immediately after high school. This place prepared me for my life . Though there were several ups and downs, I was able to overcome them all beautifully” he pointed out.
Zghyer will specialise in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland and is planning to join soon.“Graduating during a pandemic means that we are going to get our feet wet from day one. It also highlights that we are going into this profession when we are immensely needed. I am hopeful that we should see the light at the end of the tunnel. I take upon the moral obligation to serve the community wherever I am. I will always be at hand to help the people with all my knowledge,” he maintained.
Priyamvada Pillai feels that WCM-Q has taught not only the art of medicine but also about the finest art of humanity. She said, “Education City became my second home and I will always cherish the memories. Qatar Foundation and WCM-Q provided us with the best quality of education and care.”
“But never in a lifetime did I expect to graduate amidst a pandemic. Yes, it is slightly disappointing but it has only given me more strength to pursue this noble profession. This pandemic has taught us all a lot. It has given us insight on the true heroes around us. As the world grapples with Covid-19, I am eager to join hands with my fellow colleagues at the frontlines as I continue my journey in New York Presbyterian Hospital as an internal medicine resident,” she continued.
Another Qatari graduate, Mohamed Nasser al-Abdulla feels that his time at WCM-Q has been exceptional.
“Graduating in a time like this, in a pandemic that only happens rarely, poses its own challenges, but at the same time it provides us with opportunities to better prepare ourselves for the future. Huge advances in medicine are happening on a daily bases, and many of these changes will soon trickle down and benefit different sectors of our lives,” he described.
“As a Qatari physician, my focus will be on the local aspect of health sector, and how I will be able to provide to my patients the best service and care that they deserve. I will continue to develop myself, as medicine progresses and in turn provide the most modern beneficial approach to the community,” he stated.
According to Sara Mohamed, another graduate, WCM-Q helped her get a high level of education and fulfil her dream of becoming a physician. “My journey had a lot of challenges but it was overall a wonderful and fulfilling experience and rewarding moments, thanks to the support from my family and friends . I am going to join the residency programme at Virginia Commonwealth University in paediatrics,” she added.
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