On March 17, 2025, Weil Cornell for Medicine - Qatar welcomed 33 students from various secondary schools as part of the Qatar for Medical Discovery program. This initiative, organized by the college's Office of Student Outreach and Educational Development, aims to promote knowledge among high-achieving tenth and eleventh graders, particularly those excelling in science and mathematics, by providing insights about diverse and promising career paths within medicine.
During the one-week program, students engaged in a series of carefully structured sessions mirroring the experiences of current students at Weil Cornell for Medicine - Qatar. This encompassed lectures on biology, chemistry, anatomy, surgery, and scientific research. The richness of the curriculum enabled participants to experience firsthand what medical students undergo as they prepare for their careers.
Students also attended presentations by faculty members detailing the life of practicing physicians, and they interacted with the admissions team, gaining insights on what is expected during the application process. They learned about the intricacies of the admissions interview—an invaluable exercise aimed at boosting their readiness for future applications.
Highlighting the importance of hands-on experiences, the program included practical sessions conducted within state-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation laboratories, considered among the best training facilities worldwide. These sessions allowed aspiring medics to practice their skills using cutting-edge technologies. They also undertook research projects on various medical topics and presented their findings to classmates and faculty, fostering confidence and enhancing their speaking skills.
On March 16, 2025, students participated together with current Weil Cornell students, faculty, and staff to celebrate Global Awareness Night, which underscored the university's commitment to celebrating cultural diversity and fostering community.
Noha Saleh, the Director of Program Administration at Weil Cornell for Medicine - Qatar, expressed her enthusiasm about the impact of the program, stating, "The Qatar for Medical Discovery program provides secondary students with a general overview of college life and gives them a clear picture of the diverse medical professions within science and medicine." This reflection demonstrates the board's dedication to preparing students for their future endeavors.
Dr. Rashid bin Idris, who serves as both Professor of English as a Second Language and Assistant Professor of Teaching within Medicine at the college, expressed his pleasure about the program's success and its foundational outreach. He stated, "The program offers outstanding secondary students the opportunity to learn more about various medical professions, as well as become familiar with the facilities and laboratories at Weil Cornell for Medicine - Qatar, which adhere to high global teaching standards." His remarks highlight the importance of educational initiatives aimed at encouraging passionate students to pursue careers in healthcare.
Through its offerings, Weil Cornell for Medicine - Qatar also plans to introduce summer sessions of the Qatar for Medical Discovery program, allowing even more high school students to explore and understand the plethora of opportunities available within the medical field. Students’ acceptance to the program is contingent upon their academic performance, with recommendations provided by their high school academic advisors and teachers.
This initiative not only serves as a pivotal stepping stone toward fostering the next generation of physicians but also reinforces the university’s role as a leader in medical education regionally and internationally. By inspiring high-achieving students through interactive learning experiences, the program equips them with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate their educational paths and future careers successfully.