Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) hosted a special Open House event that welcomed over 140 high school seniors and their parents, providing an opportunity to explore the medical education programs offered by the institution and to discuss the transition from high school to college study. The event took place recently and was specifically designed for Grade 12 or Year 13 students and their families.
Organised by WCM-Q’s Office of Student Outreach and Educational Development, the one-day program aimed to provide detailed information about the admissions process, application requirements, and timelines. Attendees were also introduced to the college’s academic curriculum, outreach initiatives, modern facilities, and campus life.
The event began with an opening presentation by Noha Saleh, director of pre-medical administration, student outreach, and educational development. Saleh outlined key details regarding admissions criteria, scheduling, and available outreach programs for high school students interested in pursuing medicine.
Two panel discussions were featured during the event, giving attendees direct access to WCM-Q faculty, staff, and current students. The faculty panel included Dr Amal Khidir, associate professor of paediatrics; Dr Majda Sebah, assistant professor of chemistry; and Dr Simeon Scott Andrews, lecturer in chemistry and biochemistry. The panel was moderated by Dr Rachid Bendriss, professor of English as a second language, assistant professor of education in medicine, and associate dean for foundation, student outreach, and educational development programs. Dr Bendriss emphasized the challenges students face when choosing a medical career and selecting a college, noting the importance of providing a platform for prospective students and their parents to ask questions and gain a better understanding of medical education.
The student panel, moderated by Farhan Aziz, director of admissions at WCM-Q, featured final-year medical student Reem al-Janahi and second-year pre-medical students Noof AlMalik and Mustafa Shammout. They shared their personal experiences regarding the academic workload, campus environment, and the transition into the pre-medical and medical stages of study, offering valuable insights for prospective students.
Although WCM-Q conducts weekly smaller Open House sessions throughout the academic year for students at various high school levels, this event was distinguished by its larger scale and targeted focus on graduating students and their families. The event was designed to facilitate direct engagement with the WCM-Q community and assist students in making informed decisions about their educational and professional paths in medicine.