Doha, April 26, 2011 - Aspiring young physician-scientists took a step toward their future careers as they presented research to their professors and colleagues in the Foundation Program Research Showcase at WCMC-Q.
Each of the 14 students discussed the causes and symptoms of a particular genetic disease, demonstrating not only their ability to conduct research but also their ability to explain their work to others. It is an activity they will repeat numerous times as they make their way through the pre-medical and medical programs at WCMC-Q and then into their careers as physicians.
"It's really fun sharing information you have learned with others," says Mohamed AlSabbagh, who explained his research on osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition causing extremely fragile bones. He hopes to be a surgeon one day.
Fatima Sheban explained her research on Patau Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes balance problems, among other things. "The project made me think about what it would be like for parents of a child with the disorder," she says. Fatima hopes to be a neurologist one day.
"This Research Showcase is very much the culmination of a semester's worth of work on research, writing, and critical thinking skills," says Dr. Rachid Bendriss, lecturer of English for Academic Studies, who organized the research showcase. The poster project incorporated work done for their English class along with work done for a science class with Renee Richer, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology.
"The presentations help students communicate research, handle questions, and think on their feet," says Bendriss. 'They are very proud of their posters. They see them as deliverables for a semester of hard work."
The year-long Foundation Program prepares Qatari students with good academic achievement for entry into WCMC-Q's two-year premedical program.
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Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar is part of Weill Cornell Medical College. It was established in 2001 through a partnership between Cornell University and Qatar Foundation. WCMC-Q offers an innovative educational program that includes a two-year premedical program followed by a four-year medical program leading to the M.D. degree from Cornell University. Each program has a separate admission process guided by the standards of admission at Cornell University in Ithaca and its Medical College in New York City.
Website: http://www.qatar-med.cornell.edu
For more info, please contact:
Hanan Lakkis
Media Relations Manager
Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar
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Email: hyl2004@qatar-med.cornell.edu
© Press Release 2011
