Doha, September 7, 2011 - Aspiring young doctors entering the 2011 medical class took their first steps into the world of medicine on Wednesday at the 8th annual White Coat Ceremony at the Ritz Carlton in Doha.

There were 43 students participating in the ceremony, considered to be a traditional rite of passage where the new doctors-in-training first don the symbolic emblem of their new roles as doctors - their white coats.

Dr. Javaid I. Sheikh, dean of WCMC-Q, said, "As they do this they are acknowledging the responsibilities and obligations of their chosen profession. Students are aware that they now commit themselves compassionate patient care and scientific excellence."

All of the entering students are graduates of the WCMC-Q Pre-medical Program and five are from Qatar. In his welcome address, Dean Sheikh lauded the many accomplishments of the students during their premedical years, such as their work in biomedical research projects conducted through Qatar Foundation's Undergraduate Research Experience Program and the Summer Student Research Program at the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York.

Other members of the class were part of the WCMC-Q Debate Team, the Education City Football League, men and women's basketball teams and LeaderShape participants. The event was the culmination of three days of orientation for the new medical students. The White Coat ceremony was attended by student's families and friends as well as WCMC-Q faculty and administrators and was followed by a reception

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Established in partnership with Qatar Foundation, WCMC-Q is part of Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, the first American institution to offer its MD degree overseas. WCMC-Q offers an innovative educational program that includes a two-year Pre-medical Program followed by a four-year Medical Program with teaching by Cornell faculty.  Each program has a separate admission process guided by the standards of admission in use 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
Mobile: +974 55536564
Direct Line: +974 44928661
Email: hyl2004@qatar-med.cornell.edu

© Press Release 2011