Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024, celebrating the accomplishment of 50 new doctors who are dedicated to providing exceptional patient care and advancing the field of medicine through innovative research. The ceremony, attended by families, friends, and dignitaries, marked the largest graduating cohort in WCM-Q’s history. The graduates, hailing from 13 different countries, were presented with their Cornell MD degrees by esteemed guests, including H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Minister of State, and President of Qatar National Library.
The Class of 2024 consists of 26 women and 24 men, with 18 Qatari nationals among them. WCM-Q has now produced a total of 596 medical doctors since its inaugural graduation in 2008, who are making a positive impact in healthcare institutions globally. The class valedictorian, Turki F. Almutairi, showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of the graduates. Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, encouraged the new doctors to remain connected with the WCM-Q family as they begin their professional journeys, emphasizing the importance of support and collaboration in their careers.
The graduation ceremony included the traditional Hippocratic Oath-taking, symbolizing the graduates’ commitment to ethical medical practice. Dr. Thurayya Arayssi, vice dean for academic and curricular affairs at WCM-Q, commended the students for their resilience, curiosity, and dedication to learning. Dr. Robert A. Harrington, dean of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, conferred the medical degrees upon the graduates, highlighting the institution’s pioneering role in medical education, research, and patient care in the Middle East.
The new doctors will soon start their residency positions at prestigious healthcare institutions in Qatar and the US, including Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, among others. The graduates expressed gratitude for the support and mentorship they received from faculty, parents, and healthcare professionals, acknowledging the role of H H Sheikha Moza in promoting world-class education in the region. The ceremony featured speeches in both English and Arabic, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and talents of the graduates.
Overall, the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2024 at WCM-Q was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and excellence of the new doctors. As they embark on their professional journeys, they carry with them the values and skills instilled by WCM-Q, ensuring that they make meaningful contributions to the field of medicine and society as a whole. The event was a celebration of achievement, growth, and the bright future ahead for the graduates as they continue to serve and uplift their communities through healthcare.