Five Qatari high school students recently showcased their exceptional writing and research abilities by clinching the top spots in Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) Healing Hands essay competition. The winners were selected based on their 800-word essays discussing the use of AI and machine learning in medicine, evaluated by a panel of experts from the WCM-Q faculty. The victorious students hail from various schools in Qatar, including Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys, The Gulf English School, and Al Arqam Academy for Girls.
At the award ceremony held at the college, each winning student received a winner’s certificate and a prize, while an additional 10 students were recognized with Honorable Mention certificates for the high quality of their essays. Furthermore, 21 students were presented with participation certificates. The essays stood out for their original ideas, strong command of written English, solid supporting arguments, and coherent structure. The judges commended the overall high standard of entries, reflecting the participants’ dedication and talent.
Organized by the Office of Student Outreach and Educational Development at WCM-Q, the Healing Hands essay contest aims to inspire Qatari students in grades 10 and 11 to consider careers in medicine and biomedical science. Reflecting on her victory, student Shaikha Khalid Al Kubaisi expressed excitement about the opportunity to explore her passion for science and medicine. The certificates were awarded by Dr. Rachid Bendriss, Associate Dean for Foundation, and Noha Saleh, Director of Pre-medical Administration, highlighting the importance of recognizing and nurturing young talent.
In attendance at the ceremony, Farhoud Al Hajri, the father of one of the winners, praised the competition for fostering excellence and inspiring students like his son to pursue careers in medicine. Saleh emphasized the outstanding quality of the essays submitted, underscoring the participants’ dedication and enthusiasm for the sciences. Dr. Bendriss echoed this sentiment, expressing admiration for the exceptional standard of the entries and encouraging all participants to consider joining WCM-Q in their pursuit of providing top-notch medical care to patients in Qatar and beyond.
The annual essay competition serves as a platform for young Qatari nationals to showcase their writing skills, delve into healthcare-related topics, and explore potential career paths in the medical field. Through thought-provoking essays on cutting-edge topics like AI and machine learning in medicine, the students demonstrate their intellectual curiosity and commitment to making meaningful contributions to the healthcare industry. As the winners and participants continue to hone their skills and pursue their academic aspirations, they embody the spirit of innovation and excellence championed by WCM-Q.
