WCM-Q Celebrates New Medical Students with White Coat Ceremony

Doha, Qatar Aug 26, 2026 ALN: Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) has welcomed its newest medical students with a White Coat Ceremony, an event that symbolizes the beginning of their medical education and marks a significant transition from pre-medical studies to the more intensive four-year medical curriculum. This ceremony, officially referred to as the Opening Exercises Ceremony, serves not only as a rite of passage but also as a formal introduction to the rigorous academic journey that lies ahead for these aspiring physicians.

The recent ceremony concluded a three-day orientation program designed to prepare students for the challenges of medical school. During this orientation, students were introduced to the medical curriculum, had the opportunity to meet faculty members and fellow classmates, and participated in fittings for their scrubs, which are emblematic of their new roles as medical students. The act of putting on a white coat is steeped in tradition and signifies the students' commitment to the medical profession and their responsibilities towards future patients.

This year’s intake consists of 55 first-year medical students, notably including 22 Qatari nationals, reflecting WCM-Q's commitment to fostering local talent in the field of medicine. The diversity of the student body not only enriches the learning environment but also aligns with Qatar's broader goals of enhancing healthcare education and services within the nation.

The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dean of WCM-Q, who emphasized the significance of the occasion. Featured prominently was a keynote address by Dr. Ahmed Al Qahtani, a distinguished member of the WCM-Q Class of 2018. Dr. Al Qahtani, now a specialist in cornea and external diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), shared insights from his own journey, encouraging the new students to embrace the responsibility and privilege that comes with a career in medicine. His remarks underscored the importance of humility, integrity, and the trust that patients place in their healthcare providers, which are essential qualities for any successful medical professional.

As part of the ceremony, students received their stethoscopes from various faculty members, including:

• Dr. Thurayya Arayssi, Vice Dean for Academic and Curricular Affairs
• Dr. Mai Mahmoud, Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs
• Dr. Abdelkareem Alhyari, Program Lead, Clinical Attachment and Elective Office at HMC
• Dr. Ali Hallal, Assistant Dean for Clinical Learning

This symbolic act of receiving a stethoscope serves as a tangible reminder of the students' commitment to their future roles as caregivers and healers.

In addition to the new medical students, WCM-Q also welcomed 55 students into its pre-medical curriculum, which includes 15 Qatari nationals, and 26 students into its one-year Foundation Program, with 22 of those being Qatari nationals. The Foundation Program is designed to provide intensive preparation in science and mathematics, ensuring that students have a solid grounding before they progress to the Six-Year Medical Program, which ultimately leads to the award of a Cornell University MD degree.

Separate orientation activities for pre-medical and Foundation Program students were meticulously organized to facilitate a smooth transition into their respective programs. These activities included campus tours, time management workshops, sessions on academic integrity, presentations on student wellbeing, and opportunities for faculty and peer networking. Such initiatives are crucial in helping students acclimate to the academic environment and build connections that can support their educational journey.

Returning Foundation Program students who are advancing to the pre-medical curriculum also participated in a completion ceremony, marking their successful transition within the educational framework of WCM-Q. For those beginning the pre-medical program, orientation concluded with the Ibn Sina Pinning Ceremony, which honors the legacy of the renowned scholar from the Islamic Golden Age. The pins were presented by Dr. Marco Ameduri, Senior Associate Dean for Pre-Medical Education, and Dr. James Roach, Associate Dean for Pre-Medical Education, further emphasizing the historical significance of the event.

Dr. Dietrich Büsselberg, Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, acknowledged the dedication and perseverance that students have demonstrated in reaching this pivotal stage of their education. This recognition is vital in motivating students as they embark on the demanding path of medical training.

Dr. Sheikh expressed that the occasion marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for students pursuing careers in medicine. He conveyed confidence that these future physicians would make meaningful contributions to healthcare and patient care, not only in Qatar but also on a global scale. The emphasis on local talent development is particularly significant in light of Qatar’s Vision 2030, which aims to create a sustainable healthcare system and promote the health and wellbeing of its citizens.

WCM-Q’s integrated Six-Year Medical Program is distinctive in its structure, combining a two-year pre-medical curriculum with a four-year medical curriculum. This comprehensive approach is designed to prepare students not only academically but also professionally, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of modern medicine. As they progress through their studies, students will engage in clinical experiences that will further enhance their learning and prepare them for their future roles as healthcare providers.