Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar celebrated its largest ever graduating class, which also includes a record 22 Qatari nationals, during the institution’s commencement ceremony May 5.
The institution awarded U.S.-accredited Cornell University medical degrees to 52 new doctors, hailing from 15 countries, at the ceremony, which was attended by local dignitaries, members of the faculty, and the friends and family of the graduating students. To date, WCM-Q has graduated 693 doctors since its inaugural ceremony in 2008.
“Class of 2026, you deserve great credit for the quiet dignity with which you have completed your studies, enduring two unprecedented periods of crisis, firstly during the pandemic, and more recently through the turmoil that afflicted our region,” said Dr. Javaid I. Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, referencing the ongoing conflict engulfing the Middle East. “Your perseverance and resilience, the way you have supported one another, and your laser focus on learning the art and science of medicine have been truly impressive. I have no doubt that you will make remarkable physicians and researchers.”
Dr. Sheikh thanked Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, and Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, vice chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, along with the leadership of Qatar, acknowledging the vital guidance and support they continue to provide to enable WCM-Q to produce highly accomplished doctors capable of giving world-class patient care.
The WCM-Q Class of 2026
Cornell University President Michael I. Kotlikoff said: “Although we are spread across continents, we are one Cornell community—in Ithaca, in New York City, in Doha, and everywhere Cornellians work, study and advance our mission. Our thoughts have been with all of our Cornellians, wherever they may be, affected by the conflict of these past months. On behalf of our entire community, I am delighted to congratulate the Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar Class of 2026 on their tremendous achievements, and wish them all the best as they carry the Cornell ethos forward through their lives and careers.”
The graduates will soon begin the next stage of their careers when they take up residency positions at top health care institutions in Qatar and the United States, including Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian /Weill Cornell Medical Center, among many others.
“As you step out of these doors and into your residencies, you will no longer just be students; you will be leaders, advocates and healers,” said WCM-Q alumna Dr. Muneera Ali AlMuhannadi of the Class of 2009, now a senior consultant in family medicine at the Primary Health Care Corporation, in her keynote address. “Approach every patient with humility and respect. Be lifelong learners, for medicine is a journey of continuous learning. And most importantly, support one another. The colleagues sitting beside you today will be your greatest allies in the years to come.”
Dr. Thurayya Arayssi, vice dean for academic and curricular affairs at WCM-Q, said: “We feel the greatest happiness in seeing our Class of 2026 reach this tremendously important milestone in their careers. The adaptability they have shown in such disruptive circumstances demonstrates not only their firm commitment to medicine, but also the mental agility required to thrive in an era of rapid technological innovation. We look forwards to seeing them accomplish great things in their careers.”
Dr. Robert A. Harrington gives the farewell address.
Giving the ceremony’s farewell address, Dr. Robert A. Harrington, the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine and provost for medical affairs of Cornell University, said: “Members of the Class of 2026, your fortitude in the face of recent challenges is admired by the entire Cornell community. To have triumphed over these circumstances and completed your studies speaks to your commitment and resolve; both are essential traits for those who answer the call to serve the health and wellness of others. We wish you the greatest of success in your future endeavors.”
