High school students take part in WCM-Q summer program

High school students from Qatar and abroad hoping to build careers in medicine were given an early look at the profession and campus life through the Medical Minds Online Program (MMOP), a summer initiative run by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q).

Now in its second edition, the week-long virtual program drew 84 students from 50 local, regional, and international high schools. It forms part of WCM-Q’s Summer Enrichment Programs, which are designed to introduce pre-college students to medicine and science through interactive sessions led by the college’s faculty and staff.

Run by WCM-Q’s Office of Student Outreach and Educational Development, the program offers a broad overview of the opportunities and challenges of a medical career. It is aimed at students who have excelled in the sciences and mathematics, have a solid grounding in the biological sciences and English, and are keen to pursue medicine.

Participants were students entering grades 10, 11, and 12 in the 2026-2027 academic year. Alongside those from schools across Qatar, international students joined from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Morocco, Kazakhstan, India, Pakistan, South Korea, the U.K., Canada, and the U.S.

Simulating the student experience

Designed to mirror life as a WCM-Q student, the program combined live online sessions with self-paced modules spanning medical humanities, surgery, anatomy, biology, physics, and careers in medicine. Students were also coached on the research skills needed for academic success, on building a professional identity in medicine, and on the WCM-Q application and admissions process, and were introduced to Canvas, the learning management system used across the institution.

The closing ceremony was held both online and in person, giving students based in Qatar the chance to visit the WCM-Q campus. Every participant received a certificate of completion.

In their words

Hans Park, a rising grade 11 student at Daegu International School in South Korea, called the program a highlight of his summer:

“The MMOP was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to connect with other students who share my vision … pushing me academically in an incredibly motivating environment where we all challenged ourselves together.”

Ali Al Lawati, a grade 12 student at Azzan Bin Qais International School in Oman, said the week broadened his outlook:

“This program was one of the experiences that truly opened my mind … I had the privilege of interacting with renowned doctors from around the world and hearing stories that positively shaped my perspective on medicine.”

Noha Saleh, director of premedical administration, student outreach, and educational development, said the program reflects the college’s wider mission:

“The MMOP demonstrates our commitment to inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals … we help them better understand the academic journey, the skills required, and the opportunities available in the medical field.”

Dr. Rachid Bendriss, associate dean for foundation, student outreach, and educational development programs, added that the aim was a practical preview of medical study, expressing hope that the experience would help students make informed decisions about their academic and career paths — and in daily life.