Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2021 with 41 new doctors, bringing to 463 the total number of physicians from the institution, since its inception in 2001.

The WCM-Q Class of 2021 comprises 30 women and 11 men, hailing from 13 countries. At a virtual ceremony, the students of the Class of 2021 recited the Hippocratic Oath and were presented with their MD degrees by WCM-Q dean Dr Javaid Sheikh.

Dr Sheikh praised the graduates' dedication to their studies and their commitment to the measures put in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

"I am grateful to each and every one of you for stepping up to this challenge, to my colleagues in the faculty and on the staff at the WCM-Q, and to the wider Education City community, for providing essential support in very trying conditions," he said, while wishing them all the very best as they go forwards from here to embrace these challenges.

Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and US President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser for the coronavirus (Covid-19) Dr Anthony Fauci, the keynote speaker, congratulated the graduates of the Class of 2021, saying: "As we navigate year two of the global pandemic of Covid-19, I am keenly aware that celebrating this important milestone of your lives under the constraints of this pandemic is, at best, disappointing. However, we all must adapt to this extraordinary situation and unite to meet its challenges. When this pandemic began its sweep around the globe more than a year ago it quickly hobbled hospitals and imposed crushing levels of stress and strain on their medical staffs."

"As you move into the next stage of your medical careers, regardless of your medical specialty, now more than ever we will need your talent, your energy, your resolve, and your character to restore and preserve the health of our world," he added.

Student speakers on the occasion were Raihan El-Naas and Lolwa al-Theyab.

The role of university marshal was performed by Dr James Roach, associate dean for Pre-medical Education and Professor of Chemistry.

Alongside Dr Sheikh for the presentation of candidates and conferment of the MD degree was Dr Thurayya Arayssi, professor of Clinical Medicine and senior associate dean for Medical Education and Continuing Professional Development.

The graduation ceremony also heard from Dr Augustine Choi, dean of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, who said: "There are so many opportunities for you to make an impact - in Qatar, in your countries of origin, and around the world."

"This past year has shown us that health is precious," he said. "As graduates of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, you have the tools to make a difference wherever you choose to focus your energies." (QNA)