Most students in Arab states would not be able to answer that question by the time they finish their high school. For many (me included when I was younger), going into university is a blind shot.

Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) is trying to do things different by opening their doors to students to learn more about what a medical career promises – hoping to excite them about pursuing one.

Medicine Unlimited, WCMC-Q’s annual recruitment fair which was held last week, opened the college up to students and their parents who got to interact firsthand with faculty, students and even staff members. They shared simulations and demonstrations that reviewed the workings of genes, molecules and the human body.

“We want high school students to gain an awareness of the many potential careers the fields of medicine and science can open for them. We also want them to see our facilities, which are truly world class,” Noha Saleh, director of student recruitment, said in a press release. “Our goal is to highlight the excellent program we offer here in Doha.”

Medical students used medical models and mannequins to explain to the high school students how the human body works while faculty members discussed all kinds of disorders, from psychiatry to pediatrics.

Senior biologists opened their labs to students to show them genetic engineering works while chemistry professors used balloons to help students understand the shapes of molecules and how these can affect the chemical properties of compounds. Quizzes and prizes were on location to keep people excited as well.

“Our goal is to introduce prospective students to WCMC-Q in a fun and relaxed atmosphere,” said Chris Triggle, professor of pharmacology and assistant dean for admissions, who served as master of ceremonies for the event.