R o y a l C o llege o f Surgeo ns in Ire lan d

M e d i ca l Un i ve rs i ty o f Bahra in

Newsletter

ConnectED
Prince Salman bin Hamad Medal for Medical Merit Ceremony
In October, Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI
Bahrain, received the Prince Salman bin Hamad Medal for
Medical Merit from Her Excellency Dr Jaleela bint Alsayed
Jawad Hasan, Minister of Health, during a ceremony held at
the Shaikh Isa Cultural Centre. The Prince Salman bin Hamad
Medal for Medical Merit was awarded to RCSI Bahrain in
December 2021 in recognition of the contribution made to
protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On this occasion, Professor Otoom reiterated that this

recognition is a true testament to all staff and students for
their hard work and commitment to supporting the Her Excellency Minister of Health and President of RCSI
government’s measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bahrain

RCSI Bahrain, Bahrain Red Crescent Society, Jordan Red

Crescent Society and Operation Childlife Collaboration

From left; Professor Fawzi Ameen, Member of Bahrain Red Crescent Society Board of Directors; Dr Mohammed Al-Hadid,
President of Jordan Red Crescent Society; His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa, President of Bahrain Red
Crescent Society; Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Bahrain; Mr John Collins, Chairman and Founder of
Operation Childlife

Under the patronage of His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Red Crescent
Society, Bahrain Red Crescent Society, Jordan Red Crescent Society, RCSI Bahrain, and Operation Childlife signed
a collaboration agreement on 16th November at the Four Seasons Hotel. The aim of the agreement is to promote
community, charitable giving and educational activities, which bring potential benefits to the people and
communities locally, regionally and internationally.

Higher Education Council Visit to Dublin

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland was delighted to welcome
on Dublin’s campus, Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Rana Bint Isa Bin
Duaij Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council
and Deputy Chairperson of the Higher Education Council Board of
Trustees, and two representatives from her team.

The delegation met with RCSI senior management, attended

presentations by members of the Research Department and a
representative of the MD programme, and was provided with a tour
of the educational facilities. Her Excellency also attended an
external meeting with the Irish Higher Education Authority’s
Chairman Mr Michael Horgan, and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Alan
Wall. A dinner reception in the RCSI Boardroom with the RCSI
President and senior management concluded the visit.

RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

1
 Cooperation Agreement with Bahrain’s Ministry of Health
During signing the agreement
On 2nd October, RCSI Bahrain was delighted to
welcome Her Excellency Dr Jaleela bint Al Sayyed
Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health, and Dr Lulwa Rashid
AlShowaiter, Primary Healthcare Centres Acting Chief
Executive Officer, for the signing of a cooperation
agreement between RCSI Bahrain and Primary
Healthcare Centres.
As part of this cooperation, RCSI Bahrain will provide
Primary Healthcare Centres with support in
diagnostic and therapeutic services, as well as other
support services, including laboratories and Library,
and the Primary Healthcare Centres will open their
facilities to RCSI Bahrain’s medical faculty for
education, training and scientific research.
WHO and HEC Event at RCSI Bahrain
Under the leadership of Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Rana
bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the
Higher Education Council and Deputy Chairman of the
Higher Education Council Board of Trustees, the Higher
Education Council in cooperation with the Ministry of
Health, organised an introductory meeting on the 15th
September at RCSI Bahrain on the implementation of
the WHO Health-Promoting Universities Initiative. This
aims to create healthy universities that contribute to
providing an educational environment and an
organisational culture that promotes the society’s
health, well-being and sustainability.
The meeting was attended by Dr Maryam Al-Hajri,
Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the
Ministry of Health; Dr Samar El Feky, Regional
Adviser for Health Promotion and Social Determinants
of Health, World Health Organization Eastern
2 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23
Her Excellency Minister of Health and President of
RCSI Bahrain
Dr AlShowaiter said the agreement would bolster
cooperation with RCSI Bahrain, a pioneering academic
institution in the Arabian Gulf Region. She praised
RCSI Bahrain’s efforts to support the staff working in
the primary healthcare sector, stressing her
commitment to enhancing the standard of services.
President of RCSI Bahrain, Professor Sameer Otoom,
emphasised the strong partnership with the Primary
Healthcare Centres aims to achieve common goals,
support services and keep abreast of future medical
studies and clinical research.
Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO EMRO); Dr
Tasnim Atatrah, WHO representative and Head of
Office in Bahrain, and a number of officials from the
Department of Health Promotion at the Ministry of
Health and representatives of public and private
universities in Bahrain.
Her Excellency highlighted in her address that the
physical and psychological health of the community in
Bahrain is a fundamental pillar in promoting
sustainability, and maintaining this is essential to
supporting the Kingdom’s endeavours to achieve
human and societal development. She added that in
accordance with standards set by the WHO, the
Health-Promoting Universities Initiative aims to make
universities a tool for promoting a healthy lifestyle and
providing sustainable and healthier options for
students, faculty and staff in higher education
institutions.
 Invitation to His Holiness Pope Francis’ Welcome
Reception
On 3rd November, Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Bahrain; Mr Stephen Harrison-Mirfield,
Managing Director; and Mr Fadi Ghosn, Head of Recognition, Careers & Alumni attended on behalf of the
university, the Welcome Reception held at Sakhir Palace in honour of His Holiness Pope Francis’ first visit to
Bahrain. RCSI Bahrain was invited to this reception in line with our attendance of the global interfaith
dialogue on religious freedoms and peaceful co-existence held in 2022, under the patronage of His Majesty King
Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa.

2nd Bahrain Health

President’s
Update
Regulatory Conference and
Exhibition
On 29 th September, Professor Alfred Nicholson, Vice
President for Academic Affairs and Head of School of
Medicine, attended the Opening Ceremony of the 2nd
Bahrain Health Regulatory Conference and Exhibition.

This conference highlighted the quality standards of

health services and insights into implementing and
managing health regulations among health institutions.

Board of Governors’ Meeting

RCSI Bahrain Board of Governors

A Board of Governors’ meeting was convened in Dublin
in December 2022 in the presence of members
Professor Laura Viani, President of RCSI in Dublin (Chair);
Professor Cathal Kelly, Vice Chancellor and Chief
Executive/Registrar of RCSI in Dublin; Major General
Professor Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director of
Bahrain Defence Force - Royal Medical Services; Mr
Mahmood Al Kooheji, Chairman of Social Insurance
Organization; Professor Simon Cross, Chair of RCSI
Academic Council; Professor Sameer Otoom, President
of RCSI Bahrain; Mr Stephen Harrison-Mirfield,
Managing Director of RCSI Bahrain and with the
attendance of Professor Alfred Nicholson, Vice President
for Academic Affairs and Head of School of Medicine.
Professor Nicholson provided updates on the latest
academic achievements, revisions to the Admissions
Policy, and the latest match rates of the 2021 and 2022
cohorts. Status updates on the action plan drawn from
the Irish Medical Council’s review and the
implementation of RCSI’s Transforming Healthcare
Education Project (THEP) were also presented.

RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

3
 Adjunct Professors Appointed
In October, the Medicine & Health Sciences Board of
RCSI approved the appointment of Professor Ahmed
Al-Ansari and Professor Fawzi Ameen as Adjunct
Professors of RCSI Bahrain.
Professor Ahmed Al-Ansari is currently CEO of
Government Hospitals in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He
has been an active member of the Academic Board
for RCSI Bahrain since 2013 and is a member of the
Advisory Board for the BSc (Hons) Nursing Programme
& MSc Nursing Programme at RCSI Bahrain.
Professor Fawzi Ameen is the Head of the Delegation
for GCC for the International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies. As Head of Delegation,
Professor Fawzi Ameen is responsible for
Dr Tariq Saeed’s ISAPS
Nomination
Dr Tariq Saeed
In September, Dr Tariq Saeed, a plastic surgeon, was
elected as Bahrain’s official representative of the
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
during the ISAPS conference held in Istanbul. RCSI
Bahrain would like to extend congratulations to Dr
Saeed for this prestigious and fitting recognition.
The ISAPS is the world’s leading professional body for
board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons. More than
2,000 doctors attended this year’s conference to share
their knowledge and discuss research topics and recent
advancements in surgical techniques.
4 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23
coordination between the Red Crescent Societies in
the GCC, increasing societies’ communication with the
regional headquarters in Beirut, implementing joint
training programmes, and organising cooperation
to respond to the Federation’s calls on disaster relief
cases around the world.
Professor Ahmed Professor Fawzi
Al-Ansari Ameen
92nd Saudi National Day
Celebration
In September, Professor Sameer Otoom, President
of RCSI Bahrain, attended the 92nd Saudi National
Day celebration at the Diplomat Radisson Hotel, at
the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin
Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain
and Dr Yousef Al Thuaini, Cultural Attaché of Saudi
Arabia to Bahrain. On this joyous occasion, the
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA)
hosted a series of events at key tourist attractions in
Bahrain to mark the Saudi National Day, celebrated
annually on 23rd September.
 Visit to British Embassy
On 29th September, Professor Sameer
Otoom, President of RCSI Bahrain;
Professor Alfred Nicholson, Vice President
for Academic Affairs and Head of School
of Medicine, and Professor Kevin Dunne,
Head of the Paediatrics Department, were
welcomed by His Excellency Mr Roderick
Drummond, British Ambassador to Bahrain,

President’s
Update
at the Ambassador’s residence for a
His Excellency the British Ambassador to Bahrain with RCSI
meeting to convey their condolences on
Bahrain Executives
the passing of Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II.

Malaysian National Day

On 15th September, Dr Colin Greengrass, RCSI Bahrain’s Academic Director for Technology Enhanced Learning and
Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology, attended a reception event to mark the 65th National Day of Malaysia at the Crowne
Plaza Hotel, in the presence of His Excellency Shazryll Zahiran, Malaysian Ambassador to Bahrain.

German National Day

In October, Professor Stephen Atkin, Head of School
of Postgraduate Studies and Research; Professor Uwe
Torsten, Professor and Head of Department of
Obstetrics and Gynaecology; and Dr Alexandra Butler,
Senior Research Fellow, attended the German National
Day celebration on behalf of RCSI Bahrain in the
His Excellency the German Ambassador to Bahrain
presence of His Excellency Clemens Hach, German
with Professor Atkin and Dr Butler
Ambassador to Bahrain.

Omani National Day

In November, Mr Fadi Ghosn, Head of Recognition,

His Excellency the Omani Ambassador to Bahrain with
Mr Bureshaid and Mr Ghosn
Careers & Alumni, and Mr Omar Bureshaid, Records
& Regulations Manager, attended the Omani
National Day Reception event on behalf of RCSI
Bahrain in the presence of His Excellency Faisal
Harib Al Busaidi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of
Oman to Bahrain and His Excellency Dr Mohammed
bin Ali bin Abdullah Al-Balushi, Deputy Head of
Mission.

RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

5
 Royal Hospital for Women and Children becomes AlMalaki
Specialist Hospital
Under the Patronage of His Excellency
Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh
Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa,
Chairman of the Supreme Council of
Health, the Royal Hospital for Women
and Children hosted a VIP event to
launch its new corporate name as
AlMalaki Specialist Hospital. A group of
RCSI Bahrain senior staff attended the
event held in October in the presence
of several government officials and Mr
Rohit Srivastava, CEO of AlMalaki The CEO of AlMalaki Specialist Hospital with
Specialist Hospital. RCSI Bahrain Executives

Bahrain Specialist Hospital’s 20th Anniversary

On 20th October, Professor Naji Alamuddin, Deputy

The Managing Director of the Bahrain Specialist
Hospital with RCSI Bahrain Executives
Head of School of Medicine, and Mr Fadi Ghosn, Head
of Recognition, Careers & Alumni, attended the Bahrain
Specialist Hospital’s 20th Anniversary event held at the
Gulf Hotel. RCSI Bahrain congratulated Dr Kasim Ardati,
Managing Director of the Bahrain Specialist Hospital,
as well as the Board of Directors and the management
team on the momentous occasion of their 20th
Anniversary.

Meeting with Al Kindi Hospital

Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Bahrain;
Professor Alfred Nicholson, Vice President for
Academic Affairs and Head of School of Medicine,
and Mr Fadi Ghosn, Head of Recognition, Careers &
Alumni, visited Al-Kindi Hospital, where they met with
His Excellency Dr Faisal Al-Mousawi and Dr Ebtisam
Al Dallal, Consultant Periodontist, and a number of
Al-Kindi Hospital senior management representatives.
During the meeting, potential partnership
opportunities between the two organisations were
discussed, with a focus on clinical electives and
research.
RCSI Bahrain congratulated their hosts on the opening
of their Cancer Diagnostic and Surgical Unit held on
the 24th October which was attended by Dr Maryam
Alaradi, Senior Lecturer in Nursing, RCSI Bahrain. With
cancer research and treatment being a key research
area of RCSI Bahrain, we look forward to the further
development of our shared visions in the search for
better health outcomes for the people of Bahrain.

6 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

 WFME recognition of the BQA
RCSI Bahrain is pleased to have worked together with the Bahrain Education and
Training Quality Authority (BQA) in its recognition as a World Federation for Medical
Education (WFME) quality agency.

The BQA is recognised on the WFME list of accredited agencies as of November 2022,
after an extensive review by the WFME, who attended to observe the BQA’s review of the
RCSI Bahrain undergraduate medicine programme in March 2022. RCSI Bahrain provided
an exceptional experience reflecting our values to the panel members and WFME
observers, which was evident in the published review report. This recognition provides

President’s
another pathway to our medicine graduates to sit the USMLE.

Update
US Embassy Delegation Visit

On 29th November, Professor Sameer Otoom, President

of RCSI Bahrain, welcomed a delegation from the US
Embassy in Bahrain, led by Mr David Brownstein, Deputy
Chief of Mission, with Ms Linda McMullen, Public Affairs
Officer, and Ms Samar Hasan, Educational Specialist also
in attendance. Mr Stephen Harrison-Mirfield, Managing
Director of RCSI Bahrain, presented an overview of the
university, while Professor Stephen Atkin, Head of School
of Postgraduate Studies and Research, presented our
latest research projects and facilities, and Mr Fadi Ghosn,
Head of Recognition, Careers & Alumni, presented
updates on our graduates working in the US and our
collaborations with various institutions in the USA.

Further collaboration opportunities with institutions in

the US for student and staff exchange, clinical electives,
and research were discussed. The US Embassy
delegation was pleased with the progress and
developments made by the University and the
Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in
achievements of our graduates around the world.
Bahrain with President of RCSI Bahrain

Visit of AUBH President

In November, Professor Sameer Otoom, President of
RCSI Bahrain, alongside Professor Alfred Nicholson,
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Head of
School of Medicine and Dr Kathryn Strachan,
Director of Quality and Academic Development,
hosted a meeting on campus with Dr Bradley J.
Cook, President of the American University of President of the American University of Bahrain with
Bahrain, to discuss areas of mutual interest and RCSI Bahrain Executives
potential collaboration.

RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

7
 MRCS Examinations in Bahrain

On 25th and 26th November, Mr Eamon Mackle,

Chairman of the International Board of Examiners
and Professor Peter Gillen, member of the
Examinations Authority, led the MRCS Examinations
in Bahrain in the Crown Prince Centre for Training and
Medical Research.

RCSI Bahrain would like to extend its appreciation and

gratitude to Major General Professor Shaikh Khalid bin
Ali Al Khalifa, Director of Royal Medical Services,
Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, for the support
provided with hosting the examinations.

RCSI participates in Crown Prince Training Centre’s Wound

Conference

Professor Zena Moore

Representatives from RCSI in Dublin participated in the

First Bahrain International Wound Conference held from
7th to 10th December at the Crown Prince Centre for
Training and Medical Research in strategic
partnership with Wounds International. Professor Zena
Moore, Head of School of Nursing & Midwifery and
Director of the Skin Wounds and Trauma Research
Centre at RCSI in Dublin, shared her expertise on the
prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers and injury.

In March 2022, Professor Moore was awarded a Life

Achievement Award from the World Union of Wound
Healing Societies, in recognition of her contribution to
the advancement of wound care throughout her career.
She has published over 276 articles, guidelines,
consensus documents and book chapters on the area
of wound healing and tissue repair and she is currently
the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Chair of the
International Guideline Governance Group.

8 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

 Dr Mohammed Al Shehabi’s latest Appointment
Major General Professor Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director of the Royal
Medical Services, Bahrain Defence Force Hospital assigned Dr Mohamed Al
Shehabi, Head of the Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery Department,
Royal Medical Services (RMS), to manage the Postgraduate Medical & Surgical
Programmes of the Saudi Authority for Health Specialties, as a
Designated Institute Officer.

Dr Al Shehabi currently chairs the Clinical Competency Committee of the Saudi

President’s
Board which oversees the application of academic and training standards for all

Update
resident doctors trained in the Saudi Board Programme.

This nomination was made in recognition of Dr Al Shehabi’s tireless efforts to

achieve the success of these programmes established at the RMS, and his
dedication in providing academic and clinical training to the physicians of the
Dr Mohamed
postgraduate training programmes throughout his 22 years of service in the
Al Shehabi
hospital.

US Ambassador Reception
On 27th September, Professor Sameer Otoom, President
of RCSI Bahrain, and Professor Stephen Atkin, Head of
School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, RCSI
Bahrain, attended a reception organised by His
Excellency Steven C Bondy, US Ambassador to Bahrain,
to welcome the US Embassy’s new senior staff members

Meeting with Al-Ansari Group

In October, RCSI Bahrain executives met with Mr Abdul Jaleel Al Ansari, Chairman of the Al-Ansari Group of
Companies, to explore possible collaboration in education and research.

RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

9
 Irish Medical Council Visit
The RCSI Bahrain Medicine undergraduate
programme was accredited by the Medical Council of
Ireland (IMC) through a comprehensive virtual review
held in November 2021.
Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain Defence Force
- Royal Medical Services, Mohammed Bin Khalifa Bin
Salman Al Khalifa Specialist Cardiac Centre and Halat
Bu Maher Health Centre.

This was followed by a confirmatory visit to RCSI

Bahrain and our clinical sites in October 2022. The
team of IMC personnel and panel members led by
Professor Mary O’ Sullivan, University of Limerick,
Ireland, met with the management team, toured the
RCSI Bahrain campus facilities and visited King Hamad
University Hospital, Bahrain Oncology Centre,

Meeting with Private Hospitals and Tamkeen

In December, representatives from RCSI Bahrain, Tamkeen and a group of Private Hospitals met to discuss
renewing the tri-party collaboration in support of training and employing Bahraini nationals as nurses. During
the meeting, it was highlighted that the first batch of 33 RCSI Bahrain nursing students supported by Tamkeen is
expected to graduate in June 2023 and pursue their careers in private hospitals.

RCSI Bahrain will continue with the clinical placement of nursing students in private hospitals as per the existing
agreements. These placements are an opportunity to introduce our students to future employers in the
private sector, while also affording the private hospitals the opportunity to develop their staff pipeline with
highly trained and competent Bahraini nurses.

RCSI Bahrain Executives celebrate Bahrain National Day alongside private hospitals and
Tamkeen representatives

RCSI Bahrain Nursing Programmes Accredited in Saudi

Arabia
RCSI Bahrain received accreditation for its Nursing and Midwifery programme from the Ministry of Education in
Saudi Arabia. This recognition is part of the University’s strategic aim to support the advancement of the nursing
workforce in the Middle East. RCSI Bahrain’s undergraduate medicine programme had already previously been
accredited by the Saudi Ministry.

As a result, the University’s accreditation has grown to include all of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s member
states, as well as countries in the Middle East and beyond. With students from more than 50 nationalities and
alumni working in over 30 different countries, RCSI Bahrain students and graduates have become ambassadors
of Bahrain in their countries.

Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Bahrain expressed gratitude to Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Rana
Bint Isa Bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council and Deputy Chairperson of the
Higher Education Council Board of Trustees, for her leadership and emphasis on prioritising obtaining
accreditation for Bahrain’s universities.

10 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

Participation in 1st Bahrain Nursing Society International
Conference
In December, faculty members and students from the
School of Nursing & Midwifery, RCSI Bahrain, attended
and participated in various activities during the 1st
Bahrain Nursing Society International Conference, which
was themed ‘Investing in Nursing and Midwifery for
Health Security’, held under the patronage of His
Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin
Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of
Health.
Dr Eman Tawash, Senior Lecturer in Nursing/Year 4
Director, RCSI Bahrain and Dr Hussain Ali Nasaif,
Senior Lecturer in Nursing/Director of Bachelor’s in
Nursing, RCSI Bahrain, were invited to participate in the
conference Scientific Committee.
Partnership Launch with the University of Keele
From left, the President of RCSI Bahrain; Her Excellency the Secretary General of the Higher Education
Council and Deputy Chairperson of the Higher Education Council Board of Trustees; Ms Hanan Faraj (Nursing
Year 4 student); Ms Sana Alhaj (Nursing Year 4 student); His Excellency the British Ambassador to the
Kingdom of Bahrain; and Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery, Keele University, UK
In October, RCSI Bahrain hosted Professor Julie Green,
Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery, Keele
University, UK, as Guest of Honour for the partnership
launch in the presence of Her Excellency Dr Shaikha
Rana Bint Isa Bin Duaij Al Khalifa - Secretary General of
the Higher Education Council and Deputy Chairperson
of the Higher Education Council Board of Trustees; His
Excellency Mr Roderick Drummond, British
Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain and
Dr Jameela Jassim Mukhaimer, President of Bahrain
Nursing Society. Thanks to the partnership between
Keele University and RCSI Bahrain, a nursing student
exchange programme will take place annually where
nursing students from both universities will visit one
another’s campuses to participate in learning and
teaching activities and attend clinical observerships in
local healthcare facilities.
Dr Kathryn Strachan, Director of Quality and Academic
Development and Mr Fadi Ghosn, Head of
Recognition, Careers & Alumni, presented updates on
RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23
RCSI Bahrain’s Lecturers in Nursing, Ms Sumaya Faraj
and Ms Maryam Yaqoob evaluated the posters ses-
sion, during which four nursing students presented their
research posters. Dr Eman Tawash, Dr Hussain Ali Nasaif,
and Senior Lecturers in Nursing Dr Maryam AlAradi and
Dr Khadija Matrook, moderated several sessions and
presented their research findings.
RCSI Bahrain Nursing faculty at the conference
Academic
Update
their respective departments, which was followed by a
presentation by Professor Julie Green on the
‘Nursing exchange programme collaboration’.
Dr Hussain Ali Nasaif, Senior Lecturer in Nursing and
Director of the Undergraduate Nursing Programme,
shared his thoughts on the Future Opportunities of the
Nursing Student Exchange Programme with the
University of Keele. At the end of the meeting, Ms
Hanan Faraj and Ms Sana Alhaj (Nursing Year 4
students) presented their views on ‘Enhancing global
perspectives on nursing and nurse education via an
exchange placement at Keele University’.
During the summer of 2022, a group of six Nursing
Year 3 students from RCSI Bahrain participated in a
three-week exchange placement at Keele University in
the United Kingdom, organised by Professor Rebecca
Jester, former Head of School of Nursing and
Midwifery. In September, RCSI Bahrain welcomed a
group of students from Keele University for a month to
undertake their placement in Bahrain.
11
 Undergraduate Scholarship Winners
RCSI Bahrain would like to extend
congratulations to the winners of the
Scholarship programme, namely Ms Maryam
Tomerak and Mr Ramadan Karrout, being
winners of RCSI Bahrain Medicine
Scholarship; Mr Ahmed Alaraibi, the winner
of the Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al
Khalifa Scholarship, and Ms Maryam
El-Mahayni, winner of the RCSI Bahrain
Nursing Scholarship.

SIM Patient Training

The SIM Patient Unit trained its biggest cohort of 25
simulation patients on 23rd November at the new
teaching space in Al Sayah Square.

This training was aimed at enhancing the SIM patients’

skills under the careful mentoring of Professor Nuha
Birido, Associate Professor in Surgery & Academic
Director of Clinical Simulation; Dr Sally Doherty,
Senior Lecturer in Psychology; Dr Georsan Caruth,
Clinical Educator in Paediatrics; Dr Hani Malik, Lecturer
in Family Medicine; and Ms Ruth Searl, Administrator of
School of Postgraduate Studies & Research. The training
also served as a platform for the simulation patients to
meet and share their experiences.
During the training session

Interprofessional Learning Simulation

RCSI Bahrain supports and encourages interdisciplinary
teaching and learning. The interprofessional learning
simulation is part of the unique collaboration between
the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing and
Midwifery, to offer interprofessional learning
opportunities and a distinctive approach to
improving patient care. On 15th October, the
Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department hosted the
group of Keele University nursing students with the
Senior Cycle 1 medicine students to take part in a
high-fidelity simulation session on managing a primary
post-partum haemorrhage.

12 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

 Second Middle East Conference in Artificial Intelligence in
Higher Education

Academic
Update
Dr Jamal Hashem and Dr Colin Greengrass

On 10th October, Dr Colin Greengrass, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology & Academic Director of Technology
Enhanced Learning, and Dr Jamal Hashem, Lecturer in Surgery, attended the second Middle East Conference in
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education, held under the patronage of Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Rana bint
Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council and Deputy of the Board of Trustees
of the Higher Education Council.

Her Excellency delivered an introduction encompassing the impact of AI-powered technologies on the GDP and
employability of future graduates, specifying that AI competencies significantly improve demand for graduates
across all industries. The conference highlighted AI applications in assessing learning processes, as well as
general AI applications tailored to different fields.

Participation in 26th Congress of The Asian

Association of Paediatric Surgeons
Professor Martin Corbally, Head of Department of Surgery, was invited to chair and present his
keynote speech on the topic of “Management of the Complex Wilms Tumour” at the 26th
Congress of The Asian Association of Paediatric Surgeons held from 20th to 22nd November in
Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam.

Invitation to the American College of Surgeons Clinical

Congress
In October, Dr Isam Mazin Juma, Senior
Clinical Lecturer at RCSI Bahrain,
Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at King
Hamad University Hospital, and
President of the Bahrain Chapter of
American College of Surgeons (ACS),
attended the ACS Annual Clinical
Congress in San Diego, US, on behalf of
RCSI Bahrain.

RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

13
Participation in 16th Pan Arab Psychiatric Congress

Professor Charlotte Kamel

In September, Professor Charlotte Kamel, Associate

Professor and Head of Psychiatry Department, was the
keynote speaker at the 16th Pan Arab Psychiatric Congress
and 25th Emirates Society Mental Health International
Congress, where she presented her research titled ‘Suicide,
would it be legal?’.

This highlighted the importance of decriminalising suicidal

behaviour to enable those suffering to receive the care and
help they need and minimise the stigma surrounding mental
health.

Participation in AGU-TDR-WHO Joint Workshop

Dr Nitya Kumar, RCSI Bahrain Senior
Lecturer in Public Health & Epidemiology,
represented the University at the “Capacity
Building in Tropical Disease
Implementation Research Methods &
Ethics” workshop, organised by World
Health Organization (WHO) and the WHO
Collaborating Centre (WHOCC) for Health
Professionals’ Educational Development at
the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) and TDR
(Special Program for Research and
Training in Tropical Diseases) from 6th to 8th
November. The workshop was in line with
the Centre’s mandate to provide
training and courses in the areas of Best
Evidence Medical Education and
Evidence-Based Medicine.

Participation in Forum for MENA Open Research

In October, Dr Rabab Almuqahwi, Arabic Language Course Coordinator,
represented RCSI Bahrain in the Forum for MENA Open Research held in
Egypt. Dr Almuqahwi presented her research paper titled “Towards more
visibility and accessibility of Arabic Language Research worldwide:
identifying the challenges, the consequences, sharing current initiatives,
and suggesting sustainable solutions”.

In addition, Dr Almuqahwi chaired a research panel titled ‘Overcoming

Challenges to Open Science in MENA’ and attended an Open Research
workshop.

14 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

AdvanceHE Partnership and Certification Update

Academic
Update
Current CLTHE cohort

On 30th November, Professor Sameer Otoom, members are currently enrolled in the programme, and
President of RCSI Bahrain, welcomed Mr Kristian Rumble, 14 trainers are co-delivering the CLTHE with AdvanceHE.
International Partnerships Manager, Business In addition, eight staff members have received their
Development and Delivery of AdvanceHE, for a fellowships and 20 more are expected to obtain their
meeting in the attendance of Dr Kathryn Strachan, fellowships next year.
Director of Quality and Academic Development and Ms
Fatema Frutan, Professional Development Specialist. The
discussions included the upcoming Aspire programme
for Leaders in Higher Education and exploring areas for
future collaboration.

Professor Otoom reiterated the importance of expert

training in learning and teaching for staff and reaffirmed
RCSI Bahrain’s support of the Certificate of Learning and
Teaching in Higher Education (CLTHE) and Fellowship
of AdvanceHe, currently offered to all faculty. To date, From left, Dr Kathryn Strachan, Professor Sameer
33 staff members have completed the CLTHE, 22 staff Otoom, Mr Kristian Rumble and Ms Fatema Frutan

RCSI Bahrain hosts MFD Exams

On 7th and 8th November, RCSI Bahrain hosted the Medicine, and Professor Albert Leung, Dean of the
Membership of the Faculty of Dentistry (MFD) Faculty of Dentistry, RCSI in Dublin, on contemporary
examinations following on from the preparatory developments of healthcare education, particularly in
programme for candidates. The MFD examinations the context of RCSI in Ireland, Bahrain and beyond.
are an extremely popular flagship examination of the
Faculty of Dentistry of the Royal College of Surgeons in
Ireland (FoDRCSI), assessing dentists at approximately
two years post-qualification.

The faculty also conducted a well-attended CPD day

entitled ‘Healthcare Education Developments and an
Update of Clinical Dentistry’, with keynote lectures
from Professor Alfred Nicholson, RCSI Bahrain Vice
President for Academic Affairs and Head of School of

RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

15
 RCSI Bahrain Researchers among “World’s Top 2%
Scientists”
Professor Stephen Atkin, Head of School of Postgraduate
Studies and Research and Dr Alexandra Butler, Senior
Research Fellow, were among the researchers featured in
the prestigious “World’s Top 2% Scientists” list published by
Stanford University, USA.

According to the Scopus database and the citation metrics

used, Professor Atkin’s research has been cited 13,425 times
by 11,297 publications and Dr Butler’s research has been
cited 10,839 times by 8,141 publications, which is a testimony
to the importance of their research work among the 180,000
active researchers worldwide.
Professor Stephen Dr Alexandra
Their research interests include insulin resistance, polycystic
Atkin Butler
ovary syndrome and Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Research Collaboration with AGU

RCSI Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) are
collaborating on a joint research project to measure the
physical activity of Bahraini patients with Type 2 diabetes
and explore psychological and environmental factors
which influence their behaviour. With 15% of Bahrain’s
population suffering from Type 2 diabetes, the ultimate
goal of this project is to develop standard interventions
to support the decrease of sedentary behaviour and
potentially improve the incidence rate of Type 2 diabetes
in the Bahraini population.
activity of 340 participants and collect required medical
data. Dr Ebrahim Rajab, RCSI Bahrain Senior Lecturer
in Biology and the Principal Investigator of this research
project, will be joined by Professor Randah Hamadeh,
AGU College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, and Dr
Abeer AlSaweer, Consultant Family Physician and Diabe-
tologist at AGU; Professor Edward Gregg, Professor at
the School of Population Health, RCSI in Dublin, and Dr
Lisa Mellon, School of Population Health Lecturer, RCSI
in Dublin.

This joint research project is led by Professor Stephen
Atkin, RCSI Bahrain Head of School of Postgraduate
Studies and Research, and Professor Afif Bin Salih, AGU
Vice Dean for Graduate Studies and Research. The
project will run for a year and will be conducted at four
primary healthcare centres with specialised diabetes
clinics, where the research team will track the physical
RCSI Bahrain is keen on developing patient-centred
research which addresses key national health challenges,
such as diabetes, which is a key research focus at the
RCSI Bahrain Clinical and Biomolecular Research Centre.
With this research collaboration with AGU, we aim to
develop a solution that will be a major step in the lives of
diabetic patients and will improve their quality of life.

First Fulbright Scholar

As part of RCSI Bahrain’s strategic aim to become a hub recommendations and update guidelines in relation to
for clinical and patient-centred research, the University the management of mild asthma in adults in the Middle
welcomed its first Fulbright Scholar, Ms Maria Morcos, East.
at the beginning of the academic year. Ms Morcos is
a graduate of the MSc Physician Assistant programme
from Rochester Institute of Technology, New York, US.

During her year at RCSI Bahrain, Ms Morcos will be

participating in a research project led by Professor
Stephen Atkin, Head of School of Postgraduate Studies
and Research, for the development of an educational
programme to enable women with Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome (PCOS) to make lifestyle changes and reduce
the risk of future PCOS-related complications.

She will also be supporting a research project led by Professor Ghufran Jassim, Ms Maria Morcos
Professor Ghufran Jassim, Associate Professor and Head and Professor Stephen Atkin
of Department of Family Medicine, to develop

16 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

Oncology Research Opportunity with SBI ALApharma
On 30th November, Professor Sameer Otoom,
President of RCSI Bahrain; Professor Stephen Atkin,
Head of School of Postgraduate Studies and Research,
and Professor Uwe Torsten, Head of Department of
RCSI Bahrain Participates in First Manama Health
Conference
RCSI Bahrain was delighted to participate in the first
edition of the Manama Health Conference and EXPO,
held by the National Health Regulatory Authority,
under the patronage of His Excellency Lieutenant
General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa,
Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, from 10th
to 13th December. The conference was held in
cooperation with Spine Medical, Egypt and included
a number of scientific lectures by speakers from both
countries, to present the latest developments in
internal medicine, regenerative medicine, dentistry,
pharmacy, sports medicine and rehabilitation,
pathology and blood banking, as well as biomedical
Top Three Winners of Research Review Competition 2022
In December, the University announced the top three
winners of its Research Summer School – Research
Review Competition 2022, held under the guidance of
the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, with
the aim of introducing RCSI Bahrain undergraduate
students to the world of research.
The first-place prize winners of the Research Review 2022
Competition were Ms Sania Shabbir, Ms Emaan Khurram,
Ms Vedhika Moorthi and Mr Youssef Eissa for their review
titled ‘The Interplay Between Androgens and the
Immune Response in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome’, with
the support of two mentors, Dr Alexandra Butler, RCSI
Bahrain Senior Research Fellow and Dr Mohammad
Kamal, former RCSI Bahrain Postdoctoral Research
Fellow.
RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23
Obstetrics and Gynaecology, met with Professor Riyadh
Rehani, President of SBI Pharmaceuticals Bahrain and Dr
Ulrich Kosciessa, Chief Operating Officer of SBI
ALApharma in Germany, to discuss possible
collaboration on conducting oncology research with
Photonamics Germany and SBI Japan. This initiative was
discussed following the successful completion of two
RCSI Bahrain research projects on COVID-19 and
Diabetes Mellitus with SBI Pharma.
engineering. Members of the RCSI Bahrain Clinical and
Biomolecular Research Centre were present in the
University booth at the expo to network with industry
experts and professionals.
Research
Update
The second-place winners were Mr William Junior Khalil,
Ms Meriem Akeblersane and Ms Ana Khan for their
review titled ‘Environmental pollution and risk of
developing metabolic disorders: Obesity and diabetes’,
with the support of mentors Dr Butler and Dr Abu Saleh
Moin, RCSI Bahrain Postdoctoral Research Fellow.
The third-place winners were Ms Prianna Menezes and
Ms Isabell Lawrence, for their review titled ‘Evaluating
the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the physicians’
psychological health; a scoping systematic review’, with
the support of mentors Ms Shaista Salman, RCSI Bahrain
Professionalism Lecturer and Professor Fiza
Rashid-Doubell, former RCSI Bahrain Associate
Professor in Physiology.
17
Welcoming New Students on Campus
RCSI Bahrain was delighted to welcome 356 new
undergraduate students on campus for the start of the
2022-23 academic year. Under the School of Nursing and
Midwifery, the Nursing Year 1 students were the first to
commence, followed by the students from
the School of Medicine enrolled in the Medical
Commencement programme, Foundation Year and
Medicine Year 1 programmes. During the course of their
first week, new students participated in the orientation
programme and Freshers’ activities with teaching starting
the following week.
18
All new students were assigned a Buddy - a student from
a more senior year acting as a guide - to support their
transition to university.
For the 2022-23 academic year, RCSI Bahrain
registered 54 Clubs and Societies, more than 40 of which
have been active during the first semester, with a total of
114 events, 61 social activities, 41 sporting events and
12 academic-themed events.
RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23
 International Citizenship Award Update

For the new academic year, 57 Med2 students enrolled in the International Citizenship Award (ICA) programme
and completed mandatory workshops in cultural competency and reflective writing.

12 staff members are mentoring the students along their two-year ICA journey. 36 Med3 students have moved to
the final year of the two-year programme and are expected to receive their awards at the end of semester two.

Med1 Learning Communities

As part of the Transforming Healthcare Education
Programme (THEP) rolled out in Bahrain this academic
year, the Med1 students were grouped in Learning
Communities, (ie small groups) aimed at empowering
them to develop personal and interpersonal skills at the
same time as they develop knowledge in their discipline.

Med1 students and staff jointly developed the

identities of the new Learning Communities (LC) namely,
Air, Fire, Earth and Water with the sub-groups being
North, South, East and West. Students in each Learning
Community were provided with badges and lanyards to
identify with their respective groups.

Student Life
Professionalism Campaign
Update
Under the Student Engagement and Partnership (StEP)
programme and the Institutional Management domain,
a Professionalism Awareness Campaign was organised
by eight faculty and staff members and 17 students,
during the first six weeks of the first semester.

Each week, all students were invited to attend a session

or activities/events related to a specific aspect of
professionalism set out as follows: Week 1: Walk the
Walk, Talk the Talk; Week 2: Engagement = Success;
Week 3: Professional Communications;
Week 4: Academic Integrity; Week 5: Professionalism
Demystified; Week 6: Self-Care for Professionals.

RCSI Bahrain would like to thank the organisers for their

initiative and the participants for their commitment to
professionalism.

RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

19
StEP Open Forum

In December, an Open Forum for the Student Engagement and Partnership (StEP) programme was held for all staff
and students interested in becoming a StEP Champion or supporter. The forum covered ongoing projects in each
StEP domain, in addition to new ideas for collaborative projects between staff and students.

First Influenza Immunisation Campaign on campus

In October, under the Student Engagement and
Partnership (StEP) programme and the Local
Community and Social Environment domain, an
Influenza Immunisation Campaign was organised by
the relevant group of staff and students. In partnership
with the Ministry of Health, KIMS Hospital, the Human
Resources Department and the student Primary Care
and Public Health Society, an immunisation clinic was
facilitated on campus. It was the first time in Bahrain
that an Influenza vaccination clinic operated outside of
clinical sites. A total of 118 free influenza
vaccinations were administered to 33 staff members,
83 senior medical students and two family members.
In support of the campaign, Professor Manaf Alqahtani,
Head of the Microbiology Department, RCSI Bahrain,
delivered a lecture to staff and students on precautions
to follow in preparation for the influenza season.

20 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

 Mentorship Programme Update
Originally launched in the academic year 2017-18, the
RCSI Bahrain Student Mentorship Programme is now
being restructured and enhanced as a StEP initiative in
the domain of Institutional Management. In December,
Mr Faris Al Madi, Senior Cycle 2 student and student
lead for the Mentorship Programme, collaborated with
Dr Wendy Maddison, Head of Student Development
and Wellbeing, and Ms Asal Kazerooni, Student
Engagement & Learning Support Specialist, to deliver
a training session for new student mentors who joined
the programme. The Student Mentorship Programme
supports the student community in developing skills,
expanding networks, and encouraging the sharing of
expertise, experiences and knowledge for personal
and professional development. 56 students in different
years from both the School of Medicine and School of
Nursing and Midwifery attended the mentor briefing
and training session.

Buddy Programme Update

At the start of the academic year, 53 School of
Medicine Buddies and 21 School of Nursing &
Midwifery Buddies chaperoned the new cohorts of
students to guide them in their transition to University
at RCSI Bahrain.

Student Travel Award

In November, Mr Ali Mardini, Med3 student, received a Conference
& Travel Award to present a paper titled, “Eyeing up the pandemic:
A literature review of the ocular manifestations of COVID-19”, at the
Second International Conference on Nursing and Women’s Healthcare
held in Paris, France.
Mr Ali Mardini

PathWay Programme

Student Life
Update
The PathWay Programme forms an important component of the
first-year students’ orientation and provides them with guidance and
information during the first semester. Students completed four online
sessions: Self-Care for Success; Academic Study Strategies;
Professionalism and Academic Integrity; and Signposting Places.
Peer-led presentations were provided by senior students to give their
younger colleagues tips on how to succeed at university.

Building Resilience for Success

Workshop
The Student Health and Wellbeing Unit hosted a workshop on
Building Resilience for all students, led by psychologist Ms Razan
Shaheen and therapist Mr Fares Zubari from the Insights Therapy
Centre. The workshop focused on overcoming obstacles, adapting to
change and developing a positive self-image. Building resilience in
healthcare has been shown to improve results for increasing
well-being, reducing burnout and improving job and life satisfaction.

RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

21
SMILE Initiative

Dr Amal Al-Qallaf, Professor Sameer Otoom, Mr Sabah Al Zayani and Smile Initiative board member

In September, the Community Outreach office held a
number of fundraising activities in support of Childhood
Cancer Awareness Month. The fundraising activities were
held in collaboration with a local charity, The Smile
Initiative. With the support of student and staff
volunteers, RCSI Bahrain held a zumba and yoga class
with all proceeds being donated to the charity.
On 31st October, RCSI Bahrain welcomed Mr Sabah
Abdul Rahman Al Zayani, Chairman of the Future Society
for Youth, along with a number of board members from
The Smile Initiative, which includes RCSI Bahrain Head
of Language and Cultural Unit, Dr Amal Al-Qallaf, to
formally receive the cheque. The event was attended by
Professor Sameer Otoom, RCSI Bahrain President;
Professor Rebecca Jester, former Head of School of
Nursing & Midwifery and Mr Fadi Ghosn, Head of
Recognition, Careers and Alumni.

Clothes Donation Drive

From 31st October to 7th November, the Green Initiative Society and the
Community Outreach office invited students and staff to donate used clean
clothes. After a successful Donation Drive, the clothes and goods collected were
donated by the Community Outreach office and the President of the Green
Initiative Society, Senior Cycle 2 student, Mr Mohamad Diab, to the Migration
Workers Protection Society at their premises. On this occasion, the Green
Initiative Society promoted small lifestyle changes such as using reusable or
biodegradable grocery bags, and recycling or avoiding single-use plastics to
promote the reduction of carbon footprint.

Movember Awareness Talk

On 28th November, Dr Hani Malik, Lecturer in Family
Medicine, presented a talk on “Men’s Mental Health” and
the different challenges men face, including the cultural
and societal stigma of masculinity in today’s society.

Dr Malik presented various communication strategies on

how to reach out to men dealing with mental health
problems. He concluded his talk by bringing awareness to
the importance of mental health and the role the
community can play in supporting those suffering.

At the end of the talk, Mr Hazem Tariq, CSS

Communications Coordinator, was selected as the winner
of the best-grown moustache this year.

22 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

 Breast Cancer Awareness Activities
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness, the
Community Outreach office held a series of activities
throughout the month of October.
On 14th October, RCSI Bahrain staff and student
volunteers from Community Engagement joined the
Bahrain Cancer Society Walk-A-Thon at the Water
Garden City in support of encouraging people of
different age groups to participate in various
awareness activities for a healthier, cancer-free society.
On campus, Professor Nuha Birido, Associate Professor
of Surgery and Academic Director of Clinical
Simulation, hosted a workshop and talk for students
“Pink Day” at the Royal Police Academy
On 3rd November, Ms Fatima Aldaylami, English Lecturer and member of the Language and Cultural Unit,
attended the “Pink Day” event held at the Royal Police Academy in collaboration with the Middle East Hospital,
the Bahrain Medical Society and the Bahrain Cancer Society.
RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23
and staff on the stages and prevalence of breast
cancer and the proper techniques for self-assessment.
The Library & Learning Resources Centre (LLRC)
supported the campaign by creating a display of books
and theses on breast cancer, hosting a charity book
sale and a Tree of Hope where students and staff left
positive messages to patients and survivors.
Professor Stephen Atkin, Head of School of
Postgraduate Studies & Research, in the presence of
Dr Bindhu Nair, Manager of Library & Learning
Resource Centre and the LLRC team, handed over the
donation for the Bahrain Cancer Society to Mr Fadi
Ghosn, Head of Recognition, Careers & Alumni.
Engagement
Community
23
 Diabetes Mobile Unit Update

His Excellency Chairman of the Supreme Council of

Health with RCSI Bahrain students School of Nursing and Midwifery students

The Diabetes Mobile Unit (DMU) continues to raise awareness among the child population in Bahrain on the risk
of Type 2 diabetes, thanks to the volunteering efforts of students and staff members of the School of Nursing and
Midwifery. Among the multiple school visits held during the first semester, on 17th November, the DMU visited
the newly established school, Abdulrahman Kanoo School in Diyar Al Muharraq.

Also in November, the DMU was invited to participate in a local ‘World Diabetes Day’ event organised by the
Bahrain Diabetes Society, under the patronage of His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin
Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health and in the attendance of Assistant
Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr Maryam Al-Hajri. Ms Danah Smith, Lecturer in
Nursing and Dr Maryam Alaradi, Senior Lecturer in Nursing, RCSI Bahrain, were given a token of appreciation for
the DMU’s continued efforts in promoting awareness to school children on the risks, symptoms and preventative
measures of Type 2 diabetes.

Partnership with Royal Life Saving Bahrain

RCSI Bahrain was invited to attend the Royal Life
Saving Bahrain (RLSB) press launch for their new initiative
called the ‘Safer Community Partnership’ and MOU
signing event, hosted by Her Highness Shaikha Nayla
Bint Hamad bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Chairperson and
Founder of Royal Life Saving Bahrain. RLSB launched the
Safer Community Partnership initiative to empower
communities with skills, knowledge, and confidence to
save lives. We look forward to working closely with RLSB
on the training of RCSI Bahrain staff and student
volunteers with internationally certified water safety first
aid courses.

Al Bilad Social Responsibility Awards Ceremony

Under the Patronage of His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin
Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
of Infrastructure and Chairman of the Board of Al-Bilad
newspaper, RCSI Bahrain was invited to attend the Al
Bilad Shield for Companies’ Social Responsibility Awards
Ceremony held on 25th September in the presence of
Mr Abdulnabi Al-Shola, Chairman of Al Bilad newspaper.
Two members of the Communications team, Ms Christina
Gallagher, Senior Communications Specialist, and Ms
Doaa Magdy, Communications Specialist, represented
RCSI Bahrain at the event.

24 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

International Community Engagement – Trip to Vietnam
As part of the university’s International Community
Engagement programme in partnership with
Operation Childlife, a cohort of student volunteers
travelled to Vietnam in December. Professor Martin
Corbally, Professor and Head of Surgery Department,
RCSI Bahrain, led the student volunteers from the
Undergraduate Medicine programme (Senior Cycle 2),
Mr Saad Mallah, Mr Faris AlMadi, and Ms Hend
Anwar, and from the Undergraduate Nursing programme
(Nursing Year 4), Ms Zainab Alderaz, to two hospitals in
Vietnam’s capital Ho Chi Minh. The volunteers attended
complex paediatric surgeries and discovered different Professor Martin Corbally with the student
cases of non-communicable diseases prevalent in the volunteers
country.

American Mission Hospital’s Island Classic Charity Golf

Tournament
RCSI Bahrain participated in the American Mission
Hospital’s Island Classic Charity Golf Tournament held
in October under the patronage of His Majesty King
Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Through the Community
Engagement office, staff members participated in the
Golf Tournament, as well as the American Mission
Hospital’s 23rd Year Anniversary Island Classic Gala
Dinner. Funds raised by the tournament’s organising
committee were donated in the form of free medical
treatments to the community.

Cancer Donation

Engagement
Community

Community Outreach with Bahrain Cancer Society President and representatives

The Community Outreach office coordinated the

fund-raising activities for Breast Cancer and
Movember. A total of 1,400 BD was raised during
October and November.

The proceedings were donated to Think Pink (Breast

Cancer NGO)l and the President of Bahrain Cancer So-
ciety (BCS) Dr Abdulrahman Fakhro, in the presence of Community Outreach office hand donation to
Think Pink Communication Lead, Mr Sultan Mohamed, Mr Sultan Mohamed
and BCS Executive Manager, Mr Ahmed Ali.
RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23
25
Alumni Talks
In October, Dr Rand Abdulrahman and Dr Maan of 2021) participated in a talk on the Canadian Pathway.
Abdulrahman (both Class of 2020) visited RCSI Bahrain He is currently a PGY-1 Family Medicine Resident at St.
for a talk on the UK Foundation Programme with a focus Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver as part of the University of
on Foundation Year 2. During the session, they discussed British Columbia. He shared information on the match
the application process and their experiences in relation process, Canadian board exams and his experiences. He
to the match and life in the UK. led an excellent question and answer session to provide
students with further insights and advice on matching to
Another evening online information session for students Canada.
applying to the 2023 UK Foundation Programme was
led by Dr Jayaditya Patil, Dr Khalid Shamiyah, and Dr Ali
Mahmood (all Class of 2022). The three alumni currently
working as Foundation Year 1 Doctors, presented an
outline of the application process, SJT and guidance on
medical training pathways in the UK. The session was
facilitated by Dr Helen Cooper, Lecturer in Medicine,
RCSI Bahrain.

On 30th October, Dr Nermin Abozenah (Class of 2019),

currently completing her residency in ENT at the
University Hospital of Marburg, gave a talk about the Dr Rand Abdulrahman
German Pathway. She discussed the career pathway and
the residency application process in Germany.

On 2nd November, Captain Dr Fares Uddin (Class of

2013), a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon currently
working with the Royal Guards, Bahrain Defence Force,
came to the campus to share his experiences and career
pathway. He shared information on the Saudi Board
Residency and Canadian fellowship, as well as his future
career plans and the future of sports medicine in
Bahrain. Captain Dr Uddin was joined by Professor
Robert Litchfield from the University of Western Ontario,
who discussed Sports Medicine.

On 9th November, Dr Omar Ahmed Barakat (Class of

2022) visited campus to give a talk about the pathway
to the United Kingdom. He focused on the clinical life of
a Foundation Doctor and provided advice on living and
working in the UK. Dr Barakat is currently completing his
Foundation Year 1 training in General Surgery Dr Omar Ahmed Barakat
(Colorectal) at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, UK.

On 16th November, Dr Mohamed Almajed (Class of 2020)

spoke on the pathway to the USA and his
experience with residency. He started his residency in
Internal Medicine in 2021 at Henry Ford Hospital in
Detroit, Michigan, USA. He is now a second-year
resident planning to apply for a fellowship in
Cardiology. Following Dr Almajed’s presentation, Senior
Cycle 1 student Mr Yousef Waly, discussed the USMLE
Step 1 examination in further detail.

On 20th November, the Orthopaedic Society virtually

hosted Dr Ahmed Al Khalifa (Class of 2012) to discuss his
career pathway in Orthopaedics. Dr Al Khalifa completed
his Orthopaedic Surgery residency at the University of
Toronto. He is currently a Clinical Fellow in Trauma and
Arthroplasty at the University of Toronto.

On 27th November, Dr Tharmegan Tharmaratnam (Class Captain Dr Fares Uddin

26 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

 US Pathway, Residency Talk and ERAS Interview
On 7th November, RCSI Bahrain welcomed delegates To support students and graduates through the
from George Washington University, USA. Dr Huda interview process for the US match, the Careers Office
Ayas, Associate Dean for International Medicine at organised ERAS interview preparation sessions with
the School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), Professor Dalal AlRomaihi, former Consultant
Founder and Executive Director of the Office of Endocrinologist at King Hamad University Hospital.
International Medicine Programmes, Director of Professor AlRomaihi is an American Board-Certified
three interdisciplinary medicine courses, Director of physician with extensive experience with residency
the Global Health Track, and Professional Lecturer of interviews in the US. The two sessions took place on
Global Health in the Milken Institute of Public Health 23rd October and 27th October, and covered general
at the George Washington University, joined by Ms interview techniques and tips, role-play feedback and
Shereen Toubaji, Programme Manager for the reflection.
International Residency and Fellowship Programmes,
Office of International Medicine Programmes at SMHS,
discussed the residency application process, including
changes to the 2022/2023 residency cycle, new trends
in medical education in the USA and shared match
strategies with students.
Dr Huda Ayas
On 10th October, Professor Majd Zayzafoon, Associate
Provost for International Education, Assistant Dean for
International Medical Education, visited RCSI Bahrain
to discuss the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s
IVMS (International Visiting Medical Student
Programme) and navigating the Pathway to residency
in the US.
Professor Majd Zayzafoon

French Residency Training

In October, three RCSI Bahrain alumni received the
B2 French Language Diplomas from His Excellency Mr
Jerome Cauchard, French Ambassador to the Kingdom
of Bahrain. Dr Hamad Adel Hamad (Class of 2019), Dr
Abubaker Jadalla (Class of 2018), and Dr Muneera
Rabeea (Class of 2015) received the diplomas as part of
the intergovernmental initiative launched in 2019
following the visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al
Khalifa to France.

This recognition will support the graduates with their

specialisation residency training in France over the
next four to six years.

US Electives – Student Experiences

Careers and
Alumni

On 6th November, a group of senior medical students presented to their colleagues on their summer electives in the
US. Senior Cycle 2 students, Mr Mohamed Diab, Ms Yumna Salman, Mr Ali Ayub, Mr Kamel Ikbariah and Mr Faris
AlMadi shared their experiences at Hazelden Betty Ford Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Yale, University of Alabama
at Birmingham, Cleveland Clinic and Lahey Hospital respectively.

RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

27
Nursing Specialty Talk
On 10th October, as part of the Nursing Specialty Talk Series, Professor Julie Green,
Head of School of Nursing & Midwifery at Keele University, UK, presented to
Nursing Year 3 students on the topic of ‘A masterclass in community nursing in the
United Kingdom’.

This session was the first in a new initiative that aims to help nursing students explore
Professor Julie different pathways available to them.
Green

UK Alumni Reunion at the Royal Society of Medicine

On 10th September, the Careers and Alumni office hosted a reunion event at the Royal Society of Medicine in
London, UK, to strengthen engagement with our alumni network. More than 90 graduates attended the event
alongside officials from RCSI Bahrain and RCSI in Dublin, who helped deliver the programme for the evening.

The reunion commenced with a presentation by Mr Stephen Harrison-Mirfield, Managing Director of RCSI
Bahrain, on key developments and campus advancements. Professor Alfred Nicholson, RCSI Bahrain Vice
President for Academic Affairs and Head of School of Medicine and Ms Aine Gibbons, Director of Development,
Alumni Relations, Fellows and members at RCSI in Dublin, addressed the alumni and expressed their pride to
witness the professional progress the graduates have made and reiterated the support offered to the RCSI global
alumni network. Professor David Misselbrook, former RCSI Bahrain Associate Professor in Family Medicine and
Chair of the Research Ethics Committee, was also invited to address the graduates and celebrate their
success over the years. The event concluded with Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Bahrain, inviting
the alumni in attendance to participate in a feedback session to help develop new ideas and initiatives.

Representing the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM), Mr Gavin Berkerey, Head of Membership and Marketing, and
Professor Nik Patel, Chair of Academic Board and Trustee, attended the reunion to commemorate the occasion
and achievements of our graduates. RCSI Bahrain’s collaboration with the RSM to support first-year graduates
in their career development has been greatly helpful, leading to opportunities for engagement and networking.
The RSM is a registered charity and membership organisation with a vision to better healthcare for better lives.
As an RSM member, students have access to wider healthcare communities and networks as well as educational,
research and networking resources and events.

28 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

Alumni Awarded MSc in Nursing Scholarship
Ms Dana Alabbadi (Class of 2019), Ms Sara Otaifa (Class
of 2017), Mr Mahmood Aljazeeri (Class of 2014), and
Mr Jawad Saleh (Class of 2013) were awarded the RCSI
Bahrain MSc Nursing Scholarship. They started the
programme at the beginning of the 2022-2023 academic
year.
The scholarship programme was launched in 2021 and
was offered exclusively to graduates of RCSI Bahrain’s
undergraduate nursing programme, with the aim of
recognising and rewarding the significant contributions
of our alumni to the healthcare sector. Scholarship
recipients were selected by a panel of senior staff
members on the back of a formal application process,
which required the submission of academic references
and a personal statement outlining how the MSc in
Nursing would contribute to the individual’s
development in clinical leadership.
The MSc Nursing programme at RCSI Bahrain has been
developed with clinical nursing practice at its core and
based on the knowledge that nursing is an interactive
caring process, which is patient-centred, and that nurses
constantly consolidate their practice with formal
educational preparation.

Class of 2012 Tenth Anniversary Reunion and 2022

Inspiring Excellence Portrait Unveiling Ceremony
Under the patronage of Professor Sameer Otoom,
President of RCSI Bahrain, the Alumni team hosted an
alumni reunion event for the Classes of 2012, to
commemorate their ten-year graduation anniversary
and announce the winners of the 2022 Inspiring
Excellence Award.

The reunion commenced with a presentation by Mr

Stephen Harrison-Mirfield, Managing Director of RCSI
Bahrain, detailing on-campus advancements and
developments. Professor Alfred Nicholson, RCSI 2022 Inspiring Excellence Award winners
Bahrain Vice President for Academic Affairs and Head
of School of Medicine, addressed the alumni and
expressed his pride in witnessing the professional
progress made by the Class of 2012 alumni and
reiterated the continuous commitment and support
offered to the alumni.

The event proceeded with the announcement of Dr

Mona Albanna (School of Medicine, Class of 2012) and
Ms Myrna Traboulssi (MSc Nursing, Class of 2018) as
the winners of the 2022 Inspiring Excellence Award
and the unveiling of their portraits. The award aims to
inspire students and visitors to the University by
showcasing the outstanding achievements of the
winners in the form of a gallery of portraits along the
walls of the University’s atrium.
Careers and
Alumni

RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

29
Solar Farm Project
The Solar Farm project construction is progressing and
on schedule.

The HUB roof and car park, Service Building, staff and
student car parks have been completed and
commissioned to the Electricity and Water Authority
(EWA) to start producing electricity to meet the
University’s needs.

First ECO Focus Pod

In its pursuit of being an environmentally sustainable
campus, RCSI Bahrain was proud to open its first Eco
Focus Pod, in October.

The Eco Focus Pod, located near The HUB, is powered

by solar panels and offers an additional work or study
space for students.

30 RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23

 3 GOOD HEALTH
L or em ipsum
& WELL-BEING
• ‘Prince Salman bin Hamad Medal for
Medical Merit’ was awarded as a national
recognition of all the efforts made by RCSI
Bahrain staff and students to support the
health sector during the COVID-19
pandemic
• Launch of Bahrain’s first Biomolecular and
Clinical Research Centre with seven Doctors
of Philosophy (PhD holders) and five
Postdoctorates dedicated to Diabetes, the
most prevalent disease nationally
• Health Research focused on Bahrain: 46
Bahrain-focused publications issued in 37
international journals, 356 citations (Source:
SciVal 2010-2022)
• Health and Wellbeing in the community:
over 200 events and over 11,000
volunteering hours contributed to
supporting local and international
communities since 2012
• USD2,700 raised and donated to SMILE
initiative in 2022 in support of the wellbeing
of children cancer patients and their families
4
QUALITY EDUCATION
L or em ipsum
• 491 Doctors and 1,125 Nurses RCSI Bahrain
Alumni working in Bahrain
• Accreditation by the Higher Education
Council (HEC) in Bahrain and the Bahrain
Education & Training Quality Authority
(BQA), the Irish Medical Council (IMC) and
collaboration with the Quality and
Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
5 GENDER EQUALITY
L or em ipsum
• 60% of full-time personnel are female, 53%
of female personnel pursued higher
education (Masters / Doctoral degree) or
enrolment with professional membership /
Fellowship
7
AFFORDABLE &
L or em ipsum
CLEAN ENERGY
• Launch of the Solar Farm project in June
2022 covering 12,000sqm with estimated
electricity production: 3.54 MWh yearly,
representing circa 60% of current electricity
consumption of RCSI Bahrain and an
Annual C02 savings of 2,247 metric
tonnes/year
8
DECENT WORK &
L or em ipsum
ECONOMIC GROWTH
• 42% of full time staff at RCSI Bahrain are
Bahraini nationals as of November 2022
• Investment in capital expenditure standing
at $100m
• Annual contribution to Bahrain economy
standing at $40m
RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23
ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND
Medical University of Bahrain
proudly serving the
Kingdom of Bahrain
since 2004
9 INDUSTRY,
L or em ipsum
INNOVATION &
INFRASTRUCTURE
• Establishment of National Clinical Trial unit:
in 2020, RCSI Bahrain was nominated to
establish, facilitate and support the national
response for all COVID-19 clinical trials in
Bahrain; advisory role to date
• Bahrain as a medical research hub: RCSI
Bahrain is the leader in interventional
clinical studies in Bahrain since April 2020
(Source: clinicaltrials.gov)
• Introducing a Technology Enhanced
Learning incubator to research E-learning
and Educational Neuroscience
10
REDUCED INEQUALITIES
L or em ipsum
• 123 volunteering hours contributed in 2021
to DREAM BIG, a charitable organisation
providing English lessons as a foreign
language to underprivileged children in
Bahrain
11
SUSTAINABLE CITIES
L or em ipsum
& COMMUNITIES
• No Smoking policy on campus
• Health Education: over 4,800 children
tutored on Type II diabetes prevention
since 2012
• WHO Healthy Cities MOU signed with
Muharraq Governorate in February 2022
12
RESPONSIBLE
L or em ipsum
CONSUMPTION
& PRODUCTION
• Reduce (lighting and temperature controls,
paperless drive, reduction in single use
plastic), Reuse (regular initiative promoting
reusable RCSI cups and bottles), Recycle
(recycling bins) policy across campus
• Member of Stc Trees for Life since 2022
with an annual contribution of 500 trees
planted in Bahrain
17 PARTNERSHIPS FOR
L or em ipsum
THE GOALS
• Six Partner Hospitals in Bahrain
• Six Agreements to support Community
Service in Bahrain in 2022/2023
• WHO EMRO Healthy Universities guest
speaker hosted in September 2022
• Cooperation Agreement signed with
Primary Healthcare Centres in October
2022 to support education, training and
scientific research
• Innovative “Future Nurses Bahrain”
initiative under the Patronage of the
Chairman of Supreme Council of Health
widening access to nursing careers in
Bahrain since 2022
31
 RCSI Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Medical University of Bahrain
P.O. Box 15503, Adliya
Kingdom of Bahrain

32
This advertisement was submitted with the approval of the
General Secretariat of the Higher Education Council Approval No. (1016-22)
RCSI Bahrain Newsletter, Winter 2022-23