From Dublin to Dilmun: the Inspiring Journey of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain
The Inspiring Journey of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain
Sameer Otoom Joe McMenamin
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF BAHRAIN
The Inspiring Journey of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain with former RCSI President Niall O’Higgins in 2006
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in a meeting with RCSI Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer/ Registrar Cathal Kelly in 2024
His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health arriving to the Annual Research Conference of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain in 2022.
His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council, with RCSI Medical University of Bahrain President Sameer
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First published in The Kingdom of Bahrain in 2024
ISBN: 978-99901-37-67-5
Bahrain National Library Listing: 2024 497
Chapter One: Parallels and Bilateral Relationships Professor Joe McMenamin, Dr Faisal Al Mousawi
Chapter Two: Setting up RCSI Bahrain
Mr Michael Horgan 27
Chapter Three: The Transnational Education Model
Professor Hannah McGee, Professor Alf Nicholson 39
Chapter Four: Development of the Clinical Programme
Professor Niall O’Higgins, Professor Martin Corbally, Professor Ghufran Jassim and Professor Nuha Birido 55
Chapter Five: Expanding Strategically
Professor Stephen Atkin, Professor Seamus Cowman, Professor Kathryn Strachan, Dr Husain Nasaif, Dr Eman Tawash, Ms Batool AlMohandis 67
Chapter Six: Adding Value and Impact
Mr Stephen Harrison-Mirfield, Mr Fadi Ghosn, Mr Mohamed Abdulla 85
Chapter Seven: Supporting the Student Journey
Dr Wendy Maddison, Ms May Maher and Mr Fadi Ghosn 109
Chapter Eight: Challenges Addressed
Dr Declan Gaynor, Mr Gary Brady and Dr Wendy Maddison ........................ 133
Chapter Nine: The Commitments Continue
Professor Cathal Kelly and Professor Sameer Otoom
Co- Authors’ Biographies
PROFESSOR SAMEER OTOOM, MD MS PHD CCPT FRCPI
Professor Sameer Otoom is a Physician and Clinical Pharmacologist. He undertook an MS and a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Houston-USA, and a Certificate in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics from the University of Glasgow in the UK. He has a Certificate in Leadership from the Irish Management Institute. He has held various senior academic roles, currently, he is President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland -Medical University of Bahrain. (RCSI-Bahrain). Professor Otoom had several Fixed Term Consultancies with WHO projects in Syria, Jordan, Oman, UAE, Kenya, Iran and Sudan. He is an advisor to several Education and Health Councils in the region and has wide experience in managing higher education and internationalisation. He serves on different strategic boards and committees locally and internationally. His main research interest lies in clinical and experimental epilepsy, the rational use of drugs, and medical education. Professor Otoom received the award of Outstanding Education Leaders in the GCC from the Asian Confederation of Businesses and CMO Asia and is a recipient of the Prince Salman bin Hamad Medal for Medical Merit. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in London where his name is inscribed on its Wall of Honour, marking his contribution to transnational medical education and health.
PROFESSOR JOE MCMENAMIN, MD FRCPI FRCP(C) FRCP UK
Professor Joe McMenamin graduated from University College Dublin in 1972. He completed Paediatric and Paediatric Neurology training in Toronto, Canada in 1979. He was the recipient of a Young Investigator Award in 1981 and became a Research Fellow at the Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis. Joe was subsequently appointed Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver. He returned to Ireland in 1983 as a Consultant at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Dublin. In 1984 he obtained his doctorate (MD) on published work from the National University of Ireland. In 1996 he was appointed Associate Professor of Paediatrics at RCSI Dublin and from 2004-06 was Dean of the Faculty of Paediatrics, Royal College of Physicians in Ireland. In 2010 he joined RCSI Medical University of Bahrain as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Paediatrics and was appointed Head of the School of Medicine in 2012 and Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2014. He returned to Dublin in 2019 as Professor Emeritus at RCSI University of Medicine & Health Sciences. In 2020 he was appointed, by the Minister for Health, to the Irish Medical Council as a joint nominee of the Irish Medical Schools.
HM The King with Former RCSI President Niall O’Higgins in 2006
Introduction
In the following Foreword and Chapters, it will be apparent that many people have contributed to the successful building and emergence of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain, but none of the initiatives undertaken before and throughout the project would have been possible without the insightful vision of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the late Prime Minister (may God rest his soul in peace) and the subsequent and continuing full support of the government of Bahrain, and generous endorsement of the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister (may God protect and preserve them). Together with all the individuals who have given their time and expertise to the project, it is a testament to their desire to create for Bahrain a lasting and powerful medical education and international training university. We are proud and privileged to have that excellent support and that this book was launched during the Kingdom’s celebrations of the Silver Jubilee by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain marking 25 years of progress, development and prosperity.
Professor Kevin O’Malley, Foundation President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain in 2004.
Foreword
PROFESSOR KEVIN O’MALLEY
The concept of setting up a university in Bahrain was the brainchild of Dr Faisal Al Mousawi, former Minister of Health in Bahrain and former Chairman of the Shura Council, Mr Michael Horgan my successor as registrar/CEO of RCSI, and Dr Mohamad Alamuddin, former advisor to RCSI. The aim was to provide medical education and training in the region. Bahrain was the obvious location given the long-standing cooperation between the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and The Kingdom in medical education. I was greatly honoured to be appointed foundation president and moved to Bahrain in 2004. There I was joined by Mr Riyadh Dhaif, Assistant Registrar, RCSI Bahrain, and Ms Jo Henrichsen. We three got to work on planning for an intake of students to commence studies in Autumn 2004. With the generous support of the government of Bahrain, we got our first intake of twenty-seven students, of which twenty-four were Bahraini. We outfitted a suitable building in the Seef area which was officially opened by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the late Prime Minister, (may God rest his soul in eternal peace).
Over the following few years, the student body expanded and became a truly international group, very much like RCSI Dublin. I wish to acknowledge the wonderful cooperation we received from the government and our main affiliated hospitals - the King Hamad University Hospital, the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, and Salmaniya Medical Complex, and the Primary Healthcare Centres. Great credit also goes to our committed academic and support staff who met the great challenge of setting up the university many miles from our headquarters in Dublin.
The official opening of the University Campus in Muharraq in February 2009 by the then President of Ireland, Her Excellency Mary McAleese and His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, the late Prime Minister, was a red-letter day. Much of the credit goes to our colleagues in Dublin who did most of the hard work in delivering this magnificent facility for the students and staff of the university. In a sense, the graduation of our first group of students in 2010 marked the end of the foundation process, with 33 graduates in Medicine, 31 in Nursing, and 7 in Post-Graduate Nursing. Since then, the University has gone from strength to strength. This publication chronicles many of these achievements and highlights.
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain Campus, Busaiteen, Muharraq Governorate 2023
RCSI Dublin, 123 St Stephens Green
CHAPTER ONE
Parallels and Bilateral Relationships
03 February 2009, marked a major milestone in the life of RCSI Bahrain when the then President of Ireland, Her Excellency Mary McAleese opened the new Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) campus on the island of Muharraq. The ceremony was graced by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman al Khalifa, the late Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Synergies
To appreciate the synergies between RCSI Dublin and RCSI Bahrain, it is helpful to understand the common ground that has brought them together. Ireland and Bahrain both have a rich cultural and diverse ancient history spanning thousands of years. The Kingdom of Bahrain is an Arab state in the Arabian Gulf located off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. It is an archipelago of over 30 islands, and most are unpopulated. Bahrain, Muharraq, Sitra, and Hawar are the main islands. Modern causeways interconnect each and they, in turn, are connected to Saudi Arabia by the 25-kilometres-long King Fahad
RCSI Honorary Fellowship Conferring of the Late Amir His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (centre) attended by former RCSI CEO Michael Horgan (right) former RCSI President Thomas PJ Hennessy (left) and dignitaries in March 1995
Causeway. Bahrain is the main island where the capital, Manama, is located. The population of Bahrain is currently about one and a half million people. The word Bahrain means “two seas” referring to the saltwater with natural sweet water springs under the sea. These freshwater springs, present for thousands of years, irrigated the fertile ancient land regions of Bahrain and beyond and may also have been an important resource for sea travellers in ancient times. The waters surrounding Bahrain are rich in fish variety providing a major
food source for its inhabitants for centuries. Before oil was discovered fishing was the principal occupation. Bahrain has also been famous for its quality and highly sought-after pearls for over 2000 years. Pearl divers gathered the freshwater from the sea-bed springs in containers crafted from sheep stomachs. This practice enabled them to remain at sea for prolonged periods. Indeed, there is evidence of a human presence in Bahrain since c. 5000 BCE. Excavation of the Barbar Temple in Bahrain has revealed artifacts including pottery fragments to suggest an established civilisation around 3000 BCE. The Dilmun civilisation, which stretched westward from Bahrain to Saudi Arabia and northward to Kuwait dates to that period. Bahrain had become an important trade centre between East and West, for
RCSI Honorary Fellowship Conferring of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (centre) attended by former RCSI President Niall O’Higgins (right) HE Mary Harney former Irish Minister of Health (left) and dignitaries in March 2006
gold, silver, ivory, and copper as well as agricultural products including pearls and dates. The Bahrain Fort is an archaeological site where many interesting antiquities from the Dilmun civilisation period have been excavated. This site is where the capital of Dilmun was probably located and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is said that the land of Dilmun was described in ancient script as very lush and fertile and a virtual “Garden of Eden”. Ancient Mesopotamian religious texts show that Holy Dilmun was viewed as “a land of eternal youth”. Indeed, there is academic speculation that this may be the origin of the concept of the Garden of Eden described in subsequent religious texts. Bahraini people are known to be warm and hospitable. The country is the favourite destination of expatriates for work investment and retirement in several different international surveys. Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, with over 80 surrounding small islands
of which 23 are inhabited and located northwest of mainland Europe. The island of Ireland is the third largest island in Europe. Dublin is the capital of Ireland and its origins date to ancient Viking settlements established in the 9th century. The population of the island of Ireland is currently just over 7 million. Fishing also has traditionally been an important occupation for many of Ireland’s coastal inhabitants and is still part of the
RCSI Overseas meeting Opening Ceremony in the presence of His Royal Highnes Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the late Prime Minister and former RCSI President Thomas PJ Hennessy in March 1995
country’s economy. This shared island and fishing heritage between Ireland and Bahrain is reflected in the model Bahraini oyster boat illustrated in the picture on the right. The word “Ireland” referred to as “Eire” in the Irish language is believed to have its origin in the name of a goddess in Irish mythology named “Eriu”. Early civilisation in Ireland dates to 7,000 BCE. Newgrange is a prehistoric grand passage tomb in County Meath, just north of Dublin, built during the Neolithic period making it older than the Grand Pyramids of Giza. Indeed, both the Barbar Temple in Bahrain and Newgrange are older by centuries than Stonehenge in England and the Pyramids in Egypt. Newgrange is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Newgrange is a kidney-shaped mound extending over an acre of land. The structure is surrounded by
RCSI Meeting with HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Gudaibiya Palace, 2024
numerous kerbstones decorated with megalithic art and is oriented toward the southeast. The passage tomb has a long inner corridor that leads to a cross-shaped room inside. At sunrise on the mid-winter day, the shortest day of the year, sunlight shines, Irish weather permitting, through a small hole in the roof and dramatically lights up the corridor and the room. It’s like a magical ancient calendar and may have been important for ceremonies and burials. Recent scientific commentary suggests that Newgrange could potentially be considered the first timekeeping device invented by man.
Throughout this book, the parallels uniting the cultures of RCSI Dublin’s longstanding presence with the emergence of RCSI Bahrain will become apparent. The RCSI Bahrain building celebrates its Irish and Arabic heritage with architectural and landscape themes that connect the cultures of both countries Thus, the roads within the campus grounds are lined by low-level wall structures like the dry-stone walls that enclose small fields which are a prominent feature of the Irish rural farming landscape. The main roundabout has a grass-covered mound surrounded by a dry-stone wall like Newgrange. At the main entrance to the university, there is an impressive Egyptian Obelisk which is decorated with megalithic art like that found inside the tomb and on the kerbstones surrounding Newgrange. The semi-circular shape of the university building was modelled on Newgrange and the sandy
HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Special Representative of His Majesty the King (right) receives RCSI Vice Chancellor Cathal Kelly (left) in 2020.
yellow colour of the building blended with the landscape of its location. When entering the atrium of the university building one is struck by the bright natural light and the height of the ceiling where the translucent white canvas roof makes one think of desert tents
or the sails of the traditional Dhow fishing vessels often visible in the late afternoon sun from the windows of the upper levels of the university building as they head out to fish in the surrounding waters and the Arabian Gulf.
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
From medieval times the training and licensing of surgeons in Dublin was provided by the Barber-Surgeons Guild which was incorporated by the royal decree of King Henry VI. The Dublin School of Anatomy was subsequently founded in 1784 to provide and formalise training in anatomy and surgery. The founding fathers included Abraham Colles (Colles’s fracture) and Robert Graves (Graves’ disease). In 1784, the school was granted a Royal Charter by King George the Third and was renamed the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. In 1844 Queen Victoria granted a Supplemental Charter which divided graduates into Licentiates and Fellows and the RCSI Medical School was thus established. Consequently, graduates from RCSI and RCSI Bahrain receive a Licentiate Diploma from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in addition to MB BCh BAO degrees from the National University of Ireland (NUI). Currently, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has in addition to its School of Medicine, a School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences,
HE Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister (right) receives RCSI Vice Chancellor Cathal Kelly (centre) and RCSI Bahrain President Sameer Otoom (left) in March 2022
a School of Physiotherapy, a School of Population Health, a School of Nursing and Midwifery, a School of Postgraduate Studies and a Graduate School of Healthcare Management. RCSI has played a major role in Ireland and worldwide in training undergraduate and postgraduate students in medicine, surgery, allied healthcare, medical research, and healthcare delivery. The university ranked number one in the world for the Sustainable Development Goal 3, “Good Health and WellBeing” in the Times Higher Education University Impact Ranking 2023, and its Schools of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Nursing and Midwifery ranked in the Top 200 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.”
Historic links and collaboration
There has been a longstanding Irish community living and working in Bahrain mainly in business and the teaching profession. The Bahrain Irish Society was founded in 1975 as a charitable organisation that fundraises for local charities but also organises events to promote and celebrate Irish culture for both Irish expatriates and others who wish to join. The Society also promotes business and investment in Bahrain. The most popular event run by the Society is the annual St Patrick’s Day Ball. Gaelic games - football and hurling, were both introduced in Bahrain many years ago by Irish expatriates and this led to the formation of the Bahrain Gaelic Athletic Club. This has been open to males and females of any nationality and the games are played by a wide variety of young people from different countries. The Club formed the Arabian Celts GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) Club when it merged with the Dharan Club in 2008. This Club has represented the Middle East in three GAA World Games to date. The Club also hosts the Bahrain Gaelic Games which is very popular and was voted the All-Asia Club of the Year in 2011.
Abraham Colles, President of RCSI in 1802 and 1830.
In addition, there have been medical and nursing links between Ireland and Bahrain for over 50 years. In 1976, the result of collaboration between Bahraini authorities, RCSI Dublin, the Irish Management Institute, and the Nursing Board in Ireland, sixteen Bahrain nurses embarked on a journey to Ireland to participate in an exchange training programme. These were Ms Batool Al Mohandis, Ms Seham Al Shaikh, Ms Shaikha Yousif, Ms Fatema Al Bassam, Ms Layla Abbas, Ms Fatema Al Hiddy, Ms Nasrat Esbai, Ms Layla Esbai, Ms Zainab A Kareem, Ms Kaitham Al Moussawi, Ms Fatema Mohammad, Ms Esmat Kathem, Ms Tahera Jaberi, Ms Aysha Bucheeri, Ms Badeea A Daddi and Ms Mariam Abdulla Al Qattan. Each of these sixteen nurses not only completed the programme successfully but also earned an Irish Nursing Registration Certificate, which granted them
HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Advisor to HRH The Crown Prince and Prime Minister (centre) attending conferring in 2017
Laying the Foundation Stone of the new campus in the presence of RCSI President, Niall O’ Higgins (centre left) and HE Mary Harney Former Irish Minister of Health (centre right) in 2006
international recognition for their qualifications. Middle Eastern students including students from Bahrain travelled to Ireland to study medicine in RCSI Dublin. In addition, many Bahraini doctors in the 1970’s and 80’s pursued their postgraduate training in surgery at RCSI Dublin. Many became Fellows of RCSI, and some came back to work in Bahrain, including Major General (Professor) Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, Bariatric
HE Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa recieves RCSI Honorary Degree of Science from RCSI Bahrain President HE Dr Faisal Al Mousawi during the First Conferring in 2010.
Surgeon, Dr Abdulwahab Mohammed, Chairman of the Primary Healthcare Board of Trustees, Dr Tariq Hameed, Surgeon, Dr Faisal Al Mousawi, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Ali Aradi, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Founding Member and Former Chairman of Ibn Al Nafees Hospital, Dr Mohamed Durazi, Urologist, Dr Essa Amin, Urologist, Dr Habib Tareif, Cardiac and Vascular Surgeon, Dr Tareq Saeed, Plastic Surgeon, and Dr Jamal
Saleh, Orthopaedic Surgeon. In 1980 RCSI and the Bahrain Ministry of Health signed an agreement to allow RCSI to support postgraduate training in medicine and nursing. Thus, the Bahrain Family Medicine Programme and the first RCSI Overseas Centre for Basic Surgical Training began in 1982. A Programme for Healthcare Management followed in 1996. This was followed by the Associate Fellowship Programme in Surgery which subsequently became the Membership Programme.
New Medical School
Mr Michael Horgan, CEO of RCSI Dublin with Dr Faisal Al Mousawi initiated discussions with His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the late Prime Minister, and the Bahrain Government to build a new medical school that would deliver an Irish curriculum and award an Irish and Bahraini medical degree in keeping with the knowledge-economy goals of the Government of Bahrain. As a result, in October 2003, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin
HH Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa (centre) attending Conferring in 2019
Ahmed bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, the then Bahraini Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and Mr Michael Butler, the then President of RCSI to build the medical university in Busaiteen. Professor Kevin O’Malley, formerly the Registrar of RCSI Dublin, was named Foundation President of RCSI Bahrain and charged with the responsibility of establishing the academic and teaching framework in the new medical school, designed to emulate the RCSI Dublin programme structure and curriculum.
A Royal Conferring
In 2006, RCSI held its Overseas Surgical Meeting in Bahrain. During this meeting, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain , was conferred with an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland by the then President of RCSI and subsequent Professor and Head of the Department of Surgery at RCSI Bahrain, Professor Niall O’Higgins. Giving the citation for His Majesty, Professor O’Higgins acknowledged that RCSI Bahrain “was privileged to have enjoyed the invaluable support from His Majesty in the collaboration to provide medical education and training, especially to students from Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as from North America and Europe”.
Laying of the Foundation Stone of the campus building by HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the late Prime Minister (centre), the former Irish Minister of Health HE Mary Harney (left) and RCSI President Niall O’Higgins (right) in 2006
CHAPTER TWO
Setting up RCSI Bahrain
The story of the founding of the RCSI Bahrain is mentioned in a book entitled ‘Surgeons’ Halls’ edited by Professor Clive Lee. In this story, the start of RCSI Bahrain is a conversation with Dr Faisal Al Mousawi in Penang, Malaysia, in the year 2000. The story goes that while visiting Penang and “having considered the development of Penang Medical College”, Dr Faisal posed the question: ‘Why don’t you do this in Bahrain?’ It is a great story…….
but it’s not the real story. The origins of RCSI Bahrain go back to 1980 and to the same individual — Dr Faisal Al Mousawi. In 1980, Dr Al Mousawi wrote to the then Chief
Campus Inauguration by Former RCSI president Frank B.V Keane (centre) the late HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the late Bahraini Prime Minister (centre right) and Her Excellency Mary McAleese, former Irish President ( centre left) in 2009
Executive of RCSI, Professor William McGowan seeking a training agreement for Bahrain. An agreement was signed between RCSI and the Ministry of Health in Bahrain on 01 November 1980. Without anyone knowing or suspecting it back then, the road to RCSI Bahrain had already been set out.
As an educational institution, RCSI has been almost 250 years in existence. Founded in 1784, It began with a mandate to train and educate surgeons. In time, this evolved into the training and education of doctors and in more recent years, other healthcare
professionals, scientific research, and MedTech innovation. The ethos of RCSI has always been to put the patient at the centre of all activity. Regardless of whatever projects are being undertaken, the ultimate goal is always about improving how our students and graduates can better serve their patients around the world.
In the 1990s in Ireland, the challenges facing the leadership team, led by Professor Kevin O’Malley, could all be reduced to one major challenge, that of capacity. To thrive and implement ambitious plans to position RCSI as a research-intensive higher education institution, together with the introduction of innovative teaching and
Busaiteen campus site in 2008
learning practices, required significant additional financial resources. Up to that time, if additional income was required, the student intake numbers were simply increased by an additional 5 or 10 each year. However, the medical school was nearing a point where increasing the intake was no longer an option. In addition, the teaching hospital staff constantly iterated that additional numbers would cause major challenges in terms of clinical teaching.
As a team, RCSI had worked on a number of 3-and/or 5-year strategic plans. Like any good organisation, these strategies were reviewed and refined where necessary. It was recognised that there was a need to align the staff of the organisation towards a common goal. That goal was the enhancement of human health. In fact, as the goal was extended to the larger university community, it seemed to bring new life into all the activities of RCSI.
In the early 90s, RCSI had already started to consider the idea of international campuses, possibly in Africa, as a means of assisting the massive shortage of medical professionals there or in the Near or Far East, as part of a re-enactment of the ancient Irish tradition of
First group of medical students enrolled in 2004
bringing education and knowledge to the world. Through the leadership of the then Dean, the late Professor Alan Johnson, RCSI became a founding partner of the International Medical College in Malaysia — now, the International Medical University (IMC). Although remaining partners in IMC for only a couple of years, the concept fired the imagination, and it wasn’t long before discussions on the possibility of developing multiple campuses in a number of geographic areas that would underpin RCSI’s Vision and over time, provide the financial resources to fund the cutting-edge research programmes envisaged in the research strategy of RCSI, RCSI Bahrain would become one of the building blocks in bringing this vision to reality.
The Bahrain Connection
First Staff Group picture November 2005
From the late 70s, RCSI had been running postgraduate examinations in surgery (especially the primary fellowship examination and the final fellowship examination) throughout the Middle East, in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan. It had also run other examinations in the UAE [Dubai] and had training agreements with Libya and Qatar.
Dr Faisal Al Mousawi had completed some of his surgical training in orthopedics in Ireland and had then returned to Bahrain as a consultant surgeon. Not long after his return, the late Amir His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, appointed him as assistant Under-Secretary in the Ministry of Health, in addition to his surgical responsibilities.
One of his remits as Under-Secretary was the training portfolio and during those early years, RCSI started programmes in Bahrain that included the Fellowship Examinations, the Diploma in Psychological Medicine, supervised by the late Professor Tom Lynch and several leadership programmes under the direction of Professor Ciarán O’Boyle. A joint programme with the Irish College of General Practitioners training family practice physicians was another of the initiatives.
Through these courses and examinations, RCSI established a strong relationship with several government ministers and senior civil servants. The courses and examinations gained an excellent reputation and were highly regarded within the medical community in Bahrain. In recognition of the prestige associated with having a recognised international organisation offer its courses and examinations within the country, the RCSI team would be invited to meet the late Amir His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa or the late
First White Coat Ceremony in 2007.
Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa during each visit. Over ten or twelve years, the strongest of connections within Bahrain at both a personal and institutional level had been developed.
Provisoes
Back in Dublin, the senior management team agreed on a set of guidelines to be applied to any new international campus. At that time, the Senior Management Team comprised Professor Kevin O’Malley, CEO; Professor Alan Johnson, Dean; Ms Mary Alexander,
Finance; Mr Bernard Cahill, Human Resources; Mr Barry O’Brien, Estates; a newlyappointed Director of Research, Professor Desmond Fitzgerald, Mr Michael Horgan, Deputy CEO, with administration and project support provided by Mrs Paula Wilson. As
Former RCSI Bahrain President Kevin O’Malley (left) visiting the campus construction site in 2008
an interesting strategy, it was agreed not to have an academic partner in the next venture, that powers to award independent degrees (i.e. university status) would be sought in whichever country was selected as the site of the new university.
Back to Bahrain
By 1999, Dr Faisal Al Mousawi had been Minister of Health for several years. Furthermore, RCSI had completed an eight-year contract in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, running a military hospital for the Ministry of Defence & Aviation. Throughout this project, which commenced in 1991, RCSI again gained valuable experience in international recruitment and management of large projects.
A conversation with Dr Al Mousawi about our wishes as outlined in the ‘Provisoes’ mentioned above, led to a series of meetings, over nearly two years, with the late Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa where a lesson was learned in how the visions of a nation and those of a university could be fused to emerge as a wonderful triumph for both sides.
The late Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa took a special interest in the activities of RCSI and was delighted to hear of the possibility
Visit of the new King Hamad University Hospital by former RCSI Bahrain President Kevin O’Malley (centre right) in the presence of the former KHUH Chief Executive Officer Major General Dr Shaikh Salman bin Ateyatallah Al Khalifa (centre left) in 2012
of building a medical university in Bahrain. From the initial discussions, the late His Royal Highness could see the benefits for Bahrain of an international university sited there. The significant foreign revenue international students would generate for Bahrain, the employment created, not just by the university, but suppliers to the university and students, student accommodation, improving the quality of healthcare provision in Bahrain, possible spinoffs that could come about through research programmes, and pharma industries coming to Bahrain.
It was nearly always the same individuals meeting with the late Prime Minister: Mr Michael Horgan, Dr Faisal Al Mousawi, and Dr Mohamad Alamuddin (a friend of RCSI from the Tabuk days and then working as a consultant to RCSI), would meet with the late Prime Minister, with His Excellency Mohammed Al Mutawa and His Excellency Abdulnabi Al-Sho’ala, both former ministers and advisers to the late Prime Minister, together with several Ministers drawn in on any given day. One constant presence was His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, at that time a Minister of State in the Prime
Former RCSI CEO Micheal Horgan (right) receiving the Order of Bahrain First Class from HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (centre) in 2006
Minister’s office. His Excellency would go on to become Deputy Prime Minister and was of incredible help to RCSI then and in the years that followed.
During one of the visits to the late Prime Minister, His Royal Highness stated that he had identified the ideal site for RCSI. He mentioned that it was in ‘the field’ right next to the recently constructed King Hamad General Hospital, to become King Hamad University Hospital. Dr Al Mousawi brought us to see the site and you can imagine the confusion when looking out at the sea (including some fishermen in a boat). The area of land the late Prime Minister had in mind was somewhere between two and four metres underwater! It took a while to realise that this area, along the edge of the Busaiteen area of Muharraq Island, was to be reclaimed from the sea as part of a government master plan.
In 2002 RCSI was confident that it could reach a satisfactory conclusion in the discussions with the Bahraini government and started the development of a position paper for submission to the council of the university with a recommendation to establish a medical university in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Around that time also, the late Prime Minister indicated that he would accept a longstanding invitation to visit RCSI in Dublin. The necessary arrangements were made, and on 30 September 2003, the late Prime Minister arrived in Dublin. During his visit he was conferred with the honorary fellowship of RCSI, the highest honour RCSI can bestow.
At a separate ceremony on 02 October 2003, the late Prime Minister signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RCSI that, among other things, provided a university license to RCSI, the lease to an area of land (still under water) suitable for building the new medical university and an undertaking to make available to RCSI Bahrain the resources of the hospitals under the control of the Ministry of Health, for teaching purposes.
In January 2004, we presented the position paper to the Finance Committee of RCSI Council, which was recommended for approval at the Council meeting of February 2004. Council duly approved the plan and the work commenced immediately on finding a temporary campus and starting a student recruitment campaign.
Quite quickly, a building was identified in Adliya and was occupied from 2003 – 2004 before moving to another building in the Seef District which could accommodate the initial student intake in terms of lecture space, laboratory teaching, student recreational facilities and library/reading areas. An Irish company was appointed, Mercury Engineering, to assist with the fit out, with Mr Pearse Cole as the project director. This building was officially opened by His Royal Highness, Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the late Prime Minister, and Mr Bertie Ahearn, the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland in October 2004.
Professor Kevin O’Malley assumed the role of President and together with his newly recruited staff began the educational process of teaching 27 new medical students. And the new Dean, Professor Cathal Kelly (later to be appointed CEO), took on the academic leadership role of ensuring maintenance of standards and graduate success.
The next major task was the design and construction of the permanent building for what was now called the RCSI Medical University of Bahrain. Our director of estates at the time, Mr Barry O’Brien suggested that we use the megalithic passage tomb at
Newgrange (north of Dublin) as basis for the design of the new building. The suggestion proved to be inspirational. In Bahrain, under the guidance of architect, Mr Muhammad Salahuddin and his associates, the current building was designed with a combination of Irish and Bahraini influence that has resulted in an outstanding building.
An academic advisory group was established under the chairmanship of Dr Cliona Buckley, that included student representatives, to advise on the design and fit out of the teaching and student facilities for the new building. It is fair to say that the work
Staff group picture in 2007
of this group influenced major new developments in medical education and teaching that were brought back to Dublin for the benefit of Irish medical students also.
The building contract was awarded to GP Zachariades and the building took shape over the next two years.
A great debt of gratitude is owed to all of those who worked on the building project, be it the international workers for the contractor, those involved in providing the many services to the site, the various architectural and engineering professionals and of course the many individuals from within RCSI itself.
Opening Ceremony
The new building was officially opened by the then President of Ireland, Her Excellency, Mary McAleese, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the late Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, together with dignitaries from Ireland and Bahrain on 03 February 2009. As the President of Ireland said on the day, ‘This is a proud day for Ireland and a proud day for Bahrain.’
Mr Michael Horgan had asked that a piece of Irish music be played as the dignitaries entered the ceremonial area for speeches. The music in question was an orchestral suite by Mr Shaun Davey entitled The Brendan Voyage. It was composed for the traditional Irish uillean pipes and played by the late renowned piper Liam Óg O’Flynn. The piece was inspired by the reconstruction in 1976 of the voyage of Saint Brendan the Navigator in the 6th century, when it is claimed, it reached North America. The segment of the suite is the Tenth Movement, Newfoundland, which seemed appropriately aligned with the New Found Land for RCSI in Bahrain.
The Order of Bahrain 1st Class, the highest order that can be bestowed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, was awarded to Mr Michael Horgan, former Chief Executive of RCSI, on the occasion of the recent RCSI Overseas Meeting. The award was presented on 15 March 2006 in recognition of Mr Horgan’s outstanding contribution in the area of healthcare, education, and training in the Kingdom of Bahrain over a 20-year period.
CHAPTER THREE
The Transnational Education Model
At the heart of RCSI’s desire to bring its ethos of medical excellence outside of Dublin was the acknowledgement that initiating centres of excellence in other jurisdictions abroad required careful planning and selection of partners sharing the same essence of service. Bringing education to other countries also demands an educational structure which embraces different cultural mores, rejoicing in the differences and reinforcing the similarities – in essence, a truly transnational education model.
Since its foundation in 1784, RCSI has been an entrepreneurial organisation – always seeking to advance healthcare education to the highest standard. It ran postgraduate surgical examinations internationally for many decades, and also provided undergraduate medical education in Dublin to a diversified international group of students, often with students of more than 50 countries in a class. Thus, when RCSI was given the opportunity
Board of Governors, 2006
to establish a medical university in Bahrain in 2003, it was seen as an exciting next step in its internationalisation. The vision was for continuity and expansion of its core healthcare education and research programmes, with opportunities to learn more about transnational education for the benefit of both Bahrain and Dublin.
RCSI Bahrain was opened in October 2004 as a constituent non-for-profit institution of RCSI with its first intake of medical students. This was followed in 2006 by a first intake of nursing students and by the establishment of a School of Postgraduate Studies and Research in 2008.
To establish RCSI Bahrain, senior personnel relocated from Dublin, including the then Chief Executive and former Dean of RCSI Dublin, Professor Kevin O’Malley. Other key senior personnel, including Professor Brendan Kavanagh joined as a Foundation Year leader, building a team of Physics and Chemistry staff alongside his own Biology expertise, to replicate the programme in Dublin. Academics recruited to teach in the pre-clinical years included: Dr Seamus Cassidy, Professor Fryad Henari, Dr Declan Gaynor, Professor Robin O’Sullivan, Dr Paul O’Farrell, Professor Javed Wazir, Dr Antoine Saad and Professor Sameer
Board of Governors, 2016
Otoom. As the programme years rolled out, a small but key number of academic and clinical staff transferred from Dublin, bringing with them the ‘RCSI way’ of delivering education. This worked in tandem with the recruitment of experienced local and international staff. A key enabler of the early and quality establishment of the programmes was the significant number of medical staff in senior clinical and management positions who had a relationship with RCSI. The junior cycle of the medical programme was led by Professor Sameer Otoom who joined RCSI in 2005 as a clinical pharmacologist, who later became intermediate cycle director, Head of the School of Medicine, Dean, Vice President for Academic Affairs and currently President. The philosophy from the outset was that RCSI Bahrain would deliver the same international medical degree programme as Dublin. A Medical Executive established across both sites ensured that at every step the materials for teaching and clinical training, and the written assessments and the clinical examinations, were the same. To achieve this, examination papers are co-developed and examinations run at the same real time in Bahrain and Dublin; examination grading is moderated to ensure the same standards; clinical examinations are conducted in Bahrain with some senior clinical examiners travelling from Dublin and shared external examiners alternating site visits to both sites.
The prize for all this effort over two decades has been the confident award of a common RCSI/National University of Ireland degree across Dublin and Bahrain. Awarding the same degree across two continents, using the same education materials, clinical training requirements, and written and clinical examinations are unique internationally. For RCSI
Board of Governors, 2023
Bahrain, the Irish Medical regulator (the Irish Medical Council), alongside the Irish university’s regulator (Quality and Qualifications Ireland), have attested to the standards achieved by RCSI Bahrain that permit awarding of Irish degrees. This is a unique model for
a constituent organisation - to be under the same quality assurance system as the parent organisation. The message is clearly that the high quality of the programme delivered in Bahrain is comparable to that delivered in Dublin.
The success of RCSI Bahrain over 20 years has been based on a number of factors – first the unwavering commitment of RCSI to deliver quality, including transfer of senior educators and university administrators to establish programmes. The second factor in RCSI Bahrain’s success has been the nature of engagements with the healthcare sector in Bahrain. Across the major hospitals and primary care settings, staff and students have been facilitated by healthcare leaders to access excellent healthcare opportunities for clinical training. The third factor enabling success has been the diverse profile of staff and students. The staff profile at present is a blend of Irish, other international and local personnel – staff retention is high, with, for example, many international staff returning
Conferring in the presence of the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health HE Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa (centre), HE Minister of Health (centre right), HE Minister of Foreign Affairs (centre left), HE Minister of Youth Affairs (left) and several officials in 2023
home often only at retirement or for family reasons. The student mix is also very diverse, with over 40 nationalities represented in a truly international campus. Students in Dublin and Bahrain undertake similar international licencing exams such as the US Medical Licencing Exam (USMLE) and achieve the same standards. There is also a semester mobility programme between Dublin and Bahrain where students in either campus can transfer easily, given the same programme and exams are being undertaken. In this manner, geographical boundaries dissolve. Students and faculty alike are comfortable that their efforts and application are being mirrored simultaneously in Dublin and in Bahrain. One feature that has helped to make the engagement a rich and two-way process, with both campuses growing in their respective transnational skills, has been the International Education Forum (IEF). Established in 2012 and held annually, including online during COVID-19, this is a three-day internal education conference for staff on both campuses, to
reflect on educational delivery in the previous year, plan innovations for the coming year and invite external expertise to further develop RCSI’s educational ambitions. It reflects the current status of RCSI Dublin and RCSI Bahrain’s relationship at the juncture of 20 years of RCSI Bahrain. RCSI Dublin took its programmes to Bahrain from 2004, and with experience and expertise gained in and through Bahrain, both programmes are now a joint transnational product, delivering on the standards initially aspired to in Dublin, and crafted
First Recipients of the Inspiring Excellence Awards in 2017
to ensure they truly work to deliver education for international healthcare professionals and environments, in both Dublin and Bahrain. The simultaneous introduction of the new curriculum in both Dublin and Bahrain has further strengthened the partnership between both sites and truly reflects both the spirit and reality of transnational education.
School of Medicine – 20 years on
The core mission of the School of Medicine has been unchanged over the past 20 years. That mission is to “Educate, nurture, and discover for the benefit of human health.”
It is to provide healthcare education and training to worldwide standards, drawing students from Bahrain, other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and internationally. The programmes include a one-year, stand-alone Medical Commencement Programme (MCP) that is approved by the National University of Ireland (NUI) and the undergraduate medicine comprising a five- and six-year direct entry programme. The curriculum is identical to that offered in RCSI Dublin and thus, equates to a transnational curriculum. Graduates receive dual degree awards, one from RCSI Bahrain, and similar to graduates from RCSI Dublin, a degree from the NUI. The Medicine Programme is fully accredited by the Medical Council of Ireland (IMC). The School shares the same mission as that of the University.
The programme follows an outcome-based curriculum. The defined ‘exit outcomes’ are based on the RCSI Medical Graduate Profile and encompass scholarship, professionalism, personal and social responsibility, attainment of research skills, community involvement,
First Conferring Ceremony - Group photo with Medical Graduates in 2010
and preparedness for postgraduate medical training. The RCSI Bahrain’s commitment to all graduates developing and demonstrating professionalism during their undergraduate training commences with each student signing a Student Code of Conduct upon entry to the programme.
Student Academic and Regulatory Affairs
During a period when the institution was still in its formative stages, Dr Jean Hughes joined RCSI Bahrain in 2013, intending to develop and deliver on the university’s primary focus of establishing fundamental services for students and alumni and on the operationalisation of academic programmes. At that stage of the university’s development, several smaller departments, each comprising one or two personnel, existed with an operational focus.
Subsequently, Dr Hughes worked with Dublin counterpart, Ms Judith Gilroy to establish an organisational framework akin to RCSI Dublin’s SARA Department. The newly established RCSI Bahrain SARA department encompassed six distinct student-facing departments that included Academic Operations (Campus), Academic Operations (Clinical), Records
RCSI International Education Forum in 2019
& Regulations, Student Development & Wellbeing, Library & Learning Resource Centre, and Careers & Alumni Departments. Subsequently, at this growth stage of the University, the SARA Department underwent further organisational structural changes in 2020, reducing the number of departments and leading to a more streamlined focus on the efficient delivery of core academic processes and regulatory matters.
In 2023, under the leadership of Mr Simon Whitebridge, the department commenced a further strategic transformation journey. The SARA department was renamed to Academic Operations and consisted of 4 departments: Academic Operations (Campus), Academic Operations (Clinical), Registry Services (the renamed Records & Regulations department), and Technical Solutions (the team that supports the Student and low code system). During 2024 this transformation was accelerated to include fundamental changes to key areas including Attendance Management, Timetabling, and Examination Management, and is expected to conclude at the end of the Academic Year 2023 —2024.
Staff Career Development
The transnational element of RCSI’s ethos is evidenced by the annual academic promotion process, common across all of RCSI sites and overseen by RCSI Dublin. All potential candidates are independently scored by a panel of experts based on the three core pillars of education, research, and service.
Former Minister of Education HE Majed bin Ali Al-Naimi (Centre right) presenting the Accreditation Certificate to RCSI Bahrain President Sameer Otoom ( centre left) in 2019
In September 2023, RCSI formally launched its Professional Development Strategy and Framework. The framework is underpinned by identified values in professional development, inclusivity, authenticity, scholarship, learner-centredness and collaboration. As of 2024, 55 staff members have completed the Certificate of Learning & Teaching in Higher Education (CLTHE), 13 staff members have gained Fellowship, and 31 applicants are in the process of drafting their Fellowship applications. 14 staff members became ‘Trainer of the Trainers’ in co-delivering and facilitating the modules of the third cohort. Initiated and supported by the trainers, RCSI’s ambition is to establish a community of practice in Learning and Teaching at the university. RCSI upholds the principle of academic integrity for both faculty and students and therefore considers plagiarism to be a serious academic offence and all are required to complete an on-line academic integrity course
New Medical Curriculum
A new transformative medical curriculum was introduced to year one students in Academic Year 2022 — 2023.
The key themes of the new curriculum include:
1. Standardising learning outcomes and individualising learning processes.
2. Integrating knowledge and clinical experience, roles, and responsibilities.
3. Developing habits of inquiry and improvement.
4. Addressing professional identity formation explicitly.
A consistent thread of case-based learning (CBL) is being utilised as a key integrative tool, although it will not be the sole teaching and learning modality.
School of Medicine Internal Review Panel, 2019
RCSI Bahrain aims to provide a transformed learning environment through smaller group teaching, enhanced experiential learning opportunities, a personalised student experience enabled through a combination of faculty and digital technologies, student choice, and preparation for practice activities that advance early career readiness. A variety of pedagogical approaches has been developed, comprising large group lectures, small group tutorials, small group project work, online case uploads, bedside tutorials, general practice-based tutorials with attending patients, self-directed learning, practical sessions, shadowing, observation, skills workshops, clinical case conferences, multi-disciplinary team presentations, and clinical attachments which include theatre attendance, ward attendance, and out-patient attendance.
The curriculum implementation was jointly led by dedicated faculty and staff from Dublin and Bahrain to foster inclusivity and a spirit of collaboration. The need for
localised adaptation of the curriculum was recognised through cross-campus involvement, which provided input from both campuses in tailoring the curriculum to meet specific needs. The communication was extensive, occurring in large forums like the biannual International Education Forum and via smaller, more focused groups, such as the Case Based Learning support team and weekly implementation Steering Group meetings with the key objective to foster faculty ownership, solicit feedback, and motivate individuals to embrace these changes. Empowering faculty and making them partners was critical to the strategy, creating a sense of ownership and buy-in through active participation and
Agreement Signing with American Mission Hospital in 2019
feedback. This close collaboration and partnership between Dublin and Bahrain with a free exchange of ideas has been critical in the implementation of the first two years of the curriculum. Overall, the new curriculum has been a great success thus far with the
obvious benefits from programmatic assessment, novel teaching methodologies such as case-based learning and the added mentorship implicit in the personal tutor programme. Feedback from students has been very positive after initial adjustment issues were ironed out. Key success factors have been the simultaneous transnational implementation in a partnership, excellent leadership via the implementation team and the ability to make minor adjustments based on student and faculty feedback.
Indices of Success
In 2022, the Step 1 USMLE exam pass rate was 85%. However, the current average passing rate of medical graduates in the Bahraini licensure examination ranges from 90% to 100%.
In April 2021, RCSI Bahrain received approval from the General Medical Council (GMC) in the United Kingdom allowing RCSI Bahrain medical graduates to apply for registration to practice in the United Kingdom without having to undertake the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) licensing examinations.
The growing network of alumni has been accepted into prestigious internship and postgraduate training posts in 38 countries around the world, demonstrably a clear indicator of a successful transnational education model at work.
Meeting with HE Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council in 2024
Board Of Governors in 2010
Visit of HE Justin Siberell, former US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain (centre right) in 2019
Board Of Governors in 2024
White Coat Ceremony in 2023
RCSI Bahrain holds its Second International Research Conference, 2017
Alumni Statistics 2023
ABOUT THE ALUMNI
A total of 3,041 alumni are currently working and living in 39 countries
Top five destinations
EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS
First Destination, 2023 Cohort
1,529 Medicine
1,349 Nursing & Midwifery
163 Postgraduate Studies & Research
Top five nationalities
Students on paediatric rotation at King Hamad University Hospital
CHAPTER FOUR
Development of the Clinical Programme
Programme foundation
The previous chapter described the transnational nature of RCSI’s educational model. Equally important has been the localised development of the Clinical Programme within the hospitals. The pioneering President of RCSI Bahrain was Professor Kevin O’Malley, who had just retired from his longstanding role as Chief Executive Officer of the RCSI. He had the complicated task of securing headquarters for the university in Bahrain, appointing administrative and teaching staff and recruiting suitable students for the fledgling Medical School. His extensive administrative and scientific experience, together with his amiable, unflappable yet perspicacious understanding of people and events proved to be a splendid combination of talents. The successful foundation of the programme was based on his capabilities.
The first cohort of 27 students admitted to the new Foundation Year in RCSI Bahrain began the programme in a temporary building in the Seef district in September 2004. In tandem with arranging the pre-clinical programme, the planning of the clinical programme required, not just the approval, but the strong support of the authorities and consultants in the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), the Bahrain Defence Force hospitals (BDF), and the primary health care centres. Once the approval of the hospital representatives was confirmed, the newly-appointed Foundation Professors of Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Psychiatry and General Practice were given the task of developing clinical rotations of students to the hospitals, to assign them to consultants for designated periods and to ensure that a balanced rotation for each student could be arranged among the specialties, while satisfying the requirements of the supervising authority of Medical Schools, including the Irish Medical Council.
The Department of Medicine was led by Professor James Finucane. He was supported by the appointment of Dr Mary Al Tareif in BDF, Adjunct Professor of Medicine. The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department was headed by Professor John Murphy; the Department of Surgery by Professor Niall O’Higgins; the Department of Psychiatry by Professor Charlotte Kamel and the Department of General Practice by Professor David Whitford. Dr Ghufran Jassim subsequently joined the General Practice Department as
Senior Lecturer. Dr Terry Bate led the Paediatric Department until the arrival of Professor Joe McMenamin. The departments were supported by selected clinical staff in the teaching hospitals who were also appointed as part-time Clinical Senior Lecturers at the university. It was a pleasure then and remains a pleasure now for RCSI Bahrain to acknowledge the continued support of His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed Bin
Abdullah Al Khalifa and the willingness and enthusiasm of the administrators and consultants in the SMC and BDF hospitals. His Excellency Major General Professor Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, former Director of the Royal Medical Services, took great care in providing every facility in BDF hospital for the students and teachers and did so with characteristic courtesy and hospitality. His Excellency was also on the Board of Governors of the university. RCSI Bahrain students and staff access to the Bahrain Defence Force hospital was also supported by Col. Dr Nayef Lori, Consultant Plastic Reconstructive and Burn Surgeon and Dr Ghada Ameen, Clinical Haematologist and Senior Lecturer. Several of the hospital consultants, involved in teaching RCSI Bahrain students, had spent much of their specialist training in hospitals in Ireland and thus were familiar with the clinical attachments and obligations of medical students in Ireland. Nonetheless, the presence of RCSI Bahrain students did impose an additional teaching burden on the medical staff of the hospitals, all of whom had busy
RCSI attends the Inauguration Ceremony of King Hamad American Mission Hospital under the Patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad al Khalifa, The Crown Prince and Prime Minister (Centre) in 2023
work schedules. Many of the consultants also contributed greatly by undertaking specific teaching modules voluntarily. Their support provided the bedrock upon which the clinical programme for the RCSI Bahrain students was based.
The Professors conducted small-group bedside tutorials each day in the hospitals and delivered lectures in the hospitals and in the Medical School on campus. Lectures were in accord with the RCSI Dublin curriculum and RCSI Bahrain was obliged to deliver an identical course, programme and curriculum for its students. Student learning was supported by the Moodle Online Learning Platform which contained the RCSI Dublin curriculum material and use of the university’s Simulation Laboratory, which was unique for the region at that time. The hospital consultants appointed as Clinical Senior Lecturers and teaching our students were requested to submit reports on student performance in the student logbook and to take part in the clinical examinations.
Written examinations were synchronous and identical between the Dublin and Bahrain campuses. The same external examiners supervised both the written and the clinical examinations in both Dublin and Bahrain and thus a healthy competitive element on the outcome of the examinations was thereby rendered inevitable. Heads of departments and teaching staff from Dublin also assisted with the clinical examinations in Bahrain.
As the Objective Structural Clinical Examination (OSCE) system was in the early stages of implementation, traditional clinical examinations were initially held on campus with patients willingly attending the university. Subsequently the clinical examinations moved to teaching hospitals BDF and SMC where the university depended heavily on the cooperation of medical and nursing staff and the willing collaboration of hospital patients. These impacts on hospital routine were accepted as part of the clinical responsibilities traditionally associated with teaching hospitals and were conducted with goodwill and good humour. The fact that all students were treated fairly and courteously by everyone they encountered was a source of pride for all involved, as was the high standard of performance and decorum of the students. RCSI Bahrain was also very pleased when many of our first graduates were offered and undertook internships in SMC and BDF following graduation.
The Foundation Professors often conferred with each other about the progress of the students and were especially keen to identify and assist students in difficulty. By these means, major problems with individual students were avoided, and satisfactory outcomes were achieved in almost all cases. They took part in the clinical meetings and conferences in the hospitals, such as chairing weekly Grand Rounds, and encouraged junior doctors to prepare clinical presentations. It was gratifying to observe how the standards of presentation and the discussion that followed improved progressively with time. They
were also involved in postgraduate teaching and assisting hospital residents to prepare for the Membership (MRCP and MRCOG) and Fellowship (FRCS) examinations.
The Foundation Professors all enjoyed their work in Bahrain. The warmth of the weather and the brightness of the days were welcomed by many who came to Bahrain from a damp(ish), cold(ish) and dark(ish) part of earth although the heat of summer was not always agreeable. As the number of students under their care was relatively small at the time, they had an opportunity to get to know students personally, and this interaction was appreciated by both the students and the teachers. This approach also encouraged interest and enthusiasm among the students, and it was indeed rare to encounter a student who was uninterested or disillusioned.
Faculty succession
When Professor O’Malley retired as President in 2009, he was succeeded by Dr Faisal AlMousawi. Professor Tom Collins was President from 2011 until 2013. He was followed in the Presidency by Professor Sameer Otoom, who brought extensive understanding
From left: HE Dr Al Showaikh, Former Secretary General of the Higher Education Council, RCSI CEO Cathal Kelly, former Education Minister HE Dr Al-Naimi, RCSI Bahrain President Sameer Otoom and Ms AlAnzoor in 2019
of regional and international educational and cultural affairs that were to influence profoundly the appeal and attraction of RCSI Bahrain. He was assisted by his PA, Ms Roberta Jones, for 10 years, and then by Ms Sarah Wilday.
Professor Finucane was first replaced by Professor John Fennell, then Professor Jacinta Morgan and Professor John Flood who is currently the Head of Department. Professor John Murphy was succeeded by Professor Andrew Curtain, followed by Professors
Anthony Dempsey, Jim Dorman and the current Head of Department Professor Uwe Torsten. Professor Niall O’Higgins left Bahrain at the end of 2011 and was replaced by Professor Martin Corbally who was tasked with maintaining an excellent academic standard and importantly interacting with the yet unopened King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH).
In 2012 Professor Whitford was appointed Head of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research and was replaced as Head of General Practice by Professor Wayne Cunningham, who was later joined by Professor David Misselbrook as Associate Professor. Professor Ghufran Jassim succeeded Professor Cunningham as Professor and Head of Department, thus continuing to maintain strong ties with the Primary Care Services in Bahrain where over 30 of our part-time Senior Lecturers in General Practice are practising and teaching our students in a ratio of 1:1 in the primary healthcare centres.
Professor Joe McMenamin joined the university in 2010 as a Foundation Professor and Head of Paediatrics. He was subsequently appointed as the Head of the
King Hamad University Hospital and RCSI Bahrain Steering Committee in 2017
School of Medicine, and Vice President for Academic Affairs and was succeeded as Head of Paediatrics by Professor Kevin Dunne. Professor Alf Nicholson was appointed as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Head of the School of Medicine following Professor McMenamin’s retirement in 2019. Professor Naji Alamuddin was subsequently appointed Deputy Head of School of Medicine in 2022.
While some of the Foundation Professors from Ireland departed and were replaced, Professor Charlotte Kamel remained an exemplar of high standards in the teaching of psychiatry. She joined in 2009 as the Professor of Psychiatry and Foundation Head of the Department of Psychiatry. She established substantial links with the counterpart department in Dublin and with the Psychiatric Hospital in Manama, the main destination for all psychiatric teaching activities.
New Teaching Hospital
When Professor Martin Corbally succeeded Professor Niall O’Higgins as Chairman of the Department of Surgery he was also appointed Chief of Staff at the new King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) and Head of the hospital’s Surgical Department. The
RCSI Delegation hosted by HH Shaikha Zain bint Khalid bin Abdulla al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Al Mabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation in 2017
hospital is a stone’s throw from the main RCSI Bahrain campus, and it was hoped that it would in time become one of its major teaching hospitals. Under the leadership of the then CEO, Shaikh Major General (Dr) Salman bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa, the hospital opened on the 06 February 2012. Shaikh Salman was very supportive of RCSI Bahrain and committed to its success, making KHUH the main teaching hospital for RCSI. To streamline the interaction an oversight steering committee was formed between RCSI Bahrain and KHUH, Dr Dalal Al Hasan, the former Director of Education and Proficiency Centre played a pivotal role in coordinating the work of this committee.
As the reputation of KHUH grew, so did its patient attendance to the extent that it was possible to attach Senior Cycle students to some medical and surgical teams towards the end of 2012. The first batch of interns was appointed in 2012. KHUH quickly developed a formal internship programme of specialty rotations, and this structured programme was highly regarded by medical graduates. Over the years, more clinical staff
from KHUH were recruited into part-time (Clinical Senior Lecturer) teaching roles and tutors in medicine and surgery were also appointed. This arrangement extended across all hospital teaching sites and is a measure of the degree of co-operation that exists between RCSI Bahrain and its stakeholder hospitals.
RCSI Bahrain Delegation hosted by HE Brigadier (Prof) Fahad Khalifa Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Medical Services (centre) in 2023
At the time KHUH opened, summative examinations were conducted for the most part on the university campus, BDF hospital, and SMC, but in 2014 they were moved to all three clinical sites - BDF hospital, SMC and KHUH. The level of co-operation from the administrations of the hospitals was truly outstanding and all three warmly opened their doors for the final year students’ “long case” examinations. The examinations were typically held in the outpatient departments or day wards of the three teaching hospitals and regularly rotated to ensure that all three teaching hospitals were involved. The organisation of these examinations, involving students, examiners, patients and the venue was an immense task expertly organised and run by the university’s Students Affairs
and Regulatory Affairs (SARA) team. Consecutive external examiners commented very favourably on the examination organisation and on the outstanding and world-class clinical and teaching facilities evident in all RCSI Bahrain clinical teaching sites. A visitor today can only be impressed by the BDF hospital’s new Crown Prince Simulation Center and the new outpatient building, the Burns unit and the Center for Haematology at SMC and the new Bahrain Oncology Center. The opening of The Mohamed bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Cardiac Center (MKCC) in Awali saw the provision of a much-needed
RCSI Bahrain Meeting with the Board of Private Hospitals in 2024
central and expanded source of expert cardiac care which provided improved access to all residents in the Kingdom.
Pandemic
COVID-19 posed significant challenges to all cohorts of students who would normally rotate through the various hospitals. Bahrain was undoubtedly very proactive in its response to the pandemic but by and large all stakeholder hospitals provided patient access until it was no longer possible to do so. Switching to an online teaching platform, RCSI Bahrain set the pace both nationally and internationally in its rational and practical approach to the necessary restrictions to patient access. Much of the teaching was conducted online but some extra teaching space was provided in non-patient areas in the stakeholder hospitals. The speed and organisation with which the Kingdom reacted to the pandemic gives credence to “where there is a will, there is a way”. The Kingdom’s efforts under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, were commended twice by the World Health Organization. In a few short weeks the BDF hospital converted a floor of the multistorey carpark into a fully functional, 100 bedded Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The national response was exemplary and effectively limited the overall mortality to 0.11%. The role of both Brigadier (Professor) Fahad Khalifa Al Khalifa, former Chief of Staff at BDF, Professor Manaf Al Qahtani, Consultant in Infectious Disease and Her Excellency Dr Jameela Al Salman, Consultant in Infectious Disease in managing the response to the pandemic was pivotal. RCSI Bahrain students resorted to online teaching which posed its own challenges but in parallel all face-to-face academic meetings switched to online formats, and this included some formative and summative assessments. It was a difficult time for all but there was a sense of common purpose with excellent “buy-in” from the student body and the entire academic staff. A process of mandatory testing and restrictions on social gatherings was implemented for staff and students but surprisingly the infection did not run rampant through the student body.
In December 2022, a restructuring began of all hospitals within the Royal Medical Services. There are now four such hospitals under the Royal Medical Services umbrella: the BDF, The Mohamed bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Cardiac Center, The Bahrain Oncology Center, and KHUH, all reporting to Brigadier Professor Fahad bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Commander of the Royal Medical Services and an RCSI Dublin graduate and a member of our Board of Governors, who has been recently conferred with Ad Eundem Fellowship by RCSI. The amalgamation of these four hospitals has improved clinical services and continues to provide exceptional world-class teaching facilities for all RCSI Bahrain students and students from the Arabian Gulf University.
There has been a progressive increase in the numbers of students entering clinical cycles year on year which not only reflects the standard of teaching but also a significant tribute to the quality of our stakeholder hospitals and their staff. All hospitals provide bedside teaching by tutors, senior lecturers, and senior academic staff supported by hospital clinical coordinators and administrative staff appointed by the university. Professor Corbally has been expertly supported in the teaching of surgery by Professors Frank Cunningham, Denis Quill, Thomas Walsh, and Nuha Birido. It has been a source of joy to all who have been involved in the early stages of its development to see RCSI Bahrain now so well placed and respected among medical universities. The university’s ongoing success is substantiated by the expertise of its staff, the ever-evolving RCSI curriculum and the accomplishments of its students and graduates.
Simulation
Simulation in medical and health sciences education provides learners a risk-free environment to practice clinical skills and refine them without endangering patients’ lives. The growth of simulation teaching at RCSI Bahrain mirrors the exponential growth of the university in its different domains. Clinical skills teaching of nursing and medical students has been an integral component of the curriculum at RCSI Bahrain. The Ibn AlBaitar Centre for Simulation and Experiential Learning (ICSEL) was inaugurated in May 2016. Named after Arab scholar Ahmad Ibn Al-Baitar for his contributions to science, pharmacy, botany, and physics. This facility was designed to replicate a real hospital setting, equipped with the latest technology of high-fidelity mannequins. Using high-fidelity patient simulators in the fields of emergency medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and nursing, our simulation space allows for two-way communication between the students and instructors and video recording, enabling the participants to reflect on their performance independently and in an interactive debriefing session with others following the simulation scenario. During the COVID-19 pandemic, simulated patients provided an opportunity for students to practice communication and clinical skills and ensured that our students graduated with minimal disruption to their studies within those challenging circumstances. The ICSEL under the leadership of Professor Nuha Birido continues to expand. Currently, there are two further centres at AlSayah Square and King Hamad American Mission Hospital, where a wing has been dedicated for RCSI Bahrain teaching.
RCSI Bahrain Executive Committee visit the construction site of the King Hamad American Mission Hospital (KHAMH) with Dr George Cheriyan, Corporate CEO/Chief Medical Officer, 2021
Former colleagues in recent years: (from left to right) Professor James Finucane, Professor Kevin O’Malley, Professor Joe McMenamin, Professor John Murphy, Professor Niall O’Higgins, and Dr Seamus Cassidy
CHAPTER FIVE
Expanding Strategically
The importance of strategy impacts every part of an enterprise. It lays down the roadmap and determination of operational guidelines for the institution. It is especially relevant to RCSI Bahrain, which has many ‘moving parts’ combined to constitute the whole. At this stage in the development of RCSI Bahrain, continuing focus on the various elements of its strategy is vital to ensure that the desired quality of the medical training is of the highest order.
Key strategic areas already identified, and being nurtured, including building on existing research strengths, to improve the quality, visibility, recognition, and support for research that will enable RCSI Bahrain to become a leading medical university for clinical and biomolecular research in Bahrain and the Gulf region; to develop the clinical trials infrastructure to develop Bahrain into a healthcare hub for the GCC region; to build upon existing, and create new, multi-disciplinary research collaborations within the university and with other centres of research excellence in Bahrain, the Gulf region and internationally; to support, develop and enhance faculty and student engagement with research by advising on interacting with grant-awarding bodies, identifying research opportunities and supporting them from inception to publication; to develop and expand the capacity for novel research in key areas, in particular the areas of diabetes and metabolic medicine. Linkage with RCSI Dublin’s School of Postgraduate Studies and Postgraduate Research will strengthen the continuing skills/competence/knowledge/expertise transfer engagement with RCSI Bahrain.
School of Postgraduate Studies and Research (SPGSR)
The School of Postgraduate Studies and Research (SPGSR) was established in 2008 as the third school in RCSI Bahrain. The initial vision was to establish clinical and biomedical infrastructure to allow students and faculty to do research. The research grew organically with a biomolecular unit within the campus from 2012 to 2019 studying nanoparticles (Professor Fryad Henari), wound healing (Professor Michael Keogh), and sigma receptors in cancer (Professor Stephen Safrany). All these initiatives were supported by collaboration undertaken with RCSI Dublin, and with clinical research focussed on medical education.
The University collaborated with SBI Pharma (Japan) and the Universities of Kochi and Tokyo in research projects on the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent in medicine and research in biosciences. This led to two research symposia held in RCSI Bahrain the second of which took place in 2018 entitled “Building International Research Collaboration”. RCSI Bahrain hosted its inaugural International Research Conference run in collaboration with King Hamad University Hospital in 2016
and organised by Professor Davinder Sandhu, Head of SPGSR who organised subsequent annual research conferences. In 2014 a research alliance was formed between RCSI Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) under the auspices of RCSI Bahrain President Sameer Otoom and Late AGU President Dr Khalid bin Abdulrahman Al Ohaly. Both institutions contributed to a joint research fund. Academic staff from both universities were encouraged to develop joint projects and apply to have their projects funded. This subsequently led to a successful First Joint RCSI Bahrain-AGU Research Conference held on 06 April 2019, presenting 16 scientific papers and 60 posters.
RCSI Bahrain Research Conference in 2019
Reorganisation of the SPGRS was undertaken in 2019 by Professor Stephen Atkin, building on the foundations of the previous two Heads of School, Professors David Whitford and Professor Davinder Sandhu. The aim was a new ambitious vision to improve the quality, visibility, recognition, and support for research that would enable RCSI Bahrain to become a leading medical university for clinical and biomolecular research in Bahrain and the Gulf region. A new aspect of that vision was to develop the clinical trials infrastructure to develop Bahrain into a healthcare hub for the GCC region. The mission then was to build upon existing and create new, multi-disciplinary research collaborations within the university and with other centres of research excellence in Bahrain and externally. Concurrently, the mission encompassed the need to support, develop, and enhance faculty and student engagement with research by advising on interacting with extramural funding
bodies, identifying research opportunities, and supporting researchers from inception to publication. The pillars of research were redefined to develop and expand the capacity for novel research in key areas, in particular the areas of diabetes and metabolic medicine as stated above. The development of biomolecular and clinical trials research was seen to be of key importance to raise the esteem of the university and attract external funding.
First Conferring Ceremony -Group Photo with Nursing graduates in 2010
RCSI Clinical and Biomolecular Research Centre unit was opened in the Bahrain Oncology Center in 2021 under the patronage of His Excellency Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health and in attendance of the former Secretary General of the Higher Education Council Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa. The Research Centre has expanded the research, including the establishment of the stem cell unit for insulin secreting cells, the pancreatic islet cell unit looking at a cure for type 1 diabetes, viruses in the cancer unit and the endocrinedisrupting research unit. This has allowed the introduction of a new postdoctoral career path and there are currently 10 postdoctoral scientists supporting the university faculty. This is soon to be augmented by the introduction of the MD level 10 doctorate and it is anticipated that some of those candidates will also work in the Research Centre. Since 2012 a laboratory management system and organisational structure was introduced. The
research laboratories have a full-time designated research technician/laboratory manager reporting to the academic director of the research laboratories. There are an additional three teaching demonstrators who cover the biomedical laboratory sessions for Foundation
Biomolecular and Clinical Research Centre Opening in 2022
year, the Medical Commencement Programme (MCP), and Anatomy. The Director of research and laboratory technicians are currently developing technical training sessions to support undergraduate students with laboratory research placements.
The clinical trials unit was initiated in 2019 with the help of RCSI Dublin to ensure that the governance of the unit fulfilled the highest international regulatory standards. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical trials unit undertook three national clinical trials with Professor Manaf Al Qahtani that were all published in highly cited international peer reviewed journals. RCSI Bahrain was honoured for this work by receiving the Prince Salman bin Hamad Medical Merit medal in 2022. This was followed by interest from international pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organisations to undertake commercial clinical research in Bahrain that are currently being completed. With memoranda of understanding for research being signed with all of the stakeholders including the Royal Medical Services, Primary Healthcare Centres, the Ministry of Health and private hospitals such as the American Mission Hospital, this gives immense research opportunities to enhance the healthcare of the population of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
First Dilmun Scholar, Dr Ashang Laiva (centre) in 2014
The clinical trials unit also sponsors and facilitates clinical research undertaken by the local clinicians and is reflected in the high impact journals that result from this research. This resulted in over 77 international peer reviewed publications, the majority of which were in Quartile 1 journals, with a mean impact factor of 7.1.
Student research opportunities have been central to the ethos of the university and are led by the Academic Director of Undergraduate Research who is currently Dr Maikki Cullen. Prior to 2014, student summer research was carried out on an ad hoc basis. However, in 2015, the Research Summer School was set up under the remit of the
research committee led by Dr Edwina Brennan, to allow undergraduate students to carry out research during the summer months. This exposure is hoped to encourage them to develop an interest in research, to pursue further research, both during their studies and in their future careers, and to develop a deeper understanding of research methodologies to enhance their understanding of the literature. This was expanded by Dr Edwina Brennan to give students summer research placements in Canada at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto and McMaster University and at Keele University in the United Kingdom. Further opportunities
School of Nursing and Midwifery White Uniform Ceremony, 2024
through the annual research literature review competition and the annual competition for the best publication have engaged the student body further, with over 190 students being involved in research projects in 2023. This research effort is supported by the expanded research resources provided by the library under Dr Bindhu Nair with excellent teaching resources on research from the inception of a project through to publication, research integrity courses, support for systematic reviews and the development of a state-of-the-art digital search facility with an enhanced digital publication retrieval system. Furthermore, with the recruitment of a dedicated biostatistician, advice and support on statistics have been implemented for both students and Faculty.
Postgraduate studies have been introduced with the first programme offered being the MSc Ethics in Law in 2008 and was stopped after the first graduating class in 2010. The MSc in Healthcare Management and Quality and Safety in Healthcare Management from the Institute of Leadership were hosted programmes added to the university from 2011 to 2021 that subsequently became an on-line learning programme. The Postgraduate Curriculum in nursing is a fulltime programme delivered on a part-time basis to meet the needs of post-graduate students who are working full-time in clinical practice. The programme has been designed to meet local and global health strategies by encouraging the critical appraisal of contemporary national and international nursing developments in the context of global health society. Moreover, given the requirement of evidence-based practice, this programme has at its core the development of nursing research skills empowering nurses of all abilities to become independent thinkers as they drive the development of nursing practice. The MSc in Nursing programme prides itself on delivering the necessary skills required to create future clinical nursing leaders and innovators. The MSc in Nursing Programme is the RCSI Dublin and NUI Programme, which was added to the RCSI Bahrain license in 2008. The programme’s first intake of students was in 2009, and since this time there have been 126 graduates from a range of countries across the region and internationally 51% Bahraini, 23% Arab (Jordanian, Lebanese, Egyptian, Palestinian) and 26% from other nationalities including Indian, Australian, North American, Spanish, Portuguese, British and Irish. Since its inception it has been successfully reviewed and commended both in Bahrain and in Ireland. Male nurses approximated 25% of the intake.
Re-defining information
services: RCSI Medical University of Bahrain Library
Since RCSI Bahrain’s inception two decades ago, the library has stood as a beacon of knowledge, scholarship, and community service at the heart of our institution. As the university celebrates its 20th anniversary, we reflect on the remarkable journey that has
shaped the library into a multi-site learning centre and a digital global resource centre supporting the delivery of Learning and Teaching and research developments. The library opened its doors in 2004 as a small reading area on the Seef campus. Mr Warwick Price, founder Librarian, and Ms Evelyn Anand, Assistant Librarian, set up the library systems, policies & procedures, core resources, and academic support services. The infrastructure was established by implementing the Heritage Library Management System, procuring core textbooks, and introducing curriculum-integrated teaching and workshops. In 2008, the library was relocated to the 4th floor of the new RCSI Bahrain campus and rebranded as the Frank O’Kane Learning Resource Centre (LRC).
Ms Evelyn Anand assumed responsibility as LRC Manager. A dual reporting structure was implemented to align with the Dublin library model, and a close working relationship was maintained with Ms Kate Kelly, Chief Librarian in Dublin. Several areas were progressed to benchmark against RCSI Dublin Library standards. In October 2009, Dr Bindhu Nair joined as an Information Services & Liaison Specialist to build and develop information services, module-integrated teaching, research support services, and enhance student
RCSI Bahrain Visit to Kochi University, Japan
experience. In 2012, the library moved to the Ground floor and took on its current identity as the Avicenna Library & Learning Resource Centre (LLRC). Throughout this evolution, the library consistently adapted to meet the evolving needs of students and researchers, introducing welcoming spaces and exemplary collections. The library expanded its services beyond physical boundaries by offering external membership to practitioners at SMC, BDF, KHUH & KHAMH clinical sites.
As the student body kept growing over the years, so did the library’s influence. With occupancy averaging 90% to 100% during peak hours, chat inquiries reaching over 1,200, and physical collection of over 12,000 titles in 2023, the Library team has reached a team of 9 (4 librarians & 5 administrative staff) members dedicated to servicing over 1,600 students and over 220 staff members. With the advancement of digital technology, the library’s electronic resources increased from 3 databases to a robust collection of 35 databases and more than 200,000 E-book titles. Over time, the library offered selected services online, which, during the COVID-19 pandemic, supported the library to move all its services online. This longstanding commitment to servicing the university community resulted in a significant increase in online chats and access to e-library, a trend that has become the new norm.
Under the leadership of Dr Bindhu Nair, the present Head of Library Services, the library embarked on a transformative journey. The library remodelled its focus on module-integrated teaching from information literacy to digital literacy, increasing classroom teaching hours to more than 250 hours per academic year. Establishing itself as a central hub for research support, the library developed a comprehensive research support strategy. New services contributing to research excellence, include information discovery, management, scholarly identity, copyright, repository services, open-access publishing, with over 100 research consultations annually, the publication of more than 70 high-impact articles, and access to systematic review tools and other research resources. Revolutionising its online presence in 2022-23, the library migrated to the cloud-based Alma/Primo, which has enabled it to streamline and optimise various library workflows and enhance the efficiency and quality of services to the university community. The library aspires to pursue its key innovation, excellence, and impact goals by framing clear operational goals that align with the university’s strategic objectives. We continue to develop high-impact learning experiences to help students, faculty, and researchers navigate and engage with an everchanging, complex information ecosystem.
School of Nursing and Midwifery
In December 2005, RCSI convened a meeting with senior nursing managers from the
Ministry of Health, Bahrain Defence Force — Royal Medical Services, and the private sector. Professor Seamus Cowman from RCSI, Dublin, and Ms Batool Al Mohandis the first Director of the newly created School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONM) at RCSI Bahrain facilitated this forum. There was agreement that a BSc nursing education standard is recognised for new entrants to nursing. It was also agreed that existing Diploma nurses
should be facilitated within the university to undertake a BSc Bridging programme, through a curriculum that recognised and built on the nurses’ clinical competence and Diploma level qualification.
In such a context, the SONM in RCSI Bahrain was established in 2006. Through a strategic initiative engaging the Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery of RCSI Dublin and the SONM at RCSI Bahrain, a BSc Nursing curriculum was developed and approved leading to the first cohort of graduate nurses completing in 2010.
The undergraduate nursing programme is accredited by the Higher Education Council, Bahrain. In the Gulf region, it is unique in design, as it is modelled on the Irish undergraduate nursing programmes and incorporates the European Union (EU) directives
First nursing student cohort with RCSI Bahrain Foundation President Kevin O’Malley (centre) and Former Director of School of Nursing and Midwifery Batool Al Mohandis (centre right), 2006
on nursing education. The establishment of an undergraduate nursing programme in RCSI Bahrain represented an important initiative, in providing an opportunity for Bahrainis to enter nursing. Since its foundation in 2006, the SONM has taken pride in meeting the educational needs of nurses and in producing work-ready graduates for Bahrain and international health services. In addition to establishing a BSc in nursing, a bridging programme was launched in 2009. Since the foundation of the SONM, there has been a significant increase in the number of young Bahraini people entering nursing. The most recent health statistics report that there are 9,666 registered nurses in Bahrain, of which 33.2% are Bahraini nationals (NHRA, 2022). However, the shortage of nurses continues. In the GCC countries including Bahrain, there are 4.5 nurses per 1,000 people compared to 7.9 among member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Partnership and Collaboration
Partnership and collaboration with partner hospitals and communities was a key component leading to the implementation of the nursing curriculum in RCSI Bahrain. Central to success were agreement and identification of goals, establishing learning environments, maximising the exchange of resources, and role clarification. The partner hospitals and primary health care centres established positive and successful clinical learning environments with the support of the SONM. Staff from the hospitals and primary health care centres were instrumental in developing the curriculum and agreeing with the clinical learning outcomes to direct student learning. Positive working relationships between staff of the university and staff of the clinical partners, promoted productive collaboration. Promoting international recognition for the school and in particular its graduates was strategically important through implementing the RCSI, National University of IreIand (NUI), and European Union’s nursing directives, as well as Bahrain Higher Education Council and National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) requirements.
The development and implementation of the curriculum was supported by the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery of RCSI Dublin. A collaborative formal partnership strategy, was agreed with agencies in Bahrain, including the Economic Development Board (EDB), Labour Fund (LF)-Tamkeen, Ministry of Health, The Bahrain Defence Force — Royal Medical Services (BDFRMS), King Hamad University Hospital, the Higher Education Council (HEC) and the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA). During the first two years of the BSc (Hons) Nursing programme, the nursing student’s clinical allocations included placements at the medical and surgical departments of the Bahrain Defence Force and primary health care. As the number of students increased, there was a need to expand
the clinical placement opportunities to include Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health primary care, maternity, geriatric, and psychiatric hospitals.
The nursing academic staff continue to work with partners in promoting clinical teaching, supporting staff and facilitating productive patterns of student nurse learning. Good communication was central to success with collaborative working. Consensus
building workshops involving the Director of the SONM, Head of Department of the Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery of RCSI Dublin, chief nurses from the Ministry of Health, the BDFRMS, NHRA and the private sector, ensured agreement on the programmes educational standards.
International collaboration and partnership were the objectives of the school. In 2013, RCSI Bahrain successfully delivered a BSc Nursing Bridging programme in Saudi Aramco in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In 2017, under the leadership of Professor Maura Pidgeon, the SONM entered a partnership with the Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi to provide the MSc Nursing programme. Both programmes were evaluated positively by the hospitals. SONM academic staff showcase their research and expertise at the Annual
MSc in Nursing intake 2017
International Nursing & Midwifery Research and Education Conference in Dublin. Presenting at the conference is a valuable experience to share knowledge, network with peers, and to contribute to the field of nursing. The first international nursing student exchange was established with Keele University, UK in 2021. The school’s focus on international collaboration and in particular international student exchange demonstrates the SONM commitment to internationalisation in a globalised world of work.
A Letter of Intent (LOI) with Regis College in Boston (USA) has been signed for the first nursing student exchange between both institutions to take place in the academic year 2024-2025. The School of Nursing and Midwifery is discussing partnership opportunities with universities in Taipei, Taiwan and is committed to fostering elective collaborations with esteemed institutions, such as the National Taipei University for Nursing and Health Sciences and Taipei City Hospital in Taiwan.
Bahraini Women’s Day Celebration on Campus in 2019
Celebrating 10 year Anniversary of the School of Medicine
Late President of Arabian Gulf University, Dr Khalid Abdulrahman Al Ohali, hosting RCSI Executives for a meeting in 2019
Celebrating the 10 year Anniversary of the School of Medicine in 2014
Meeting with HE Essam bin Abdullah Khalaf, former Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning
Visit of Professor Julie Green, Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery, Keele University, UK (right), in the presence of dignitaries in 2022.
Visit to Taiwan City Hospital in 2014
School of Nursing and Midwifery White Uniform Ceremony, 2015
Student Council Awards Night, 2016
CHAPTER SIX
Adding Value and Impact
It is not too early to begin to surmise the type of legacy that RCSI Bahrain is developing. The added value and impact of the institution is clearly defined in several categories as will be readily appreciated below. In the 20 years since its inception, RCSI Bahrain has established itself as a leading regional medical and health sciences university. As of January 2024, the university had over 1,600 students undertaking medicine, nursing and postgraduate studies and 227 full-time staff members, providing a high staff-to-student ratio. The university has made significant strides in accomplishing its ambition and, more importantly, has contributed to improving healthcare, healthcare research, societal wellbeing, and social, environmental and economic outputs within the Kingdom of Bahrain, across the region and beyond.
Mr Stephen Harrison-Mirfield, Managing Director, is a strong believer in the adage of Lord George Gordon Byron, “Self-praise is no praise at all”. Hence, in writing this section, he asked the university’s partners and stakeholders their views on RCSI Bahrain’s contributions over the past 20 years to ensure hearing from the most relevant people as to how RCSI Bahrain has added value to the Kingdom and where it has impacted the most. This chapter has many testimonials from a cross-section of RCSI Bahrain’s stakeholders and partners, showing what the university has done to add value and create impact.
Testimonial from His Excellency
LIEUTENANT
GENERAL
DR SHAIKH MOHAMMED BIN
ABDULLA AL KHALIFA, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health
“I would like to extend my congratulations to RCSI Bahrain on the occasion of its 20th Anniversary. Over the years, the university has become one of the leaders in training competent Bahraini doctors and nurses who contribute to the enhancement of healthcare services in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In the field of research, from the clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic to the current focus on diabetic and metabolic disease, the active role played by RCSI Bahrain in the national research landscape is also
highly appreciated. As for Community Service, the volunteering support extended by students and faculty members for initiatives like the Diabetes Mobile Unit, the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness, and various charities is a true reflection of the noble role of the university. I very much look forward to further collaborations with RCSI Bahrain to enhance the health and wellbeing of the people of Bahrain.”
Testimonial from His Excellency
DR
MOHAMMED BIN
MUBARAK
JUMA,
Minister
of Education and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council
“Under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, May God Protect Him, and the guidance and support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, RCSI Bahrain, a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), has evolved extensively over 20 years to its current standing with three schools teaching more than 1,600 students.
RCSI Bahrain marks its 20th anniversary as the Kingdom of Bahrain celebrates the Silver Jubilee of HM the King’s Accession, proud of its landmark national achievements over 25 years, spanning all sectors, with the support and follow-up of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
I take this opportunity to congratulate RCSI Bahrain’s staff, faculty, students and alumni on this milestone as well as valuable contribution to supporting Bahraini youth in fulfilling their academic aspirations and making the Kingdom of Bahrain a higher education destination.
Thanks to its efforts in aligning its curricula with the labour market needs and requirements, over 3000 work-ready healthcare professionals have graduated to-date from RCSI Bahrain, providing a valuable support to the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain and in their home countries.
The recognition extended in 2021 by the General Medical Council in the UK for the medical graduates to be exempt from the PLAB examination is a testament to the global benchmarking RCSI Bahrain is committed to and which we value for the benefit of the Bahraini youth to gain access to international training opportunities.
I would like to extend my best wishes to RCSI Bahrain and its personnel on this momentous occasion and look forward to seeing your future endeavours come to fruition.”
Impact on the Bahraini Economy
In November 2023, RCSI Bahrain commissioned PriceWaterhouseCooper (PWC) Ireland to produce a National Economic Contribution report for the university to assess its economic impact on Bahrain since its foundation 20 years earlier. The following information has been extracted from the PWC report.
The independent report showed that overall, through its expenditure on day-to-day operations, facilities, and equipment, the university makes a significant contribution to the Bahraini economy of $91 million per annum, including the spending of its student body and visiting friends and relatives of international students. The university’s activities also make important socio-economic contributions, including upskilling the Bahraini healthcare workforce, contributing to national strategic research priorities, and supporting the transition to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability. This economic contribution supports some 437 jobs both within the university and through the knock-on effect of having the university in the Kingdom, as well as creating a talent pipeline for the healthcare system in the Kingdom. Similarly, staff numbers have grown in tandem with the expansion of the student body and research activities. Among the 227 full-time staff members employed by the university, 50% are Bahraini nationals, who have access to various Continuous Professional Development
Bahraini and Jordanian Red Crescent Societies and Operation Childlife sign MoU with RCSI Bahrain under the Patronage of HE Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister in 2022
(CPD) schemes, including Tamkeen’s (National Labour Fund) enhanced programmes, aimed at upskilling, reskilling, or pursuing continuous professional development and also integrating more females into the workforce, with the ultimate goal of thriving Bahraini talent taking up leadership roles.
Additionally, the report assessed the economic impact of the planned new academic building to increase the university’s contribution to $102m. It shows that the university is actively contributing to the Kingdom’s economic success. Still, the university’s primary purpose is to develop talent for the healthcare system, and the following section discusses this.
Impact on the Healthcare Sector
The university alumni community is a network of over 3,000 healthcare professionals who are graduates of its postgraduate and undergraduate medicine and nursing programmes. Many alumni have established distinguished careers in the medical field. This is largely due to the diverse and extensive training opportunities they have been able to access worldwide. These global opportunities have allowed them to broaden their knowledge and skills and also gain invaluable experience in various medical environments. This combination of comprehensive training and international exposure has enabled graduates of RCSI Bahrain to excel in their respective careers.
As of June 2023, 459 doctors and 1,321 nurses who graduated from RCSI Bahrain have supported the delivery of healthcare services and patient care in Bahrain. In addition, its Alumni’s direct contribution to the healthcare sector by extending their professional services, and their participation in healthcare research in Bahrain is also crucial. Healthcare research is the backbone of the healthcare industry, playing a pivotal role in developing high-quality healthcare services. It is integral to understanding various health conditions and diseases, leading to the discovery of effective treatment methods and preventive strategies. Moreover, it contributes to the improvement of patient care and outcomes, thereby significantly enhancing the overall quality of healthcare.
Testimonial from Her Excellency
DR JALEELA BINT AL SAYED JAWAD HASAN Minister of Health
“RCSI Bahrain has played a pivotal role in the advancement of higher education and healthcare in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Through collaborations with national and international experts, the university has successfully shared knowledge and skills, resulting in the development of highly competent healthcare providers who excel in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities.
The longstanding collaboration between the Ministry of Health in Bahrain and RCSI Bahrain has empowered a generation of healthcare professionals, contributing to improved healthcare outcomes. This partnership solidifies Bahrain’s position as a leading healthcare destination, propelled by quality, efficiency, and a steadfast commitment to education, training, and scientific research.
The governmental health sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain have established collaborative partnerships with RCSI through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Agreements. This is a long-standing agreement between RCSI and the Ministry of Health to oversee the delivery of postgraduate education and training in surgery and family practice (FPRP). The Family Practice Residency Programme (FPRP) has been affiliated with RCSI since 1996. Each year, RCSI conducts modular teaching activities to residents across years 1 to 4. The courses, selected from sub-specialties needed for family medicine training, are agreed between the FPRP and the course coordinator, Professor Ghufran Jassim. Modules are delivered jointly by faculty from RCSI Bahrain, RCSI Dublin and elsewhere in Ireland and the UK. The examinations review, supervision and external examiner responsibilities are also arranged by RCSI. A “Joint Board Certificate” is issued by RCSI and the Ministry of Health at the end of training.
RCSI Bahrain is also involved in providing basic surgical skills education and training for residents in Salmaniya Medical Complex. This transformative alliance is driven by a collective commitment to empower healthcare professionals and broaden the scope of training opportunities. RCSI, an internationally acclaimed institution renowned for its invaluable healthcare expertise, assumes a prestigious role as a pioneering university at the forefront of catalysing advancements in the field. Together, these partnerships embark on a dynamic journey aimed at elevating the standards of healthcare delivery and propelling progress in Bahrain and beyond, thus exemplifying a steadfast dedication to public health.”
Testimonial from His Excellency Brigadier (Professor)
FAHAD KHALIFA AL KHALIFA, Commander of Royal Medical Services, Bahrain Defence Force and Member of the Board of Governors of RCSI Bahrain
“Since its beginning, RCSI Bahrain has encouraged not only the acquisition of medical, nursing knowledge and skills but has fostered a spirit of professionalism in all its graduates. This is perhaps one of its greatest attributes and which has resulted in its recognition both at a national and international level. Over the years, I have been impressed with the calibre of its academic/teaching staff and of the success of its students. Graduates of RCSI Bahrain are recognisable by their professionalism and ethical behaviour and this continues to positively contribute to the success of the university. Undergraduate performance resonates with post-graduate ability and care of patients. As Commander of the Royal Medical Services (RMS), it is heartwarming to see RCSI Bahrain graduates work in our hospitals, contribute to research and reach competitive clinical standards. Their lifelong commitment to learning is clearly reflected in their post graduate success and is the basis for their promotion within our existing career structures. Many are accepted to overseas fellowship training programmes and RCSI Bahrain’s continued clinical sponsorship is hugely welcomed. The feedback from such overseas programmes is a source of pride, not only to the Royal Medical Services (RMS) but also to Bahrain. The university has played no small part in this. It is also evident that many RCSI Bahrain students possess a profound altruistic attitude to those less fortunate and through the community outreach programmes initiated by RCSI Bahrain can positively influence lives both locally and abroad. RCSI Bahrain through its academic and administration functions, has supported the pillars of health care in the Kingdom and I believe that our partnership is positive, rewarding, respectful and beneficial to the people of Bahrain. This partnership reflects our shared values and ambition and as such the future is more than bright.”
Testimonial from Her Excellency
DR MARIAM AL JALAHMA, Government Hospitals Chief Executive
“It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to RCSI Bahrain on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the institution’s commitment to excellence in medical education and healthcare.
Over the past two decades, RCSI Bahrain has distinguished itself as a beacon of academic and clinical excellence in the region. Its graduates, equipped with world-class knowledge and skills, have consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication and proficiency in their medical practice, contributing significantly to the healthcare sector in Bahrain and beyond.
Our partnership with RCSI Bahrain has been instrumental in advancing the standards of medical care and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. The collaborative efforts between the government hospitals and RCSI Bahrain have led to numerous initiatives that have enhanced patient care, research, and community health.
On this momentous occasion, I commend the leadership, faculty, staff, and students of RCSI Bahrain for their dedication and hard work. May the next twenty years bring even greater achievements and advancements. Congratulations once again on this significant anniversary.”
Testimonial from His Excellency
DR AHMED MOHAMMED AL ANSARI, Chief Executive Officer of National Health Regulatory Authority
The university has significantly contributed to the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain by training and graduating over 450 licensed doctors and more than 1,300 licensed nurses, who have joined the workforce since 2010. We share a common goal with the university’s alumni—to provide safe and trusted healthcare services to patients and we are deeply grateful to all those who have played a role in this important achievement.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the university’s academic staff for their remarkable support of the National Health Regulatory Authority’s National Accreditation Programme. Their exceptional dedication and accomplishments within the Accreditation and Quality Group are highly commendable.
I am confident that the university remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare education, training healthcare professionals to international standards, and continuing to be a vital pillar in advancing the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Testimonial from His Excellency
DR MOHAMMED ABDULWAHAB, President of
Association of Private Hospitals and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Primary Health Care Centres
“RCSI Dublin was founded by Royal Charter in the year 1784 to set and support professional standards for surgical training in Ireland and now we have RCSI Bahrain which is taking a large responsibility in shaping the future health care side by side with great efforts from the Supreme Council of Health in Bahrain.
As RCSI did in Ireland for the past 230 years and continues to be at the forefront of healthcare, education and research in Ireland, we witness the same enthusiasm for the betterment of medical standards and safety of patients in Bahrain. The student-centred undergraduate curriculum which is designed to provide them with sound knowledge, the principles of both science and the art of medicine as well as being an innovative, distinctive and future focused, not forgetting that the ethos of RCSI is based on the principles of the patient’s interest as paramount in clinical teaching, medical practice and research project. The contributions of RCSI to the field of medicine are invaluable where it continues to inspire and uplift, the professional bodies with unwavering passion.
RCSI has played a great role in educating many of our young Bahraini graduates to pursue their careers in the major Irish hospitals besides thousands of fellows and members of RCSI and graduates from all over the world who have carried their knowledge and experience to their hometowns and contributed to the well-being of the citizens of their communities. RCSI is evolving and has adapted itself to the ongoing changes in the healthcare system and demands of the developing society.
Extended gratitude and wholehearted thanks go to all the staff and family of RCSI Bahrain for these unparalleled achievements. I cordially cherish this occasion to join the staff and students of RCSI Bahrain in celebrating their 20th anniversary and thank every individual for contributing to the success of the university and wish them a happy and prosperous future.”
Contribution toward Higher Education
RCSI Bahrain understands the importance of supporting the local communities and recognises outstanding incoming students by offering financial support through several
initiatives including third-party scholarships, sponsorship discounts, sibling discounts, and RCSI-led discounts. The university launched in 2018 its scholarship programme with two medicine scholarships with 1/3 concession on tuition fees, one full scholarship for the BSc in Nursing programme and later a nursing Alumni scholarship.
In the 2023-24 academic year, 192 students, of which 79% were Bahraini students, were provided with financial support totalling just over BHD1 million. Over the past seven years, the university has supported a total of 1,081 students and provided financial support worth over BHD5.6 million. This financial scheme is supported by local partners offering the Rayaat Scholarship programme from AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation, the participation in the Isa bin Salman Education Charitable Trust, and the Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa Scholarship, as well as regional partners with whom we collaborate to support patient care and healthcare services in the region.
A collaborative four-year agreement was signed in 2019 between Tamkeen (Bahrain Labour Fund) and the university, also in collaboration with the private hospitals
Diabetes Mobile Unit Book launch and MOU renewal between Bahrain Diabetes Society, Rotary Club of Manama and RCSI Bahrain in 2023
facilitated the enrolment of 35 Bahraini nationals to be trained as nurses. In 2024, this scheme was renewed with our partners.
As a leading regional medical and health sciences university, we actively and strategically engage with high schools, career counsellors, students and parents in the Middle East and beyond. By showcasing our state-of-the-art facilities, creating engagement with the accomplished faculty, and presenting international curricula and globally recognised degrees, we have the capacity to attract many aspiring healthcare practitioners to enrol at the university. Internationally, we also engage with students from
Prince Salman bin Hamad Medal for Medical Merit was awarded to RCSI Bahrain by HE Dr Jaleela bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health in 2021
around the world through various channels. This tailored approach not only positions the university as a reputable regional institution in the field of healthcare education but also attracts potential students to study in our university in Bahrain.
Testimonial from Her Excellency
DR DIANA ABDULKARIM AL JAHRAMI, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council and Deputy Chairperson of the Higher Education Council Board of Trustees
“RCSI Dublin and RCSI Bahrain, along with other higher education institutions (HEIs), have contributed to making the Kingdom of Bahrain an attractive destination for higher education thanks to the great attention given to the higher education sector by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, may God protect him, and the guidance and support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in addition to the directives of His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, the Minister of Education and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council (HEC).
The Higher Education Council in Bahrain strives towards achieving its vision to position Bahrain as a regional hub for high quality education and to produce future-ready innovators and thriving global citizens. As a result, many milestones have been achieved in the higher education sector geared by the enactment of regulating legislations and resolutions that help align the HEIs’ graduate attributes with the local and international academic trends and job market requirements through the sustainable enhancement of the academic programmes and achieving international recognition and accreditation as part of the initiatives of the National Strategy for Higher Education.
In testimony, RCSI Bahrain, as a wholly owned constituent member of RCSI Dublin, has attracted renowned international experiences and practices in different areas and at multiple levels. In addition, the university has obtained many international accreditations for its academic programmes, and international recognition of its qualifications. As a testament to the international quality of higher education provided in Bahrain, the decision of the General Medical Council in the United Kingdom to exempt medical graduates from RCSI Bahrain from taking the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) licensing examinations is another exemplary milestone of the university.
It is evident that the university has geared its policies and initiatives towards attracting not only local students, but also regional and international undergraduate
and postgraduate students from the Middle East and across the globe. The university’s experience and high-quality academic practices allow the development of clinical skills and professional competence for graduates from all academic programmes offered by the university in accordance with approved academic standards at the local, regional and international levels that are reflected in the number of graduates and in the efficiency of the educational outcomes and their alignment with the labour market. Hence, the university’s alumni network has significantly grown from around 30 in 2010 to around 3,000 in 2023, with an increasing number of skilled and professional graduates joining the health care workforce.
The university has also contributed effectively to supporting Bahrain’s endeavours in key research areas of importance and related to the national priorities in the field of health care research. In addition, the university has had a prominent role in supporting the Healthy Cities Programme of the World Health Organization, which aims to form an environment supportive of health and achieve sustainable development goals at all social, health and economic levels.
We, at the Higher Education Council, and through diligent work with our partners in various government sectors, acknowledge and appreciate the university’s momentous positive impact on the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain and look forward to witnessing more achievements and providing constant support to its endeavours to strive towards excellence.”
Testimonial from His Excellency
MR JAMAL FAKHRO, Managing Partner, KPMG in Bahrain and First Vice-Chairman of the Shura Council
“Over the past two decades, RCSI Bahrain has consistently demonstrated a dedication to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals while truly living out their values in terms of respect, collaboration scholarship and innovation. The institution’s tireless pursuit of academic excellence, coupled with its emphasis on cutting-edge research and innovation, has significantly contributed to the elevation of medical standards within the Kingdom.
RCSI Bahrain’s commitment to fostering international collaboration has not only enriched the academic experience for students but has also facilitated the exchange of knowledge and leading practices on a global scale.
The enduring success of RCSI Bahrain can be measured not only by its academic achievements but also by the positive impact it has had on the local community. Through community outreach initiatives, health awareness programmes, and engagement with the broader public, RCSI Bahrain has demonstrated a profound sense of social responsibility. Furthermore, the institution’s strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, both locally and internationally, have played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of healthcare and education in the Kingdom. These collaborations reflect RCSI Bahrain’s commitment to creating a holistic and integrated healthcare ecosystem which is mutually beneficial to both the Kingdom of Bahrain and to Ireland.
I commend the leadership of RCSI Bahrain for their outstanding contributions to the Kingdom’s healthcare sector, their unwavering dedication to education, and the leadership role they play in shaping the future of medicine. May the coming years bring continued success, growth, and the realization of even greater milestones.”
Support provided to varied Communities
Since the inception of the Community Engagement Office in 2012, RCSI Bahrain has been committed to supporting communities through a variety of initiatives. These include offering public health awareness and education and providing support at community
RCSI Bahrain delegation with HE Mr Salman bin Isa bin Hindi Al- Mannai. Governor of Muharraq Governate. (centre left) marking national Action Charter Day in 2023
health clinics in Bahrain and internationally. The university also fosters a commitment to community service among its students and staff, encouraging participation in volunteer activities and local charitable events.
In Bahrain, the university organises and participates in awareness campaigns with local organisations to address specific health issues prevalent in the community with the support of students and staff, who interact with the local community and offer their services. The “Diabetes Mobile Unit” is an initiative led by RCSI Bahrain since 2012 with the collaboration of the Bahrain Diabetes Society, the support of the Rotary Club of Manama and the collaboration of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. This mobile unit travels to public and private schools to provide diabetes education and share preventive measures. The aim of this project is to increase awareness about diabetes, promote early detection, and provide support for those diagnosed with the disease. This initiative allows the university’s students and staff to contribute to improving community health and gives them practical experience in diabetes care and management.
The university extends its community engagement beyond local boundaries and is actively involved in international community engagement. This includes participating in global health initiatives and collaborating on health projects with various international
International Community Engagement Trip to Vietnam led by RCSI Bahrain Head of Surgery Martin Corbally (centre left) in 2023
organisations, such as Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS), Jordan Red Crescent Society (JRCS) and Operation Childlife (OCL), an Irish charity focused on improving the health and well-being of children worldwide. The agreement among RCSI Bahrain/OCL/BRCS and JRCS was signed in Bahrain on 16 November 2022, in the presence of His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Her Excellency Dr Jaleela bint Alsayed Jawad Hasan, Minister of Health, Mr Mubarak Al Hadi, Secretary General of BRCS, His Excellency Dr Mohammed Al Hadid, President of the JRCS, and Mr John Collins, CEO of OCL. Thanks to such collaboration framework, the students and staff of the university get opportunities to interact with international communities, gaining valuable global perspectives and experiences. Since 2012, a total of 2,693 cumulative volunteers, participated in 4511 events and activities organised by the Community Engagement office that have touched the lives of thousands of people in local communities and developing countries.
Testimonial from Her Excellency
DR MARIAM AL HAJERI, Vice President of Bahrain Diabetes Society, and former Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health of the Ministry of Health
“It gives me great pleasure to convey to RCSI Bahrain my warmest congratulations on celebrating its 20th anniversary in the Kingdom of Bahrain. I would also like to extend my deepest thanks and gratitude for all their efforts and humanitarian services that have contributed significantly towards easing the healthcare challenges in Bahrain, especially in managing individuals with diabetes and obesity.
Our collaboration and cooperation with RCSI Bahrain has made 2024 a very positive and special year for me, as Vice-President of the Bahrain Diabetes Society. This celebration is for all of us, as we are truly thankful and proud that we can continue to work together as part of the Diabetes Mobile Unit team, which was established in 2012. The Diabetes Mobile Unit (DMU) programme is a collaborative initiative between RCSI Bahrain and the Bahrain Diabetes Society (BDS), sponsored by the Rotary Club of Manama and supported by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. 1
The DMU programme aims to increase the awareness of school children about the prevention of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), which represents the major health burden facing our society today. RCSI Bahrain continues to spread awareness and knowledge in society, and through their efforts are paving the way forward in understanding the disease, improving treatment, and creating better health outcomes for people in Bahrain.”
Testimonial from His Excellency
MR MUBARAK AL HADI,
Secretary General of Bahrain Red Crescent Society
“RCSI is considered as one of the most distinguished academic and educational authorities that have reached Bahrain as an added value gem. It has opened its door to the educational science and knowledge seekers through its extraordinary programmes from academic curriculum and implementing the voluntary approach to Its members and affiliates. Educational science does not cover the academic curriculum by itself alone, but also through implementing its voluntary approach, RCSI Bahrain has become a GOLD magnificent partner, highlighting the importance of engaging with the humanitarian segment and how vitally priceless it is that medical students get involved in the community.
RCSI Bahrain has demonstrated its values through uniting the community with their partnership with the Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS), aiming to provide humanitarian services to the public whilst emphasising the important concepts of volunteering and giving.
Giving by itself doesn’t only mean donations of items or monetary support, but also in sharing the knowledge and science which are treasured within the community, and through providing medical assistance and advice to the less fortunate in our society.
BRCS is very honoured and proud to be a part of this humanitarian project aligned with RCSI Bahrain which enriches our humanitarian community. BRCS, on the behalf of its board of directors, employees and volunteers, congratulates RCSI Bahrain for all the added value and distinguished efforts shown and presented over the last two decades, wishing them a fruitful and prolific future ahead.”
Testimonial from Her Excellency
DR TASNIM ATATRAH,
WHO Representative to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Head of Office
“We at the WHO Country Office in Bahrain would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for this esteemed institution and gratitude for the work it has done and still does to promote health and well-being in Bahrain, the GCC region, and beyond.
Over the last 20 years, RCSI Bahrain has succeeded in achieving the aspiration of its founding mission to “educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health” in many ways. The university’s important role during the COVID-19 pandemic, from disseminating science-based information to supporting several initiatives led by the Supreme Council of Health and the Ministry of Health, is one example of its leadership in driving positive change in all areas of human health. We wholeheartedly congratulate RCSI Bahrain on receiving the ‘Prince Salman bin Hamad Medal for Medical Merit’ in recognition of the outstanding contributions of its staff and students to the national fight against COVID-19.
The WHO Country Office in Bahrain is proud of its collaboration with RCSI Bahrain in promoting health and well-being under the umbrella of Healthy Cities, and conducting health activities to improve health outcomes. This has added to a number of other countrybased programmes that positively contributed to bringing better health and well-being to all people in Bahrain.
In 2023, the partnership between the WHO Country Office and RCSI Bahrain went one step further with the university being awarded the Health-Promoting University status by the World Health Organization. The university’s leadership and commitment to better health for all ushered in the designation process, which was closely coordinated with the Ministry of Health, the Higher Education Council, and the WHO Country Office in Bahrain.
The award was presented by Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, in the presence of Her Excellency Dr Jaleela bint AlSayed Jawad Hasan, Minister of Health, and Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al-Khalifa, former Secretary-General of the Higher Education Council. This was a proud occasion for all of us.
We are honoured to have been part of RCSI Bahrain’s remarkable milestones and initiatives at every turn. It has been particularly a privilege for us to celebrate with the
university’s membership the Solar Project’s inauguration in May 2023, which aims to reduce the university’s carbon footprint by 2,247 metric tonnes per year and contribute to 65% of the university’s annual electricity needs, guided by the Bahrain 2030 Vision. We commend the university’s commitment to creating a more environmentally conscious and sustainable community. Thank you for your partnership in our pursuit of a healthier world.”
Testimonial from His Excellency
MR SALMAN BIN ISA BIN HINDI AL-MANNAI, the Governor of Muharraq
In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful.
“I hereby extend our gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister; may Allah protect them. We are grateful for the advanced infrastructure and environment Bahrain enjoys, which is conducive to attracting investment in diverse sectors. This makes the Kingdom an ideal We are delighted by the presence of students from all over the world under a single roof at this university, which has always welcomed everyone with open arms while offering them a window into our vibrant history and cherished heritage. Additionally, I would like to extend our thanks to the university’s previous and current management for their strategic oversight and the partnership we have enjoyed over the past two decades. We also owe much to RCSI Bahrain’s collaboration and advanced medical services for their significant contribution to Muharraq Governorate’s recognition as a Healthy City.
Furthermore, I would like to express our admiration and gratitude to this distinguished academic and medical institution’s esteemed President, Professor Sameer Otoom, known for his exceptional academic credentials and unwavering commitment to humanitarian and social causes. I would also like to convey my heartfelt pride and appreciation to all staff and members of this esteemed university.
To conclude, I extend my best wishes for the continued success of RCSI Bahrain, to its esteemed members, administrative and educational bodies, and Board of Directors.”
Contribution to Healthcare Research
At RCSI Bahrain, the research faculty comprises a team of 20 full-time members, including principal investigators, technical and support staff, and administrators. The university’s primary research focus is diabetes, a major health challenge in Bahrain. With over 20% of the Bahraini population affected by type 2 diabetes, including a growing number of younger individuals, the university has placed significant emphasis on diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases that encompass obesity, with the implementation of transnational research in that area harnessing both biomolecular and clinical research. Additionally, the university has a secondary priority area focusing on cancer research. The university is engaged in cancer research in collaboration with the Bahrain Oncology Centre at King Hamad University Hospital in light of the high incidence of breast cancer amongst Bahraini women.
RCSI Bahrain receiving WHO EMRO Healthy University Certification, 2023
Current research being developed at the university’s Research Centre will utilise beta cells derived from stem cells, which will be transplanted within an encapsulation device as a new alternative cure for diabetes that features a host of benefits such as ease of the surgical procedure, compatibility with the patient’s health conditions, scalability and cost-effectiveness. Relevant studies are currently ongoing. During the SARS-COV2 pandemic, RCSI Bahrain undertook three national clinical trials on COVID-19 and is currently engaged in the first multinational clinical research trial conducted in the GCC by Pfizer. The collective impact of the university’s research activities directly contributes to Bahrain’s developing reputation as a hub for research activities and clinical trials within the GCC.
Contribution toward Environmental Sustainability
RCSI Bahrain has been committed to environmental sustainability and energy conservation since its inception. This commitment is evident in the institution’s wide array of initiatives and projects in partnership with various stakeholders, including Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority (EWA).
Dating back to the construction of the campus, one key element in this ecological journey was the inclusion of a Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) located on campus. The plant is used for treating and reusing grey water for irrigation purposes. In 2014, the university and EWA joined forces to launch an extensive energy audit programme. The objective was to explore energy-saving potentials across campus facilities. This audit successfully identified numerous energy conservation measures, which were implemented and significantly reduced energy consumption. In 2022, the first eco-pod equipped with solar panels was introduced, and in 2023, the remarkable solar farm project was inaugurated. Spread across 12,000 square metres, the solar farm produces over 60% of the campus’ electricity needs, with an expected annual CO2 emission saving of 2,247 metric tonnes. A follow-up energy audit will soon measure the impact and refine energy strategies.
A cornerstone of RCSI Bahrain’s sustainability drive is the ongoing quantifying Campus CO2 Emissions project. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), this project, expected to be completed by 2024, aims
to systematically measure and reduce the campus’s carbon footprint. It involves a joint effort between students and staff to assess CO2 emissions from various campus activities, including energy consumption, transportation, and waste management, to establish a baseline for future reduction strategies and for a net-zero carbon plan. In March 2024, at the seventh Bahrain Smart Cities Summit organised by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture in cooperation with Smart Way Consulting, RCSI Bahrain won the “Renewable Energy and Sustainability Initiatives” for its solar energy project. This recognition is a source of encouragement to continue the journey toward improved sustainability. As a leader in promoting sustainability in the higher education sector, RCSI Bahrain’s efforts extend beyond mere compliance with environmental standards and reflect a deep-rooted commitment to fostering a sustainable future. This environmentally responsible approach aligns with the institution’s strategic goals, blending academic excellence with ecological consciousness.
Solar power generation
In conclusion, RCSI Bahrain’s commitment to comprehensive environmental sustainability resonates through its operational practices, educational initiatives, and community engagement activities, making it a beacon of environmental responsibility in the educational landscape. The testimonials included in this chapter, confirm that RCSI Bahrain has built, and continues to strengthen a robust reputation for adding value to the economy generally, across the entire healthcare system, throughout the education
arena and in the community and research disciplines as well. The university is forever grateful to all stakeholders, partners, students, alumni, staff members and their families for their valuable contributions and continuous support over the past twenty years. It is this wider RCSI Bahrain family that has made all its achievements possible, and eternal thanks are due to all of them.
Solar Farm Inauguration int he presence of HE Mr Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs (second from right) and HE Dr Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaijj Al Khalifa, Former Secretary General of the Higher Education Council ( Second from left) in 2023
Visit of Bahrain Education and Training Quality Authority and World Federation for Medical Education Delegations in 2022
Visit of former Bahrain Education and Training Quality Authority Chief Executive Dr Jawaher Shaheen AlMudhahki in 2019
Diabetes Mobile Unit Relaunch Event in the presence of Bahraini Officials, 2023
International Night Event, 2016
CHAPTER SEVEN
Supporting the Student Journey
Student Life
Within the walls of RCSI Bahrain, a symphony of cultures plays out daily. Students from a wide range of nationalities converge, weaving a tapestry rich in diverse perspectives, experiences, and aspirations. This vibrant mosaic fosters an environment of unparalleled inclusivity and global understanding. Beyond the pursuit of academic excellence, RCSI Bahrain cultivates a haven for the exploration of passions and the blossoming of individuality by hosting over 40 clubs and societies, each a testament to the boundless energy and varied interests of its student body.
The university’s annual events calendar is a testament to its belief that learning extends far beyond the confines of lecture halls. Throughout the year, a kaleidoscope of events brings the campus alive, transforming it into a stage where cultures come together, friendships form, and the spirit of the institution truly shines. The pulsating beats of International Night, the enriching academic workshops, the sheer exhilaration of the annual sports tournaments – these are not mere events — they are vibrant threads woven into the fabric of student life, creating memories that resonate long after the final curtain falls. Engagement at RCSI Bahrain transcends mere participation. It is a way of life. RCSI Bahrain students are not passive observers, but active contributors, forever seeking to leave their mark on the world.
In 2009, a Student Welfare Office was established and led by Dr Wendy Maddison to provide pastoral care and support to enrolled nursing and medicine students. In 2012, a designated Student Development and Wellbeing Department was created to provide a wide range of professional and holistic services to support student success. The Centre for Student Success or ‘CSS’ as it is now known, enables the university to provide a comprehensive, seamless, and optimal student experience. The CSS offers academic advisory services, a customised ‘drop-in’ learning environment, as well as personal and professional development opportunities. Students were participants in the design of the CSS as well as co-creators of its offerings, services, programmes, events, and activities.
From 2015 to 2021, the ‘Bridging the Gap’ work examined student experience in RCSI Bahrain as a transnational university of medical education, and focused on culture, language, prior educational experiences of local students, and their transition
into the university. Important recommendations which have since been integrated into the strategy of the Centre for Student Success include the ‘front-loading’ of support to students in the first semester and the development of a ‘Buddy Programme’ where older students mentor a small group of new students during their first academic year.
Another initiative was the development of the PathWay programme for new students, which is specific to this cultural context. The university recognises that starting medical school in a transnational setting may be an overwhelming experience for many students. Hence, PathWay programme sessions provide new students with information and guidance during appropriate times in the first semester which aim to assist students in their transition to third level learning. Sessions include self-care, introduction to academic study skills for tertiary education, preparing for examinations, introduction to departments and opportunities for professional development, peer-led sessions for motivation and the sharing of experiences, and a session on the importance of professionalism. Any perceived
barriers to success are removed with the endeavour to create a like-for-like experience, regardless of where the educational programmes take place.
Student Engagement
The significance of extra and co-curricular activities has been emphasised in healthcare
Medicine Conferring Dinner in 2023
education as a key element of student success, and these have been scaffolded into a carefully crafted, multifaceted, student experience across RCSI Bahrain. For example, the opportunity for highly-performing students to become Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Tutors. Not only does the PAL programme encompass PAL Tutors’ leadership and teaching skills, it also provides an important additional platform for learning for those students who attend PAL sessions. The PAL programme was started in 2011 with a small group of senior medical students supporting the learning and clinical skills development of younger students and has become one of the most popular co-curricular student programmes. PAL is now delivered by Foundation Year students to their peer groups, Year 2 students to Year 1, and Year 5 to Year 3. The PAL programme has expanded into RCSI Bahrain’s alumni community. Graduates who are in their internship year volunteer as Graduate PALS (G-PALs) who support final-year medical students prepare for their exams. In 2023, the Near-Peer programme was created (N-PALs) with alumni working locally returning to tutor fourth-year medical students who are undertaking specialty rotations. In 2021, RCSI Bahrain launched its Student Engagement and Partnership Programme (StEP). Student partnership is considered a key strategic enabler, harnessing
Basketball Teams awarded in 2007
new ways of thinking, developing innovative perspectives, and empowering future leaders in transformative healthcare.
Students are positioned as co-creators of their own learning experiences, and shared goals will result in the emergence of new synergies that benefit students, staff and the institution. In June 2022, the first StEP Showcase and Awards event was held. Over 100 staff and students worked on numerous projects situated in the four StEP domains of Institutional Management, Academic Research Community, Teaching and Assessment, Local Community, and Social Environment. The first StEP Staff and Student
StEP Champions Awards were presented, and over 21 poster presentations of StEP project achievements were displayed.
In August 2013, the Student Health and Wellbeing Unit was established within the Student Development and Wellbeing Department. This unit provides a wide range of pastoral support, confidential counselling services and health and lifestyle guidance to students. The unit works closely with several external counsellors, a dietician, psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. Students may receive up to 10 external counsellor sessions paid for by the university, through a referral system operated by the unit. The unit
HE Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council (centre right) attending the Health Awareness Art Competition Ceremony in 2024
runs health awareness campaigns throughout the academic year, such as mental health awareness, healthy eating, hydration, immunisation, and smoking cessation classes. Other activities include sessions on art and laughter therapy. Regular workshops are held on stress, anxiety management and mindfulness.
We cannot truly grasp the vibrant pulse of RCSI Bahrain without acknowledging the RCSI Bahrain Student Council. This dynamic group of passionate individuals serves as the conduit for student energy, channelling it into unforgettable experiences, amplifying student voices, and leaving an indelible mark on the RCSI landscape. The creation of the
Student Council dates back to 2007 when Dr Maryam Al Alawi (Class of 2010) became the first Student Council President and Mr Mohamed Al Melahi the first Vice President of the Student Council. Sixteen members comprised the first Student Council, represented by nursing students, foundation-year medical students and first- and second-year medical students. Four core members are elected for the roles of President, Vice President, Medical and Nursing Academic Officers, who in turn appoint a team of nine officers, namely, the Internal Representative Officers of Medicine and Nursing, Secretary, Clubs and Societies Officer, IT Officer, Media Officer, Research Officer, Mentorship Programme Coordinator and Treasurer. To date, the Student Council still consists of sixteen members, elected
International Night Event in 2019
annually by the university students to maintain and promote all students’ educational, social and general welfare. The Student Council members engage and address the concerns of their peers while facilitating communication with the university administration and faculty. Student involvement in the Student Council provides a structured opportunity to assume responsibility and influence decision-making.
Alumni
Based on the results of the 2016 Market Insight Study conducted at RCSI Bahrain, there was a clear indication that current students, parents, and alumni felt there was a need for dedicated career services and support within the university, one that can offer
specialised careers support and guidance. The Careers and Alumni Office, led by Mr Fadi Ghosn, was established in 2017 with a dedicated office and team to serve students and graduates. The Careers and Alumni Office provides guidance and support on career pathways, licensing examinations, personal statement writing, interview preparation, clinical elective and research opportunities (both local and international), and internship
Brigadier Professor Fahad Khalifa Al Khalifa receiving the RCSI Ad Eundem Fellowship from RCSI President Deborah McNamara in 2024
and residency applications. RCSI Bahrain’s alumni community has grown to a network of over 3,000 healthcare leaders, including graduates of the undergraduate medicine and nursing and postgraduate programmes. The Careers and Alumni Office’s mission is focused on providing students with as much information and support as possible to help them identify their career goals early and move between different stages of education and training. Students are supported as they acquire the skills, knowledge, and capabilities they need to manage their career progression throughout life, allowing them to take advantage of the opportunities that will be available to them in the future in an ever-evolving global healthcare sector and economy. The office is committed to developing outstanding healthcare professionals by providing support and guidance to both students and alumni on professional opportunities, career pathways, and postgraduate-related matters. The dedicated team delivers events and private sessions on tailored and individualised career pathways; CV and interview preparation; clinical and research elective opportunities; and training applications and licensing examinations. The team also plays a key role in liaising with student sponsors, as well as managing external accreditation/recognition processes for student electives and postgraduate training opportunities for alumni. The Alumni Relations Office aims to foster lifelong relationships with RCSI Bahrain graduates by managing and enhancing all incoming and outgoing engagement. Aside from maintaining an in-depth alumni database, the Alumni Relations team works closely with the Careers function to organise Alumni Talks and other career events. In addition, the Alumni Relations team provides support with documentation and other requests by alumni, organise social and networking events, identify opportunities for alumni participation and recognition, act as a liaison between student groups and graduates, and enhance the range of resources made available to the alumni community.
Every year the Careers and Alumni Office hosts several local and international reception and reunion events. The objectives of these events are:
• To re-engage the alumni with the university, former academics/staff, and each other.
• To reiterate RCSI Bahrain’s continuous commitment to its alumni and encourage further engagement.
• To acknowledge the achievements of our alumni since graduation with an emphasis on the Inspiring Excellence Award winner(s).
• To inspire current alumni to excel in their career paths and remain connected with the university.
The year 2020 marked the 10th anniversary for the first graduating cohort from RCSI Bahrain. Since then, the Careers and Alumni Office has been planning reunion events to mark the 10th anniversary milestone for alumni graduating in 2010 and the following years. Additionally, the celebration of the Inspiring Excellence Award winner(s) and portrait unveiling takes place on the same day to acknowledge the excellence the winner(s) has achieved since graduation. Launched in 2018, RCSI Bahrain’s ‘Inspiring Excellence’ project aims to inspire current students and visitors to the university by showcasing the achievements of selected alumni through a gallery of portraits along the walls of the campus, as a visual representation of the commitment to advancing human health worldwide. Previous alumni reception and reunion events were held in UK-London, Kuwait, Dubai, Canada and Nigeria.
RCSI Bahrain prides itself on its alumni. The alumni are part of a global community of healthcare leaders and are ambassadors for RCSI Bahrain. With an in-house built database, engagement is maintained, and mutually beneficial relationships are established fostering a sense of community and mutual support. Engagement at the Careers & Alumni Office is focused on the experience the alumni had as students and after graduation. Experience as alumni is focused on the annual events, news communicated, awards and programme offered, volunteering opportunities, and data collected. Because of these experiences, a strong tie has been created with alumni who contribute to the continued success and reputation of RCSI
HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa , His Majesty’s Representative for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs , (centre)attending the Inspiring Excellence Award Ceremony in 2023.
Bahrain. Irrespective of the current locations of its alumni, RCSI Bahrain’s commitment is to offer unwavering support, contributing to the enrichment of their personal and professional development in every conceivable manner.
The following testimonials are from our Alumni and one current student.
DR AMAL DAWOOD, Medicine (Class of 2010)
“Following my graduation in 2010, I completed my internship and was honoured to have been selected for the Family Physicians Residency Programme in Bahrain which had a very high demand. I was appointed as Chief of Research, Studies, and Production in the health promotion directorate in 2017.
As an RCSI alumnus, and as a first-batch graduate, I feel privileged to be a part of this institution with its historic and academic excellence. Through my five-year journey in medical school, I have learned how to become not only a good doctor, but a better person, one who is compassionate, and empathetic.
I still feel that I belong to RCSI Bahrain no matter where I go and it is always a pleasure to return to this place, whether as a visitor, a lecturer, or even as a postgraduate student. I am grateful for what I have achieved and for what I want to achieve.”
MS AYISHA ALBUARKI, Nursing (Class of 2010)
“I am a BSc in Nursing graduate from the first batch in 2010. I began my career as a staff nurse in BDF Hospital, specialising in OB/GYN with a focus on antenatal, postnatal, and newborn care. I moved to King Hamad University Hospital in 2013, in the same specialty. Since 2016, I served as a nurse educator. I obtained my MSc in Nursing from RCSI Bahrain in 2021 and received the Fellowship of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery from RCSI Dublin in 2023. My dedication, passion, and commitment to the profession were recognised with the first RCSI Alumni Excellence in Clinical Nursing Award in 2017 and the RCSI Inspiring Excellence Award in 2023.
My journey at RCSI Bahrain has been nothing short of incredible, providing me with numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. The unwavering support and guidance from the faculty have been invaluable, both in the classroom and
during clinical placements. These placements in various hospitals across the Kingdom, have equipped me with a wealth of clinical experience. The cultural diversity at RCSI Bahrain has been instrumental in preparing us for the realities of a multi-national working environment. The multidisciplinary classes brought together nursing and medical students, facilitating collaboration and the sharing of knowledge.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to RCSI Bahrain and the School of Nursing and Midwifery faculty for their unwavering support and for making my time at the university a truly transformative experience.”
DR. AYMEN BUKANNAN, Medicine (Class of 2010)
“It has been 19 years since I enrolled in the 5-year program at RCSIBahrain. Being part of the first graduating class, “the trailblazers”, came with worry about what would come after graduation as there were no footsteps to follow. Yet, being part of the inaugural batch gave us unique experiences such as a small, close-knit class with whom we formed lifelong friendship and camaraderie. In addition, we practically had one-to-one mentorship by outstanding, enthusiastic faculty. Outside the curriculum, we had the opportunity to establish the first clubs and societies, some of which are still active today.
I have always believed in the notion of “paying it forward”. I have done my best to assist younger colleagues advance their careers through means such as mentorship and networking. I am always proud when I see them in turn helping their younger colleagues by doing the same. I now frequently see RCSI Bahrain alumni in reputable programs and prestigious institutions, and I am proud to have been part of this process.”
Dr. Aymen Bukannan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Philosophy from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, in 2005. He attended RCSI-Bahrain, graduating as Valedictorian of the inaugural class of 2010. He continued his medical training at Henry Ford Hospital/Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan where he completed both his internal medicine residency and gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship. He is American Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, and is the first RCSI-Bahrain alumnus to complete subspecialty training and practice as a consultant physician. For six years, he practiced as an attending gastroenterologist at Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville, Georgia where he earned an outstanding reputation within the community. He served in leadership positions including Chair of Endoscopy Committee and Acting Director of Gastroenterology services. He is affiliated with Florida State University where he was
appointed as Clinical Assistant Professor (Gastroenterology), contributing to mentorship and research within his field. After over a decade in the USA, he recently returned to the Kingdom of Bahrain where he joined the medical staff at Ibn Al Nafees Hospital and continues to bring innovation and expertise to the community. He still frequently travels to the USA serving as a visiting physician. He dedicates his success to his supportive parents and loving wife.
DR AMEEN AL AWADHI, Medicine (Class of 2010)
“My ID Number in RCSI Bahrain was 4231490. I was the first student admitted to the medical school. I received Arab Board certification in Dermatology and Venereology in 2016 and the European Board of Dermatology and Venereology in 2018. I then completed fellowships at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York in Advanced Medical Dermatology and in Dermatopathology 20192020. I was then appointed Head of Dermatology at Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain. In 2023 I became President of the Bahrain Dermatology Association. I hope to join the Dermatology Department at Shaikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The values I learned from RCSI Bahrain continue to positively influence my career to this day.”
MS JENAN ALBAQALI, Nursing (Class of 2021)
“Being an RCSI alumna, Valedictorian of the 2021 Class, and a gold medal winner, provided me with a plethora of opportunities. I became a qualified Senior Staff Nurse in a specialist hospital, surrounded by a supportive team, and I am in the process of continuing my career development. My experience at RCSI Bahrain resulted in a great amelioration of my overall knowledge and skills. I have grown a lot at both personal and academic levels. By Allah’s grace, the benefits kept flowing even after graduation. I believe that our professional dreams can come true if we have the will to pursue our ambitions.
When I joined RCSI Bahrain, I expected to achieve solely a degree, but later, I realised that I gained science, language, friends, fun, opportunities, and unforgettable memories. The remarkable experience in my college life that I will never forget is the time I spent working hard at the library. I used to stay at the university for more than 12 hours at a time attending classes, studying at the library, and getting as many breaks in between
with my dear friends. I loved everything about my university, and what made my university days special and enjoyable were my close peers. Along with attending the educational workshops, seminars, and research conferences together, my friends and I enjoyed a lot of other things such as attending events and recreational activities. The most difficult part of my educational experience was leaving the university, departing my friends, teachers, and campus, and completely leaving behind a part of my life.
RCSI Bahrain means a lot to me because it has made me a much more resilient person. The university helped me explore myself and my potential and figure out my true professional calling in life. I became aware that I am a person who strives to succeed and aims to achieve the best possible outcomes both academically and personally. The college taught me plenty of skills and built my confidence to face post-graduate challenges and struggles. Therefore, I will take all of these acquired skills and move forward in my career giving the best representation of nursing graduates from RCSI Bahrain.”
DR MAHWESH NIAZ, Medicine (Class of 2014 - Student Council)
“My journey after graduation and internship at KHUH has not always been straightforward, but it has been filled with a lot of interesting opportunities and personal growth. I have been living in the UK for the past few years, working in the NHS, and exploring what specialty I wanted to commit to. Finding it too difficult to commit to any one specialty, I am now in GP training, which allows me to continue to see a variety of patients and presentations. I hope eventually to complete a Master’s in Public Health, and combine that with my clinical background to pursue a career in global health.
My time in the Student Council defined my journey at RCSI Bahrain. I had the opportunity to work closely with fellow students and staff and administration members who shared the same goal as me - improving the student experience at RCSI Bahrain, not only for us, but for the generations to come. Yes, we worked on making the student orientation more exciting along with planning a variety of events that would help foster a sense of community, but we were also able to contribute to policy changes, to voice students’ concerns about their educational experience, and contribute to improving the campus and facilities for students and staff alike. I am still so grateful for being able to play a small part in establishing some of the traditions that are still such an important part of RCSI Bahrain today.
I am incredibly grateful to RCSI Bahrain for the experiences it provided me. It not only shaped me as a doctor but helped me find a voice inside me that would not have been possible anywhere else. Today and in the years to come RCSI Bahrain means home.”
DR MARYAM ASHOOR, Medicine (Class of 2016)
“I am a Bahraini native, having spent my entire life in Bahrain. After graduating from the top of Bahrain’s public schools from Khawla Secondary School, I embarked on a challenging journey at RCSI Bahrain in 2010. Graduating as a Valedictorian from RCSI Bahrain marked a turning point. After completing my internship in Bahrain, I pursued a paediatric residency at Salmaniya Medical Complex, earning my Saudi Board in paediatrics in 2021. I transitioned to private practice as a general paediatrician. In 2022, I fulfilled my aspiration of becoming an academic, joining the Arabian Gulf University as a Paediatric Lecturer and completing a postgraduate certificate in medical education at the University of Dundee, UK.
In 2023, I began my final step in clinical training as a Paediatric Rheumatology Fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital where I currently work, aligning with my passion for continued learning and specialised care.
My journey at RCSI Bahrain was a fulfilling odyssey, marked by the creation of lifelong connections with friends and colleagues from diverse corners of the globe. Initially immersed in academic pursuits, adapting to the university’s rigorous curriculum, I soon expanded my focus to student activities. Driven by a desire to contribute and make a lasting impact, I co-founded the inaugural RCSI Bahrain Students Surgical Society. Over two consecutive years, 2015-2016, the society orchestrated two highly successful large-scale conferences that attracted participants from both within and beyond Bahrain. These endeavours not only enriched my university experience but also underscored my commitment to leaving a positive imprint on the academic community.
RCSI Bahrain, to me, is more than just an academic institution—it’s a cherished home where my academic and personal roots intertwine. The bonds forged, the challenges overcome, and the knowledge gained during my time at this esteemed institution have become an integral part of my identity. Graduating from RCSI Bahrain will always be a source of pride, and the memories cultivated within its walls will forever hold a special place in my heart. It is a testament to my growth, resilience, and the enduring sense of community that defines this university—a home away from home that I am honoured to have been a part of.”
MS HAWRA SAEED, Nursing (Class of 2020)
“I graduated from the BSc in nursing programme as the Valedictorian alongside the Class of 2020. I started my working career amidst the COVID-19 pandemic which was an interesting and valuable learning experience. My career started by working as an emergency department nurse when I was recruited to work on the frontlines for Bahrain Exhibition Center, where we provided diagnostic testing, vaccination, and care for COVID-19 patients. Following the pandemic, I worked in primary healthcare then joined the University of Bahrain to work as a full-time academic where I am currently pursuing my passion of teaching and research while completing my Masters in Advance Nursing Practice in Adult Health Nursing.
My undergraduate journey was packed with many experiences that shaped who I am as a healthcare professional and academic today. One of these experiences was attending my first Nursing and Midwifery conference in RCSI Dublin which piqued my interest in research and later served as the catalytic event that led to publishing and presenting a poster at the International Diabetes Federation conference in Busan, South Korea in 2019. Furthermore, during the undergraduate programme I had the opportunity to participate in multiple community engagement programmes and events both locally and internationally. For example, RCSI Bahrain provided me with the opportunity to participate in an international Community Engagement programme in Chennai, India where I was exposed to a new culture and healthcare practices. Moreover, I volunteered for SMILE charity events to raise awareness about child cancer among the Bahraini community, participating in the Diabetes Mobile Unit as a nursing student to visit school children and raise awareness about Diabetes Type 2 along with participating in the Buddy Programme and nurses open days has helped me discover my passion for passing knowledge to other people which I have decided later to pursue as a full-time career.
As for now, I continue to volunteer as an alumna in the university’s Diabetic Mobile Unit to train nursing students to attend school visits alongside RCSI Bahrain faculty, while working closely with RCSI Bahrain as a Nursing Ambassador with Future Nurses in Bahrain to promote nursing as a career choice and as an Alumna Ambassador to support nursing students. RCSI Bahrain will always a have special place in my heart as a student. The experience transformed my personality from being a shy high school student to a confident healthcare worker and academic while helping me discover my passion and strengths, which aided me in assembling the stepping-stones of my career. I am determined to pass on the strong will, impeccable values, and work ethics that RCSI
Bahrain instilled in me to the next generation of nursing students and to provide them with the support that I once received so that they can discover their aspirations and make a difference one day.”
DR ZAINAB FADHUL, Medicine (Class of 2021)
“I graduated in 2021 and spent my internship year at Salmaniya Medical Complex. In 2022, I received an offer to work as a Foundation 2 Stand-alone Doctor in a town I never heard of before in Tees Valley, North-East England. Bags packed, spirits up, and college friends by the side, I embarked on this journey. Following this, I received an offer to enter GP training in West Yorkshire, where I am currently based.
Before this excitement began, however, I was a medical student at RCSI Bahrain. Whilst I may be known for my historical role as President of the Medical Research Society and later the Student Council, I think this only represents a snapshot of my involvement in the university. What I am fond of are my memories of studying in the library for hours on end; carpooling with friends exploring green Ireland during the Student Exchange Programme; having breakfast with Professor Tobbia between lectures, and spending summers on campus doing research. The list goes on!
RCSI Bahrain has equipped me with good clinical skills. I remember when I picked up a significant cardiac murmur on a patient’s chest that no one had heard before. I also still remember the first time I diagnosed a patient with a bowel obstruction and hearing Professor Corbally’s resonating words in my head. I believe the university nurtured my love of teaching and high-quality education. The clinical stories in lectures and tutorials given by Professor Walsh, Professor Dornan, Professor Cassidy, Professor Tobbia, and Professor Misselbrook have influenced my leadership and teaching styles. As I pursue my postgraduate degree in Medical Education, the ‘narrator’ in me is passionate about delivering memorable teaching to peers and medical students.”
MR FADHUL ALMAWLANI, Nursing (Class of 2010)
“After graduating from RCSI Bahrain nursing school, I joined the Critical Care Unit department in Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) and I am still working there. I currently hold the position of Senior Team Leader, additionally, covering as acting supervisor in the absence of the ward supervisor. Moreover, I am the head of the Cardiac Care Unit Educational Committee and a Lecturer in the SMC training department. I am also a nursing student mentor for both RCSI Bahrain and the University of Bahrain College of Health Sciences.
My experience in RCSI Bahrain was very joyful and beneficial. From the first time I met Ms Batool Almohandis. (Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at that time) in my admission interview, I realised that my experience in RCSI Bahrain would be so fruitful. By talking to her, I was able to determine how experienced and knowledgeable she was. All the teachers and doctors were extremely professional and friendly. They interacted with the students as their colleagues, and not as students. The learning atmosphere in RCSI Bahrain is so welcoming and has a warm feeling. This atmosphere made us more eager to learn and prove ourselves to the teachers and the rest of the faculty.
I remember how excited I was when we moved from the temporary campus in the Seef area to the new one in Muharraq. I was even more excited when I was chosen to participate in the opening ceremony of the new campus. Overall, studying at RCSI Bahrain has had a great positive impact on my educational journey and personal and career development. The confidence and knowledge I gained there have been a driving force for me in my career and even in my personal life. I have been always so proud that I am an RCSI Bahrain graduate. I feel that being a member of the first batch of graduates from RCSI Bahrain is a very special honour which I always love to mention to any current RCSI Bahrain students. This feeling is due to the great reputation that RCSI Bahrain has established in Bahrain since opening, in addition to the RCSI heritage and reputation in the world as one of the most recognisable and respected medical teaching institutions.”
SALMAN KHALED AL KHALIFA, current medical student and ex-President of Student Council
“My journey to medical school began in 2018, after graduating with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma from Riffa Views International School, Bahrain. I then pursued a year of clinical training under the mentorship of Major General Professor Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa. Such an enriching experience solidified my passion for healthcare, particularly in the realm of surgery. Currently in my fifth year at RCSI Bahrain and in Senior Cycle 1 of the medical programme, I am also honoured to hold a distinguished position as President of the Student Council.
During my second semester at RCSI Bahrain, the world was restricted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This hindered my university experience for a few years. Nevertheless, I was committed to remaining engaged with my peers. I was privileged to be nominated for the role of Class Representative during the 2021/22 academic year. The sense of fulfillment I derived from my experiences guiding others pushed me to strive for a more leading role within the student body. I was elected to serve as President of the Student Council for the two years that followed. My role as President has allowed me to establish valuable leadership skills as well as close communication with a wider scope of individuals at RCSI Bahrain, including students and staff. I am grateful to be part of an institution that values the voice of its students to ensure a fulfilling learning experience for all.
RCSI Bahrain has become an integral part of my identity, a crucible where I have undergone personal and professional growth. Immersed within its vibrant and diverse community, I have cultivated a heightened passion for healthcare, refined my leadership skills, and formed lifelong friendships. The university’s commitment to excellence has equipped me with a solid foundation in medical knowledge and skills, preparing me to become a competent and compassionate doctor. RCSI Bahrain has empowered me to emerge as a future leader in healthcare, and I carry its legacy with pride.”
RCSI Bahrain’s Sports Activities
There is a famous axiom which states that, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. In truth, the proper balance of work, study, and relaxation is an important element in ensuring physical, mental and spiritual well-being. RCSI Bahrain has established teams in various areas, which include football, basketball, volleyball, and cricket, for both females and males. There are two main sports areas, the football field and the multipurpose court, which is home to
the Kingdom’s National University Championships, as well as other amateur leagues around the country. RCSI Bahrain does not only nurture its own players but helps with facilitating the sporting world nationally. There are students who train and play these games in amateur and national leagues competing with different levels of opponents, dedicating their time. The last 10 years and more, after moving to the new campus in 2009, witnessed the birth of different sports and teams such as volleyball, badminton, table tennis, touch football, cricket and more. The biggest achievement for any RCSI Bahrain Sports team must be for the Female Football team, who won the National Championship, convincingly beating every team they faced in 2018 with ease.
In the beginning, at the Seef Campus there was just basketball and football as the only established teams competing in various leagues. RCSI Bahrain helps to foster the growth of these teams so they can become as competitive as possible. This was evident in 2017 when the Male Basketball Team won their first ever trophy in an amateur league. Not to be outdone by the males, the females were runner-up in the National University Basketball Competition in 2018 and 2019 narrowly missing out on winning the titles on both occasions.
RCSI Bahrain alumni are encouraged to stay involved with the teams after graduation, by adding their wealth of experience with a mentoring programme for younger players to help them balance out their sports —work —play. As the years go by, participation levels continue to increase, as well as the number of sports available. The teams continue to include all levels of players, giving them an opportunity to blend well within RCSI Bahrain.
The following comprehensive range of Clubs and Societies is a testament to the exceptional breadth of interests which are alive and well within RCSI Bahrain.
Paddle Bahrain Charity Challenge, 2013
Male Basketball team win second edition of RCSI Bahrain Basketball Championship in 2016
Annual Tree Lighting Event in 2021
Medicine Graduating Class Dinner, 2018
RCSI Bahrain hosts Alumni Reunion at the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM), UK, 2022
Winter Ball in Year 2019
Student Council, 2023
International Community Engagement Trip to Lesotho in 2013
Bahraini National Day celebrations
Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration on Campus in 2014
Students Participating in the Buddy Programme in 2023
CHAPTER EIGHT
Challenges Addressed
Bridging Gaps
With students entering RCSI Bahrain with very different prior learning experiences, nationalities, and cultures, a ‘Bridging the Gap’ Working Group was formed in 2015 to investigate and determine how the university could better support students from secondary school in their first-year transition into transnational medical and nursing education. Research was undertaken on this subject, and papers have been published on the topic. The first year of medical university, but particularly the first six months, are the most challenging for students. However, in the context of the Middle East, the first year of transnational education is framed by the complexities of differences involved in moving from a didactic, gendersegregated, government school learning environment to an English language, international educational environment as a self-directed learner. This transition involves negotiation of significant social, academic and personal challenges or ‘gaps’ that must be overcome early in the student’s academic career. For example, Arabic-speaking foundation year medical students and Year 1 nursing students must not only transition to learning through the medium of the English language, but they must also adapt to new ways of learning, knowing and being in an international university model, which redefines academic and social relationships and creates a new cultural and pedagogic space for these students.
A strategy was developed to support students who had attended local schools in their first year of transnational medical education: (i) early contact, tracking, and timely intervention for students at risk of under-performing academically; (ii) extend studentcentred teaching, academic guidance, and support for the development of independent learning skills and use of interactive technology for enhanced learning; (iii) placing student learning experience and the student voice at the heart of the university ethos; (iv) focus on the advantages of the student experience in a transnational campus for academic, personal and professional growth, and promote the positive use of English amongst the student population during the recruitment, admission, and communications process. The above strategy was adopted by university departments, with RCSI Bahrain’s Centre for Student Success playing a critical role in Bridging the Gaps through its academic, personal, and professional programmes, events, and activities that support students’ success, based
Aegrotat Award in 2013
on best practice in transnational education. This also applies to native English-speaking and international students who join RCSI Bahrain’s vibrant student body. For example, Language Buddies introduce non-native Arabic speakers to Arabic language and culture to ensure that students who do not speak Arabic feel comfortable in their learning environment and when attending clinical sites. The university’s Language and Culture Unit also plays a key role in frontloading English language teaching to new students in the School of Nursing & Midwifery from the first year. All new students are matched to a Personal Tutor, a member of the academic staff who will work closely with the student during their first year to support academic progress. Bridging the Gap challenges are also addressed by students themselves, for example, through the various projects established between staff and students in the university’s Student Engagement and Partnership (StEP) Programme. Although RCSI Bahrain has a slightly different student cohort profile on entry compared to RCSI Dublin, through the application of the Bridging the Gap strategy across campus, by graduation, the student profile is on par with students graduating from RCSI Dublin.
Cultural Adaptation and Support Services
From a student’s perspective, the RCSI Bahrain student community is culturally heterogeneous as students are not only ‘locals’ or from neighbouring GCC and Middle Eastern countries, but also from countries at opposing ends of cultural dichotomy such as North America. Communication barriers and culturally different academic organisational factors pose a challenge to students’ successful integration. Socio-cultural barriers are also an important consideration as students adjust to making new friends and being far away from family in a different culture to their own. It is common for new international students to experience loneliness, homesickness, and other related challenges due to a new socio-cultural environment. A well-established support system for students is therefore paramount for student success, health, and well-being. Supporting students’ process of acculturation and addressing the above challenges, the Student Development and Wellbeing department was established to provide a wide range of services to enhance student success, such as learning support and
academic development, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, sessions, campaigns and programmes that embrace students’ academic, personal and professional development, and student health and wellbeing services such as counselling and lifestyle advice.
Ensuring inclusivity in the student community is key to students settling well into RCSI Bahrain. All new students are assigned a Buddy on joining the university, a student in a higher year of study whose role is to guide new students during their first—year transition and provide a helping hand if required. International students are prepared for life in Bahrain through online information prior to registration and an interactive Orientation programme led by Student Services. All new students complete the PathWay programme, led by the Centre for Student Success, which also signposts where they can go for information and support. Older students run a Mentorship programme, where younger students can be matched to a Mentor for advice, guidance, and personal and professional development. Highly performing students are trained in a Peer Assisted Tutor role, to support the academic performance of other students. Many of these activities, programmes, and events are customised for the local cultural context, for example, the International Citizenship Programme focuses on developing skills of reflection and intercultural competencies. As of June 2023, 102 RCSI Bahrain students have received the International Citizens’ Award.
To encourage the engagement of both nursing and medical students, an Interprofessional Learning Committee has been recently established. The Student Health and Wellbeing Unit addresses the stigma of mental health problems and raises awareness of the importance of positive help-seeking behaviours. Campaigns address cultural topics, such as healthy eating
International Citizenship Award recipients and mentors in 2023
in Ramadan, for example. Many self-help resources are available online, and university services and facilities to support students are advertised around campus.
The COVID-19 Epidemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, RCSI Bahrain placed the health, safety, and wellbeing of students at the heart of the student experience, ensuring that our support systems would cover all students’ needs during this challenging time. Challenges were to ensure that students could remain connected and supported, progress academically, and continue to engage successfully with the university, with limited interruption to their studies. RCSI Bahrain confronted the immediate challenge of transitioning to a digital learning environment. This shift was crucial for maintaining educational standards and student engagement while prioritising health and safety. RCSI Bahrain quickly formed a Business Continuity Plan Committee and “Return to Campus” working groups. These groups were instrumental in developing a hybrid model of education that combined on-campus teaching with digital platforms. This approach balanced adherence to COVID-19 protocols with the achievement of educational objectives. The pandemic catalysed RCSI Bahrain to further embrace digital technologies in education.
Maintaining
positive mental health and physical well-being of students
To address issues of social isolation, with many international students in Bahrain and away from home, Chat Lounges were created. Each Chat Lounge had a topic for discussion, and
New students attending Orientation under the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines in 2021.
students could join to interact with others. Subjects included maintaining positive mental health, and wellbeing, exercise, overcoming virtual fatigue, nutrition, and even music. Prioritising staff safety, RCSI Bahrain adapted its campus facilities to comply with health and safety regulations. This included reorganising workspaces to ensure social distancing and providing necessary protective equipment. Regular COVID-19 testing and contact tracing were implemented, especially for staff involved in clinical settings, in line with Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines. For students in clinical years going into hospitals, COVID-19 testing was arranged as well as contact tracing for positive cases on campus and at clinical teaching facilities, in line with MOH regulations. All campus space was adapted to conform with health and safety regulations. The university introduced a mandatory health insurance scheme for all non-GCC students to ensure students had appropriate healthcare coverage during their stay in Bahrain. Recognising the psychological impacts of the pandemic, the university provided resources and support to promote positive mental health among its staff. This included access to virtual counselling services, online well-being resources, and initiatives to mitigate the effects of social isolation and virtual fatigue. To accommodate the challenges posed by the pandemic, RCSI Bahrain offered staff flexible work arrangements. This included options for remote work, staggered work hours, and necessary technological support to ensure a seamless transition to virtual work environments. These measures helped staff balance professional responsibilities with personal and family commitments during this challenging time.
A dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) page providing updated COVID-19 advice and the latest guidance and protocols from the Ministry of Health in Bahrain, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and WHO was created. The university remained in close contact with the Ministry of Health and the national COVID-19 Taskforce. This included regular updates such as travel and health advice. Protocols were also put into place for staff and students who became unwell on campus, and who were vulnerable, with self-help resources and advice available. An on-campus isolation room was operationalised. Effective communication was crucial during the pandemic. RCSI Bahrain established clear channels for providing timely updates and guidance, including information on health protocols, campus safety measures, and operational changes. Daily emails were issued to staff and students, with regular virtual meetings and forums organised to keep staff informed and engaged, fostering a sense of community despite physical distancing. A Return to Campus working group was created to formulate a strategy for the return of staff and students for the academic year 2020—2021. The objective was to facilitate the safe arrival and effective orientation of new students, and successful integration into their programme of study in a changed learning environment on campus which was compliant
with health and safety regulations relating to COVID-19. Regular meetings were held with students and communication was maintained with students, parents, and stakeholders.
Maintaining student motivation and engagement in a challenging online/blended learning environment
The university transitioned to a new online learning environment. This was a challenge for both staff and students to adapt to new technologies. All teaching events including simulated patient encounters were recorded and streamed live to classes. Students in the early years of the programme completed their laboratory experiment classes in a virtual online laboratory. Students also completed their continuous assessments and end-of-semester exams online during virtual learning and the first year of return to campus. In 2022 on-site examinations returned but paper did not. All major continuous assessments and end-ofsemester examinations are now completed electronically in the examination venues on campus using the students’ laptops. Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities were also moved online, as well as registration and orientation events for new students. The concept of student Learning Communities, originally planned as part of the new medical curriculum, was fast-forwarded to provide students in the School of Medicine with additional support and online interaction with their learning community. Students in all years were assigned a
Centre for Student Success (CSS)
Personal Tutor, who they met online. Graduates supported the final year medical students with online Graduate Peer Assisted Learning Sessions. The final year medical examinations took place under challenging circumstances.
Many students volunteered to work with the national COVID-19 Taskforce, with N2,
N3, and N4 nursing students all participating in the delivery of the Kingdom’s National Vaccination Campaign. The university also supported King Hamad University Hospital by making Personal Protective Equipment face visors using their 3D printers in the research laboratory. In June 2020, RCSI Bahrain celebrated its first Virtual Conferring Ceremony for the class of 2020, with 152 graduates from the School of Medicine, 44 graduates from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, along with13 MSc Nursing graduates, from the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research. The initiatives undertaken by RCSI Bahrain during the COVID-19 pandemic reflect a commitment to supporting staff, students and stakeholders. From health and safety measures to mental health support, flexible working arrangements, and continuous communication, the university strived to create an environment where employees and students felt valued, supported, and equipped to face the challenges presented by the pandemic. The university has published an article about managing education during COVID-19, entitled “Managing Health Education during the COVID-19 pandemic, the RCSI Experience’ —in the Journal of the Bahrain Medical Society 2022.
Nursing Students supporting the national vaccination campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021
Ms Zainab Al-Hawraa Ali Al-Saeed from Sitra Secondary Girls’ School honored for receiving the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance in the Outstanding Student Category in 2023
Interprofessional Learning Simulation
Bahrain’s
Medical students volunteering in a Testing Centre during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020
Inaugural Mental Health Conference hosted by RCSI Bahrain, 2016
International Community Engagement Trip to Lesotho in 2016
CHAPTER NINE
The Commitments Continue
Unwavering adherence to the Mission and Vision
The mission of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is to educate, nurture, and discover for the benefit of human health. As we look to the future, its remit is increasingly global, with the international reach of RCSI’s education and research missions epitomised by its campuses in Bahrain and Malaysia, where academic and professional staff drive
innovation in international education and research. RCSI Bahrain aims to enhance health in Bahrain and beyond through endeavour, innovation, and collaboration in education, research and service. It seeks to inspire, educate and train to international standards competent, caring graduates who will become future healthcare leaders.
RCSI Bahrain and Board of Private Hospitals celebrating Bahrain National Day in 2022
As RCSI Bahrain celebrates its 20th Anniversary in 2024, RCSI Dublin is proud that RCSI Bahrain is now home to a student body of more than 1,600 across the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, and Postgraduate Studies and Research and that there are over 3000 RCSI Bahrain alumni across the world.
The global mindset of RCSI Bahrain is purposefully aligned with the Economic Vision 2030 for Bahrain. As the economy of Bahrain moves away from dependence on oil to one that is productive and globally competitive, shaped by the government and driven by a pioneering private sector, RCSI will play a key role in helping to realise this transition. Great changes are being seen in the way medical education is perceived,
demanded and delivered. RCSI’s Transforming Healthcare Education Programme is future-focussed, innovative and integrated, a new approach to medical education designed to produce physicians equipped to excel as leaders of their generation.
RCSI is at the forefront of technological advances in medical education and embraces the opportunities offered by online teaching, simulation, and augmented reality as tools for improving the student experience. The best technology available is sought to enhance students’ learning. RCSI’s holistic approach ensures that doctors educated
Signing of a cooperation agreement between RCSI Bahrain and Primary Healthcare Centres in 2022
by RCSI Bahrain are schooled from the outset to make patient care their foremost priority. From early hands-on experience as part of their teams, they learn the value of professional collaboration, welcoming diversity, and respecting the opinions of others. During their education, each medical student develops, with the help of personalised feedback, their Personal and Professional Identity so that when they graduate, they are uniquely equipped for their future career as a professional who can work anywhere in the world, who can adapt to the ever-changing needs of the dynamic healthcare sector and contribute to national health programmes, patient care, and human health.
RCSI Bahrain supports the ambition of Bahrain to develop its economy to raise a broad population of Bahrainis who enjoy good living standards through increased productivity and high-wage jobs. It commends the Government’s commitment to the principles of sustainability, competitiveness, and fairness to ensure that every Bahraini can live a secure and fulfilling life and reach their full potential. The capacity to attract high quality students from all over the world to RCSI Bahrain rests on its reputation for excellence. RCSI Bahrain endorses the National Strategy of the Higher Education Council (HEC) of Bahrain to be a regional hub for education. By positioning Bahrain as a regional hub for quality higher education, the HEC commits to producing graduates who will succeed in the global knowledge economy while contributing to the sustainable and competitive growth of Bahrain. RCSI Bahrain is proud to partner with the HEC in this farsighted ambition.
Collaboration with the Higher Education Council
The university’s five-year strategy offers an exciting and clear roadmap for the future in line with the Bahrain 2030 vision and the strategic directives of its key stakeholders. Three pillars - Enhancing Learning and Teaching, Increasing Research Capacity, and Further Strengthening Community Outreach - remain fundamental to RCSI Bahrain’s mission and provide the foundations for growth and advancement. RCSI Bahrain’s strategy is informed by engagement with and contributions from multiple stakeholders including ministries, governmental organisations, partner hospitals, and private sector entities, as well as staff, representatives of the Student Council, and alumni. Work is already underway to implement this strategy. As RCSI Bahrain consolidates its international reputation for the quality of its teaching through national and international accreditation and recognition, it will focus on providing an enhanced student experience, promoting professional development for all staff, and increasing the quality and quantum of its research, all through targeted, achievable and measurable initiatives.
The university is committed to continuous quality improvement built around the European Standards and Guidelines for Internal/External Quality Assurance. RCSI
Bahrain’s undergraduate medicine programme is accredited by Ireland’s Medical Council and Bahrain’s Education & Training Quality Authority and its nursing programmes are accredited by the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia, the National University of Ireland, and Bahrain’s Education & Training Quality Authority. As part of the longstanding partnership between RCSI Bahrain and the King Hamad American Mission
Hospital (KHAMH), located on the 5th Floor, the new RCSI Bahrain teaching facility spans over 750 m2 and includes, two clinical simulation rooms with an observation/control room, one debriefing room, library, and study space with 50 seater capacity, three offices, and a reception area. This is the first partnership with the private sector making KHAMH one of our affiliated teaching hospitals. The new state-of-the-art teaching facility at the hospital has enabled the launch of a national internship programme, benchmarked against the Irish internship, with RCSI Bahrain students able to undertake clinical electives. The new medical innovation hub means that the hospital’s highly skilled staff will increasingly be able to train local surgeons on the use of specialised technologies.
Visit of HE Ms Fatima bint Jaffer Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism in 2023
RCSI Bahrain medical graduates are already highly successful in overseas matching rounds, with growing numbers going to the US, Canada, and the UK. The new nursing exchange programme with Keele University in the UK allows nursing students from RCSI Bahrain to visit the Keele campus and enhance their learning through both teaching and clinical placements. Collaborations such as this enable nursing students to broaden their horizons through international experience, to learn from different healthcare systems and practices, and to prepare to work in a global context. The Professional Development Unit assists staff and the organisation to grow and develop, enabling staff to reach their full potential and at an institutional level to develop collective excellence.
RCSI Bahrain has contributed to making the Kingdom of Bahrain an attractive destination for higher education thanks to the focus and support on the higher education sector by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime
Meeting with Al Kindi Hospital represented by HE Dr Ebtisam Al Dallal, Consultant Periodontist and Member of Shura Council (centre) in 2022
Minister. We want to thank all key stakeholders who have supported the university since it started — His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa the former Deputy Prime Minister and the current Special Representative of His Majesty, and His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, His Highness Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Advisor to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin
Hamad Al Khalifa , the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa – Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, the Minister of Education and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council, His Excellency Dr Majed bin Ali Al-Naimi the former Minister of Education and the current Public Affairs Minister of the Royal Court, Her Excellency Dr Jaleela Bint Sayed Jawad Hassan, the Minister of Health, and Her Excellency Faeqa Bint Saeed Al Saleh, the former Minister of Health. A special thanks to our former and current members of the Board of Governors, His Excellency Dr Faisal Al-Mousawi, former Minister of Health and former chairman of the Shura council, His Excellency Dr Faisal Al-Hamar, Former Minister of Health, Her Excellency Dr Nada Abbas Haffadh, Former Minister
RCSI meeting with the former Minister of Health HE Dr Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh in 2019
of Health, His Excellency Dr Hussain Abdulla Bader Al-Sadah, Former Undersecretary Ministry of Education, Dr Ibrahim Janahi, Former President of University of Bahrain, Mr Mahmood Hashim Al-Kooheji, former Chairman of ALBA, representative of the Bahrain Development Bank, Major General Professor Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, former Commander of the Royal Medical Services, Her Excellency Dr Shaikha May bint Sulaiman Al Otaibi, Executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Bahrain Bayan School, Brigadier (Prof) Fahad Khalifa Al
Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Medical Services – Bahrain Defence Force and Her Excellency Shaikha Mariam bint Hamad Al Khalifa, Interior Architect and Member of our Board of Governors.
RCSI will work closely with the HEC as it strives to position Bahrain as a regional hub for quality higher education and to produce future-ready innovators and
Signing of a joint research agreement with the Government hospitals in 2023
thriving global citizens. We support the introduction of legislation and regulations which help align the attributes of the university’s graduates with local and international academic trends and job market requirements through the sustainable enhancement of academic programmes, and recognise the importance of achieving international recognition and accreditation as part of the initiatives of the National Strategy for Higher Education. RCSI Bahrain has already obtained many international accreditations for its academic programmes, and international recognition of its qualifications. We welcome the decision of the General Medical Council in the United Kingdom to exempt medical graduates from RCSI Bahrain from taking the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) licensing examinations as a milestone for the university.
Community Service
As a strategic partner in community service, RCSI Bahrain’s collaboration agreement with the Jordan Red Crescent Society, Bahrain Red Crescent Society, and Operation Childlife, is important for the university. Engagement trips for medical and nursing students to Vietnam, Tanzania, India, and Jordan focus on underserved communities and enable students to experience providing healthcare in challenging environments. Medical and nursing students can also choose elective programmes at universities and prestigious institutions in the US, Canada, and Europe. RCSI Bahrain’s 20th Anniversary is a milestone that will be marked by and with students, staff, alumni, stakeholders, and partners. RCSI Bahrain looks forward to building on the success achieved so far with planned initiatives in the advancement of healthcare services, healthcare research, and national health programmes for the benefit of the people of Bahrain.
The university is committed to establishing a collaborative partnership with the local and wider community to enhance wellbeing both locally and internationally by identifying health priorities and linking these to health strategies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The university will further strengthen its community outreach function by increasing the active engagement of its staff, students, and alumni, and by providing health awareness education through collaborations with healthcare professionals, government bodies, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), and industry leaders and by supporting the community through charitable collaborations, welfare initiatives, and donations. The university will enhance staff and student development through engagement with international communities, to ensure a global perspective on community engagement and service.
Expansion Plans
Plans for RCSI Bahrain include a major expansion of the campus. Following on from a review of existing facilities and in planning for new academic programmes the need has been identified for a new large state-of-the-art building to accommodate six areas of development: Teaching, Clinical Simulation, Research, Student Experience, Conferring & Events, and Offices. The new academic building will add about 7,912 square metres of space and will have a conference hall that can accommodate 1,500 people. The proposed expansion will facilitate the demand for an increased number of student places underpinned by an expansion of healthcare services locally and internationally and aligns with the HEC’s strategic goal of making Bahrain a regional hub for higher
education. RCSI looks forward to working with its key stakeholders to develop its proposals and bring this new building to completion over the coming years. The laying of the foundation stone of the new academic building on the 11 June 2024, under the
HE Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health laying the Foundation Stone of the New Academic Building in 2024
patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, was a huge milestone in the history of the university.
Great strides continue to be made in Quality Enhancement systems, which empower the tracking of goals and proactively monitoring progress. RCSI Bahrain’s School of Nursing and Midwifery is working towards further internationalisation of the nursing undergraduate curriculum, driven by a global shortage of competent, professional and culturally sensitive nurses, changes in population demography around the world, and the ongoing evolution of global health issues. New subjects in the curriculum include
Refugee Health, Domestic Violence, Artificial Intelligence, Nursing Informatics, Care of Individuals with Special Needs, Global Warming, Social Inclusion, and Healthcare Policy, while a new compulsory elective module enriches nursing students’ personal and professional development through participation in community engagement. The new undergraduate nursing curriculum has undergone external review by the Awards and Qualifications Committee in Dublin and was approved by the National University of Ireland and the Medical and Health Sciences Council. The target for implementation
Several Bahraini Officials in attendance of the Laying of the Foundation Stone Ceremony of the New Academic Building in 2024
is set for the academic year 2024-2025. The university has also contributed effectively to supporting Bahrain’s endeavours in key research areas of importance and related to the national priorities. The research agreement signed by His Excellency Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Ansari, the then Chief Executive of Government Hospitals, now currently CEO of the National Health Regulatory Affairs, and Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Bahrain, is important in the context of enabling the university to share its knowledge and expertise with the Government Hospitals’ executives in education, training and academic research.
Clinical and biomolecular research and developing a transnational research base are key to RCSI Bahrain. An active Research Committee oversees research within the University, and a Research Ethics Committee provides ethical approval for all research. RCSI will support RCSI Bahrain to improve the quality, visibility, recognition, and support for its research through collaborative multidisciplinary research projects to enable it to become a leader in medical research in Bahrain and the Gulf region. RCSI will also assist in the development of RCSI Bahrain’s clinical trials infrastructure.
The university has had a prominent role in supporting the Healthy Cities Programme of the World Health Organization, which aims to form an environment supportive of health and achieve sustainable development goals at all social, health and economic levels. Consolidation of the work done on the university’s solar plan continues as does the pursuit of consistency and continuity in quality and experience across all elements of its physical infrastructure. The management of the expansion of the Campus will be in line with UN SDG 7 (“Affordable Clean Energy”) and the commitment to a Healthy University. As RCSI Bahrain progresses into its third decade, RCSI looks forward to working with the university to take advantage of the opportunities that exist to attract not only local students, but also regional and international undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Middle East and across the globe.
At this milestone moment in the history of the university, RCSI reaffirms its commitment to professional development through the national medical residency programmes, the membership exams and CPD, as well as the delivery of RCSI’s Graduate School of Healthcare Management online courses. RCSI is proud of the university’s contribution to the healthcare sector in Bahrain and around the world and looks forward to working with its colleagues in Bahrain towards achieving the targets for growth set out for RCSI Bahrain in the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan which are commended as a visionary road map for this exemplary university.
Quo Vadis RCSI Bahrain?
The evolution of an iconic institution is never measured by a single event, but rather it is crafted from a series of positive steps. The RCSI Dublin/Bahrain axis has developed in a relatively short time span of twenty years. It has been guided at every turn by the desire to provide a superior medical educational experience for all who are touched by it — students, faculty, and of course, ultimately, by patients. The gift of insight from the Royal family of the Kingdom of Bahrain coupled with the expertise and history of a legendary medical parent, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, has resulted in a superior medical university in Bahrain. Whatever the next twenty years may hold, it is certain that the continuing prime educational ethic will build even further on RCSI’s stated mission:
“Educate, nurture, and discover for the benefit of human health”.
Meeting between Professor Sameer Otoom (left) and HE Dr Saad bin Saud Al Faheed, President of Arabian Gulf University (right) in 2023
Visit by United States Embassy in Bahrain delegation, HE Mr David Brownstein, Deputy Chief of Mission; Ms Linda McMullen, Public Affairs Officer; and Ms Samar Hasan, Educational Specialist, 2022
HE Nancy Khedouri, Member of the Shura Council Visit, Year 2019
Estates Team wins “Team of the Year” in 2018
Artistic impression of the New Academic Building on the existing campus.
RCSI Bahrain chaired the Stem Cell working group formed by NHRA in 2018
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain Executive Committee, 2023
Visit of HE Hideki Ito, former Japanese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain (left) in 2019
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain teaching facility at King Hamad American Mission Hospital in 2023
Visit of HE Rami Saleh Al Adwan, Jordanian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain (centre left) in 2018
Visit of Bahrain Education and Training Quality Authority Chief Executive HE Dr Mariam Hassan Mustafa (third from left) in 2024
Acknowledgements
We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have contributed to the creation of this book. This project would not have been possible without the dedication, support, and collaboration of many individuals and groups. Firstly, we express our sincere appreciation to the contributors whose insights, expertise, and experiences have enriched this book. Their contributions have provided invaluable perspectives and enhanced the quality and depth of this work.
We are profoundly grateful to the Bahraini Officials and business partners who enriched this book with their testimonies and details of the University’s impact over the years. Special recognition is due to the University Communications Department, Mr Haitham Al-Ghurair and Ms Celine Durand, for their tireless efforts in coordinating this project, managing communications, and organising materials, which were crucial to the success of this book.
Our sincere appreciation goes to the Editor Mr Seumas Gallacher, the Designer Mr Paul Warrener, the Project Manager Ruth Rozario and the Publisher, MIRACLE for their unwavering support and professional expertise.
To our esteemed staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders, for their continuous support and encouragement which have been a driving force behind this project. Their engagement and enthusiasm were a testament to the vibrant community we proudly serve.
Today and Tomorrow
In the month of October two thousand and four The first group of students arrived at the door To study, gain knowledge, learn skills and to train In the College of Surgeons’ new School in Bahrain.
This new School of Medicine’s mission was plain; To teach and encourage, to guide and explain The scientific basis of human biology Of illness and treatment and mankind’s psychology, And how students and doctors must each play their part In developing medical science and art And, advancing their professional growth, Respect the Hippocratic Oath.
I believe that the College has gone to great lengths To overcome problems and build on its strengths RCSI has developed a fine reputation And impact extending to many a nation Under the guidance of those whose great talents Were carefully focused, yet kept well in balance.
Viruses, tumours and other disorders Rarely respect international borders. And doctors are known as a general rule To help cut the diamond and polish the jewel Of excellent practice extending worldwide. It’s something that they should recall with some pride.
History has shown that ardent clinicians Have survived, even thrived, in adverse conditions. It’s suitable now that all should acknowledge In government, classroom and this renowned College How with prayer, perseverance and visionary scope They’ve supplanted despair with a vigorous hope.
The School in Bahrain now has with wide expertise Where scores of good teachers weighed down by degrees Can investigate thoroughly every disease, Every cough, rash and tickle, each itch, ache and sneeze.
It is clear even after a cursory glance That conducting research can only enhance The range and the scope of our expertise In learning to manage all human disease.
Our researchers now know of the source and the genesis Of signalling pathways and angiogenesis Of DNA sequence and microarray And know of the factors that lead them astray. They in due time will be able to tell The dangerous make of an enemy cell As we struggle to bring to light critical answers To diseases of ageing, infections and cancers.
You’re more likely to meet in a cafe than pub in Manama compared to a wine bar in Dublin But cheerful meetings among friends Disregards such social trends. So Friendships now are strong and real Binding us like us like hoops of steel.
Academic leaders should maintain Collaboration with Bahrain People like these it is fair to remark Tend to light candles and not curse the dark We praise them now with loud hosannas And wish them well ad multos annos.
Niall O’Higgins
In Memoriam
We want to honour the memory of key deceased members of staff who greatly contributed to the establishment of the university or the delivery of highly professional teaching. We ask God to bless their souls and let them rest in eternal peace.
Ms Nayla Alzayani, who passed away on 30 March 2010, joined RCSI Bahrain in 2007 and was among the pioneering nursing lecturers at the School of Nursing & Midwifery. She played a crucial role in shaping and implementing the BSc (Hons) Nursing programme. Ms Alzayani’s dedication to nursing and her pursuit of excellence have made a lasting impression on her students and colleagues.
Professor Jim Dornan joined RCSI Bahrain in March 2020 as Professor and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, with more than 40 years of experience. Only one year later, the university’s community grieved the loss of Professor Dornan, who was admired and highly regarded by faculty, staff and students for his vast knowledge and expertise as well as his vibrant and energetic character. Professor Dornan emphasised the importance of student research and made immense contributions to enhance the students’ learning journey.
Professor Charles Docherty, who passed away on 13 February 2023 was the former Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery. In 2011, Professor Docherty was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland for his contribution to healthcare education. Professor Docherty’s contributions to clinical simulation education were immeasurable.
Dr Catherine O’Neill, who passed away on 29 March 2024, was the Director of the MSc Nursing programme at the School of Postgraduate Studies from 2012 to 2017. Prior to that, she was the Director of the MSc Nursing and Midwifery programme in RCSI Dublin and was also awarded a Fellowship of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery for her contribution to healthcare education and research. Her passion for nursing and her commitment to excellence have left a lasting impact on her students and all those who had the privilege of working with her.
Delve into the intricate tapestry of RCSI Bahrain’s history, tracing its origins as an extension of the esteemed Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland to its current standing as a beacon of excellence in healthcare education within the region. This compelling narrative charts the extraordinary inspiring journey of a pioneering institution, highlighting pivotal moments, distinguished individuals, and transformative milestones that have shaped RCSI Bahrain into its present form. With deep appreciation, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of all who have been part of this journey. Our sincere gratitude extends to the dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders from both government and private sectors, whose steadfast support has propelled our advancement. Whether you are a student, alumnus, or simply intrigued by the evolution of transnational medical education, this book provides a captivating glimpse into the past, present, and promising future of RCSI Bahrain.
Sameer Otoom and Joe McMenamin
The Inspiring Journey of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain
