.jpg?20260306')
The country’s leading medical university commemorated its 20th anniversary yesterday under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain also announced the launch of a book chronicling its journey in Bahrain, during a special ceremony held at the Gulf Convention Centre, attended by distinguished guests, including ministers, ambassadors, university faculty and alumni.
Dr Juma and Lt-Gen Dr Shaikh Mohammed with Prof Otoom, right, during a tour of an exhibition on the sidelines of the ceremony highlighting RCSI Bahrain’s history
In the presence of the Supreme Council of Health chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the keynote speech was delivered by Education Minister and Higher Education Council chairman Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma.
Speaking to the GDN on the sidelines, Dr Juma commended RCSI Bahrain’s pivotal role in the higher education sector in Bahrain and highlighted how its students and alumni were making an impact and supporting communities both within and beyond Bahrain.
Dr Juma
He also emphasised the importance of the joint programme between the Education Ministry and RCSI Bahrain to educate students about the importance of nutrition through school visits and campaigns.
The closing performance by the Police Band and RCSI Bahrain students
In her opening address, RCSI Dublin president Deborah McNamara thanked HRH Prince Salman for his guidance and continued support to advancing Bahrain’s education, healthcare and other sectors under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad.
“Since opening its doors in 2004, RCSI Bahrain has graduated more than 3,200 students from the schools of Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery and Postgraduate Studies and Research, of which more than half are working in Bahrain with the remaining alumni working in 39 countries around the world,” a university spokesperson said in a statement.
To mark the occasion, RCSI Bahrain president Sameer Otoom announced the release of a commemorative book titled ‘From Dublin to Dilmun’, which chronicles the launch of RCSI’s medical and health sciences transnational education model in Bahrain and pays tribute to the distinguished individuals who have shaped the university’s journey into a leading institution in healthcare education and played a significant role in the development of healthcare professionals in Bahrain and the region.
Authored by Prof Otoom and RCSI Dublin professor emeritus and RCSI Bahrain’s School of Medicine’s former head and vice president for academic affairs Joe McMenamin, the book is the product of collaboration between 26 contributors, including, former health minister and former Shura Council chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi, founding president of RCSI Bahrain Kevin O’Malley and RCSI’s former chief executive Michael Horgan.
Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed, fourth from left, Lt-Gen Dr Shaikh Mohammed, fourth from right, Dr Juma, third from right, Prof Otoom, second from left, and Prof McNamara, second from right, with invited guests at the ceremony
In his speech, Prof Otoom thanked the dedicated faculty, clinical educators, staff, students, alumni and partners for their collaborative efforts and unwavering support, which were key to providing world-class healthcare education and training as well as the delivery of healthcare services to all communities.
RCSI Bahrain managing director Stepher Harrison-Mirfield also discussed plans for a new academic building with an additional 7,912-sqm of usable space, increasing its size by 140 per cent.
The $45-million expansion is currently underway and will encompass dedicated areas for teaching, clinical simulation, research, student experience, events and offices, allowing for an increase in capacity from 1,600 to 2,000 students.
Dignitaries and invited guests at the event
The building is set to be completed by early 2026.
Committed to its enduring mission to ‘educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health’, RCSI Bahrain remains dedicated to furthering its legacy of producing highly skilled healthcare professionals, delivering world-class medical training, conducting patient-centric research and enhancing public health through community initiatives contributing to the advancement of patient care and healthcare.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))