A commemorative book detailing the remarkable journey of one of Bahrain’s best medical education institutions has hit the shelves.
From Dublin to Dilmun: The Inspiring Journey of Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain (RCSI) highlights the history and direction of the university.
It provides an in-depth account of its founding, mission and ethos, highlights its evolution as a centre of excellence in medical education and discusses its enduring impact on healthcare in Bahrain.
It is co-authored by university president Professor Sameer Otoom and Professor Emeritus and former head of the School of Medicine and vice president for academic affairs Joe McMenamin.
The book also pays tribute to all organisations and individuals, who participated in establishing the university.
“Coinciding with the Silver Jubilee celebrations marking 25 years since His Majesty King Hamad ascended to the throne, RCSI Bahrain proudly commemorates its 20th anniversary since opening its doors in 2004,” said Prof Otoom.
“The wise leadership of His Majesty, coupled with unwavering support for the education and healthcare sectors – twin pillars of national progress led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, have provided the foundation for our institution.
“We are not only proud to significantly contribute to Bahrain’s healthcare, education and economic landscape, but also remain profoundly grateful for the invaluable support that has propelled the university over the past two decades.”
The book was officially launched at a ceremony commemorating the university’s 20th anniversary on November 28 last year at the campus in Busaiteen.
The book traces the origins of RCSI’s presence in Bahrain, rooted in a long-standing partnership between the kingdom and Ireland in medical and nursing education.
Bahrain and Ireland have had medical and nursing links for more than 50 years, since 1976, when 16 Bahraini nurses travelled to the Emerald Isle to participate in an exchange training programme.
Collaboration was formally strengthened between the two nations in 1980 when RCSI Bahrain and the Health Ministry signed an agreement to support postgraduate medical and nursing training in Bahrain.
This led to the establishment of the Bahrain Family Medicine Programme that year, and in 1982, Bahrain became home to the first RCSI Overseas Centre for Basic Surgical Training.
Building upon this legacy, discussions between RCSI and the Bahraini government culminated in the decision to establish a new medical university that would deliver an Irish-international curriculum and confer both Irish and Bahraini medical degrees, aligning with the kingdom’s vision for a knowledge-based economy.
This vision was realised in October 2003, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding that paved the way for the formal creation of the university campus at its campus in Busaiteen.
According to the book, the new building was officially opened on February 3, 2009, by then president of Ireland Mary McAleese in the presence of the late His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, along with Irish and Bahraini dignitaries on what Ms McAleese described as a ‘proud day for Ireland and Bahrain’.
From Dublin to Dilmun explores key milestones in the university’s journey, including the implementation of its pioneering transnational education model, the development of its clinical programme, and the expansion of its academic portfolio to include the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, as well as Postgraduate Studies and Research.
It also provides insights into the student experience, the university’s growing alumni community, and the challenges and opportunities encountered along the way.
The GDN reported last year that RCSI Bahrain managing director Stepher Harrison-Mirfield discussed plans for a new academic building with an additional 7,912sqm 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.
The building is set to be completed by early 2026.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))