The undergraduate nursing programme at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) consists of four years and those graduating receive a Bachelor of Science, Nursing. The teaching programme includes both lectures and clinical practise in the local teaching hospitals and the university campus.
Learning in a clinical placement environment takes a lot of time and can be demanding, and each clinical tutor must be aware of the RCSI Bahrain programme, expectations and standards, procedures, documentation and the curriculum itself. Therefore, a two day workshop is being provided to orientate the tutors. These practicing licensed nurses come from many different working backgrounds and this gives the RCSI Bahrain nursing undergraduates a wide clinical exposure.

Speaking on behalf of the School of Nursing, Ms Erfaneh Naghieh Clinical Programming Officer said, This workshop is a collaborative project that aims to graduate competent nurses who function between the School of Nursing & Midwifery at RCSI Bahrain, the BDF and MOH. Clinical tutors will adopt a formal role in training nursing students to acquire clinical competencies and to enhance role modelling and tutorial supervision of nursing students.
The two day workshop saw 66 registered nurses from Ministry of Health, BDF and Cardiac Centre, Salmanyia Medical Complex, Judhafs Maternity Hospital, Psychiatric Hospital and local health centres participated. The group were introduced to different RCSI Bahrain academic facilitators from the school of nursing, highlighting different learning objectives including the role of the new clinical tutors.

The Nursing BSc bridging programme at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) is a two year course designed to enable registered nurses at diploma level to upgrade their qualifications to degree level. Students who successfully complete this programme are awarded a BSc (Hons) in nursing degree of the National University of Ireland (NUI) and RCSI Bahrain.

The course is broken down into specific modules to assess different aspects of nursing. An example is the 12 week module on health promotion in which Bahrain Defense Forces Hospital sponsored students presented a project on healthy diets for primary school children.

The project was Breakfast, the powerful fuel for primary school children by bridging students Fawzeya Al Sadah, Mohamed Salah, Huwaida Al Blooshi, Fatima Ebrahim and Mirvat Ameen. They designed brochures in English and Arabic that appealed to both primary school age children between the ages of six to 12 years, and their parents.

Impressed by their work, the Chief of the Southern Municipal Council Mr. Muhsin Albakrey, asked them to participate in the In the Love of Bahrain event at Al Hunainya Walking Park. Over 5000 people attended the day event in which the group of RCSI Bahrain students disturbed t-shirts, brochures and had banners displaying information.

Dr Hana Khadom who runs the Bridging Course said During the module on Health Promotion, students work in groups and select a project on health issues. The main aim of this module is to provide nurses with skills to plan, implement and evaluate health promotion strategies for groups in their area of practice taking into account the factors that determine and influence health. We are very proud that the students work was highlighted for the benefit of the local community

The RCSI Institute of Leadership has received recognition for its pioneering masters programmes from the Higher Education Council, Bahrain. The Council recognised the Institutes Masters degree programmes in Healthcare Management and Quality and Safety in Healthcare Management, respectively. Both of these programmes are also accredited by the National University of Ireland and the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research in the United Arab Emirates.
The Institute specialises in developing the leadership and management capabilities of health professionals who wish to play their part in maximising the effectiveness and efficiency of patient care. Doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and managers participate in the programmes, with many travelling from neighbouring GCC countries. The first masters programme in Bahrain commenced in 2005 and, to date, 133 students have graduated with a further 40 graduating this November.
Dr. Pauline Joyce, Director of Academic Affairs at the Institute said we are pleased with this further national recognition for our masters programmes. It reflects our commitment to providing programmes with educational standards of the highest quality.
Professor Ciaran O Boyle, Director of the Institute, said that the HEC statement is further evidence of the growing recognition of the RCSIs Leadership Institute as the leading provider of professional education in healthcare leadership and management.

The new academic year started at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) today, the 18th of September 2011. This welcome period orientates the students not only to the campus and the academic programme but to each other and the existing RCSI Bahrain student family.

Orientation week (or O Week) at RCSI Bahrain consists of a informative programme during which 260 new undergraduate students rotate through different aspects of student life orientating them without the pressures of lectures while being constantly supported by the staff and senior students.

The proceedings started with the newly enrolled group and their parents enjoying breakfast in the atrium of the campus. This gave the parents an opportunity to hear from both President and the Dean of RCSI Bahrain, who outlined rules & regulations and the universitys expectations of students

For many students and particularly for the international students (representing 17 different nationalities as far afield as New Zealand, Mauritius and Canada), starting university can be overwhelming. New learning environments, different cultural backgrounds, new social environments - all these aspects are taken into consideration when planning the orientation programme. Events such as campus tours, introduction to the RCSI Bahrain buddy programme (a mentorship programme with students in various years support new students through studys etc), introduction to Clubs and Societies of RCSI Bahrain and the student council - to name a few.

This year sees a record enrolment of 130 nursing students22 of which are male students. The majority of these students are sponsored by Tamkeen, and have already enjoyed 2 pre-sessional weeks providing them with valuable study skills and additional English tuition. Other sponsoring bodies for this intake include: the Prime Ministers Court, Royal Court, Crowne Prince, BDF, Ministry of Education, and King Hamad University Hospital. The 129 medical students will look forward to the opportunities as their counterparts who have graduated before them.

The international calibre of the programme and the staff attract students from all over the world and to date, RCSI Bahrain has 233 graduates who are placed as far afield as UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, Lebanon, Germany, Sweden, India, Malta, UK, USA and Canada. This year will see a total of 1176 students enrolled in RCSI Bahrain in both undergraduate and post graduate courses.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Irelands Institute of Leadership held an Open Evening for new applicants to its Masters in Healthcare Management, Masters in Quality and Safety in Healthcare Management and a Diploma in Leadership and Organisational Development.
Dr. Jonathan Drennan, Director, said our programmes are designed for busy healthcare professionals such as doctors, dentists, laboratory staff, nurses, physiotherapists and radiographers. These professionals wish to develop their management and leadership knowledge and skills and progress to a senior level in their organisations. The masters programmes are offered on a part-time basis over 2 years and the Diploma lasts 9 months.
The RCSI Institute of Leadership programmes are hosted by the RCSI-Bahrain which is a state-of the-art facility with comprehensive library and resource rooms. The lecturers on the programme have vast experience of health systems both in Ireland and abroad.

For the second year running, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) collaborated with the local charity, Think Pink Bahrain, to raise awareness about breast self examination. Showcasing the charities 2011 campaign on its eight metre high windows, the pink light bulb will be insitu from the 1st of October until the 31st of October, in line with worldwide breast cancer awareness month. The campus, located just off the Sh Isa bin Salman Bridge where there are three lanes both ways, providing high visibility of this awareness campaign.

The idea comes from a very simple device, the bulb, which is known globally to emit the most basic of human needs - the light. We need it for survival and most of all, to be aware of our surroundings, as no one likes to live in the dark. Light is the one thing, which can also be passed on in the form knowledge and hope. Regardless of all odds, the power to fight this disease lies in our very hands - the touch. The idea simply illustrates the most basic of human nature. In doing so, we symbolize hope, unity, awareness, and most importantly, life. The pink bulb is on a journey to share the light of early detection, spreading the hope and most importantly, a positive message to fight this disease. We encourage everyone to pass on this light for a breast cancer free Bahrain. A touch is all it takes.
To mark the day, staffs were encouraged to wear pink, with a student day planned for the end of the month. A total of 107 staff are employed at the campus, encompassing 15 different nationalities. Willing every year to don pink to raise awareness, Ms Sara Al Mahdi Student Services said, I hope we can encourage Bahraini woman to break the taboo of doing their monthly breast self examinations and to raise awareness in the local community. Mr. Ismail Al Awadhi from Finance mentioned, I will support any organsiation which is helping people in combating diseases. Think Pink Bahrain is doing a lot for Bahrain and I am their staunch supporter.

Breast Cancer is responsible for taking more womens lives than any other cancer form. The main problem in tackling this disease is negligence and lack of knowledge. Speaking on behalf of the university, President of RCSI Bahrain, Professor Tom Collins said, RCSI Bahrain is delighted to support the Think Pink Bahrain charity. Its role in supporting public education and new treatment initiatives in breast cancer are profoundly significant, and are entirely aligned with the broad social and public purpose of RCSI .
Not to be outdone by the staff the students too organised their own pink day event, which is now very much an annual event. Decorating Stephens Green canteen with pink, they sold official merchandise, cakes, candles, pink wrist bands and raised BD 1100. Competing against each other for a good cause, the School of Medicine; Senior Cycle Two raised the most as a class. All funds will be directed towards the purchase of the first public digital MRI machine.

Professor Tom Collins joins the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) today as President of the University. He comes to RCSI Bahrain from the National University of Ireland (NUI) Maynooth where he was interim President, and brings with him significant experience as an academic manager and education policy advisor. Professor Collins is the third President of RCSI Bahrain and succeeds outgoing President, Dr. Faisal Al Mousawi.
Professor Cathal Kelly, Chief Executive/ Registrar of RCSI commented: We wish Tom every success in his new role. He has immense experience in education leadership and I am confident he will guide RCSI Bahrain to the next stage in its development as a global leader in heathcare education.

I also wish to acknowledge the immense contribution of outgoing President Dr. Faisal Al Mousawi, who played a crucial role in the establishment of RCSI Bahrain, initially in his position of Chairman of the Board of Governors, and which culminated, during his Presidency, in the historical achievement of the graduation of the first cohort of medical and nursing graduates last year, Professor Kelly concluded.
Professor Collins previously held the role of Vice President for External Affairs at NUI Maynooth and prior to this he was Professor and Head of the Education Department and Dean of Teaching and Learning at the same university. He is the former Director of Dundalk Institute of Technology in which capacity he established the Centre for Renewable Energy, the National Centre for Fresh Water Studies and the Centre for Ageing.
He is currently chair of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in Ireland. He was also an advisor to the Irish Government on Adult Education during his time as Director of the Centre for Adult and Community Education at NUI Maynooth.
Professor Collins has published and lectured widely in the area of education and is a regular media columnist.
He holds first a First Class Honours Bachelors and Masters Degrees from St. Patricks College Maynooth where he also completed his PhD in 1988.

The Harley Davidsons Owners Group, commonly known as H.O.Gs, took part in the third annual pink ride, in support of Think Pink Bahrain. The Bahrain Chapters early morning Friday ride on the 7th of October saw 65 riders and their passengers don pink yet again to raise awareness about breast cancer in the Kingdom. The 102.7 km ride and saw the riders stop at two of the three platinum sponsors for Think Pink Bahrains 2011 campaign - the Royal Golf Club and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain). Both parties offered the riders a water stop during this awareness ride.

What makes this a special event is that the group is a mixture of both men and woman, from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. Many of the riders have been touched in some way by breast cancer and this ride is important on many different levels. "There is a big misconception about people that ride motor bikes. I have to say that every year is a pleasure to collaborate with H.O.Gs Bahrain. I applaud each one of them for taking the time, and showing so much community spirit Think Pink Bahrain Founder, Ms Sprakel
One RCSI Bahrain undergraduate medical student, Ms Amal Redha Hubail participated in the ride as part of the charitys team. This is one of many events that she has been involved in in RCSI Bahrain and RCSI. One of the most amazing things is to know you made a difference in someones life. Through supporting Think Pink Bahrain Breast Cancer Awareness I think we can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers, paint smiles and help build better futures. No matter how painful the situation might be, it only takes ones awareness and contributions to fight this disease. The good thing is with early detection of breast cancer lives can be saved, so hand in hand lets make a difference.

A themed homecoming event was held at the university campus on Thursday the 13th of October. This event was organised by RCSI Bahrain Student Council (2011/2012) in collaboration with Student Services. Under the title Back to the 50s the outdoor venue hosted over 400 staff and students.
The step back in time to the 1950s saw a bright yellow 1956 Buick parked amongst tables covered with checkered table cloths and centre pieces with roller skating waitresses serving gourmet burgers, and students embracing the theme by wearing poodle skirts, bobby socks and extra gel in their hair to a backdrop of 1950s music!
As a university it is wonderful having the students back for the new academic year and what better way to welcome them back than to have an event for all students. The students themselves have been on a three month holiday and this is a great way for them to catch up. Student Services Administrator, Ms Nouf Al Khalifa

The brainchild of two long-term resident expatriate ladies, The Palm Association has grown from humble beginnings to a well respected, proactive organisation, run by women, with the sole purpose of providing help and assistance to Bahrain families and individuals. They believe their strength and uniqueness lie in their passion, personal commitment, and direct, hands on involvement in all our projects. We are strongly committed to using our funds to the very best advantage

Palm Association members with the RCSI Bahrain sponsored students during meeting

An anonymous donor entrusted the Palm Association with generous, once only funding, to enable young Bahrainis to qualify in areas which would contribute to the community in general. It was with this in mind that delegates from the association met with the sponsored students at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain). A total of 13 Palm Association sponsored students, met at the one to one meetings with the team, as a way of developing an understanding about the Association and for the delegates to gauge their progress and report back to the donor. These students study in either the School of Medicine or the School of Midwifery & Nursing in undergraduate programmes, with four students completing their Masters in Nursing this year.
Speaking on behalf of the Association Ms. Dawn Scott noted that, via trusted local community contacts which have been established over the years, we are able to reach into the community and use our resources where they are needed most. Every project large or small is approached with the same desire - To Make a Difference. We thank the students for working so hard in their chosen fields, the donors for their faith in us and also the staff of RCSI Bahrain for their continued support of this very special project.
The President of RCSI Bahrain, Prof Tom Collins thanked the Palm Association for their support to the students stating it was a practical and valuable intervention in improving the lives of people in Bahrain.

There has been a strong collaboration between the American Mission Hospital (AMH) and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) over the years. Both are not-for-profit institutions that provide healthcare and education to the wider community, with strong community service pillars.

Administrative Consultant Yusuf Haider AMH, President Collins RCSI Bahrain, AMH Cheief Medical Officer Dr Cheriyan & Dean Otoom RCSI Bahrain

It is part of RCSI Bahrains noble purpose to enhance health in Bahrain, the other GCC countries and beyond, through endeavour, innovation and collaboration in education, research and service and it is with this in mind that both the President and Dean of RCSI Bahrain presented a cheque for 5000 BD to AMH Chief Medical Officer, Dr Cheriyan. The donation will be directed towards the AMHs equipment fund which supports the hospital to purchase new and necessary equipment to enable patient focused care of the highest quality.

Speaking at the cheque handover, Dr. Cheriyan said, We are striving to continue what our forefathers envisioned over 108 years ago; to provide the community with quality, affordable health care to all in need. With the continued generous donations from organisations such as RCSI Bahrain, AMH is able to purchase much needed equipment for our institution. We thank RCSI Bahrain for their generous donation.
President Tom Collins stated that RCSI Bahrain was delighted to be able to make this donation to the American Mission Hospital. Both institutions be said, share a long and illustrious history of providing healthcare to those in need, whether from a perspective of health service with AMH or healthcare education, as with RCSI Bahrain. He went on to say that, he looked forward to further developing the links with the hospital in the coming years.

An Opening Evening was held on Tuesday the 22nd of November for the Nursing Bridging Programme available at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain). The BSc (Hons) Bridging programme is designed to facilitate registered nurses who have studied to Diploma level to upgrade their qualification to a BSc degree. The module provides the opportunity for nurses to undertake education to enhance both personal and professional development and performance.

Dr Hana Kadham who heads the Bridging Programme at RCSI Bahrain believes that this course is a great stepping stone to higher education and professional development. Each year there are an increasing number of graduating students, and feedback from Training Directors at local hospitals reveals that overall performance has improved along with communication and skill sets, all enabling a higher standard of patient care.

Available for the past two years, the Bridging Programme has seen the graduation of 28 nurses with a degree from both RCSI Bahrain and the National University Ireland (NUI). This internationally recognized programme is delivered part time over 18 months and suitable for registered nurses from all clinical backgrounds including general hospital, psychiatric, geriatric and community nursing. The admission department is open for potential candidates to apply
both on line and in person at the campus. Course commencement January 2012

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) opened its campus to Bahrains Central Blood Bank (CBB) on the 22nd of November as part of its biannual agreement for blood donations. Part of a strong Community Involvement programme, RCSI Bahrain are dedicated to serving the community and has developed a community engagement plan that supports individuals and groups in the country. The CBB is just one of much such collaborations.
The event was made available to both staff and students on campus, and for the second time this year Dr Fakhriya A. Darwish, Head of the CBB welcomed the collaboration, It is always a pleasure to visit the campus where there is such generous support. Having blood immediately available when it is needed may help save many lives. You will be someones hero - in fact, you could help save more than one life with just one donation.

A total of 70 people participated in the drive with a total of 55 units donated. The university will welcome CBB back again to the campus in April, continuing to build its Community Involvement Programme.

Despite the growing public awareness of global warming and the need to conserve the earths precious resources people worldwide continue to live as if there is no limit to our space and to our resources. In 2008, Bahrain produced 1.7 million tonnes of rubbish. Thats nearly 4,700 tonnes each day and approximately two tonnes per person, annually. Recycling, though a massive industry in many countries, is almost non-existent in the country.
The university was directed towards Bahrain Environment Services Association by Ms Danah Smith, an RCSI Bahrain academic. This provided an opportunity to develop and establish a system in the college through which any monies received would be donated to charity. . The money raised from the waste collected is directed towards a Bahrain based charity: The Mother & Child Welfare Society.

Already having a limited photocopy and printing policy in place, a decision was made to supply receptacles at each copier and special bins in Stephens Green, to collect alumni cans and plastic bottles. All newspapers and magazines are regularly collected from the offices by the Estates Department and any shredding is bagged into the companys hessian bags that they provide. Speaking on behalf of the RCSI Bahrain Club: Friends of the Environment, Medical student Ali Abdulnabi Mohamed commented, The recycling project at RCSI Bahrain was one of the most significant initiatives stared this year in the college. It does not only raise the awareness of resource recycling importance, but it also allows and encourages students and staff to participate actively in conserving and protecting the environment. Through this successful recycling initiative, medical and nursing students have the opportunity to fulfil their responsibility towards their planet and feel they are part of the efforts to preserve it. It also reflects our universities commitment to be positively involved in adding value to society, environment and ecosystem.
The first collection of recyclable materials was collected this month, totally 40 bags of shredded paper, cans and plastic bottles, 10 large stacks of bound magazines and newspapers. This will be followed by an RCSI Bahrain Green Campaign which will involve further education of both staff and students.

Following on from the original visit to the University of Bahrains (UOB) campus back in October during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed, Professor Tom Collins, President of RCSI Bahrain hosted a delegation from UOB lead by Vice President for Research, Dr Nadhem Alsaleh. Available to meet the delegates on arrival was Prof Cathal Kelly, CEO RCSI, Prof Hannah McGee, Dean RCSI Dublin and Prof. Sameer Otoom, Dean RCSI Bahrain

The visit aimed to explore potential collaboration opportunities in different areas in students and faculty exchange and research. The meeting included introducing the academics from both universities and their research interests. It was agreed to form a committee to identify specific areas of collaboration opportunities.

Both Prof Al Bastaki and Dr Al Sayed commented that it was a great pleasure to visit RCSI Bahrain and we look forward to cooperating together in the near future.

Prof Kavanagh and Dean Otoom with delegates from UOB

In attendance:
UOB: Dr Nadhem Alsaleh: Vice President for Research, Prof Isa Qamber: Dean of Scientific Research, Prof Nader Albastaki: Dean of College of Engineering, Dr Sadeeq Al Alawi: Dean of College of Applied Science, Dr Hashem Alsayed: Dean of College of Science, Dr Hesham Alomal: Dean of College IT
RCSI Bahrain: Dr Declan Gaynor: Lecturer in Chemistry/Academic Director IT, Prof Brendan Kavanagh: Associate Professor of Biology/Chairman of Academic Board, Prof Charles Docherty: Head of School of Nursing, Dr Paul OFarrell: Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry/ Academic Director of Examinations, Dr Fryad Henari: Senior Lecturer in Physics and Dr Hussein Nusaif: Lecturer in Nursing

The inaugural 2011 Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) Deans Award was held on the 8th of December at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Bahrain. Two staff were acknowledged for their diverse and essential contributions to RCSI Bahrain. Staff perform a vast range of critical duties that support the Universitys commitment to excellence in education, training and research. The ethos behind these awards is to recognise and celebrate staff members exceptional achievements. Nominated individuals have a track record of making significant contributions that exceed the requirement of their job and demonstrate efforts above and beyond the normal duties of their post
Hosted by Dean Sameer Otoom and attended by staff at RCSI Bahrain, the Dean commented that, both remarkable employees are highly respected throughout RCSI Bahrain. They each have made a unique contribution to the University and are truly deserving of these awards. Their efforts and success represent the true spirit of the noble purpose of RCSI Bahrain, Endeavour, Innovation, Collaboration and Service.

The Academic Deans Award was given to Ms Danah Smith, Level Director Third Year BSc Nursing Programme and the Administration Deans Award was given to Ms Elaine Cabrey, Student Recruitment and Admissions Officer. In his speech to the staff Dean Otoom highlighted each winner, and the reason behind the prestigious award. Danah, I am most grateful for your endeavors in teaching, research and outreach activities and the dedication in providing top class support to both your colleagues and students. You are regarded as both a team player amongst peers and a highly respectful educator and mentor by students. You have a track record of generating new ideas to new challenges in the area of nursing/paediatric diabetes. The continued support you provide to all colleagues at your school is acknowledged and greatly appreciated. To Elaine, I am most grateful for your dedication in providing high quality support to our students, and staff. Your work in marketing and representing RCSI Bahrain in the region has been received very favorably and led to exceeding our student target number. You are regarded as a role model by colleagues and peers and your consistent loyalty, commitment and professionalism are recognized by all.

Dean Otoom with Ms Danah Smith winner of the Academic Deans Award and Prof OHiggins

Dean Otoom(left) and Prof OHiggins (right) presenting the Administration Deans Award to Elaine Cabrey

The recipients both received a commemorative award which was presented by both the Dean and Professor Niall OHiggins. Both winners were clearly taken back by the announcement, and Elaine noted, I would like to say that Im extremely honoured to receive this award. I was very shocked when I heard my name and it took a while for the shock to pass. The award I was presented with is stunning and definitely something that will be put on display at home. The majority of my work that I am involved in is about collaboration with other departments and team work within admissions so I would like to mention that I wouldnt have succeeded without the guidance from senior management and other employees within the University.

As a part of the preparations for a major international healthcare conference Evidence-based Breast Cancer Management: Options for the Gulf Region a pre-conference meeting was held at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical university of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) on Thursday December 8th. The conference, which is being sponsored by HRH the Prime Ministers Court, is organised jointly by the Bahrain Branch of The Cochrane Collaboration and the International Network for Cancer Treatment & Research (INCTR) will be held at the Ritz Carlton on April 2nd and 3rd 2012.

Dr Fedorowicz chairing the pre confernce meeting at RCSI Bahrain

This conference will bring together global experts in breast cancer control with high level policymakers, clinicians, researchers and advocacy groups from the Gulf States with the objective of informing improvements in breast cancer control. It will provide a valuable opportunity for regional and local decision makers to quiz the experts about the relevance of current research to breast cancer management within a Gulf States context and to discuss amongst themselves the potential for shared projects in breast cancer control and research. Because the control of major non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as breast cancer, require a multi-sectoral response it is appropriate that representation at the conference should be inclusive and at the highest possible level.
The preconference meeting held at RCSI Bahrain was one of several planned, which will ensure the engagement of not only healthcare professionals throughout the region but also the academic institutions which train those professionals.
The attendees at the meeting were welcomed by Professor Tom Collins, President of RCSI Bahrain and the Dean, Professor Sameer Otoom. Prof Collins pointed to the importance of this conference not only for medical professionals but also for patients. He thanked the organisers for considering a speaker from RCSI Dublin and indicated that the university is devoted to provide any support needed to help in the success of this event.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) held its second research day on Tuesday the 13th of December. This forum was used to present the most recent research studies undertaken in RCSI Bahrain and to highlight and emphasise the importance and significance of research within the College. Open to undergraduate, post graduate and academic staff, the event saw 31 submissions in total: 14 oral presentations and 17 poster presentations. Overseen by RCSI Bahrain Research Committee, the event was adjudicated by Professor Hamedah (AGU), Professor Corbally (RCSI Bahrain) and Dr Rashid- Doubell (formally University of Northumbria).

An array of research topics included pain management and medication compliance, to pediatric electroencephalography. The audience included both administration and academic staff from RCSI Bahrain and guests from other universities, institutions and local hospitals. Speaking at the event, Professor Collins, RCSI Bahrain President said, The essence of a University is that its teaching is either research led or research informed. It is this more than anything else that distinguishes a University from all other teaching environments. While this pre-supposes that University academics are research active or research informed, it also suggests that university students should develop an appreciation of the value of research in their academic and professional development. It also suggests that they should be introduced to and acquire the skills of conducting research in terms of formulating research questions, deciding upon a research design, implementing the research project and reporting the findings. It is through this kind of exposure that students begin to appreciate the nature and complexity of scientific research and to develop the academic skills and imagination which can underpin their professional and personal development throughout their lives.
Two undergraduate awards were presented at the event, and included Saif al Borgan and Zaid Marhoon for winning the RCSI Bahrain Top Oral Research Presentation for the topic Attitudes, beliefs and perceptions towards Water-pipe (Shisha) among Water-pipe smokers in Bahrain and Maryam Fareed Ashoor for winning the RCSI Bahrain Top Poster Presentation for the topic Antibacterial activity of metal 8-hydroxyquinoline complexes against gram negative and positive bacteria. Both winners received the annual award and these will be proudly displayed within the university. Professor David Whitford, Chairman of the RCSI Bahrain Research Committee commented, Research output in Bahrain is in its infancy compared with many places in the world. One of the objectives of RCSI Bahrain is to contribute towards changing this situation. The development of an increased research capacity amongst healthcare workers can only contribute towards this. We look forward to increased research amongst faculty and students at RCSI Bahrain and see collaborations with other universities in Bahrain, the GCC and internationally as a means towards this end.

for Abstract Booklet click here

Under the International theme: Act on Diabetes, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) students marked the day focusing on education and prevention. World Diabetes Day was introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to the alarming rise in diabetes around the world. In 2007, the United Nations marked the Day for the first time with the passage of the United Nations World Diabetes Day Resolution in December 2006, which made the existing World Diabetes Day an official United Nations World Health Day.

To be in line with this international awareness campaign, students and staff from both the undergraduate medical and nursing schools participated in the World Diabetes Day Awareness events in collaboration with the Bahrain Diabetes Society. The first event was held in Arad Bay on the 17th Nov, the second was held in Durrat Albahrain on the 25th Nov. Both events included a walkathon and educational stations to increase awareness about the management and prevention of Diabetes. RCSI Bahrain students were involved in taking waist measurements for the public, to identify risk for Type II Diabetes and increase awareness about the importance of weight control and maintain healthy lifestyle choices.
On the 24th Nov, Ms. Danah Smith and eight third year BSc Nursing Students, organised and delivered a one day workshop about Self-Care Management of Type II Diabetes, for patients receiving Insulin Treatment, at Aali Healthcare Centre. A total of 14 adult patients (both male and female), two diabetes Nurse Educators, three family physicians and an RCSI Bahrain Medical Student attended the workshop. The program included an overview of recommended targets in Diabetes (e.g. HbA1c, lipids, blood pressure, etc), the benefits of good control of Diabetes, and recommendations for preventing long-term complications. The students were also involved in teaching the patients self-care management of diabetes skills, including accurate and safe techniques for preparation and administration of insulin; injection site-rotation; and blood glucose monitoring. N3 Students who participated in the workshop included: Abdulla Al Marki, Ahmed Zaid, Fadhul Abdulla, Jawad Saleh, Abdulla Al Ghadban, Fatima Kadhem, Cleide Brandao and Zahra Abdul Ameer.

A final year undergraduate medical student, Ms Hiba Rashid, from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) has been accepted for an internship as part of the Hamad Medical Corporation Doha, Qatar. She will start this prestigious programme in July, once she graduates.

The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is a not for profit health care provider in Doha Qatar. This corporation manages six of the largest hospitals in Doha, which are highly specialised medical facilities now capable of providing state of the art diagnosis and treatment of diseases that previously could only be managed overseas. The HMC believe that the key element of the initiative will be wider community engagement through developing a deeper social conscience and bestowing tangible economic and health benefits on the community. It is this vision and mission of the group that will enable Hiba to be exposed to a diverse environment for her internship.

The highly competitive placement saw Hiba compete against 200 applications for this internship in Doha. The placement required her to pass the American Board Exams, USMLE or IFOM. President Tom Collins congratulated Hiba on her achievements in the presence of Professor Otoom, Dean of RCSI Bahrain and Mr. Fadi Ghosen RCSI Bahrain Regulatory Affairs Administrator. He stated that this was an important milestone for the university and provided further evidence of the international standards being reached in the teaching and learning to which students in RCSI Bahrain were exposed too. He highlighted the Regulatory Affairs Office and particularly Fadi Ghosen for the support the office provides to all our students in furthering internship options throughout the world.