The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) has a long history of community involvement, and being a not for profit organisation itself, staff and students aim to make a difference to the community that they live in. Each year one large charity event is held, and this year the decision was made to collaborate with a local registered charity: Bahrain Mobility International (BMI).

This years objective will see RCSI Bahrain hold its inaugural charity challenge on the 3rd of March, and will see participant teams run a total of six hours around a specially marked track on the campus grounds. The aim is to see who can run the furthest distance as a team, within the time frame. Accompanying events aimed at entertaining spectators and participants include; a recreation and games area, market stalls, medical related booths, food and drink stands. Those invited to the event include high schools, universities, clubs and businesses in three competing categories. The event which is expected to have up to 560 participants and many more spectators aims to increase the profile of BMI and raise financial aid to purchase physiotherapy equipment for the BMI centre in Isa Town.

Bahrain Mobility International is a social, general and non-profit making centre located in Isa Town and run entirely on charitable donations. Established in 1979, it provides social rehabilitation and services to the disabled in Bahrain. The BMI centre also offers training workshops to those with special needs and helps them to produce goods for sale or exhibition. The BMI centre has a kindergarten nursery for children aged 3 - 6 years attached to it which prepares the children for actual school studies said Project Manager of BMI, Mr. Adel Sultan

Soncy Cherian (L) aand Naji Al Samahiji from GHS with Decaln Gaynor from RCSI Bahrain accepting corfporate sponsorship for the uopcoming Charity Challenge

The first company to confirm their commitment to the charity challenge is Gulf Health Services (GHS). Their sponsorship is one of 13 opportunities for companies to support a worthy cause and showcase their corporate identity around the designated course on the day of the event. Speaking on behalf of the company, Mr. Naji Al-Samahiji, Director of GHS said, We are proud to be part of this event, as it encompasses our commitment to both education and awareness of the disabled societies here in the Kingdom. GHS and RCSI Bahrain have a history dating back to 2004, and we hope to continue our collaboration in the future. I would encourage other companies to support this initiative by taking up sponsorship opportunities.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) today donated 10 reconditioned laptops to Alia Centre for Early Intervention. RCSI Bahrain President Tom Collins and Vice President Ms Mary Alexander were in attendance to hand over the laptops to Ms. Sumaya Hussain, Vice President of Alia Centre Bahrain
The Alia Centre for Early Intervention was set up in November 2004 by the Bahrain Society for Children with Behavior and Communication Disorders. Its team includes a diverse group of parents, family members, special education teachers, administrators, medical doctors, therapists, nurses and aides, as well as countless other personnel involved in the education, care, treatment and support of individuals with behavioral and communication difficulties. The mission of this Bahrain charity is to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals with behavioral & communication difficulties. Education, advocacy at all levels, active public awareness and the promotion of research form the cornerstones of the societys efforts to realise its mission.
The donation was accepted by Vice President, Ms Sumaya Hussain

<em>Vice President Ms Alexander, President Collins and Mr Panditharatne present the donation to Ms hussain from Alia Centre for Early Intervention </em>

On admission to the undergraduate programmes in Medicine and Nursing in RCSI Bahrain each student receives a laptop, which enables the students to access the virtual learning environment within the university. The WIFI environment of RCSI Bahrain is just one of many examples of how this state-of-the-art campus is a leader in education within the Middle East. Twice during their studies, the students receive a new laptop. Upon completion of their courses, the laptops are returned to the university and they become part of the universitys community involvement program.
Speaking at the presentation, the President of RCSI Bahrain Professor Tom Collins stated that the University was privileged to be able to support such a worthy and inspiring project and that he looked forward to exploring other areas of possible collaboration with the project in the future.In particular he called attention to the need to ensure that student nurses and doctors be sensitized to the need of the intellectually disabled.

During the first semester of this academic year the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) engaged in a massively successful campaign to help Tonys Animal Shelter. Community based activities and donations are a big part of the culture at RCSI Bahrain and this event used collaborations with many clubs within the university. The idea behind the project was to donate much needed animal food to help support Tony Waters animal rescue shelter.

The main role of the centre is to rescue and rehabilitate abused, neglected and abandoned animals in Bahrain. Tony Waters aka The Dog Father has been rescuing and rehabilitating animals on this island for over 12 years. Currently there are over 100 dogs, 140 cats, one donkey, one goat, 20 budgies and parakeets and a ferret that are cared for by Mr. Water. The centres operation includes animal rescue, rehabilitation, education, re-homing, fundraising and animal grooming, all through Tony and a handful of volunteers.

Both staff and students rallied together to raise over 336 cans of dog food, 60kgs of dry food and two boxes of cat food. Speaking about the donation, Gulraiz Bajwa, President of RCSI Bahrain Student Council commented, The opportunity to interact with Tony and bond with the animals definitely served as an experience that both was touching and at some levels, taught a few positive lessons to the students of RCSI Bahrain. Giving back is undeniably a big part of the culture here at RCSI Bahrain and it was with the support from staff and students, including: Student Council, Administration, Philanthropy Club, and Football Teams, that helped raise funds and awareness for Tonys Shelter,

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) has a strong clubs and societys programme that includes up to 25 different groups that range between sports, academic and recreation, as part of the extra circular activities. Having a strong community involvement approach, it is part of the clubs and societys constitution for registration, that at least one event must be directed towards charity within the community.

<em>RCSI Bahrain/SMC staff and students with donated toys gifts</em>

The Nursing Students Society (NSS) helped to celebrate World Diabetes Day by donating gifts to newly diagnosed diabetic children in collaboration with the Pediatric Endocrine and Diabetes Teams (PEDT), at Salmaniya Medical Complex. The toys are used as an incentive and an encouragement to children aged between one to 16 years of age, to work hard in effectively managing their diabetes. Established in December 2006, PEDT was developed to provide family support services for both children with diabetes and their families. This inpatient & outpatient services target children with Type I & II diabetes, with a total of 1000 patients being followed and monitored with this service.

Speaking on behalf of the NSS President Ms Amal Al Somali said that the experience was overwhelming, and that the society admires the work of the Pediatric Endocrine and Diabetes Teams (PEDT) services that are aimed at improving the quality-of-care and life for children with Diabetes.

In a show of appreciation Dr Faiza Ghabnid and Mr Julian Clarke-Jervoise from the Rotary Club of Adylia (RCA) acknowledged the 60 RCSI Bahrain students that volunteered during the 2nd RCA Pink walkathon. The undergraduate medical and nursing students volunteered for the second year running to marshal over 1000 participants during the 3.1km walkathon at Dohart Arad, Muharraq. Their role was to hand out water and support the walkers during the hour long event. The students enabled a smooth, fun filled afternoon and worked efficiently and professionally with the RCA steering committee for the event.

Certificates of appreciation were handed out to those who volunteered their time for the event. RCA has been established in Bahrain since 1994. During their 17 years on the Island, their motto to Services above Self has never changed. This event was one of 12 that the organisation was involved in. Speaking on behalf of RCA, Dr Ghabnid comment, It was great to see the enthusiasm of the RCSI Bahrain students. We are thankful to them for collaborating with us and taking part in making a change the community they live.

In a sea of colour and excitement and difficult weather conditions, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) held its inaugural Charity Challenge- a six hour running relay race in two divisions - on the 3rd March 2012. The objective of the event was to raise awareness and funds for Bahrain Mobility International (BMI).

Established in 1979, Bahrain Mobility International caters to the needs of the disabled in Bahrain. Their centre in Isa Town is run entirely on donations and offers training workshops and physical therapy facilities to its members. There is also a nursery attached to the centre which caters to children aged 3 to 6 years and prepares them to integrate into the community once they start school.

The event, under the direction of Dr. Declan Gaynor, was a collaborative effort between staff and students working together to transform the campus for 12 competing teams and their supporters.

Starting at 10am, the 150 runners ran the 1.5km set route, whilst the 800 visitors enjoyed a carnival style day that included a market area, games, a band, fashion show, food outlets and educational booths. The race marshals ensured that the race rules where adhered to, but the overall feel of the day was fun for a good cause.

The charity challenge would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors: Ibn Al Nafees Hospital, Alosra, Talent 2, Riffa Views, Gulf Health Services, House of Uniforms, Arwa water, Olympia sports and Universal Laboratorie an the commitment of the teams who participated in very demanding conditions throughout the day.

The University of Bahrain student team was crowned the Charity Challenge Champions 2012 after running a total of 93 km in six hours. St. Christophers School student and staff team took the open division title with a total distance of 87 km. The winning teams were presented with their trophies by H. E. Muneera Isa Bin Hindi President of Bahrain Mobility International.

Special thanks to:

Gold sponsors: Ibn Al Nafees Hospital, Alosra, Talent 2
Silver sponsors: Riffa Views, Gulf Health Services, House of Uniforms.
Vendors: Fresh Berry, Pizza In, Starbucks, Mai Mahmood, Clever Cupcakes
Live Entertainment: Abdulla Mahmoud, Yousid Saheb, Kezia, Silverlake and Matters of Space
Fashion Show: Forever 21, Jawad Fashion Groups did Quiz for girls and Celio and BHS for boys, Nada Tawfeeqi with Pretty Little Things, Noora Abdulghani, Kubra Al Qaseer, Eman Haider with Lalla Eman, Amna Bushagher with Dazzling Designs & Amal Almajid with Amalia

In kind;

Universal Laboratories, Arwa water, American Mission Hospital, RCSI Bahrain 2011/2012 Student Council, RCSI Bahrain School of Nursing, Bahrain TV and Gulf Weekly and the Daily Tribune for pre event coverage.

Teams;
Al Ghalia/Al Bander, Polytechnic students, Polytechnic Staff & Students, RCSI Bahrain Staff, RCSI Bahrain Ladies Football, RCSI Bahrain Mens Football, RCSI Bahrain Basketball, RCSI Bahrain Running Group, RCSI Bahrain Ladies Basketball, St Christophers School, talent 2 & University of Bahrain Staff and Students.

The School of Nursing & Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) accepted an invitation to visit both the Bapco Refinery and the Awali Hospital sites. This invitation was extended by Mr. Bill Chalmers, Bapcos Senior Career Development Specialist to RCSI Bahrain. The meeting was both a formal introduction and confirmation for further collaborations between both Bapco and RCSI Bahrain.

Mr Chambers, Dr Edgar, Ms Lovegrove, Mr Al Dosari of Bapco with Prof Docherty,

Dr Khadom, Ms Merriagn of RCSI Bahrain, Dr John and Ms Eid of Bapco (L to R)

The meeting commenced with a presentation by Professor Charles Docherty on RCSI Bahrains history and future plans. In addition to Masters Programmes and undergraduate programmes, the university has recently begun to offer short courses to professional nurses, and eight nurses from Awali hospital recently benefited from a new Tissue Viability course. In the meeting BAPCO also agreed to send two staff nurses every year to study in RCSI Bahrains BSc Bridging programmme. This allows registered nurses to improve their qualiification to a Bachelors Degree. Dr Hana Khadom, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Nursing Bridging Programme noted that, This visit has opened doors to benefit both organisations and maintain future partnerships and cooperation. It demonstrates Bapcos vision for both the staff and the wider community.
Awali Hospital was established over 60 years ago to serve the needs of Bahrain. The hospital has constantly changed to suit the developing community, and tend to its needs. The priority has always been to provide health care, and with the expansion to its facilities, staff and service, a more demanding and wider community can be cared for.

The Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) held a Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (MRCSI) conferring ceremony on the 7th of March for newly admitted members. The postgraduate examination was taken by hospital based doctors training in surgery.
The graduates were presented with their awards in the presence of RCSI Bahrain Dean, Prof. Sameer Otoom, RCSI Bahrain Head of Surgery Prof. Martin Corbally, Prof. James Murphy & RCSI Examination Officer Ms. Siobhan Purcell. The master of ceremonies, held on the RCSI Bahrain campus, was RCSI Bahrain Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry Mr. Paul Farrell.

Addressing the newly conferred RCSI Members, Prof. Martin Corbally said, Surgery calls for significant competency not only in the ability to operate and to do so safely but it demands skill and competency also in your ability to communicate, work with others, develop frameworks of co-operation not only with your peers but also with students and the allied health professions. You must always remember that the most important person in the hospital is the patient and that you are part of the team privileged to look after him. Remember you are first and foremost a surgeon and you are the patients advocate.
The candidates sitting the examination were from Bahrain and other GCC countries and as far afield as xxxxx. The RCSI Bahrain campus is one of the official examination centres for the MRCSI, and Bahrain has been a centre for the examination for 25 years. Those who received the MRCSI will now be able to progress to Specialist Training. Those awarded the MRCSI are joining an institution with a proud history, which for almost two hundred and thirty years has succeeded in providing the highest standards of training and practice of surgery in Ireland. An RCSI Membership (MRCSI) is a prestigious and internationally recognised qualification, which demonstrates the commitment of a surgeon to his or her profession.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) celebrated Internationals Womans Day with five female guest speakers. Hosted by RCSI Bahrains Philanthropy Club, the event was titled Woman Empowerment. Guests included Dr Maryam Al Jalahma (Assistant Undersecretary for Primary Care and Public Health), Dr Haifa Mahmoud (renowned Ophthalmologist and Entrepreneur), Dr Lavina Faleiro (former lecturer of RCSI Bahrain), Julie Sprakel (Think Pink Bahrain Founder) and Ijeoma Arize (RCSI Bahrain student & co-founder of IJE Africa).

Each guest spoke about their personal experiences and gave advice on how to emerge as leaders in the healthcare community. Followed by dinner, the event was attended by xxxx staff and students. Speaking on behalf of the Philanthropy Club, President Ms Mahwish Mirza thanked all the key note speakers and those that attended. She said that, It was the clubs mission to make a positive impact in both the local and global community, mainly through inspiring people to take an active role in the welfare of their surroundings.

On the 13th of March, for the fifth time in two years, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) opened the campus to Bahrains Central Blood Bank (CBB) as part of its biannual agreement for blood donations. Part of a strong Community Involvement programme, RCSI Bahrain is dedicated to serving the community and has developed a community engagement plan that supports the CBB, as part of its local collaborations.

Within four hours, a total of 40 participants were able to successfully donate a unit each. All participants were tested for their Hb, blood group and asked a series of questions as per the CBB protocol for blood donation. Those that were unable to donate blood were given lifestyle tips that included healthy eating, appropriate amount of sleep and general health advise.
Speaking on behalf of the CBB, team leader Mr. Mohanmmed Redha commented that, It is always a pleasure to come to RCSI Bahrain. The students willingness to participate and the university allowing this to happen is truly appreciated. Blood donation drives such as RCSI Bahrain support CBB and the wider community.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) opened its doors to over 24 regional and local student school counselors. The all day programme was aimed at providing up to date information about the undergraduate programmes in medicine and nursing as well as offering a comprehensive background about RCSI Bahrain.

It is the role of every student counselor to provide up to date academic, career and universityinformation to help guide and nurture a potential career path for their high school graduates. Counselors from both private and public schools from Bahrain, Dubai, Jeddah, Jordon, Kuwait, Al Khobar and Abu Dhabi attended the day long programme which included a campus tour, admission review, student welfare, student life and the undergraduate courses available.

Speaking on behalf of the Admissions Department, Ms Elaine Cabrey said, It is great to have so many school counselors from different regions taking part in this years event. It is vital that counselors have accurate and up-to-date information on the university and we hope that next year will attract even more counselors and will continue to grow in popularity.

RCSI Bahrain will be hosting an open day for students who are interest in a career in medicine. The open day will be held on Wednesday 28th March at 2pm at the campus in Busaiteen.

The aim of the open day is to inform students about RCSI Bahrain and the medical programme that we offer and more importantly to give students an insight into what life would be like as a doctor and a medical student.

In addition, this year students will be given the opportunity to experience a lecture delivered by one of our clinical staff - one not to be missed! The topic of this lecture is still to be decided however will be a medical topic that students will find of interest.

The open day will cover the following:-

- Introduction to RCSI Bahrain
- Information on the Medical Programme
- Admissions Criteria and Process
- Tour of the Facilities
- 15 minute Lecture delivered by a member of the clinical team
- Life as a student - opportunity for students to listen to the experiences of one of our Senior Medical Students
- Life as a doctor - opportunity for students to listen to experiences of a qualified doctor

The above programme will finish at 4pm and some light refreshment will be available afterwards for participants of the day to enjoy.

If you are interested in attending, please confirm by emailing openday@rcsi-mub.com by 25th March.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) participated in Bahrains Earth Hour, as part of the global movement to protect the environment. The event, held at the Gulf Hotel, was hosted by Coca Cola and saw a variety of partnerships showcasing their efforts to help take a stand against climate change. This event included turning off non-essential lighting within the hotel, themed performances, presentations from local businesses and a key note speech by Mr. Adnan Fakhro, Customer Service Chief Executive from the Electricity & Water Authority Bahrain.

Initiated in 2007, World Wide Fund (WWF)-Australia inspired residents of Sydney to show their support for climate change action in the first ever Earth Hour event. During that event, 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses in Sydney turned their lights out for one hour to take a stand against climate change. Earth Hour quickly became an annual global event. Its scheduled on the last Saturday of every March - closely coinciding with the equinox to ensure most cities are in darkness as it rolled out around the Earth. With the invitation to switch off extended to everyone, Earth Hour quickly became an annual global event.

Hundreds of millions of people, businesses and governments around the world unite each year to support the largest environmental event in history. More than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour in 2011 alone, sending a powerful message for action on climate change. It also ushered in a new era with members going Beyond the Hour to commit to lasting action for the planet. Without a doubt, its shown how great things can be achieved when people come together for a common cause. - Earth Hour.

Click on picture to watch the video

Speaking on behalf of RCSI Bahrain at the event, Mr. Mohammed Abdullah, Facilities Manager, highlighted the initiatives that the university has taken to support the environment. His presentation, entitled Every Little Bit Counts, reviewed the recycling programme, use of energy saving lightening, action on water leakages and equipment maintenance throughout the 24 acres that make up the university campus. RCSI Bahrain was proud to be a participant in this volunteer action movement for the environment and prove that every little bit does count.

The Rotary Club of Sulmaniya (RCS) in association with Al Bander Hotel & Resort held their annual Raft Race on Friday the 6th of April. This is the main fundraising event for the club, and the 36th Raft Race in Bahrain. Introduced in the late 1970s funds are raised through sponsorship and team participation with the aim of benefiting a specific charity or community project. This years funds are directed towards charities dealing with sickle cell disease in the Kingdom.

With the universitys strong community engagement commitment a motley crew of 10 staff from both academic and administration departments participated in the event. With one month preparation time, the staff were able to get the feel of paddling and navigating the 400 metre loop course in the lagoon of Al Bander. On the day, launching the 240 kg metal raft off the beach, the RCSI Bahrain team managed a time of four minutes and three seconds in the first heat, and three minutes forty one seconds in the second round. After a difficult start which saw their raft collide with another team, the RCSI Bahrain crew managed to improve their position from second last to fourth place overall. RCSI Bahrain Team Captain, Mr. Mahdi Qarooni commented, It was the first time that the university has participated in the Raft Race, and we will definitely continue our support each year. It was a great experience for the staff, while also supporting a worthy cause.

A total of 30 teams from various companies participated in this years event, raising over BD 26,000.

The RCSI Bahrain team was made up of:
Mahdi Qaronni, Mohammed Abdullah, Ahmed Mousawi, Ismail Al Awadhi, Kevin Culligan, Tim Doubell, Declan Gaynor, Angela Brunstein, Danielle Broughton, Julie Sprakel and Annisa Doubell

For the second year the Friends of the Environment Club & Society (FES) of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) collaborated with the Bahrain Yacht Club (BYC) to raise awareness of safeguarding the marine environment. Under the clubs theme: The Earth Needs Love, various projects were launched and worked on during the last four months. These included an internal awareness campaign, survey about peoples knowledge of environmental issues and the sale of official merchandise to support a local charity. The event at the BYC was part of a larger project that saw business and local companies volunteer their time for one day to fill nine large skips with rubbish and debris collected from the shoreline, water and seabed. The event also included a clean up of Bird Island, and members of the BYC provided 8 boats to take volunteers out to clean the island.
A member of the Bahrain Yacht Club Executive Committee, Wendy Maddison, said, We thank the students of RCSI Bahrains Friends of the Environment Club who worked very hard to assist us in achieving our objective of raising awareness of our marine environment, and keeping it clean for all to enjoy. The students are a credit to RCSI Bahrain in their efforts to preserve Bahrains natural environment.
An electronic awareness campaign entitled GREEN was started to encourage both staff and students at the university to be aware of their environment. The opportunity was available for all to exchange their old, unneeded electronic devices (which will be disposed of correctly) for FES gifts like T-shirts, wristbands and coffee mugs. In addition a total of 220 BD was raised from the sale of merchandise.

As part of the Foundation Year (FY) undergraduate medical curriculum at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain), students were given the opportunity to take part in the first Outreach elective, as part of an extra circular programme. Under the theme of Community Engagement 30 students gained credits for attending selected community groups on a volunteer basis and completing a report or presentation of their experiences or a related subject. Their six week programme finished with presentations in front of their peers, academics and representatives from the selected community groups, which took place on campus on the 29th of April.

The aim of the programme was to expose the students to different situations they wouldnt normally encounter and help them develop and implement skills such as teamwork and interpersonal communication that future healthcare providers would need to have. This programme was on a purely volunteer basis, and endeavored to highlight the broad spectrum of people within the community that they live, and dispel myths surrounding children with special needs, child care and family support groups.
With a total of 450 hours, the students were divided into three groups and designated volunteer hours at either: Alia: for Early Intervention, Batelco Care Centre for Family Violence cases or Little Starz Preschool.

Following on from a two day accreditation visit in April 2012, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Jordan has granted official recognition to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain). The recognition will enable Jordanian nationals to apply for sponsorship to study in RCSI Bahrain. It will also allow those graduating from courses at RCSI Bahrain to be registered to practice as healthcare professionals within Jordan.

Founded in 2004 on the authority of the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the university consists of three schools - Medicine, Nursing and Postgraduate Studies and Research. The state of the art establishment extends over 24 acres of land and its main building boasts a five floor teaching facility that includes lecture theatres, laboratories, tutorial rooms, library and study rooms. More than 40 nationalities are represented in the student body which totals 1,176 enrolled at the university in both the undergraduate and post graduate courses. RCSI Bahrain receives many international applications, of which 5% were from Jordan for the 2011 intake.

Welcoming the decision of the Jordanian Ministry the President of RCSI Bahrain said it was an endorsement of the work and dedication of the staff of the University and of the quality of the programme provided there .He thanked the members of the delegation for the depth of their engagement with the University on the site visit and for the assiduousness manner with which they undertook their task.

RCSI Bahrain Dean, Sameer Otoom (L) with members of the delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Jordan Prof. Farouk Shakhatreh
Ms. Suha Hilal Abdelrahman, Prof. Adnan Al-Smadi & Prof. Lamis D. Rajab with RCSI Bahrain President, Prof Collins (R)

Every year, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) celebrates International Nurses Day (IND). This year the celebration took place on the 20th of June and saw a range of events under this years theme Closing the Gap: from evidence to action. The International Council of Nurses has celebrated IND since 1965; the date chosen to celebrate is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, widely considered the founder of modern nursing.

The RCSI Bahrain event included guest speakers, Mrs Batool Al Muhandis , Ms Zaianb Alanzi (student at RCSI MSc Management & Leadership) and MSC graduand Ms Muna Bucheri. Concluding the academic presentations, prizes were awarded. The audience from various healthcare institutions enjoyed lunch in the atrium followed by fund raising games and activities. Money raised from these events will be directed towards the universitys monthly charity of choice, which will see two healthcare professionals from Alia travel to Ireland and visit the centre for Autism, Camphill in Kilkinney.

Speaking about the event, Professor Charles Docherty, Head of the School of Nursing said, We have an international nursing group; one of the key bonds we have is the passion and dedication for our work and to maintain high standards that are essential for the well-being of our patients. Putting evidence from research into practice is one of the roles of a university and I am therefore delighted that we have been able to celebrate these achievements together and mark this special day for all nurses.

The School of Nursing & Midwifery offers nursing programmes from undergraduate to post-graduate, all delivered to the highest international standards and with qualifications that are recognized worldwide. Opening its doors to the first intake of students in October 2006, the third group of nursing cohorts will graduate this June.

The Royal college of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) held a morning tea on campus for seven embassy and Cultural Attaches. The university will be conferring in June, a third cohort of medical graduates, of which 60 percent are International students. Of this number, over half are female. This was an opportunity for the students to meet with their diplomatic representation in Bahrain and to showcase the dynamic scope of both the university and the students personal achievements.
Present at the event were: H.E Shk Mashail bint Mohd Al Thani (Qatar Embassy), H.E Mrs. Nasreen Akbar (Bangladesh Embassy), H.E Masla Kumar (Indian Embassy), Mrs. Monzeeh: Trade Development Officer (Pakistan Embassy), Ms Fathia Al Mahmoud: Coordinator of Student Services (UAE Embassy), Mrs. Rana Abaida (Jordon Embassy) and Ms Karina Gorska (Canadian Cultural Attache)

In welcoming the guest the President of RCSI Bahrain, Professor Tom Collins noted RCSI Bahrains long established international orientation, and thanked the embassys for their support to the university both in Bahrain and Dublin. The Dean of RCSI Bahrain, Professor Sameer Otoom described the evolution of the university from small beginnings of less than 30 students in 2004, to over 1000 students currently drawn from over 35 different countries. The guests were greeted by the senior management and academic staff, who gave a small presentation about the university. This included Professor Robin OSullivans describing the background and origin of the RCSI logo, both in Dublin and Bahrain.

Following on from the presentation, the guests were introduced to the students from their respective embassies. They talked about their time at RCSI Bahrain and their future plans as international healthcare professionals. Having met with their respective graduands, a campus tour was given.

A total of 220 students will graduate on June 11th from both undergraduate and postgraduate progammes.