Following and invitation extended by Professor Martin Corbally, RCSI Bahrains school of Tai Kwon Do hosted a seminar given by Mr. James Farrell (4th Dan) from the 18th January until 21st January 2013. The seminar involved demonstrations in self defence, board breaking, traditional TKD among other activities.
Mr. Farrell is chief instructor at CHOs Airport School of TKD Dublin and a member of Action International Martial Arts Association (AIMAA) to which RCSI (MUB Tigers ) have recently been awarded affiliate membership status.

Through a four day agenda, Mr. Farrell conducted a number of sessions and seminars for RCSI Bahrain staff and students. First on the agenda, was a belt testing session during which 4 members of the MUB Tigers went from White to Yellow belts, and 4 other members went from Yellow to Orange belts. The agenda also included a Tae Kwon Do seminar and a motivational staff session. Mr. Farrell explained the aims behind TKD and spoke to the audience about achieving goals Mentally, Physically & Spiritually. Staff members were very impressed by the presentation and by the following illustrations of simple self defence techniques. The programme concluded with an exceptional Tae Kwon Do class led by Mr. Farrell.
The seminar was a great opportunity for RCSI Bahrain members to learn and gain knowledge of Tae Kwon Do through an expert such as Mr. Farrell. Professor Martin Corbally extended his appreciation to Mr. Farrell for his efforts during the visit. Mr. Farrell in return thanked Professor Corbally and RCSI Bahrain for the invitation and the chance to teach TKD in a different environment.

Under the patronage of H. E Dr Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister for State of Defense Affairs and President of the Bahrain Diabetes Society, the 14th Shurooq Camp for Children with diabetes

took place over the weekend, with a total of 40 children aged between 4 to 14 years old. The camp, held at the Qalali Youth Hostel, Muharraq included a three day intensive awareness and educational programme guided by the volunteers and healthcare professionals affiliated with Bahrain Diabetes Society.
For two days the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) School of Nursing and Midwifery Nursing Three (N3) mobile unit volunteers supported the camps programme with activities about effective control of diabetes. Using the diabetes mobile unit as a backdrop the children learnt in small groups via the Lilly Conversation Map about How diabetes works & Healthy eating and being active. This was followed by educational games created by the Universitys students and staff, that included snakes and syringes, the rainbow game and science lab. Speaking on behalf of the Community Engagement Office, Ms Julie Sprakel noted, We are incredible proud of the RCSI Bahrain volunteers, and the feedback from the children was positive. The N3 nurses have grown as a team of professional and confident healthcare professionals and the University appreciates the opportunity to collaborate on such rewarding programmes.
Shuooq camp for children with diabetes is an annual event hosted by the Bahrain Diabetes Society (BDS). Approximately 50 to 60 children who are newly diagnosed with Type I diabetes from Bahrain and the GCC countries participate in the event. RCSI Bahrain has been supporting the camp for the last three years with the support of undergraduate nursing and medical students. The 14th Shurooq Camp 2013 will be the first time that RCSI Bahrain takes the lead in the education and awareness games for the programme sessions via the pediatric mobile unit, with the aim to improve awareness for effective control of diabetes and prevention of its complications.
For further pictures follow us on Instagram @RCSIBAHRAIN or view the Mobile Units hashtag #rcsibhmobileunit

The Learning Resource Center at RCSI Bahrain accepted a gift of various books and training manuals from Be Free Bahrain. The books were presented to the LRC during a visit by Dr. Rana Al Sairafi, Executive Manager of Be-Free Program, and Ms. Meena Kadhimi, Be-Free board member.

Be-Free is a humanitarian organization in Bahrain that aims to protect children from abuse and neglect. The programmes mission is to contribute towards prevention against multiple forms of abuses and work to educate, train and empower as means to grow loving and caring based interrelationships.

Sharing knowledge, especially in areas of Human Development, is essential in this Era where each person has more chances and opportunities to grow and give to the community. Be-Free is glad to share its training manuals with RCSI, and hope that this can give more people the chance to participate in protecting children, commented Dr. Rana Al Sairafi during the visit.
Ms. Evelyn Anand, LRC Manager RCSI Bahrain thanked Be Free Bahrain for their donation, saying the Library and Learning Resource Centre now has manuals and information that will inform our students on topics around bullying and other social pressures that affect our children in schools and socially. This donate is very meaningful to our collection as this provides both information to our students on Bahrain based organization that support and educate against peer and social pressures. We are always keen to add Bahrain related resources to our collection.

After the success of Research Skills Series I (RSS I), the Medical Research Society (MRS) in a very active collaboration with the Research Office held its second event on Saturday February 16th. RSS II attracted more than 75 medical and nursing students and had as its aim to raise awareness of the broad field of research and how it can be applied, not only in the clinical arena but in the community and also how it might influence policy and change. By providing workshops that enrich students with essential research skills, the event was filled with learning and take home messages.

Using the title of Making the familiar stranger, igniting the curiosity inside you! as a backdrop, Ms. Maeve Royston, the newly appointed Research Manager to RCSI Bahrain provided an overview of the event with emphasis on the importance of thinking outside the box and recognizing that research opportunities present themselves in all sorts of different ways. Students were encouraged to enjoy the introductory talks and apply the new ideas when attending the research skills workshops in order to get the best out of the day.

After the welcome address by Ali Abdulnabi Mohamed - MRS President, the event got off to a great start with a talk from Professor Joe McMenamin, Head of our Medical School sharing his experience with the audience where, as a young doctor, he described his first real exposure to research, when he modestly suggested, to his senior colleagues as an onlooker is it not the elevating blood pressure that is causing the hemorrhage?. This straightforward question led to a publication in the New England Journal of Medicine and the rest is history!

Professor McMenamin then presented the challenges of something very familiar i.e. teaching when his RCSI Bahrain students were no longer able to get to college; how would he get them through the curriculum? He upskilled and learned to use Camtasia and delivered his lectures online to students across the globe and from there the online case studies were born. This talk highlighted the fact that faculty should write about an intervention that came about as a result of challenges that need to be remedied.
His talk was followed by a presentation given by Dr. Khalifa Elmusharaf about research carried out in South Sudan at a time post-conflict. Dr Khalifa highlighted the challenges of conducting research in a population where illiteracy was common place. He also told the audience that in times of conflict, doing research involves building trust. It also involved teaching a relevant group (poor women) a new set of skills to obtain important data and introduce an educational intervention for women in the Region. The program Women Deliver continues to be successful and this was demonstrated in an inspirational video.

Ms. Maeve Royston showed a documentary about the challenges that Florence Nightingale, the founder of Nursing, faced when sent to care for the soldiers during the Crimean War. In order to demonstrate that the troops were dying of hospital acquired infections as opposed to in battle, Florence Nightingale presented her statistical findings in a diagram called the Rose Diagram. Such a pictorial presentation of her findings was a powerful way to influence the British Government of the time to introduce proper sanitation and hygiene programs for its troops in battle. Infection control in hospitals that we are familiar with today had its origins at this time. Such innovation in the 1800s is still referred to today among statisticians.

After the coffee break there were three workshops:

1- Developing your Research Question; by Prof. David Whitford
2- Data Analysis and Statistical Programs, by Dr. Khalifa Elmusharaf
3- Scientific Writing for Publication and Presentation Skills by Dr. Fiza Doubell.
At the plenary session, MRS executives awarded the lecturers with certificates of appreciation. Students in the other hand were awarded with certificates of attendance.

MRS is a new society in RCSI-Bahrain and has undertaken new responsibilities after the workshop. It held its first AGM (annual general meeting) after and will continue to support research activity by supporting RCSI-Bahrain students to conduct research, forging links with faculty the Research office and other students, and will work toward developing research in Bahrain and the region.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) held its third annual Winter Ball at the Radisson Blus Alfanar Ballroom on Thursday 21st February. The Ice and Fire themed event brought together around 250 students and staff members, all dressed in ball gowns, suits and tuxedos reflecting the theme.

The event included sketches by students of the Ballare School of Performance Arts, who performed two dances inspired by the Balls theme, a raffle with great prizes, some musical talents done by the students, and an international buffet.

The Winter Ball is one of many events organized by the Student Services office of RCSI Bahrain, which aims to create a student centered environment where students get to enjoy social activities apart from the classes/lectures environment

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain received a visit by members of the American Womens Association in the University campus in Busaiteen. The visit took place on Tuesday 26th February as part of the AWAs Island Tour programme.

The Island Tour is a programme organized by the AWA, on which they visit some of the prominent institutions around the Kingdom. RCSI Bahrain has been chosen for being one of the leading medical universities in the region.

The Visit commenced with a meeting with Professor Sameer Otoom, Vice President of Academic Affairs, RCSI Bahrain, and Professor Joe McMenamin, Head of School of Medicine, RCSI Bahrain. The Professors introduced the University and its programmes to the members of AWA, and allocated time to answer the guests questions. The ladies expressed their appreciation of the valuable information provided through this meeting; they thanked Professor Otoom and Professor McMenamin and presented them with a shield of appreciation to RCSI Bahrain.

The ladies were taken on a tour of campus which included a visit to the Universitys Simulation Lab, where they attended a demonstration of a childs birth. The tour also included a visit to the Learning Resource Center, where RCSI Bahrains Professor Robin OSullivan introduced the ladies to the RCSI Bahrains Coat of Arms and the meanings behind each of its components through a very interesting presentation.

At the end of the visit, the AWA members expressed their admiration of the facilities and high quality Educational and Health Care Services provided by RCSI Bahrain. They especially appreciated RCSI Bahrains focus on Community Engagement, which is one of the pillars of the Universitys new strategic plan.

For the third year the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) football teams supported Kick for a Cause. The six a side football, one day tournament is the major fundraising event for the Rotary Club of Manama (RCM), with funds being directed towards children with diabetes, more specifically the diabetes mobile unit in which RCSI Bahrain operates in conjunction with the Bahrain Diabetes Society (BDS).
The tournament saw a total of 300 players consisting of: 30 mens teams and ten womans teams from a variety of universities, schools, expatriate clubs and companies. A total of BD 23,500 was raised for this community project. Speaking on behalf of the football teams, Mr. Scott Frankum RCSI Bahrain Sports Co-Ordinator said, Both RCSI Bahrain teams showed promise. We appreciate being able to participate in this event, which is such a good cause.

Notes: This is one of many external events that RCSI Bahrain participates in as part of their continued Community Engagement strategy.
For further information please contact: communityengagement@rcsi-mub.com

The School of Nursing at The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) is currently in the process of starting the first chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International in Bahrain and the Middle East. As a first step, the School has formed the Ruffaida Honorary Society, under which it will be organizing a number of events per year.
The first event of the year was held on Thursday, 28th February, through which RCSIs Professor Seamus Cowman presented a paper titled" The professionalization of Nursing: Can Bahrain Learn from the Irish Experience?"

Professor Seamus Cowman whose nursing career spans almost 40 years is the first Professor of Nursing at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). He has been instrumental in setting up the School of Nursing & Midwifery in RCSI- Bahrain.
Following Professor Cowmans presentation, an expert panel discussion took place. The panel consisted of Dr. Fatima A.Wahid Ahmed, Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Fairouz AlHourani, Director of Nursing at King Hamad University Hospital, Major Amal Shehab, Head of Continuing Medical Education (CME) & Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at the BDF Hospital. The panel was led by Professor Charles Docherty, Head of School of Nursing at RCSI Bahrain.
Attendees of the event were given a chance to learn more about the Sigma That Tau International and the current Ruffaida Honorary Society. Nursing Staff from all Bahrains hospitals presented the majority of this events guest list.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) held a green themed sports event to celebrate St. Patricks Day. The event was held at RCSI Bahrains Sports and Recreational Center at the University campus in Busaiteen on Sunday 17th March.

The sports day included several activities through which 5 staff teams competed against 5 student teams. The day was full of amusing moments, where members of staff tried to keep up with their full of energy student opponents. The audience had a great time watching the competitions on different sections; tug of war, basketball hoop shooting, obstacle race, egg and spoon race and a sack race. The event hall also included a section for face painting and a henna station, as well as a food court.

The contests resulted in a staff team and a student team winning. The winning student team included Codabux Mohammed Faez, Ali Ayaz, Hanaa Butt, Nawal Tariq, Mohammed Reefy, Arwa Al Awadhi and Stephanie. The winning staff team included Ismaeel Alawadhi, Rachel Towers, Sireen Alaradi, Erfaneh Naghieh, Donna Murphy and Anastazia Salinaz.

A number of staff members and students were very creative in dressing up for the event in order to win the "Best Dressed" competition. Among all the leprechaun outfits and green and orange themed costumes, the one that stood out the most was Alberto Quintos combination of a Bahraini traditional thoub painted in green. The very innovative idea won Alberto the best dressed competition. Catherine Abou Zaid also won a prize for her beautiful green outfit.

The day concluded with a football game between staff and students, which ended with the students winning by 3 to 1.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) noble purpose encourages the "enhancement of health in Bahrain", and it was with this in mind that the Community Engagement Office supported Ibn Khuldoon National Schools (IKNS) inaugural health promotion programme for their Year 12 students. The course itself runs over several weeks and RCSI Bahrain is happy to participate. On Tuesday the 19th of March the college welcomed the students to the campus.

The programme was instigated by the school through Ms Hogg (IKNS Physical Education Department Head) as the school wanted to prepare and address healthcare issues that may arise as they transition from high school to adults, many of whom will be travelling overseas for university education. The on campus event, one of four supported by RCSI Bahrain saw 18 Yr 12 students attend an hour and a half cooking lesson courteous of Fish Express, the on campus restaurant. The restaurant also supported the students with a quick healthy recipe guide so they are aware of the basics, including food hygiene.

The International student body supported by the Youth Health and Sports Programme at RCSI Bahrain spoke with the students about what to expect when studying aboard, answering questions about what was important for them and elaborating on their experiences. A series of physical exercises completed the half day event. In the coming weeks other training sessions will take place in the school itself and will address other important issues that both Ms Hogg and the school felt important to focus on.

As part of RCSI Bahrains Foundation year curriculum the undergraduate medical students are offered the opportunity to gain academic credits for their participation in one of eight different areas: Research, Publications, Dissection, Medical Arabic, Science Fair, Medical Technology or Out Reach, through the "Professionalism" elective.
A total of 36 students were chosen, based on their academic performance, to take part in the Community Outreach component, which is currently being supported by: Alia, Batelco Care Centre for Family Violence, Be Free Program and Little Starz Pre-School. Students gain credits for attending selected community groups on a volunteer basis and completing a report or presentation of their experiences or a related subject. The Outreach programme gives both staff and students from RCSI Bahrain opportunities to actively engage in the community in Bahrain. This involves volunteer work, fund raising activities and public awareness campaigns. They will learn about specific areas of interest to their placement and they will regularly reflect on their experiences within their placement.
The students from the Be-Free Program elective attended Riffa Views International School (RVIS) and Nadeen School, having being trained by Dr. Rana Alsairafi (Executive Manager of Be-Free Program) to present a 30 minute story telling session to Grade 1 and 2 students. This interactive session addresses encouragement and acceptance of different cultural differences and learning, under a project called "Me and Others" in cooperation with the British Embassy (2012). Using props to tell a story using insect characters in a garden, the themes centered on the fact that that being different and unique are special attributes and that many different people can work together. The characters in the story session were played by Isa Alharji, Ghada Almarouqi, Latifa Sanad and Mohammed Malik Mohammed.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) today (March 21) signed 3 research agreements in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and First Deputy Premier of Bahrain and the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. RCSI Bahrain was delighted to be part of the visiting delegation to Japan.

The first agreement is for a comprehensive collaboration for clinical research and education between RCSI Bahrain and Kochi University. The agreement was signed on behalf of RCSI Bahrain by Professor Sameer Otoom, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dr Hiroshi Wakiguchi, President Kochi University

The second agreement will see collaboration in research between RCSI Bahrain and Tokyo Institute of Technology. This agreement was signed by Professor David Whitford, Head of RCSI Bahrains School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, and Dr Mitsui Sekine, Director, Tokyo Institute of Technology.

The final agreement will see Tokyo based, SBI Pharmaceuticals and RCSI Bahrain conduct joint clinical studies in Bahrain.

SBI Pharmaceuticals is currently preparing to start a clinical study on diabetes by using 5-ALA, at four locations in Bahrain including RCSI Bahrain. Another study will involve the use of 5-ALA in the photodynamic diagnosis of colorectal cancer which will be in collaboration with RCSI Bahrain and King Hamad University Hospital.

The agreement was signed by Professor David Whitford, Head of RCSI Bahrains School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, and Mr Satofumi Kawata, Chief Operations Officer, SBI Pharmaceuticals.

Professor David Whitford said "the signing of these agreements between RCSI Bahrain, SBI Pharmaceutical and two Japanese Universities is a key step forward in the establishment of medical research in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In addition, the establishment of these agreements paves the way for further involvement of SBI Pharmaceuticals in Bahrain and should lead to greater ties between Bahraini and Japanese medical research establishments".

Professor Sameer Otoom said "we are keen to see these Memorandums of Understanding develop into concrete research in the Kingdom of Bahrain and it is clear this is about to happen, particularly in research into the effects of 5-ALA, a SBI Pharmaceutical product, in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers and the treatment of diabetes. It was an honour to be able to participate in this process in the presence of His Royal Highness, Prince Salman and the Prime Minister of Japan".

RCSI is an independent, not for profit, Health Sciences Institution. Our focus in all the locations where we are based, including Bahrain, is on medical and health professions education at all levels (undergraduate, postgraduate and Continuous Professional Development); our primary responsibility is to contribute to Bahrain, by providing a high quality education in medical and health science education, based on internationally recognized principles, in a safe and supportive environment.

As we have said in previous statements, RCSI is committed to peace and reconciliation in Bahrain through our role as educators. Our colleagues in RCSI Bahrain have been engaging for some time with Medecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to organise a conference on "Medical ethics and dilemmas in situations of political discord or violence". Such a conference would bring together healthcare professionals from all political and religious backgrounds to start a dialogue on the role and the serious professional dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals in areas of conflict, around the world.

RCSI Bahrain hoped to facilitate the conference. For it to be a success, it needed to include a wide range of stakeholders, professional bodies, Governmental and Non-governmental organisations. Our President in Bahrain, Professor Tom Collins, has been centrally involved in planning this conference.
We are pleased, that at a political level, efforts at dialogue are on-going. The view locally was that the timing was not right for the planned conference and therefore it has been deferred.

RCSI is saddened by Professor Collins decision to resign. Professor Collins has been President of RCSI Bahrain since 2011. Professor Collins had been considering his position in Bahrain for some time and with the delay in the advancement of the conference has decided that now is the right
time for him to step down. With the support of all of our stakeholders in Bahrain, the University in Bahrain has gone from strength to strength. RCSI Bahrain has successfully developed new programmes, increased student numbers and developed key capital projects which have improved the campus and facilities for our students and staff. Professor Collins has been a great colleague who has worked hard and achieved much in Bahrain. We are pleased to confirm, that with his agreement, Professor Collins will remain in post to allow an effective transition for the continued success of the University. We are extremely grateful to him for all for he has done for RCSI and wish him every success in the future.

As an international organisation it is critical that RCSI helps build bridges rather than contribute to greater fracturing. We do this by being non-partisan and non-aligned. Our students in RCSI Bahrain come from all ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. We believe that the future for Bahrain has to be one of dialogue and reconciliation. Our own national story tells us that this will not be resolved quickly. We will continue to contribute to Bahrain through our focus on education.

For further information contact:
Adrian Lydon
Head of Communications
RCSI Bahrain
+973 173 51450 Ext. 2425 / + 973 395 70877
alydon@rcsi-mub.com

The Friends of Environment Society in RCSI Bahrain planted over 100 trees during a ceremony on April 4th. President of the Society, Isa Al-Alwani was joined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor Sameer Otoom, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Mary Alexander, Dr Fryad Henari, students and staff at the event near the entrance to the University.

Over 100 Thevetia Peruviana, Nerium Oleander and Hibiscus Tiliaceus trees were planted following an appeal by the Society to staff and students last December to help in purchasing, planting and caring for a tree, which will be identified by the donors name on a plaque for generations to see.

Speaking at the event, the President of Friends of the Environment Society, Isa Al-Alwani
said the tree planting ceremony is part of our noble goals and futuristic ambitions to keep our college and neighborhood greener. It is a great opportunity to say thank you to our environment, our country, our earth.

A delegation from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) took part in an event in Kuwait aimed at promoting investment in Bahrain. The event which was organized by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry in liaison with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry was entitled "Invest in the Kingdom of Bahrain". Mr Fadi Ghosen, Regulatory Affairs Administrator at RCSI Bahrain and Mr Jovi Mallonga, Head of Student Records, represented the University at the event, which took place on April 7th 2013 at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Participants from Bahrain included delegations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Economic Development Board, Tamkeen and Bahrain Ports. The trip had the support of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Two Universities from Bahrains higher education sector were invited to attend the event, RCSI Bahrain and Ahlia University.

The aim of the event was to emphasize the role of the private sector in the overall economic strategy of the Kingdom of Bahrain and to showcase investment opportunities in Bahrain by organising a trade fair and presentations by a few of the participants.

Representatives from the private sector in Kuwait, business people, industrialists, investors and bankers were invited to attend the event.

The Vice President of the Diabetes Education and Clinical Programs in the Scientific and Medical Division of the American Diabetes Association, Ms Paulina Duker visited the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) on Thursday the 11th of April. The visit was organised by Bahrain Diabetes Society.

Ms. Dukers responsibilities include overseeing the Associations Education Recognition Program and the Associations National Center for Information and Community Support, which is accessible by phone or email to all people with diabetes seeking diabetes information. She has spent the last 18 years of her career in various roles in diabetes care and education, including in-patient and out-patient diabetes education, diabetes outcomes management, diabetes program management and performance improvement coordination.

Ms Duker was accompanied by Dr. Mariam Almulla, Vice President of Bahrain Diabetes Society, Ms. Aimee Stoian, Health Policy Advisor - US Embassy, and Ms. Hind Abdulla Yousif, Programme Management Specialist - US Embassy.

With their extensive backgrounds in education and clinical programmes, Bahrain Diabetes Society and RCSI Bahrain were able to showcase their collaborative project, which sees the pediatric mobile unit visit primary schools to raise awareness about Type 2 diabetes. This collaborative effort addresses both the Governments 2030 Framework (Al Manamah Document) to tackle non communicable diseases, of which diabetes is one, and the Universities Strategic Plan in terms of Community Engagement.

During her visit to RCSI Bahrain, Ms Duker met with Professor Sameer Otoom, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Professor Joe McMenamin, Head of School of Medicine, Professor Charles Doherty, Head of School of Nursing, Professor David Whitford, Head of School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, Dr. Jean Hughes, Associate Director of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ghufran Jassim, a Lecturer in General Practice, and Ms Julie Sprakle and Ms Danah Smith who are overseeing the operation of the Diabetes Mobile Unit.

During the visit, Ms Duker expressed her gratitude for RCSI Bahrains efforts towards operating the Diabetes Mobile Unit. She said that she was very impressed with the Universitys role in research and enhancing healthcare services in Bahrain and the Region

The Vice President of the Diabetes Education and Clinical Programs in the Scientific and Medical Division of the American Diabetes Association, Ms Paulina Duker visited the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) on Thursday the 11th of April. The visit was organised by Bahrain Diabetes Society.

Ms. Dukers responsibilities include overseeing the Associations Education Recognition Program and the Associations National Center for Information and Community Support, which is accessible by phone or email to all people with diabetes seeking diabetes information. She has spent the last 18 years of her career in various roles in diabetes care and education, including in-patient and out-patient diabetes education, diabetes outcomes management, diabetes program management and performance improvement coordination.

Ms Duker was accompanied by Dr. Mariam Almulla, Vice President of Bahrain Diabetes Society, Ms. Aimee Stoian, Health Policy Advisor - US Embassy, and Ms. Hind Abdulla Yousif, Programme Management Specialist - US Embassy.

With their extensive backgrounds in education and clinical programmes, Bahrain Diabetes Society and RCSI Bahrain were able to showcase their collaborative project, which sees the pediatric mobile unit visit primary schools to raise awareness about Type 2 diabetes. This collaborative effort addresses both the Governments 2030 Framework (Al Manamah Document) to tackle non communicable diseases, of which diabetes is one, and the Universities Strategic Plan in terms of Community Engagement.

During her visit to RCSI Bahrain, Ms Duker met with Professor Sameer Otoom, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Professor Joe McMenamin, Head of School of Medicine, Professor Charles Doherty, Head of School of Nursing, Professor David Whitford, Head of School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, Dr. Jean Hughes, Associate Director of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ghufran Jassim, a Lecturer in General Practice, and Ms Julie Sprakle and Ms Danah Smith who are overseeing the operation of the Diabetes Mobile Unit.

During the visit, Ms Duker expressed her gratitude for RCSI Bahrains efforts towards operating the Diabetes Mobile Unit. She said that she was very impressed with the Universitys role in research and enhancing healthcare services in Bahrain and the Region

Staff and students from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) have taken part in the annual Rotary Club of Sulmaniya Raft Race, which has raised over BD 34,000 for charity.

Supported by the Rotary Club of Sulmaniya the Raft Race took place at Al Bander Hotel & Resort. The funds for the event were raised through sponsorship and team contributions. The 34,000BD raised will be directed to the Rotary Clubs "Healthy Kids for a Healthy Future" project, which promotes active and healthy lifestyles.

The RCSI Bahrain team was made up of both staff and students. The team Captain was Ismail Al Awadhi. He was joined by Ahmed Al Mousawi, Ali Mohammed, Prof. Martin Corbally, Omar Al Mitwalli, Dr. Angela Brunstein, Mary-Kate Corbally, Stephanie Hsu and Mehrunissa Kaiser.

Speaking on behalf of the team Ismail Al Awadhi said, "It was a great day out, with bigger crowds than last year. At the end of the day, it was a fun event for a great cause". The RCSI Bahrain team was sponsored by the Universitys Community Engagement Office

Dressed in miniature RCSI Bahrain lab coats, a total of 53 students from years 5 and 6 from Nadeen School supported the science fair over two days in which 20 undergraduate medical students captured the minds of the children through science experiments. The RCSI Bahrain Students demonstrated a range of experiments which included using a lava lamp, invisible ink, colour changing milk, disappearing water and magic balloon experiments.

The event organisers, Ms Aneta Hayes and Ms Edwina Brennan said that "This fun and challenging activity not only increased the childrens interest in science, but gave the RCSI Bahrain students an opportunity to engage with the community in Bahrain. The childrens unwavering interest and determination was infectious and the dressing up of the demonstrators as mad scientists in wigs and glasses was a big hit".

The Science Fair is part of the Foundation Year elective programme at RCSI Bahrain.
Six other elective presentations are due to take place on the 2rd of May.

The School of Postgraduate Studies and Research organised a conference entitled Challenges and Opportunities for Research at RCSI. The keynote speaker, Professor Ray Stallings, Director of Research at RCSI Dublin outlined his personal research interest, investigating paediatric neuroblastoma. He advised the audience of recent success stories in obtaining funding at RCSI Dublin. However he emphasised ongoing challenges for raising funds for research.

Collaborations with RCSI Dublin are on the agenda. The SODIS project in RCSI Bahrain was presented by Professor Kevin Mc Guigan. The Solar Disinfection of Water project will commence this year under the supervision of Dr Michael Keogh in RCSI Bahrain.

Presenters at this event included faculty, students and PhD candidates, covering topics such as Sickle Cell Disease and Diabetes, Quality of life of Bahraini Women with Breast Cancer, Nursing as a Career choice in Bahrain, to Using Formative Assessment to stimulate Reflection in academically weak First Year Undergraduate Medical Students

During his visit, Professor Stallings met with colleagues at KHUH, BDF and AGU and also with SBI Pharma, to discuss research interests and collaborations.

Many thanks to the Medical Research Society for their assistance at this event.