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.

A delegation formed by the Kuwait Ministry of Higher Education conducted a one day site visit to RCSI Bahrain on Monday April 29th. The delegation, led by Dr. Adel Khodor Ayed who is the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Kuwait University, included members from the Ministry of Higher Education as well as senior academic and administrative staff from different faculties at Kuwait University. Their visit is in line with Kuwait’s policy to regularly inspect institutions that offer Medical, Dentistry and Pharmacy programmes that are recognized by the Kuwait Ministry of Higher Education to insure high quality standards.

RCSI Bahrain’s medical programme was recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education in October 2011.

The delegation met with senior management and administrative staff at RCSI Bahrain
followed by a tour of the campus and the University’s main teaching hospital, the King Hamad University Hospital. The delegation also met with Kuwaiti medical students at different levels of their studies.

The School of Postgraduate Studies and Research at RCSI Bahrain organised a conference entitled “Challenges and Opportunities for Research at RCSI ”on the afternoon of Tuesday 30th April. The keynote speaker, Professor Ray Stallings, Director of Research at RCSI Dublin spoke about the challenges facing research and research funding in RCSI. During the talk he spoke about his personal research interest in the genetics of neuroblastoma. He also highlighted recent research success stories in RCSI Dublin.

Collaborations between RCSI Dublin and RCSI Bahrain have been sought over the years and are beginning to bear fruit. “The SODIS project in RCSI Bahrain” was presented by Professor Kevin Mc Guigan. The Solar Disinfection of Water project will commence this year in RCSI Bahrain under the supervision of Dr Michael Keogh, and will build on this successful area of research that has continued in RCSI Dublin for 20 years.

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, and 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.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) on the invitation of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has constructed a series of Master classes to improve the skills and knowledge of their Clinical Nurse Trainers. Three days of teaching have been completed this week in Riyadh, by Professor Charles Docherty, Catherine Abou-Zaid and Orla Merrigan from RCSI Bahrain.

35 participants from around the Kingdom completed the programme and received their certificates. Next week a similar 3-day event will take place in Jeddah, this time Professor Docherty will be joined by faculty from RCSI Dublin.

This project demonstrates the strength of a combined collaborative effort between nursing schools across RCSI, and represents the initial steps towards developing a more substantial relationship between RCSI and KSA Ministry of Health, focusing on improving the clinical skills of registered nurses.

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

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland celebrated the graduation of 36 students from the Healthcare Assistant Foundation Course at the Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) campus on Sunday, 12th May, 2013. Honored Guests included Ms Amal Al - Kooheji, Tamkeen Acting Vice-President for Human Capital Development and Afnan Al - Saleh, Tamkeen Human Capital Development.

The Healthcare Assistant Programme provides individuals with knowledge and skills to function safely and effectively in the support of professionals delivering high quality patient care. The eight weeks foundation course is the first step in a defined career path, was developed by RCSI Bahrain and King Hamad University Hospital and funded by Tamkeen. Professor Charles Docherty, Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery stated, "RCSI Bahrain has developed induction and preparatory programmes for non-professional staff such as healthcare assistants, who are vital to all healthcare facilities. The Healthcare Assistant Foundation course can be one of the first steps that students begin their healthcare career with. The healthcare assistant role and contributions are highly significant to the healthcare team members, patients, organization and the overall society."

As well as this course being the first step on a career path, it has provided guaranteed job opportunities for the programmes graduates. Graduate Sara Baluchi said "We are so excited about the potentials that await us. Doors will be opened in areas where we didnt know they existed. Our Kingdom and the healthcare organization are expecting our sincere contributions and we will enjoy delivering the care, and hopefully we will gain the confidence of being expert Healthcare Assistants."

RCSI Bahrain has signed up to be part of a major recycling drive in Bahrain. In collaboration with Universe Environment Bahrain, the University is part of phase one of the company’s campaign to place 75 recycle banks within the Kingdom.

Just two minutes’ walk from reception, the three coloured bins are located next to the Student Recreation Centre.

The bins are colour coded. Cans/metal/glass can go into red bin. Plastic can go in the yellow bin and paper/cardboard can be recycled in the blue bin.

For every ton collected, Universe Environment will donate 15 BD to local charities.

Please feel free to bring your newspapers, magazines and cans and tins from home to support this project. The glass can be placed in the red bin, as it is sorted out once collected by the company.

The University’s restaurant, Fish Express will also be supporting this initiative, and we hope to encourage students to do the same.

Over 50 students have taken part in a two-day Science Fair at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain).

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 (English Language Lecturer) and Ms Edwina Brennan (MCP Science Lecturer)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.

Details of a major charity challenge which will take place in November were announced at the Ministry of Culture Beach Fever event in Amwaj Islands at the weekend.

Paddle Bahrain, which is under the patronage of Dr Shaikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, will take place between the 7th and 9th of November 2013.

Paddle Bahrain will see a team of open sea kayakers from RCSI Bahrain and Amwaj Marina Surfski Club attempt to paddle around Bahrain, a total distance of over 165 km, in three days.

During the Beach Fever event the organizers of Paddle Bahrain shared information about their challenge with spectators and received support from some of their sponsors, Renault, Zurich and Nexus who were also present.

The Paddle Bahrain challenge is being undertaken for the benefit of the Bahrain Diabetes Society. The aim of Paddle Bahrain is to raise funds and increase public awareness of the risk factors associated with developing Type II diabetes. Over the next 6 months, Paddle Bahrain along with their sponsors and partners will be working together to get the message of the Bahrain Diabetes Society out to everyone in Bahrain, Move with Us.

Dr. Declan Gaynor from RCSI Bahrain and a member of the Paddle Bahrain team explained Type II diabetes is a serious disease which is very common in Bahrain and the region. Everyone can reduce their risk of developing Type II diabetes by undertaking regular exercise. We want to spread the word that there are many ways to exercise, kayak paddling, as well as many other water sports, is a great way to exercise and have fun.

Paddle Bahrain wish to acknowledge the support of their gold sponsors Renault and the silver sponsors; Nexus Zurich, Alba, House of Uniforms and Skate Shack who are making the three day challenge in November and 6 month public awareness campaign possible. Paddle Bahrain is also receiving support from the Royal Bahrain Naval Force, the Bahrain Maritime Sports Association, Durrat Al Bahrain and Amwaj Marina.

For more information and the chance to follow the Paddle Bahrain crew as they prepare for their challenge, visit Paddle Bahrain on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PaddleBahrain

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) has signed up to be a contributor to a new online platform for diabetes in Bahrain.

Diabetes.bh is the brainchild of a Bahraini youth group which is dedicated to increasing diabetes awareness and prevention, in line with the Internationals Diabetes Federations goals, and is using the website as an online education tool for the community in Bahrain, as well as a collaborative space for different stakeholders and related issues, from blindness to climate change. A not-for-profit initiative, it is the first online education and community portal for diabetes in Bahrain.

Today RCSI Bahrain signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the creators of diabetes.bh, which will see RCSI Bahrain provide content, data, information, news, photos and research about diabetes on to the platform.
Interim President of RCSI Bahrain, Professor Sameer Otoom said that "The ultimate goal of diabetes.bh is to make it the go to guide for people affected by diabetes in Bahrain and RCSI Bahrain is delighted to be able to contribute in whatever way it can as diabetes is fast becoming a significant health issue in Bahrain".

Diabetologist and Head of School of Postgraduate Studies & Research, RCSI Bahrain, Professor Whitford said that "many countries have established websites on diabetes that provide individuals with diabetes and their families information on diabetes. The establishment of such a website for Bahrain is very welcome and I am sure it will be heavily utilized."
Tariq Al-Olaimy, co-founder of 3BL Associates and co-creator of diabetes.bh, said that "RSCI Bahrain already has a wealth of diabetes research, projects and initiatives, and the experience they bring to Diabetes.bh is invaluable. We hope that through our partnership, we can better help people manage their diabetes effectively by providing information, advice and support, as well as assist those at risk of diabetes in leading healthier life styles."

In addition, Hisham Shehabi, co-creator of diabetes.bh commented on the open source nature of the initiative "With each additional partner, the value of the platform is increased for Bahrains community. Having a strong partner like RCSI Bahrain from the outset helps ensure that the integrity and quality of the website is maintained. We hope to attract more potential partners and contributors."

The Royal College of surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) celebrated International Nurses Day at RCSI Bahrain on the 22nd May 2013. Representatives from King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH), Ministry of Health (MOH ) and Tamkeen attended the event along with RCSI Bahrain lecturers and nursing students.

Following an introduction by Dr. Hana Kadem who spoke on behalf of Professor Charles Docherty, Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Sameer Otoom, RCSI Bahrain Interim President, welcomed the guests and congratulated them on the occasion of The International Nurses Day.

Dr. Khalifa Elmusharaf, Lecturer in Epidemiology and Public Health at RCSI Bahrain, presented his research titled "Maternal Health in South Sudan". Dr. Mouza Suwaileh, the previous Head of School of Nursing Fatima College of Health Sciences - Abudhabi discussed the millennium development goals with an emphasis on goals number 4, 5 and 6. The main focus of these goals are reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Malaria. The academic event was concluded by Dr. Catherine ONeil, Director of MSc Nursing Programme and the President of the Ruiffaida Honor Society Bahrain, Sigma Theta Tau who gave a general overview about the Sigma Theta Tau Chapter status in Bahrain.

RCSI Bahrain also hosted other activities held by the nursing students and nursing lecturers which included games, Henna painting, photo booth and childrens corner.

More than 200 students from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) were conferred with undergraduate degrees and postgraduate awards at the annual graduation ceremony.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Conferring was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. His Excellency Dr Majed Al-Noaimi, Minister of Education was present to represent the patronage at the conferring which included members of the government, parliamentarians, family and friends.
This year 63 candidates were conferred with Degrees in Medicine, 114 degrees in Nursing, 16 Masters graduates (from both nursing and medicine) and 9 Masters graduates from the RCSI Institute of Leadership.
The medical graduates received 2 Degrees and 2 licentiates - the RCSI Bahrain Degrees were presented by Professor Sameer Otoom, Interim President, RCSI Bahrain; the National University of Ireland Degrees were presented by Dr Maurice Manning, Chancellor of the NUI; the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Licentiates were presented by Professor John Murphy; and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland licentiates were presented by Professor Patrick Broe, President of RCSI.
Professor Otoom congratulated the graduates on their success and said "today is the culmination of many years of hard work, singular focus and utmost dedication. Those who graduate today have succeeded over many difficulties and challenges. Therefore, you all are worthy of our admiration and congratulations".

Dr Maurice Manning, Chancellor of the National University of Ireland (NUI), who attended the conferring ceremony for the first time, paid tribute to the graduates saying, "We are proud that the degrees of NUI enjoy high academic and professional standing in many countries. I am confident that those graduating today here in RCSI Bahrain will be worthy ambassadors for NUI degrees in the future".
RCSI Bahrain is a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. The role of the University is to provide healthcare education and training to world standards within Bahrain, drawing students from Bahrain, the other GCC countries and beyond.
With students from over 40 countries, numbers are at an all-time high, with 1,186 students currently undertaking courses in Medicine, Nursing and Postgraduate Studies and Research. The RCSI curriculum, examinations and supervision ensures the highest international standards.

Two Bahraini Students are among the winners of four new inaugural prizes at this years RCSI Bahrain conferring ceremony.

The James Finucane Prize in Medicine was won by Ameer Adnan Al-Arrayed who is from Bahrain.

The winner of the Niall OHiggins Prize in Surgery is Sabrina Berdouk from Montreal in Canada.

The John Murphy Prize in Obstetrics and Gynaecology was won by Fatima Ibrahim Halilu from Nigeria.

Professor Joe McMenamin, Head of the School of Medicine, said that "the three students performed exceptionally throughout their undergraduate training and are deserving winners of these three new prestigious prizes". The prizes in medicine are named after three retired RCSI Bahrain Professors, each of whom has made an outstanding contribution to the University over the years.

The fourth prize, the Rufaida Al-Aslamia Prize in Nursing, is named after the first Muslim nurse.

The winner of the Rufaida Al-Aslamia Prize in Nursing is Zainab Aqeel Maki Mohamed Humood from Bahrain. Zainab was nominated by senior clinical staff for consistently excelling in the delivery of nursing care to patients.

Professor Charles Docherty, Head of School of Nursing said "Zainab is dedicated, organised and efficient, with a generous nature and a willingness to spend her own time providing for the weak and disadvantaged in the community. She is an outstanding example of our graduates from RCSI Bahrain, to the future of nursing, and a credit to the young people of Bahrain".

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain organised a "Diabetic Picnic" for children with Diabetes as part of an awareness campaign. The children, their parents and siblings learnt about effective self-care management of Diabetes, healthy lifestyle choices, carbohydrate count, meal planning, exercises and being in charge of their lifestyle decisions during the event.

Minister of State for Defence Affairs and President of the Bahrain Diabetes Society, H.E Shiekh (Dr) Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, attended the event and presented prizes to the children.

The event was organised by RCSI Bahrain and the Bahrain Diabetes Society. Undergraduate nursing students from RCSI Bahrain supervised the activities through both educational and interactive activities.

An invitation was extended to 35 diabetic children, their parents and siblings who had registered with their pediatric endocrinologists at either Salmaniya Medical Complex or the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital.

The Head of the Community Engagement Office at RCSI Bahrain, Ms Julie Sprakel said "the view behind inviting the childrens siblings and parents was to have them supported at home, and make the family as a unit understand the choices they make and how they can support each other."

RCSI Bahrain Nursing lecturer, Ms. Danah Smith said that "having H.E Shiekh (Dr) Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of State for Defence Affairs and President of the Bahrain Diabetes Society, at the event was a powerful message of support for the children and their families".

The "Diabetes Picnic" is the culmination of a busy year for the Community Engagement Office, which operates the Diabetes Mobile Unit. The Mobile Unit has visited several schools throughout the year, helping make over 700 primary school children aware of Diabetes.

Speaking about their experience operating the Mobile Unit, Ms Nazia Al Amri said "The Diabetes Mobile Unit has given us all an opportunity to deal with people and children from different walks of life. It has changed our perspective of how to approach people to help make a change in their lives and their communities."

Special thanks to:
- H.E Sh. (Dr) Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of State for Defence Affairs and President of the Bahrain Diabetes Society
- The Ministry of Health
- The Ministry of Education
- Ms. Enas Salem Alkhalaqi- School Health Specialist, Ministry of Education
- Bahrain Diabetes Society
- Rotary Club of Manama
- Lily: Diabetes Conversation Map
- SMC Dieticians
- Fish Express
- Al Oroba Girls Primary
- Malikbin Anas Boys Primary
- Hamad Boys Primary
- Kawarezmi Boys Primary
- Al Quds Girls Primary
- Al Noor International
- Mustqbal Girls Primary
- Uqba bin Nafa Boys Primary
- Al Maarif School
- Nadeen School
- School of Nursing RCSI Bahrain- Nursing Year Three

Ambassador of Japan, His Excellency Shigeki Sumi, visited King Hamad University Hospital and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) on Monday July 8th 2013. The Ambassador was accompanied by Professor Martin Corbally and a delegation from SBI Pharmaceuticals. This comes after the Crown Princes very successful visit to Japan earlier this year which led to a number of agreements being signed between Bahrain and Japan. A delegation from RCSI Bahrain was among those who were invited to travel to Japan with the Crown Prince. During the visit RCSI Bahrain signed a number of very important agreements with renowned institutions in Japan, such as SBI Pharmaceuticals, Kochi University and Tokyo institute of Technology.

The Ambassador and the delegation were received by the Professor Sameer Otoom, Interim President, and a number of senior academic and administrative staff at the University. Both parties discussed work under way to implement the agreement signed with SBI Pharmaceuticals which includes research currently being done at KHUH. The visitors were then taken on a tour of the University campus.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) hosted a Ramadan Ghabga for its staff at the Movenpick Hotel on Wednesday, July 17th.

The event brought together Staff members and their families in an atmosphere of traditional Ramadan celebration. The evening was organized with entertainment skits by a traditional Bahraini band as well as quizzes to which the winners were awarded at the end of the event.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) held an awareness programme on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which was hosted by the Bahrain Tennis Club (BTC) on Wednesday 28th August 2013.

A CPR training session was conducted by RCSI Bahrains lecturer in the School of Nursing Ms. Orla Merrigan. Among those who attended the event were BTC President Khamis Al Muqla, BTC manager Hamdi Abduljawad, BTC members, coaches and staff.

The Bahrain Tennis Club president, Mr. Khamees Almuqla, conveyed his appreciation of the joint cooperation between the club and RCSI Bahrain, and hoped for more mutual projects between the two.

He also thanked the staff overseeing this initiative, which aims at educating coaches and members of the club and preparing them to deal with accidents.

This gesture is one of many RCSI Bahrain attempts at applying its noble purpose of enhancing health in Bahrain. It also reflects the Universitys dedication to community engagement, which is one of the main pillars of its strategic plan.

A delegation from the Qatar Healthcare Initiative conducted a one day site visit to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain). The delegation included Dr. Khalid Al Ali, Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs, Qatar University; Dr. Mohamed Ahmedna, Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University; Mr. Mohammed Al Kuwari, Director of Student Development Center, Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Dr. Christiane Mueck, Project Consultant, Qatar Leadership Center.

The visit was used to explore ways that Qatar can increase its capacity to educate future healthcare professionals, in the context of a rapidly expanding health system in its country.

The delegation met with senior management and academic staff at RCSI Bahrain and was given an overview of the programmes and approaches to medical education at the University. The delegation was also given a tour of the facilities at the campus.

Welcoming the Qatar Healthcare Initiative delegation to RCSI Bahrain, Professor Sameer Otoom, Interim President RCSI Bahrain said "the University is looking forward to potential collaborations that support the future health and educational plans in Qatar. The team was impressed with the facilities and achievements of RCSI Bahrain in the last few years."

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) has donated 2000BD to Bahrain Mobility International. The money is being used to purchase and install physiotherapy equipment at the Centre in Isa Town.

The 2000BD was raised during last years inaugural charity challenge which saw 150 staff and students from RCSI Bahrain compete in a 1.5km race. The event raised both awareness and funds for Bahrain Mobility International.
Mr Adel Sultan from Bahrain Mobility International said "the money donated by RCSI Bahrain has improved our physiotherapy facility at our Isa Town Centre. Our team and members are now using and getting benefit from the equipment which we have purchased".
Bahrain Mobility International has one full-time physiotherapist who assists on a regular basis with many of the Centres members who require physio treatment and rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, RCSI Bahrian is already planning its next charity challenge which will take place in November. Paddle Bahrain will see a team of open sea kayakers from RCSI Bahrain and Amwaj Marina Surfski Club attempt to paddle around Bahrain, a total distance of over 165 km in three days from the 7th to the 9th of November.