RCSI Bahrain Community Engagement volunteers participated in the 2014 Bahrain International Air show at Skhair Air Base at the weekend.
14 staff and student volunteers supported the initiative by handing out information about Type II diabetes to the 8000 visitors who attended each day..
In the presence of the Mobile Diabetes Unit, the volunteers spoke with the public about lifestyle choices and general education information about Diabetes.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) and Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) are collaborating in the provision of the RCSI BSc Nursing Bridging education programme in Saudi Arabia. Staff from the Universitys School of Nursing and Midwifery, travel to Dhahran in Saudi Arabia to deliver the individual modules of the education programme.
Twenty Nurses are registered with the University and the first Semester has been completed. A delegation from Saudi Aramco including students traveled to RCSI Bahrain for the first meeting of the Programme Board on January 16th 2014. Reports were very positive about the project and there will be further meetings of the Programme Board each Semester.
Professor Seamus Cowman, Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery and Chair of the Programme Board said that everyone at RCSI are very excited by this development as this is the first occasion that the University has provided an accredited education programme outside of the University. This development may open up other opportunities for education and research collaboration between RCSI and Saudi Aramco."
On the occasion, RCSI Bahrain Interim President, Professor Sameer Otoom made a presentation to Ms. Maria G. McManus, Director of Nursing at Saudi Aramco and expressed his appreciation to all the people involved in this project from RCSI Dublin, RCSI Bahrain and our colleagues in ARAMCO. Prof Sameer also acknowledged the support of the Higher Education Council (HEC) in Bahrain who facilitated the delivery and implementation of this programme.
RCSI Bahrain nursing year 3 students completed their basic life support certification through the American Heart Association in the RCSI campus from the 19th-22nd January 2014. The certification enables the students to participate in resuscitation in the clinical area.
The Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain held this years White Coat Ceremony on Tuesday 18th February at the University Campus in Busaiteen. The symbolic event celebrates medical students transitions into clinical training and notably includes the presentation of a physicians white coat with the students name embroidered on it. 133 students attended this years ceremony in the presence of their parents.
Professor Joe McMenamin, Head of School of Medicine, gave an encouraging speech to the students, through which he spoke about the significance of the white coat and the life that lays ahead of them as doctors.
This years ceremony featured guest speaker, Dr. George Cheriyan, Chief Medical Officer and CEO of the American Mission Hospital. Dr. Cheriyan congratulated the students and gave a presentation titled "Putting Compassion and Caring into the Heart of Practicing Medicine".
Ms Maysah Almulla, from RCSI Bahrains senior class, also addressed her fellow students and spoke to them about her experience and what they should be expecting in the years ahead.
The ceremony concluded with the students recital of the professional declaration, through which they vowed to maintain professional attitudes and behaviours in work and relationships with classmates, teachers, patients and the community.
Kaplan Managing Director and Regional Director, Africa, Europe, Central and South Asia
Mr Inder Pahal with Professor Sameer Otoom, Interim President RCSI Bahrain.
RCSI Bahrain has signed an agreement with the worlds leading educational services company, Kaplan Medical, which will see it offering its USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exams) Step 1 Live Prep programme at RCSI Bahrain during the summer of 2014.
The live lecture programme will provide 270+ hours of lectures covering various topics such as Anatomy, Behavioural Science, Biochemistry, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology and Physiology.
RCSI Bahrain Interim President, Professor Sameer Otoom said "Our partnership with Kaplan to provide the live lectures in Bahrain is a testament of the long lasting relationship with Kaplan, and the quality medical education we provide in Bahrain and beyond. This agreement further reinforces the Universitys position as a leader in healthcare education in Bahrain and the region."
RCSI Bahrain Interim President, Professor Sameer Otoom said "Our partnership with Kaplan to provide the live lectures in Bahrain is a testament of the long lasting relationship with Kaplan, and the quality medical education we provide in Bahrain and beyond. This agreement further reinforces the Universitys position as a leader in healthcare education in Bahrain and the region."
Kaplan lecturers from the United States will spend 8 weeks in RCSI Bahrain teaching the programme from mid-June to mid-August, with courses being delivered five days a week.
As the world leader in test prep, Kaplan Test Prep annually prepares hundreds of thousands of students for high-stakes admissions, professional licensing and advanced designation exams.
Registration for the programme is available through the Kaplan website, for medical students and staff from RCSI Bahrain and other institutions within Bahrain and the region.
RCSI Bahrain has presented more than BD5000 worth of life saving equipment to the Bahrain Diabetes Society, as part of the Societys Insulin Pump Programme. The presentation was held at RCSI Bahrain in the presence of Lt General Dr Shaikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Alkhalifa, Minister of State for Defence Affairs.
The BD5000 was raised last November when an RCSI Bahrain team of 11 sea kayakers completed a tough endurance challenge by paddling around Bahrain in just three days.
The money raised during this charity challenge has been used to purchase two insulin pumps which when attached to an individual can continuously administer insulin to type 1 Diabetes patients. Two Bahraini children and their parents, who will use the pumps, attended the presentation ceremony.
The Paddle Bahrain challenge, which was organised by the RCSI Bahrain Community Engagement office, was undertaken for the benefit of the Bahrain Diabetes Society. The aim of the challenge was to raise funds and increase public awareness of the risk factors associated with developing Type II diabetes.
Paddle Bahrain and RCSI Bahrain lecturer, Dr Declan Gaynor said "We are delighted that two young children are getting a chance to have a better way of life thanks to modern medical technology and the efforts of everyone involved in Paddle Bahrain."
Around 30 members of Durrat Al-Riffa Senior Social Club visited RCSI Bahrain on 31st March 2014 . The visit started with a lecture by Dr Fryad Henari on the importance of walking and its effects on health. It was followed by a campus tour, where the guests were taken to the main campus facilities.
The visitors expressed their admiration of the RCSI campus and the great services provided through the University. The president of Durrat Al-Riffa Senior Social Club presented the Community Engagement Office with a certificate of appreciation.
RCSI Bahrain is to enter into collaboration with the National Taiwan University College of Medicine. A delegation from RCSI Bahrain met with senior officials from the University in Taiwan. The agreement will see collaboration between the two institutions on student and staff exchanges, internship opportunities and research projects.
RCSI Bahrain President, Professor Sameer Otoom, said "the National University of Taiwan has a long history of health education, and the agreement between our institutions will provide RCSI Bahrain with great opportunities, particularly in respect of clinical electives, internship and Research."
The National Taiwan University was ranked in the top 51st to 60th Place in the Times Higher Education World University 2013 Rankings. The University consists of 6 schools, 5 departments, 13 graduate institutes and laboratories as well as a 2500 bed university hospital and a cancer research centre.
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.
RCSI Bahrain has announced a $700,000 investment in its sports facilities which will include the construction of a FIFA approved all-weather soccer pitch. The investment will also be used to renovate the existing sports building on the University campus which already houses a basketball court and gyms.
RCSI Bahrain Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Harrison Mirfield said that "the funding is an investment in the future success of RCSI Bahrain which celebrates its 10th anniversary in Bahrain later this year".
Medical Student, Anthony Habib said students were delighted with the announcement adding that "the students will now have a place where they can go and relax and workout, something a medical student is always in need off after a long day in lectures and at the hospital."
More than 60 students have taken part in a two-day Science Fair at RCSI Bahrain. Dressed in miniature RCSI Bahrain lab coats, the students from Riffa Views International School and Al Mahd Day boarding school carried out science experiments using lava lamps, invisible ink, colour changing milk, disappearing water and magic balloon experiments.
The Community Engagement initiative was organised by lecturers Dr Aneta Hayes and Dr Edwina Brennan with the assistance of University students.
Dr 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."
Science teacher with Al Mahd Day boarding school, Ms. Prajila Rineesh said "the children really enjoyed doing the experiments and it gave them great confidence in carrying out scientific experiments".
A Nursing Society in RCSI Bahrain has launched a website which will provide valuable information to professional nurses working in the different health care facilities in Bahrain. The Ruffaida Honor Nursing Society website will provide useful information and share knowledge and expertise between and among professional nursing groups.
The President of the Rufaida Honor Society, Dr Catherine O Neill said "we hope that our members will find it a useful professional resource in connecting with other scholars and researchers globally so that we can grow a virtual professional community."
The website can be access at http://ruffaidahonorysociety.com/
RCSI Bahrain recently hosted a meeting for Esterad Investment Company BSC, The Palm Association and students sponsored by Esterads Medical Sponsorship Programme. Over the past 6 years, Esterad Investment Company has financed the education of 4 Master of Nursing Graduates, 3 Nursing Graduates and currently 6 Students of Medicine; the first of whom will graduate this year. This educational programme is being micromanaged by The Palm Association on behalf of Esterad Investment Company BSC.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Abdurahman Jamsheer ,Deputy Chairman of Esterad Investment Company BSC, Mr Khalid Taqi, Board Director Esterad Investment Company BSC, Mr Faisal Janahi ,CEO of Esterad Investment Company BSC , Abdulsamad Zaman, Chief Operating Officer of Esterad and and Mr Stephen Harisson-Merfield, Chief Operating Officer of RCSI Bahrain. The founder of The Palm Association, Ms Jennifer Sale was accompanied by Vice-Chairman of The Palm Association, Mrs Karen Tennant, RCSI Liaison Officer, Mrs Lorraine Kennedy and Corporate Communications Officer, Mrs Maria Sorger.
In 2009, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, Esterad Investment Company wanted to change the life of one individual which would impact on their families and friends in a positive way and would consequently be of direct benefit to Bahraini society as a whole. Mr Janahi approached The Palm Association to help them to manage this educational programme on behalf of Esterad Investment Company BSC.
Wishing the students all the best in the future Mr Abdulrahman said, "We sincerely hope that our modest contribution has helped you to achieve your personal aspirations which, Inshallah, through your work and caring for others will help you bring happiness to others in this country and elsewhere."
Mrs. Jennifer Sale, Founder of The Palm Association congratulated the students on their academic achievements and expressed their appreciation to Esterad Investment Company BSC for their benevolence. Moreover, Mr.Faisal Janahi expressed his desire that others are able to draw inspiration for the success of the sponsorship programme and follow suit.
Esterad will see its first student of Medicine graduate at the RCSI Bahrains annual conferring ceremony on June 16th.
The Ministry of Education in conjunction with the Community Engagement Office in RCSI Bahrain has announced a competition to raise health awareness issues among secondary school students. Under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Majid bin Ali Al- Nuaimi, Minister of Education in Bahrain, the Health Awareness Awards competition is open to years 11 and 12 students from government schools. The students are being asked to design a poster and include a short description about a significant health issue using local, regional and international websites and brochures for ideas.
The posters will be judged by a panel from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and staff and students from RCSI Bahrain. The top three winners will be announced during an awards ceremony at the end of this month.
RCSI Bahrains Professor Sameer Otoom said "the University is delighted to be involved in this exciting competition, which will give teenagers an opportunity to learn about and enhance their knowledge of important health issues in Bahrain."
A groundbreaking ceremony has taken place in RCSI Bahrain as work gets underway on the construction of an all-weather floodlit artificial grass pitch which is part of a $700,000 investment in sports facilities at the University.
Gulf Fencing & Specialist Surfacing EST WLL has been awarded the contract for the project. With more than 37 years of experience in Bahrain, Gulf Fencing was selected based on their high standard of products, vast experience in addition to quality assurance being certified to ISO 9001. The FIFA Preferred Producer, EDEL Grass will be incorporated, with the 3G artificial grass currently on order from the Netherlands.
The design of the Pitch Project includes numerous components for maximum safety, functionality, cost-effectiveness, aesthetic beauty and reliability. At full size, the 45m wide by 95m long pitch meets FIFA size requirements. In addition, clear markings will be incorporated within the artificial grass itself in order to subdivide the full pitch into smaller sections, facilitating simultaneous 11, 9 and 5 a side games. The floodlit pitch with drainage facilities will ensure maximum usability regardless of weather conditions throughout the year.
The artificial grass pitch has been designed in a way for multisport ability. Through the design of removable goals, it will facilitate a range of different sports, such as touch rugby and Gaelic football.
The Pitch Project will be completed by early September.
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Under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Majed Bin Ali Al-Noaimi, Minister of Education, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain held the Health Awareness Awards Ceremony at its campus in Busaiteen. Professor Riyadh Hamzah, Higher Education Councils Secretary General, attended the ceremony on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
The Health Awareness competition was organized by the Universitys community engagement office in partnership with the Ministry of Education, whereby 28 students from various secondary schools participated with paintings reflecting major health issues in the kingdom of Bahrain. The paintings were evaluated by a judging panel which included members of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and RCSI Bahrain.
During the ceremony, Professor Riyadh Hamzah presented the winners with their awards. Student Fatima Al-Abbasi from Al Hoora Secondary Girls School came in first place, followed by Zahraa Sayed Asaad from Saar Girls School, Ebaa Mamdooh Ali from Jidhafs Secondary Girls School who came in third place.
On behalf of RCSI Bahrain, Professor Sameer Otoom paid tribute to the Ministry of Education and the Higher Education Council (HEC) for coming on board for this important initiative. He acknowledged the significant and palpable improvements in the relationship between all higher education institutions in Bahrain and the HEC at operational and strategic levels. He also congratulated HEC on the completion of the first national strategy for higher education and the nations first strategy for research. He said, "We welcome this 10-year strategy where one of its key objectives is to see the private sector become a creative and innovative force in higher education. In addition the strategies will create competition through accreditation and should encourage greater industry collaboration through joint research and where curriculums and teaching methods are modernized.
The goal the whole sector is working towards is to produce a knowledge based economy, where skilled graduates make a contribution to the economy and society. The strategy does not only partner with higher education institutions but also with all relevant stakeholders with an interest in higher education and will provide the catalyst for change and improvement in the sector."
Professor Otoom also thanked Julie Sprakel and Kawthar Al Gallaf from the community engagement office for organizing this event.
Director of the RCSI Bahrain Undergraduate Nursing Programme, Ms. Eman Tawash said "the competition was a great opportunity for high school students to express the health concerns in Bahrain and present their ideas on drawing. The work of students was very creative and reflected their awareness of the common health problems in Bahrain."
More than 200 graduate students and academic staff from RCSI Bahrain and the College of Health Sciences in the University of Bahrain have attended a Nursing Careers Day.
The event, which was organised by the RCSI Bahrain Ruifaida Honor Nursing Society, focussed on the theme of "Starting Your Professional Career: Challenges and Opportunities" and offered advice on the issues being faced by graduating nursing students.
President of the Rufaida Honor Nursing Society, Dr Catherine ONeill said that "it was an auspicious occasion as it was the first time that students from RCSI shared an educational event with students and faculty from the College of Health Science, University of Bahrain, and it was another step towards achieving full Sigma Theta Tau Chapter formation in RCSI Bahrain."
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between RCSI Bahrain and the Bahrain Defence Force Royal Medical Services who will provide Life Support course at the University.
Bahrain Defence Force Royal Medical Services is an international Training Centre who sponsors life support classes in the Kingdom of Bahrain. RCSI Bahrain is a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. The University offers courses in medicine, nursing and postgraduate studies.
The Life Support courses will be run twice a year, during the summer and at the end of the year and will be of three days in duration.
RCSI Bahrain President, Professor Sameer Otoom said that "the agreement adds to the many areas of collaboration between RCSI Bahrain and BDF Hospital and reflects the longstanding relationship between the two organisations."
