The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) and the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) in Sudan entered into an educational, research and cultural relationship by signing a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Khartoum, Sudan on May 23, 2015.
The agreement was signed by RCSI Bahrains President, Professor Sameer Otoom and UMSTs President, Professor Hassan M Ahmed. It aims to enhance the educational experience of senior students and graduates of both Universities.
The two organizations will work together in research endeavors to facilitate good will and friendship between the two countries through programmes of study exchange and cooperation in teaching.
UMST will offer five RCSI Bahrain graduates each year the opportunity to undertake an internship training program at a UMST affiliated hospital - approved by the Sudan Ministry of Health.
The 12 month "housemanship" will provide an educationally sound experience for the new doctors in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes together with personal development.
The exchange students will be expected to conduct collaborative research projects, lectures and organize conferences. The MoU also agrees to an exchange of academic information and materials.
RCSI Bahrains President Prof Otoom referred to the joint venture as a longstanding "triangular relationship, further strengthened". "We are very pleased to collaborate with UMST to cement relations, RCSI Bahrain prides itself on only forging links with high quality universities with a high quality profile," he added.
RCSI Bahrain currently works with a number of respected and renowned colleges and universities in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Far East.
Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University, Professor Joe McMenamin emphasized the Universitys focus on the wider community and investing in education. "We aim to develop healthcare leaders who make a difference worldwide," Prof McMenamin said.
Both the RCSI Bahrain President and UMSTs Chairman of the board of Trustees, Professor Mamoun M A Homeida underlined the need for joint medical research that meets a high standard.
"Research is key, a University cannot stand alone - it needs experience and collaboration," said Prof Homeida.
The initiative will enable interns to identify, analyze and manage clinical problems in order to provide efficient, cost-effective and humane patient care worldwide.