The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) - Medical University of Bahrain welcomed a delegation from the Bahrain Trust Foundation, led by Her Excellency Dr Fatima Al Balooshi, Chairperson, and Dr Faten Al Moayyed, Vice President, to explore potential collaborations in community engagement initiatives.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks by Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, followed by discussions involving Professor Alfred Nicholson, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Head of School of Medicine, and Professor Kathryn Strachan, Head of School of Nursing & Midwifery and Community Engagement Pillar Lead, alongside attending heads of departments.

Potential collaborative initiatives in student volunteering and health awareness programmes were discussed, including women's wellbeing, with the involvement of Professor Ghufran Jassim, Head of Department and Associate Professor of Family Medicine. 

The delegation also explored opportunities for collaboration with Operation Child Life (OCL), an Irish charity that delivers critical medical and surgical care to newborns and children in developing countries, particularly through International Community Engagement trips.

Her Excellency Dr Al Balooshi expressed her enthusiasm for the potential collaboration, stating: "The Bahrain Trust Foundation is dedicated to fostering community development and improving the lives of individuals both locally and internationally. We believe that a partnership with RCSI Medical University of Bahrain will support in amplifying our impact, and we look forward to our collaboration to address critical societal needs."

Professor Otoom emphasised the University's unwavering commitment to community engagement, stating: "In line with our ethos, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain has embedded social responsibility and community engagement as a cornerstone of our education experience. The collaboration with the Bahrain Trust Foundation would provide a valuable avenue for our students to volunteer, enhance their University experience and expand our outreach to the communities we serve.”

The prospect of this collaboration underscores a shared strategic vision to value social responsibility, strengthen community outreach, and enhance the overall well-being of communities in Bahrain and abroad through impactful and sustainable initiatives.