The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) - Medical University of Bahrain has taken a significant step in advancing its international outlook by formalising a new partnership with the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, as part of its ongoing commitment to expanding international academic and clinical collaboration.

On May 23rd, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, and Clinical Professor Artit Ungkanont, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital. The agreement facilitates our students’ participation in clinical and research electives across a broad range of medical specialities at Ramathibodi Hospital and opens the door to future collaboration in academia, exchange and joint initiatives.

Professor Ungkanont, commented on the agreement: “We believe that through this collaboration, both institutions will grow stronger—by learning from each other, sharing resources and supporting one another in the pursuit of global health equity and the development of future healthcare leaders."This landmark agreement was part of a wider strategic visit to the Kingdom of Thailand, during which the University delegation also held high-level discussions with Associate Professor Dr Taveesin Tanprayoon, Chief Medical Officer, and Ms Artirat Charukitpipat, Chief Executive Officer of Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok. Discussions focused on establishing clinical elective opportunities in cardiology and exploring avenues for collaborative research in key areas such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and genomics.

Commenting on the significance of the partnership, Professor Otoom stated:"The MoU with Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, and our productive discussion with leading healthcare institutions in Thailand represent an important milestone in our mission to provide world-class clinical and research opportunities for our students. These efforts reflect RCSI Medical University of Bahrain’s commitment to academic excellence, global health engagement, and the advancement of medical education through strategic international alliances.

These developments follow the recent visit of His Excellency Sumate Chulajata, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of Bahrain, to the University campus. During that meeting, held earlier in May, the University outlined its intention to strengthen ties with Thai institutions through formal partnerships and mutual engagement.

Further reinforcing this strategic direction, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain participated in the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Congress 2025 in Thailand in April. A group of faculty and students contributed actively to scientific discussions and presented impactful research findings, highlighting the importance of regular ophthalmologic screening for pre-diabetic patients. Their research revealed that signs of diabetic retinopathy may be evident at HbA1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4%, a lower threshold than previously assumed.

As RCSI Medical University of Bahrain continues to strengthen its network of global partners, the University remains focused on enhancing the academic experience and clinical training of its students, while fostering impactful research that addresses global health challenges.