RCSI Medical University of Bahrain celebrates global alumni impact through Alumni Awards 2026
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) - Medical University of Bahrain has announced the recipients of its Alumni Awards 2026, recognising graduates whose achievements are making a significant impact across healthcare, education, research and community engagement in Bahrain and internationally.
Launched in its new format this year, the Alumni Awards recognise nine graduates across four categories: Inspiring Excellence, Educator of the Year, Researcher of the Year, and Community Impact and Philanthropy, celebrating alumni who continue to embody the University’s values through leadership, innovation and service while advancing healthcare systems, medical education, scientific research and community wellbeing.
Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, commented: “These awards recognise alumni who are excelling in their professions and making a meaningful impact within their communities and healthcare systems. We are proud to celebrate graduates who continue to reflect the values of RCSI through leadership, compassion, innovation and service. Their achievements reflect the growing global impact of our alumni network and serve as an inspiration to our students, alumni community and future healthcare professionals.”
The Inspiring Excellence Award recognises graduates who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in clinical care or healthcare leadership. The 2026 recipients are:
- Dr Majid Altunaiji (Class of 2011), Consultant Paediatric Pulmonologist and Sleep Physician and Head of Paediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Units at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, UAE
- Dr Aysha Almoosa (Class of 2012), Consultant Dermatologist and Head of Dermatology Department at Government Hospitals, Bahrain
- Mr Aiman Alsaho (Class of 2017 BSc Nursing; Class of 2024 MSc Nursing), Nursing Shift Supervisor at Royal Medical Services – King Hamad University Hospital, Bahrain
The Educator of the Year Award recognises alumni who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to teaching and healthcare education. The 2026 recipients are:
- Dr Tareq Awad (Class of 2012), Consultant Radiologist at Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain
- Ms Ria Falamarzi (Class of 2014), Training Coordinator and Simulation Educator at Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research – Bahrain Defence Force Royal Medical Services, Bahrain
The Researcher of the Year Award recognises graduates whose academic and scientific contributions are advancing medical knowledge and healthcare innovation. The 2026 recipients are:
- Dr Yusuf Alalwan (Class of 2015), Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist and Heart Failure Director at Indiana University Ball Memorial Hospital, USA
- Dr Mohammed Alazzawi (Class of 2013), Specialist Registrar in General Surgery at RCSI, Ireland
The Community Impact and Philanthropy Award recognises alumni who have demonstrated a strong commitment to volunteerism, public health awareness and social responsibility. The 2026 recipients are:
- Dr Maryam Almustapha (Class of 2018), Physician and Public Health Advocate at Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, Nigeria
- Ms Maha Albalooshi (Class of 2019), Palliative and Pain Nurse at Bahrain Oncology Center, Bahrain
This year’s recipients reflect the global footprint of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain alumni, with graduates contributing to healthcare and education across Bahrain, the UAE, Ireland, the United States and Nigeria through clinical leadership, medical education, research and community engagement initiatives. Recipients were selected through a rigorous nomination and review process led by the Alumni Awards Committee, with nominations submitted by alumni, faculty and staff.
Alongside the Alumni Awards, the University also recognised Dr Ayah Khalaf (Class of 2025), Intern at Salmaniya Medical Complex, as the recipient of the 2026 Intern Award. The award recognises interns who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, teamwork and clinical performance throughout their placements, with selection based on a comprehensive Multi-Source Feedback evaluation involving consultants, residents and colleagues, and assessments reviewed by the University’s Quality Enhancement Office. Today, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain’s global alumni network includes more than 3,800 graduates. Through its Careers and Alumni Office, the University continues to support alumni through professional development opportunities, guidance and lifelong engagement initiatives.
About RCSI Medical University of Bahrain
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain is a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), which was established in Dublin, Ireland, in 1784. RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, an independent private university, opened its doors to a cohort of 28 medical students in 2004. Today, the purpose-built campus is home to a student body of more than 1,600 across the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery and Postgraduate Studies and Research. It is a not-for-profit health sciences institution focused on education, research and community engagement to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.rcsi.com/bahrain
