The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain reaffirmed its commitment to widening access to medical education and supporting the development of Bahrain's future healthcare workforce during a meeting with His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, scholarship recipients and their families.

The meeting was attended by Professor Cathal Kelly, Vice Chancellor and CEO/Registrar of RCSI Dublin, and Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, along with members of the University's senior leadership and Student Council.

During the meeting, Professor Declan Gaynor, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Academic Director of Admissions, presented an overview of the competitive and prestigious ‘His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa’ scholarship programme and the recipients' academic progress, which has supported seven students since its establishment in 2019.

He highlighted the scholarship recipients’ collective academic achievements in research, including publications, scientific conference presentations and awards in areas such as cardiovascular medicine, diabetes and public health. Their contributions also extend to student leadership, peer mentoring and health awareness initiatives, alongside more than 150 hours of community engagement and volunteering.

Five recipients, Ms Bushra Hasan (Medicine Year 5), Mr Ahmed Alaraibi and Mr Ahmed Ali Shaker Mahdi (Medicine Year 4), Ms Hoor Shaker (Medicine Year 2) and Mr Nayef Sharif (Foundation Year), shared their experiences and aspirations with His Excellency and their families.

His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa commented: “Investing in the education of talented Bahraini students is an investment in the future of our nation’s healthcare sector. Through such scholarships, we seek to nurture the next generation of medical professionals and equip them with the knowledge and skills to meet evolving healthcare needs. Supporting their development is vital to building a skilled and sustainable national healthcare workforce and ensuring the continued advancement of healthcare services in the Kingdom.”

Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, commented: "We extend our sincere appreciation to His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa for his continued support and encouragement of our students. Through our scholarships and partnerships, we aim to reduce financial barriers to medical education and create opportunities for Bahraini youth to fulfil their career aspiration."

Through its scholarship initiatives and strategic partnerships, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain has extended financial support to more than 1,500 students over the past eight years, widening access to medical education and nurturing Bahrain’s future healthcare workforce.