Nursing and Midwifery 20th Anniversary Conference
In 2026, the School of Nursing and Midwifery, under the leadership of Professor Kathryn Strachan, celebrates its 20th anniversary. This milestone reflects two decades of excellence in nursing education, clinical practice, research, and the advancement of healthcare services across the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Over the past two decades, the School has made significant contributions to nursing workforce development, clinical practice, healthcare policy, education, and research, supporting the Kingdom of Bahrain's healthcare priorities and Vision 2030.
Strengthening Nursing Practice and the Healthcare System
Since its establishment, the School has been committed to advancing nursing education and clinical training while creating sustainable career pathways for future generations of Bahraini nurses and healthcare professionals..
For many students, nursing education at RCSI Medical University of Bahrain has provided a recognised qualification and a career pathway in healthcare and patient care, as well as community health, occupational health or higher education. With healthcare in constant demand, the School has contributed significantly to building a sustainable national workforce that aligns with Bahrain’s national healthcare priorities.
Today, the School's graduates serve in leadership, policy, clinical, and academic roles across Bahrain's healthcare sector, contributing to innovation, decision-making, and the continued advancement of healthcare services.
The Nursing and Midwifery 20th Anniversary Conference will take place in Bahrain on 31 March 2027.
The theme of this year’s conference is:
“20 Years of Excellence and Innovation in Nursing Education: Celebrating the School of Nursing and Midwifery Legacy and Shaping the Future”.
Keynote Speaker
We are honoured to welcome Professor Emily McWhirter PhD, RN, as the keynote speaker for the Nursing and Midwifery 20th Anniversary Conference.
Professor Emily McWhirter is an internationally recognised nursing leader, healthcare strategist and leadership expert with more than 35 years' experience spanning clinical practice, executive leadership, academia, health policy and global health.
She is a Board Member of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and a Visiting Professor of Nursing (Global Nursing Leadership) at Anglia Ruskin University, UK. Emily has held senior executive roles across the NHS and has advised governments, health systems and international organisations on nursing leadership, workforce development, healthcare transformation and policy.
Emily has worked extensively with the World Health Organization, leading global initiatives to strengthen nursing leadership and workforce capability, and has supported healthcare organisations across Europe, the Middle East and beyond to develop sustainable leadership, improve organisational performance and strengthen health systems. She is also a member of the teaching faculty for the International Emergency Department Leadership Institute, affiliated with Harvard Medical School.
A passionate advocate for the nursing profession, Emily is recognised for her expertise in leadership development, strategic workforce planning, governance and health system transformation. Through her consultancy, research and international collaborations, she continues to influence policy and support the development of future nurse leaders worldwide.
Conference Sub Themes
- Clinical Partnership Excellence and Workforce Readiness
- Research, Evidence, and Policy Impact in Nursing
- Leadership, Faculty Development, and Professional Well-Being
- Innovation in Digital, AI, and Technology-Enhanced Learning
- Transforming Nursing Curriculum for Future Healthcare Priorities
Call for Abstracts
We welcome submissions of abstracts related to original research, systematic reviews, case studies, clinical audits, quality improvement projects, evidence-based practice initiatives, change management projects, and concept analyses. Abstracts should correspond with the conference main and sub-themes.
Abstract structure
- Word count: 150-200 words
- Abstract should have the following main headings: Study title, Background, Aim/objectives, Methods, Findings, and Implications/Recommendations
- Key words: 3 to 6
Submission details
- Submit the abstract here
- Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 August 2026
- Notification of Outcome: 15 September 2026
Looking Ahead: Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future
The success of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at RCSI Medical University of Bahrain over the past 20 years has been built on strong partnerships with healthcare institutions, government bodies, regulatory authorities, and international collaborators. These stakeholders have been instrumental in supporting the delivery of academic programmes, shaping clinical training, and providing global engagement in relation to evolving healthcare needs.
This milestone provides an opportunity to celebrate collective achievement while reflecting on the transformative role of nursing education in advancing healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, research, and professional practice. While recognising past accomplishments, the conference will also explore the opportunities and challenges that will shape the future of nursing.
As healthcare continues to evolve in response to global health challenges, technological advancement, sustainability, and changing workforce needs, the School remains committed to advancing dialogue, research, innovation, and leadership that will shape the future of nursing education and clinical practice.