
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain Expands Research and Clinical Training Partnerships with Leading Academic and Healthcare Institutions in Thailand
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.
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Biz Bahrain
4 days ago
- Biz Bahrain
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain Expands Research and Clinical Training Partnerships with Leading Academic and Healthcare Institutions in Thailand
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.


Daily Tribune
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RCSI Medical University of Bahrain and Bahrain Trust Foundation partners
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.'


Biz Bahrain
26-05-2025
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RCSI Medical University of Bahrain and Bahrain Trust Foundation Explore Community Service Collaboration Opportunities
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.