Latest news with #MedicalUniversityofBahrain
Biz Bahrain
12-05-2025
- Health
- Biz Bahrain
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain Advocates for Increased Colorectal Cancer Awareness
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain organised a public campaign to raise awareness about Colorectal – related to Colon and Rectum- Cancer (CRC) with the support of 150 medical and nursing students. Held in collaboration with the King Hamad University Hospital and the King Hamad American Mission Hospital, this campaign led by Professor Hussain Nasaif, Associate Professor in Nursing and Director of the MSc in Nursing Programme at RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, with the support of the Community Engagement Office, aimed at raising awareness about the early symptoms and risk factors of Colorectal Cancer. As part of this initiative, over 250 individuals who visited both hospitals over the course of four days were demonstrated how CRC develops within the colon by our student volunteers using an inflatable colon model as an effective educational tool. Colorectal – related to Colon and Rectum- Cancer (CRC) continues to pose a significant public health challenge in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with data highlighting the increase in new cases and the need for improved awareness, early detection and preventive measures. According to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Colorectal Cancer emerged in 2022 as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with an incidence rate of 14.8%. Among women, it is the second most common cancer, following breast cancer, with an incidence rate of 8.2%. When compared with figures from the wider West Asia region—9.7% among men and 8.7% among women—CRC appears more prevalent among Bahraini men, while the rate among women remains broadly similar. Negative lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, a diet high in processed foods, fatty food, low fibre diet, and physical inactivity significantly contribute to the risk of developing Colorectal Cancer. Conversely, a balanced diet combined with regular physical activity can lower the risk and improve overall health outcomes. Common symptoms of CRC include blood in the stool, incomplete bowel emptying, lower abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue and anaemia. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to consult their family doctor to review their personal and family medical history and explore available CRC screening options. Regular CRC screening is recommended from the age of 45 for both men and women. Early detection dramatically increases the likelihood of successful treatment and patients' survival rate. Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, commented: 'We are grateful to our partner hospitals for hosting and supporting our Colorectal Cancer awareness initiative. Our collaborative effort in engaging the public and extending the relevant healthcare services is critical in tackling this prevalent disease for the benefit of all people in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Such partnerships strengthen our mission to enhance community health through education, research, and service.' RCSI Medical University of Bahrain remains committed to empowering the public with the knowledge and resources necessary to reduce the impact of Colorectal Cancer, as well as other prevalent diseases and health conditions. By fostering a culture of education, early detection, and prevention, we continue to play an active role in supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities across the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Daily Tribune
02-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Tribune
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain explores collaboration opportunities with Turkish Ambassador
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain welcomed Dr Ayse Hilal Sayan Koytak, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Kingdom of Bahrain, along with Abdulkadir Yaman and Duygu Yagci, Third Secretaries from the Turkish Embassy to its campus. The meeting featured a presentation by Stephen Harrison-Mirfield, Managing Director, which showcased the University's growth and progression within the Kingdom since its inception in 2004. This was followed by a presentation by Professor Stephen Atkin, Head of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, which highlighted the University's oncology research and the potential for collaborative opportunities with hospitals in Türkiye. Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, stated: 'We were delighted to welcome Dr Ayse Hilal Sayan Koytak, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, to our campus to discuss potential collaborative opportunities. We are committed to fostering avenues for student research and overseas electives, ensuring our students gain valuable international experience and preparing them to become well-rounded professionals who excel in their chosen fields.' The ambassador expressed her support for any collaboration efforts and highlighted the opportunity for Turkish students to gain valuable international experience while studying in Bahrain, and further supported plans to establish links with Turkish universities for research and clinical electives.
Daily Tribune
04-03-2025
- Health
- Daily Tribune
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain celebrates UG students' research contributions
Showcasing the commitment of the student body to healthcare research and the vibrant research culture fostered by the University, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – the Medical University of Bahrain recently awarded 14 students for their valuable contribution to medical research. This year, a record number of over 200 students pursued the various avenues available for research at the University, with the award-winning publications rigorously evaluated based on criteria such as journal impact factor, journal quartile rank and the degree of student authorship. Additionally, 42 publications emerged from research projects conducted in the past year, reinforcing the impact of student-led research. Over 20 faculty members of the University, along with eight alumni dedicated their expertise to supporting student research endeavours, highlighting the strong mentorship and collaborative environment fostered at RCSI Medical University of Bahrain. Professor Stephen Atkin, Head of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, stated, 'I extend my congratulations to all winners and my sincere thanks to all students who submitted their research. The quality of research demonstrated by our students this year has been truly exceptional and reflects their hard work, intellectual curiosity and dedication to becoming future healthcare leaders and researchers. I also extend my thanks to Dr Nitya Kumar, Academic Director of Undergraduate Research (Interim) and Senior Lecturer in Public Health and Epidemiology, the academics, researchers, Alumni and external collaborators, who contribute to fostering a supportive environment that enables undergraduate students to undertake impactful research and advance their research skills.' The winners for the 2025 Student Publication Awards included Medicine Year 3 student Renad Alansari, was awarded for her work on the research publication titled, 'Anticancer and antibacterial potential of green synthesized BSA conjugated silver nanoparticles', under the mentorship of Dr Roshan Deen, Lecturer in Chemistry. Senior Cycle 1 student Sara Anjum Niinuma, was awarded for her work on the research publication titled, 'Real world effectiveness of sotrovimab in preventing COVID-19-related hospitalisation or death in patients infected with Omicron BA.2', under the mentorship of Professor Manaf AlQahtani, Part-time Clinical Professor. Senior Cycle 2 student Jenan Jameel Sh. Nasser, was awarded for her work on the research publication titled, 'The Role of MicroRNA, Long Non-Coding RNA and Circular RNA in the Pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Literature Review', under the mentorship of Professor Alexandra Butler, Professor in Pathology. During the year, the University's summer research projects, including the Research Review Competition and international summer research collaborations enabled undergraduate students to contribute to over 70 research studies and supported 15 students with participating in research projects at Keele University (UK), Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (UAE) and St. Michael's Teaching Hospital (Canada), among others. Demonstrating further support, the University awarded its first Open Access Publication Grant, with the aim to facilitate wider dissemination of research led by undergraduate students.
Daily Tribune
20-02-2025
- Health
- Daily Tribune
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain Celebrates Bahrain Sports Day during Health and Sustainability Week
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain celebrates Bahrain Sports Day with staff and students as part of its annual Health and Sustainability Week, a campaign promoting health-conscious and sustainable practices that concludes on February 22nd. As part of Bahrain Sports Day and the University's week-long programme, students and staff take part in a variety of activities, including a fitness challenge, a volleyball tournament, complimentary health checkups in collaboration with KIMS Hospital, a smoothie-tasting competition and environmentally sustainable games and initiatives. For the first time, this year's edition of the campaign integrates the promotion of an active lifestyle and healthy nutrition with environmental sustainability, encouraging students and staff to adopt a more holistic approach to well-being. A dedicated campus-wide campaign recommends taking the stairs -instead of lifts- and to walk or carpool to the University, reducing participants' carbon footprint while improving their physical health. Stephen Harrison-Mirfield, Managing Director, explains: 'Coinciding with Bahrain Sports Day, our Health and Sustainability Week showcases the seamless integration of healthy lifestyles and environmentally responsible choices, reinforcing our collective commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).'
