The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) has signed up to be a contributor to a new online platform for diabetes in Bahrain.

Diabetes.bh is the brainchild of a Bahraini youth group which is dedicated to increasing diabetes awareness and prevention, in line with the Internationals Diabetes Federations goals, and is using the website as an online education tool for the community in Bahrain, as well as a collaborative space for different stakeholders and related issues, from blindness to climate change. A not-for-profit initiative, it is the first online education and community portal for diabetes in Bahrain.

Today RCSI Bahrain signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the creators of diabetes.bh, which will see RCSI Bahrain provide content, data, information, news, photos and research about diabetes on to the platform.
Interim President of RCSI Bahrain, Professor Sameer Otoom said that "The ultimate goal of diabetes.bh is to make it the go to guide for people affected by diabetes in Bahrain and RCSI Bahrain is delighted to be able to contribute in whatever way it can as diabetes is fast becoming a significant health issue in Bahrain".

Diabetologist and Head of School of Postgraduate Studies & Research, RCSI Bahrain, Professor Whitford said that "many countries have established websites on diabetes that provide individuals with diabetes and their families information on diabetes. The establishment of such a website for Bahrain is very welcome and I am sure it will be heavily utilized."
Tariq Al-Olaimy, co-founder of 3BL Associates and co-creator of diabetes.bh, said that "RSCI Bahrain already has a wealth of diabetes research, projects and initiatives, and the experience they bring to Diabetes.bh is invaluable. We hope that through our partnership, we can better help people manage their diabetes effectively by providing information, advice and support, as well as assist those at risk of diabetes in leading healthier life styles."

In addition, Hisham Shehabi, co-creator of diabetes.bh commented on the open source nature of the initiative "With each additional partner, the value of the platform is increased for Bahrains community. Having a strong partner like RCSI Bahrain from the outset helps ensure that the integrity and quality of the website is maintained. We hope to attract more potential partners and contributors."

Paddle Bahrain, which is under the patronage of Dr Shaikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, will take place between the 7th and 9th of November 2013.

Paddle Bahrain will see a team of open sea kayakers from RCSI Bahrain and Amwaj Marina Surfski Club attempt to paddle around Bahrain, a total distance of over 165 km, in three days.

During the Beach Fever event the organizers of Paddle Bahrain shared information about their challenge with spectators and received support from some of their sponsors, Renault, Zurich and Nexus who were also present.

The Paddle Bahrain challenge is being undertaken for the benefit of the Bahrain Diabetes Society. The aim of Paddle Bahrain is to raise funds and increase public awareness of the risk factors associated with developing Type II diabetes. Over the next 6 months, Paddle Bahrain along with their sponsors and partners will be working together to get the message of the Bahrain Diabetes Society out to everyone in Bahrain, Move with Us.

Dr. Declan Gaynor from RCSI Bahrain and a member of the Paddle Bahrain team explained Type II diabetes is a serious disease which is very common in Bahrain and the region. Everyone can reduce their risk of developing Type II diabetes by undertaking regular exercise. We want to spread the word that there are many ways to exercise, kayak paddling, as well as many other water sports, is a great way to exercise and have fun.

Paddle Bahrain wish to acknowledge the support of their gold sponsors Renault and the silver sponsors; Nexus Zurich, Alba, House of Uniforms and Skate Shack who are making the three day challenge in November and 6 month public awareness campaign possible. Paddle Bahrain is also receiving support from the Royal Bahrain Naval Force, the Bahrain Maritime Sports Association, Durrat Al Bahrain and Amwaj Marina.

For more information and the chance to follow the Paddle Bahrain crew as they prepare for their challenge, visit Paddle Bahrain on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PaddleBahrain

Dressed in miniature RCSI Bahrain lab coats, a total of 53 students from years 5 and 6 from Nadeen School supported the science fair over two days in which 20 undergraduate medical students captured the minds of the children through science experiments. The RCSI Bahrain Students demonstrated a range of experiments which included using a lava lamp, invisible ink, colour changing milk, disappearing water and magic balloon experiments.

The event organisers, Ms Aneta Hayes (English Language Lecturer) and Ms Edwina Brennan (MCP Science Lecturer)said that "This fun and challenging activity not only increased the childrens interest in science, but gave the RCSI Bahrain students an opportunity to engage with the community in Bahrain. The childrens unwavering interest and determination was infectious and the dressing up of the demonstrators as mad scientists in wigs and glasses was a big hit".

The Science Fair is part of the Foundation Year elective programme at RCSI Bahrain.
Six other elective presentations are due to take place on the 2rd of May.

Just two minutes’ walk from reception, the three coloured bins are located next to the Student Recreation Centre.

The bins are colour coded. Cans/metal/glass can go into red bin. Plastic can go in the yellow bin and paper/cardboard can be recycled in the blue bin.

For every ton collected, Universe Environment will donate 15 BD to local charities.

Please feel free to bring your newspapers, magazines and cans and tins from home to support this project. The glass can be placed in the red bin, as it is sorted out once collected by the company.

The University’s restaurant, Fish Express will also be supporting this initiative, and we hope to encourage students to do the same.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland celebrated the graduation of 36 students from the Healthcare Assistant Foundation Course at the Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) campus on Sunday, 12th May, 2013. Honored Guests included Ms Amal Al - Kooheji, Tamkeen Acting Vice-President for Human Capital Development and Afnan Al - Saleh, Tamkeen Human Capital Development.

The Healthcare Assistant Programme provides individuals with knowledge and skills to function safely and effectively in the support of professionals delivering high quality patient care. The eight weeks foundation course is the first step in a defined career path, was developed by RCSI Bahrain and King Hamad University Hospital and funded by Tamkeen. Professor Charles Docherty, Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery stated, "RCSI Bahrain has developed induction and preparatory programmes for non-professional staff such as healthcare assistants, who are vital to all healthcare facilities. The Healthcare Assistant Foundation course can be one of the first steps that students begin their healthcare career with. The healthcare assistant role and contributions are highly significant to the healthcare team members, patients, organization and the overall society."

As well as this course being the first step on a career path, it has provided guaranteed job opportunities for the programmes graduates. Graduate Sara Baluchi said "We are so excited about the potentials that await us. Doors will be opened in areas where we didnt know they existed. Our Kingdom and the healthcare organization are expecting our sincere contributions and we will enjoy delivering the care, and hopefully we will gain the confidence of being expert Healthcare Assistants."

Ms. Dukers responsibilities include overseeing the Associations Education Recognition Program and the Associations National Center for Information and Community Support, which is accessible by phone or email to all people with diabetes seeking diabetes information. She has spent the last 18 years of her career in various roles in diabetes care and education, including in-patient and out-patient diabetes education, diabetes outcomes management, diabetes program management and performance improvement coordination.

Ms Duker was accompanied by Dr. Mariam Almulla, Vice President of Bahrain Diabetes Society, Ms. Aimee Stoian, Health Policy Advisor - US Embassy, and Ms. Hind Abdulla Yousif, Programme Management Specialist - US Embassy.

With their extensive backgrounds in education and clinical programmes, Bahrain Diabetes Society and RCSI Bahrain were able to showcase their collaborative project, which sees the pediatric mobile unit visit primary schools to raise awareness about Type 2 diabetes. This collaborative effort addresses both the Governments 2030 Framework (Al Manamah Document) to tackle non communicable diseases, of which diabetes is one, and the Universities Strategic Plan in terms of Community Engagement.

During her visit to RCSI Bahrain, Ms Duker met with Professor Sameer Otoom, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Professor Joe McMenamin, Head of School of Medicine, Professor Charles Doherty, Head of School of Nursing, Professor David Whitford, Head of School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, Dr. Jean Hughes, Associate Director of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ghufran Jassim, a Lecturer in General Practice, and Ms Julie Sprakle and Ms Danah Smith who are overseeing the operation of the Diabetes Mobile Unit.

During the visit, Ms Duker expressed her gratitude for RCSI Bahrains efforts towards operating the Diabetes Mobile Unit. She said that she was very impressed with the Universitys role in research and enhancing healthcare services in Bahrain and the Region

Ms. Dukers responsibilities include overseeing the Associations Education Recognition Program and the Associations National Center for Information and Community Support, which is accessible by phone or email to all people with diabetes seeking diabetes information. She has spent the last 18 years of her career in various roles in diabetes care and education, including in-patient and out-patient diabetes education, diabetes outcomes management, diabetes program management and performance improvement coordination.

Ms Duker was accompanied by Dr. Mariam Almulla, Vice President of Bahrain Diabetes Society, Ms. Aimee Stoian, Health Policy Advisor - US Embassy, and Ms. Hind Abdulla Yousif, Programme Management Specialist - US Embassy.

With their extensive backgrounds in education and clinical programmes, Bahrain Diabetes Society and RCSI Bahrain were able to showcase their collaborative project, which sees the pediatric mobile unit visit primary schools to raise awareness about Type 2 diabetes. This collaborative effort addresses both the Governments 2030 Framework (Al Manamah Document) to tackle non communicable diseases, of which diabetes is one, and the Universities Strategic Plan in terms of Community Engagement.

During her visit to RCSI Bahrain, Ms Duker met with Professor Sameer Otoom, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Professor Joe McMenamin, Head of School of Medicine, Professor Charles Doherty, Head of School of Nursing, Professor David Whitford, Head of School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, Dr. Jean Hughes, Associate Director of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ghufran Jassim, a Lecturer in General Practice, and Ms Julie Sprakle and Ms Danah Smith who are overseeing the operation of the Diabetes Mobile Unit.

During the visit, Ms Duker expressed her gratitude for RCSI Bahrains efforts towards operating the Diabetes Mobile Unit. She said that she was very impressed with the Universitys role in research and enhancing healthcare services in Bahrain and the Region

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) on the invitation of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has constructed a series of Master classes to improve the skills and knowledge of their Clinical Nurse Trainers. Three days of teaching have been completed this week in Riyadh, by Professor Charles Docherty, Catherine Abou-Zaid and Orla Merrigan from RCSI Bahrain.

35 participants from around the Kingdom completed the programme and received their certificates. Next week a similar 3-day event will take place in Jeddah, this time Professor Docherty will be joined by faculty from RCSI Dublin.

This project demonstrates the strength of a combined collaborative effort between nursing schools across RCSI, and represents the initial steps towards developing a more substantial relationship between RCSI and KSA Ministry of Health, focusing on improving the clinical skills of registered nurses.

Collaborations between RCSI Dublin and RCSI Bahrain have been sought over the years and are beginning to bear fruit. “The SODIS project in RCSI Bahrain” was presented by Professor Kevin Mc Guigan. The Solar Disinfection of Water project will commence this year in RCSI Bahrain under the supervision of Dr Michael Keogh, and will build on this successful area of research that has continued in RCSI Dublin for 20 years.

Presenters at this event included faculty, students and PhD candidates, covering topics such as Sickle Cell Disease and Diabetes, Quality of life of Bahraini Women with Breast Cancer, Nursing as a Career choice in Bahrain, and Using Formative Assessment to stimulate Reflection in academically weak First Year Undergraduate Medical Students.

During his visit Professor Stallings met with colleagues at KHUH, BDF and AGU and also with SBI Pharma to discuss research interests and collaborations.

Many thanks to the Medical Research Society for their assistance at this event.

RCSI Bahrain’s medical programme was recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education in October 2011.

The delegation met with senior management and administrative staff at RCSI Bahrain
followed by a tour of the campus and the University’s main teaching hospital, the King Hamad University Hospital. The delegation also met with Kuwaiti medical students at different levels of their studies.

Staff and students from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) have taken part in the annual Rotary Club of Sulmaniya Raft Race, which has raised over BD 34,000 for charity.

Supported by the Rotary Club of Sulmaniya the Raft Race took place at Al Bander Hotel & Resort. The funds for the event were raised through sponsorship and team contributions. The 34,000BD raised will be directed to the Rotary Clubs "Healthy Kids for a Healthy Future" project, which promotes active and healthy lifestyles.

The RCSI Bahrain team was made up of both staff and students. The team Captain was Ismail Al Awadhi. He was joined by Ahmed Al Mousawi, Ali Mohammed, Prof. Martin Corbally, Omar Al Mitwalli, Dr. Angela Brunstein, Mary-Kate Corbally, Stephanie Hsu and Mehrunissa Kaiser.

Speaking on behalf of the team Ismail Al Awadhi said, "It was a great day out, with bigger crowds than last year. At the end of the day, it was a fun event for a great cause". The RCSI Bahrain team was sponsored by the Universitys Community Engagement Office

Participants from Bahrain included delegations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Economic Development Board, Tamkeen and Bahrain Ports. The trip had the support of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Two Universities from Bahrains higher education sector were invited to attend the event, RCSI Bahrain and Ahlia University.

The aim of the event was to emphasize the role of the private sector in the overall economic strategy of the Kingdom of Bahrain and to showcase investment opportunities in Bahrain by organising a trade fair and presentations by a few of the participants.

Representatives from the private sector in Kuwait, business people, industrialists, investors and bankers were invited to attend the event.

The Friends of Environment Society in RCSI Bahrain planted over 100 trees during a ceremony on April 4th. President of the Society, Isa Al-Alwani was joined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor Sameer Otoom, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Mary Alexander, Dr Fryad Henari, students and staff at the event near the entrance to the University.

Over 100 Thevetia Peruviana, Nerium Oleander and Hibiscus Tiliaceus trees were planted following an appeal by the Society to staff and students last December to help in purchasing, planting and caring for a tree, which will be identified by the donors name on a plaque for generations to see.

Speaking at the event, the President of Friends of the Environment Society, Isa Al-Alwani
said the tree planting ceremony is part of our noble goals and futuristic ambitions to keep our college and neighborhood greener. It is a great opportunity to say thank you to our environment, our country, our earth.

As we have said in previous statements, RCSI is committed to peace and reconciliation in Bahrain through our role as educators. Our colleagues in RCSI Bahrain have been engaging for some time with Medecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to organise a conference on "Medical ethics and dilemmas in situations of political discord or violence". Such a conference would bring together healthcare professionals from all political and religious backgrounds to start a dialogue on the role and the serious professional dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals in areas of conflict, around the world.

RCSI Bahrain hoped to facilitate the conference. For it to be a success, it needed to include a wide range of stakeholders, professional bodies, Governmental and Non-governmental organisations. Our President in Bahrain, Professor Tom Collins, has been centrally involved in planning this conference.
We are pleased, that at a political level, efforts at dialogue are on-going. The view locally was that the timing was not right for the planned conference and therefore it has been deferred.

RCSI is saddened by Professor Collins decision to resign. Professor Collins has been President of RCSI Bahrain since 2011. Professor Collins had been considering his position in Bahrain for some time and with the delay in the advancement of the conference has decided that now is the right
time for him to step down. With the support of all of our stakeholders in Bahrain, the University in Bahrain has gone from strength to strength. RCSI Bahrain has successfully developed new programmes, increased student numbers and developed key capital projects which have improved the campus and facilities for our students and staff. Professor Collins has been a great colleague who has worked hard and achieved much in Bahrain. We are pleased to confirm, that with his agreement, Professor Collins will remain in post to allow an effective transition for the continued success of the University. We are extremely grateful to him for all for he has done for RCSI and wish him every success in the future.

As an international organisation it is critical that RCSI helps build bridges rather than contribute to greater fracturing. We do this by being non-partisan and non-aligned. Our students in RCSI Bahrain come from all ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. We believe that the future for Bahrain has to be one of dialogue and reconciliation. Our own national story tells us that this will not be resolved quickly. We will continue to contribute to Bahrain through our focus on education.

For further information contact:
Adrian Lydon
Head of Communications
RCSI Bahrain
+973 173 51450 Ext. 2425 / + 973 395 70877
alydon@rcsi-mub.com

The first agreement is for a comprehensive collaboration for clinical research and education between RCSI Bahrain and Kochi University. The agreement was signed on behalf of RCSI Bahrain by Professor Sameer Otoom, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dr Hiroshi Wakiguchi, President Kochi University

The second agreement will see collaboration in research between RCSI Bahrain and Tokyo Institute of Technology. This agreement was signed by Professor David Whitford, Head of RCSI Bahrains School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, and Dr Mitsui Sekine, Director, Tokyo Institute of Technology.

The final agreement will see Tokyo based, SBI Pharmaceuticals and RCSI Bahrain conduct joint clinical studies in Bahrain.

SBI Pharmaceuticals is currently preparing to start a clinical study on diabetes by using 5-ALA, at four locations in Bahrain including RCSI Bahrain. Another study will involve the use of 5-ALA in the photodynamic diagnosis of colorectal cancer which will be in collaboration with RCSI Bahrain and King Hamad University Hospital.

The agreement was signed by Professor David Whitford, Head of RCSI Bahrains School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, and Mr Satofumi Kawata, Chief Operations Officer, SBI Pharmaceuticals.

Professor David Whitford said "the signing of these agreements between RCSI Bahrain, SBI Pharmaceutical and two Japanese Universities is a key step forward in the establishment of medical research in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In addition, the establishment of these agreements paves the way for further involvement of SBI Pharmaceuticals in Bahrain and should lead to greater ties between Bahraini and Japanese medical research establishments".

Professor Sameer Otoom said "we are keen to see these Memorandums of Understanding develop into concrete research in the Kingdom of Bahrain and it is clear this is about to happen, particularly in research into the effects of 5-ALA, a SBI Pharmaceutical product, in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers and the treatment of diabetes. It was an honour to be able to participate in this process in the presence of His Royal Highness, Prince Salman and the Prime Minister of Japan".

The programme was instigated by the school through Ms Hogg (IKNS Physical Education Department Head) as the school wanted to prepare and address healthcare issues that may arise as they transition from high school to adults, many of whom will be travelling overseas for university education. The on campus event, one of four supported by RCSI Bahrain saw 18 Yr 12 students attend an hour and a half cooking lesson courteous of Fish Express, the on campus restaurant. The restaurant also supported the students with a quick healthy recipe guide so they are aware of the basics, including food hygiene.

The International student body supported by the Youth Health and Sports Programme at RCSI Bahrain spoke with the students about what to expect when studying aboard, answering questions about what was important for them and elaborating on their experiences. A series of physical exercises completed the half day event. In the coming weeks other training sessions will take place in the school itself and will address other important issues that both Ms Hogg and the school felt important to focus on.

The sports day included several activities through which 5 staff teams competed against 5 student teams. The day was full of amusing moments, where members of staff tried to keep up with their full of energy student opponents. The audience had a great time watching the competitions on different sections; tug of war, basketball hoop shooting, obstacle race, egg and spoon race and a sack race. The event hall also included a section for face painting and a henna station, as well as a food court.

The contests resulted in a staff team and a student team winning. The winning student team included Codabux Mohammed Faez, Ali Ayaz, Hanaa Butt, Nawal Tariq, Mohammed Reefy, Arwa Al Awadhi and Stephanie. The winning staff team included Ismaeel Alawadhi, Rachel Towers, Sireen Alaradi, Erfaneh Naghieh, Donna Murphy and Anastazia Salinaz.

A number of staff members and students were very creative in dressing up for the event in order to win the "Best Dressed" competition. Among all the leprechaun outfits and green and orange themed costumes, the one that stood out the most was Alberto Quintos combination of a Bahraini traditional thoub painted in green. The very innovative idea won Alberto the best dressed competition. Catherine Abou Zaid also won a prize for her beautiful green outfit.

The day concluded with a football game between staff and students, which ended with the students winning by 3 to 1.

Professor Seamus Cowman whose nursing career spans almost 40 years is the first Professor of Nursing at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). He has been instrumental in setting up the School of Nursing & Midwifery in RCSI- Bahrain.
Following Professor Cowmans presentation, an expert panel discussion took place. The panel consisted of Dr. Fatima A.Wahid Ahmed, Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Fairouz AlHourani, Director of Nursing at King Hamad University Hospital, Major Amal Shehab, Head of Continuing Medical Education (CME) & Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at the BDF Hospital. The panel was led by Professor Charles Docherty, Head of School of Nursing at RCSI Bahrain.
Attendees of the event were given a chance to learn more about the Sigma That Tau International and the current Ruffaida Honorary Society. Nursing Staff from all Bahrains hospitals presented the majority of this events guest list.

For the third year the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) football teams supported Kick for a Cause. The six a side football, one day tournament is the major fundraising event for the Rotary Club of Manama (RCM), with funds being directed towards children with diabetes, more specifically the diabetes mobile unit in which RCSI Bahrain operates in conjunction with the Bahrain Diabetes Society (BDS).
The tournament saw a total of 300 players consisting of: 30 mens teams and ten womans teams from a variety of universities, schools, expatriate clubs and companies. A total of BD 23,500 was raised for this community project. Speaking on behalf of the football teams, Mr. Scott Frankum RCSI Bahrain Sports Co-Ordinator said, Both RCSI Bahrain teams showed promise. We appreciate being able to participate in this event, which is such a good cause.

Notes: This is one of many external events that RCSI Bahrain participates in as part of their continued Community Engagement strategy.
For further information please contact: communityengagement@rcsi-mub.com

The Island Tour is a programme organized by the AWA, on which they visit some of the prominent institutions around the Kingdom. RCSI Bahrain has been chosen for being one of the leading medical universities in the region.

The Visit commenced with a meeting with Professor Sameer Otoom, Vice President of Academic Affairs, RCSI Bahrain, and Professor Joe McMenamin, Head of School of Medicine, RCSI Bahrain. The Professors introduced the University and its programmes to the members of AWA, and allocated time to answer the guests questions. The ladies expressed their appreciation of the valuable information provided through this meeting; they thanked Professor Otoom and Professor McMenamin and presented them with a shield of appreciation to RCSI Bahrain.

The ladies were taken on a tour of campus which included a visit to the Universitys Simulation Lab, where they attended a demonstration of a childs birth. The tour also included a visit to the Learning Resource Center, where RCSI Bahrains Professor Robin OSullivan introduced the ladies to the RCSI Bahrains Coat of Arms and the meanings behind each of its components through a very interesting presentation.

At the end of the visit, the AWA members expressed their admiration of the facilities and high quality Educational and Health Care Services provided by RCSI Bahrain. They especially appreciated RCSI Bahrains focus on Community Engagement, which is one of the pillars of the Universitys new strategic plan.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) held its third annual Winter Ball at the Radisson Blus Alfanar Ballroom on Thursday 21st February. The Ice and Fire themed event brought together around 250 students and staff members, all dressed in ball gowns, suits and tuxedos reflecting the theme.

The event included sketches by students of the Ballare School of Performance Arts, who performed two dances inspired by the Balls theme, a raffle with great prizes, some musical talents done by the students, and an international buffet.

The Winter Ball is one of many events organized by the Student Services office of RCSI Bahrain, which aims to create a student centered environment where students get to enjoy social activities apart from the classes/lectures environment

After the success of Research Skills Series I (RSS I), the Medical Research Society (MRS) in a very active collaboration with the Research Office held its second event on Saturday February 16th. RSS II attracted more than 75 medical and nursing students and had as its aim to raise awareness of the broad field of research and how it can be applied, not only in the clinical arena but in the community and also how it might influence policy and change. By providing workshops that enrich students with essential research skills, the event was filled with learning and take home messages.

Using the title of Making the familiar stranger, igniting the curiosity inside you! as a backdrop, Ms. Maeve Royston, the newly appointed Research Manager to RCSI Bahrain provided an overview of the event with emphasis on the importance of thinking outside the box and recognizing that research opportunities present themselves in all sorts of different ways. Students were encouraged to enjoy the introductory talks and apply the new ideas when attending the research skills workshops in order to get the best out of the day.

After the welcome address by Ali Abdulnabi Mohamed - MRS President, the event got off to a great start with a talk from Professor Joe McMenamin, Head of our Medical School sharing his experience with the audience where, as a young doctor, he described his first real exposure to research, when he modestly suggested, to his senior colleagues as an onlooker is it not the elevating blood pressure that is causing the hemorrhage?. This straightforward question led to a publication in the New England Journal of Medicine and the rest is history!

Professor McMenamin then presented the challenges of something very familiar i.e. teaching when his RCSI Bahrain students were no longer able to get to college; how would he get them through the curriculum? He upskilled and learned to use Camtasia and delivered his lectures online to students across the globe and from there the online case studies were born. This talk highlighted the fact that faculty should write about an intervention that came about as a result of challenges that need to be remedied.
His talk was followed by a presentation given by Dr. Khalifa Elmusharaf about research carried out in South Sudan at a time post-conflict. Dr Khalifa highlighted the challenges of conducting research in a population where illiteracy was common place. He also told the audience that in times of conflict, doing research involves building trust. It also involved teaching a relevant group (poor women) a new set of skills to obtain important data and introduce an educational intervention for women in the Region. The program Women Deliver continues to be successful and this was demonstrated in an inspirational video.

Ms. Maeve Royston showed a documentary about the challenges that Florence Nightingale, the founder of Nursing, faced when sent to care for the soldiers during the Crimean War. In order to demonstrate that the troops were dying of hospital acquired infections as opposed to in battle, Florence Nightingale presented her statistical findings in a diagram called the Rose Diagram. Such a pictorial presentation of her findings was a powerful way to influence the British Government of the time to introduce proper sanitation and hygiene programs for its troops in battle. Infection control in hospitals that we are familiar with today had its origins at this time. Such innovation in the 1800s is still referred to today among statisticians.

After the coffee break there were three workshops:

1- Developing your Research Question; by Prof. David Whitford
2- Data Analysis and Statistical Programs, by Dr. Khalifa Elmusharaf
3- Scientific Writing for Publication and Presentation Skills by Dr. Fiza Doubell.
At the plenary session, MRS executives awarded the lecturers with certificates of appreciation. Students in the other hand were awarded with certificates of attendance.

MRS is a new society in RCSI-Bahrain and has undertaken new responsibilities after the workshop. It held its first AGM (annual general meeting) after and will continue to support research activity by supporting RCSI-Bahrain students to conduct research, forging links with faculty the Research office and other students, and will work toward developing research in Bahrain and the region.

took place over the weekend, with a total of 40 children aged between 4 to 14 years old. The camp, held at the Qalali Youth Hostel, Muharraq included a three day intensive awareness and educational programme guided by the volunteers and healthcare professionals affiliated with Bahrain Diabetes Society.
For two days the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) School of Nursing and Midwifery Nursing Three (N3) mobile unit volunteers supported the camps programme with activities about effective control of diabetes. Using the diabetes mobile unit as a backdrop the children learnt in small groups via the Lilly Conversation Map about How diabetes works & Healthy eating and being active. This was followed by educational games created by the Universitys students and staff, that included snakes and syringes, the rainbow game and science lab. Speaking on behalf of the Community Engagement Office, Ms Julie Sprakel noted, We are incredible proud of the RCSI Bahrain volunteers, and the feedback from the children was positive. The N3 nurses have grown as a team of professional and confident healthcare professionals and the University appreciates the opportunity to collaborate on such rewarding programmes.
Shuooq camp for children with diabetes is an annual event hosted by the Bahrain Diabetes Society (BDS). Approximately 50 to 60 children who are newly diagnosed with Type I diabetes from Bahrain and the GCC countries participate in the event. RCSI Bahrain has been supporting the camp for the last three years with the support of undergraduate nursing and medical students. The 14th Shurooq Camp 2013 will be the first time that RCSI Bahrain takes the lead in the education and awareness games for the programme sessions via the pediatric mobile unit, with the aim to improve awareness for effective control of diabetes and prevention of its complications.
For further pictures follow us on Instagram @RCSIBAHRAIN or view the Mobile Units hashtag #rcsibhmobileunit

Through a four day agenda, Mr. Farrell conducted a number of sessions and seminars for RCSI Bahrain staff and students. First on the agenda, was a belt testing session during which 4 members of the MUB Tigers went from White to Yellow belts, and 4 other members went from Yellow to Orange belts. The agenda also included a Tae Kwon Do seminar and a motivational staff session. Mr. Farrell explained the aims behind TKD and spoke to the audience about achieving goals Mentally, Physically & Spiritually. Staff members were very impressed by the presentation and by the following illustrations of simple self defence techniques. The programme concluded with an exceptional Tae Kwon Do class led by Mr. Farrell.
The seminar was a great opportunity for RCSI Bahrain members to learn and gain knowledge of Tae Kwon Do through an expert such as Mr. Farrell. Professor Martin Corbally extended his appreciation to Mr. Farrell for his efforts during the visit. Mr. Farrell in return thanked Professor Corbally and RCSI Bahrain for the invitation and the chance to teach TKD in a different environment.

At the end of the event, Ms. Tosin Arowojolu, AWA President and Ms. Janice Freeman, AWA Vice President thanked Dr. Ghufran on behalf of the AWA and presented her with a bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation.
This event is one of many to come, in which RCSI Bahrain and the AWA cooperate together. The next joint event will be AWAs visit to RCSI Bahrains campus, scheduled by the end of February 2013.