54 Students Launch First Cohort at Abdullah Al-Salem University's Faculty of Medicine

The College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Abdullah Al-Salem University welcomed its first cohort of students today, Sunday, as the 2026/2027 academic year began, with 54 male and female students starting the six-year “Doctor of Medicine (MD)” program.

The program awards an MD degree from Abdullah Al-Salem University and was developed in academic partnership with King’s College London, with a focus on mental health alongside physical health, prevention, technology integration, and quality improvement.

In a statement, University President Dr. Mona Al-Ahmed expressed pride in welcoming the first cohort of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, adding that the college represents an ambitious step toward building an educational system that prepares medical professionals capable of keeping pace with the rapid advancements in medical sciences and technologies, contributing to community service, and enhancing human health and quality of life.

Dr. Al-Ahmed advised the students, at the start of this journey, to recognize that success in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences is achieved through patience, discipline, perseverance, time management, and the ability to work in teams. She emphasized that the path of knowledge is long and that a true physician remains a lifelong learner.

She expressed hope that the college would become a home for knowledge, a field for excellence, and a space for research and discovery, praying to God Almighty to guide the students in their journey, bless their knowledge and efforts, and establish the college as a towering scientific institution.

For his part, Acting Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr. Aaid Khader, welcomed the new students, describing the day as a “historic moment” for the college, as they are the first cohort to launch the university’s MD program.

Dr. Khader stated in a similar remark that these students have chosen one of the noblest human professions, which is not limited to knowledge and learning but is fundamentally rooted in humanity, compassion, responsibility, and integrity.

He added that an outstanding physician is not merely one who possesses knowledge, but one who applies it to serve patients and society, excels in listening and empathy, and makes the right decisions at the right time.

He clarified that students are not joining a traditional medical program but rather a modern college that, since its inception, has set a clear goal: to prepare future physicians capable of keeping pace with the rapid advancements in medical sciences, technology, and artificial intelligence, while simultaneously treating patients as human beings with needs, emotions, and rights.

He noted that the college operates under a modern, integrated curriculum developed in collaboration with King’s College London, which links basic medical sciences with clinical sciences and is based on active learning, problem-solving, teamwork, and continuous learning. He explained that the objective is not merely to graduate successful students, but to prepare distinguished physicians, researchers, and leaders in healthcare.

He affirmed that the first cohort are partners in building the college, and that their achievements, behavior, and discipline will form part of the foundation upon which the college’s reputation is built in the coming years. He wished them an academic journey filled with success and excellence, and looked forward to the day when the university would celebrate their graduation as distinguished physicians whom the State of Kuwait would proudly claim.

The first cohort was selected through Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) conducted in collaboration with King’s College London, which assess applicants’ critical thinking, communication skills, and ability to handle ethical and professional scenarios, alongside their academic records. The college also requires applicants to achieve a minimum score of 6.5 in each of the four sections of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) to ensure a high level of English proficiency.

It is worth noting that the study spans six years, divided into three phases, with instruction combining lectures, small-group seminars, case-based learning, and professional and communication skills training from the earliest weeks. The focus on digital health and the future of healthcare runs throughout the duration of the program.