Abdullah Al-Salem University Welcomes First Batch of Medical and Health Sciences Students as Academic Year 2026/2027 Begins
Abdullah Al-Salem University welcomed the first batch of Medical Doctor program students, an ambitious step to build medical expertise in collaboration with King's College London.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Kuwait City, 20 Sept (KUNA) -- The College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Abdullah Al-Salem University welcomed its first cohort of students today, Sunday, marking the launch of the 2026/2027 academic year. Fifty-four male and female students began the six-year “Doctor of Medicine (MD)” program, which awards an MD degree from Abdullah Al-Salem University. The curriculum 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.
University President Dr. Mona Al-Ahmad expressed pride in welcoming the first cohort of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, stating 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-Ahmad advised the students, “At the start of this journey, 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. The path of knowledge is long, and 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 to guide the students, 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 Doctor of Medicine program.” Dr. Khader noted 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 are entering a modern college established with a clear goal: to prepare future physicians capable of keeping pace with rapid developments in medical sciences, technology, and artificial intelligence, while simultaneously treating patients as human beings with needs, emotions, and rights.
Dr. Khader explained that the college operates under a modern, integrated curriculum developed in collaboration with King’s College London, linking basic medical sciences with clinical sciences and emphasizing active learning, problem-solving, teamwork, and lifelong learning. The aim is not only to graduate successful students but to develop distinguished physicians, researchers, and leaders in healthcare.
He emphasized that the first cohort are partners in building the college, and their achievements, behavior, and discipline will shape the image 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 situations, 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 exam to ensure a high level of English proficiency.
The six-year program is divided into three stages. Teaching combines lectures, small-group seminars, case-based learning, and professional communication training from the first weeks, while the digital health and future of healthcare component spans the entire duration of the program. (End) A.S.A.
