Abdullah Al-Salem University welcomes first batch of medical and health sciences students

- 54 students begin the enhanced “Doctor of Medicine” program in collaboration with King’s College London

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 commenced, with 54 students starting the six-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

The program awards an MD degree from Abdullah Al-Salem University, 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 students, adding that the college represents an ambitious step toward building an educational system that contributes to preparing medical professionals capable of keeping pace with the rapid advancements in medical sciences and technologies, and of serving society while enhancing human health and quality of life.

Dr. Al-Ahmed advised the students, “At the beginning 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 Almighty to grant the students success 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 at the university, Dr. Aaid Khader, welcomed the new students, describing the day as “a historic moment for the college, as they are the first cohort to have the honor of launching the university’s Doctor of Medicine 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 trustworthiness.”

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 decision 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 the physician of the future, capable of keeping pace with the rapid advancements in medical sciences, technology, and artificial intelligence, while simultaneously treating the patient as a human being with needs, emotions, and rights.

He noted that the college operates according to 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 lifelong learning. He explained that the objective is not merely to graduate successful students, but to prepare outstanding physicians, researchers, and leaders in healthcare.

He emphasized that the first cohort of students 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 hoped for the day when the university would celebrate their graduation as outstanding physicians whom the State of Kuwait would proudly claim.

The first cohort of students was selected through multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) conducted in collaboration with King’s College London. These interviews 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 test, to ensure a high level of English proficiency.

The program spans six years, divided into three stages. Teaching combines lectures, small-group seminars, and case-based learning, with professionalism and communication skills introduced from the earliest weeks. The focus on digital health and the future of healthcare runs throughout the duration of the program.