Abdullah Al-Salem University organizes the orientation meeting for the first batch of Medical and Health Sciences students

- Mona Al-Ahmad: Opening the college is an ambitious step toward preparing medical competencies - Aaid Khader: Students are partners in building the college... and their achievements will form part of its reputation

Abdullah Al-Salem University organized the orientation meeting for new students at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, under the patronage and presence of University President Prof. Dr. Mona Sulaiman Al-Ahmad. The attendees represent the first cohort of the college, in the presence of university leadership and several members of the academic and teaching staff. The meeting holds special significance as it coincides with the launch of the college’s first academic year, marking the beginning of the first cohort’s educational journey and adding a new chapter to the history of Abdullah Al-Salem University.

In her welcome address, Prof. Dr. Al-Ahmad emphasized that the university celebrates a cherished occasion: the opening of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences and the commencement of its academic, scientific, and humanitarian journey. She extended heartfelt congratulations to the university community, the academic and teaching staff, and the students on this occasion. She added 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 contributing to community service and enhancing human health and quality of life.

Academic Journey

She further noted that the opening of the college constitutes an important milestone in the university’s academic journey, a qualitative addition to the system of colleges and programs, and a new step toward expanding educational fields and specializations, while strengthening the university’s contribution to meeting societal and labor market needs.

Prof. Dr. Mona Sulaiman Al-Ahmad advised the students at the outset of this journey to recognize that success in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences is not achieved through intelligence alone, but through patience, discipline, perseverance, time management, the ability to work in teams, and respect for professors and peers. She stressed that the path of knowledge is long, and that a true physician remains a lifelong learner.

In conclusion of her speech, she expressed her hope that this college would become a home for knowledge, a field for excellence, and a space for research and discovery. She prayed to God to grant the students success in their journey, bless their knowledge and efforts, and make this college a towering scientific institution.

For his part, Acting Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Aaid Khader Aaid 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 with the Doctor of Medicine program at Abdullah Al-Salem University. He affirmed that they 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.

Keeping Pace with Development

Prof. Dr. Aaid 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 noted 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 developments in medical sciences, technology, and artificial intelligence, while simultaneously treating the patient as a human being with needs, emotions, and rights.

Prof. Dr. Aaid explained that the college operates according to a modern, integrated curriculum developed in collaboration with King’s College London, linking basic medical sciences with clinical sciences. It is based on active learning, problem-solving, teamwork, and continuous learning. He clarified that the objective is not merely to graduate successful students, but to prepare outstanding physicians, researchers, and leaders in the field of healthcare.

In conclusion, he emphasized 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 hoped for the day when the university would celebrate their graduation as outstanding physicians, whom the State of Kuwait would proudly claim.

Informatics and Digitalization

The meeting also featured a visual presentation by Dr. Dana Al-Tarrah, Director of the Doctor of Medicine Program, outlining the academic program’s features. Additionally, the Student Affairs Office presented information on student activities, clubs, and support services. A visual presentation by the Informatics and Digitalization Sector was also delivered to introduce new students to the digital services provided by the university, which will accompany them throughout their academic journey.