The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) mourned last week the loss of Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jim Dornan. Professor Dornan was a valued member of the RCSI Bahrain family and a pioneer of both clinical and academic developments in the fields of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Professor Dornan joined RCSI Bahrain in March 2020 as Professor and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology with more than 40 years of experience. Before joining RCSI Bahrain, Professor Dornan was based in Northern Ireland and held the post of Career Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Royal Maternity Hospital Belfast, Chair of Health and Life Sciences at the Ulster University, past chair and Head of Fetal Medicine at Queens University in Belfast and former Senior Vice President of the Royal College of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (RCOG), where he established the International Office. As a consultant in the National Health Service (NHS) from 1986-2012, Professor Dornan was also the Clinical Director of the Royal Maternity Hospital, Head of Perinatal Medicine Department. Professor Dornan’s contributions and legacy to the academic community exceeded 170 peer reviewed publications and was actively researching the use of ultrasound in antenatal care and effects of total pregnancy exposure to Folic Acid.

President of RCSI Bahrain, Professor Sameer Otoom commented: “Everyone at RCSI Bahrain is truly saddened by the upsetting loss of Professor Jim Dornan. Although only one year had passed since he joined RCSI Bahrain, Professor Dornan was revered and admired by faculty, staff and students for his vast knowledge and expertise as well as vibrant and energetic character. Professor Dornan was a visionary and had made immense contributions to enhance the students’ learning journey and emphasized the importance of student research. Professor Dornan’s professionalism, energy and enthusiasm for teaching is inspirational to us all at the University. My sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues and students.”

RCSI Bahrain held a virtual memorial service for in mourning of Professor Jim Dornan, for members of the RCSI community to share their memories and stories.