The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain welcomed over 100 Alumni and guests to its annual reunion in Bahrain in March, during which the recipients of the University’s 2025 Inspiring Excellence Awards were honoured.

The annual Alumni gathering provided a valuable opportunity for Alumni to reconnect and share professional and personal updates since graduating. The event was led by the senior Alumni Ambassador representing Bahrain, Dr Zainab Toorani (Class of 2016), alongside Mr Husain Al Asfoor (Nursing Class of 2021) and members of the University’s Alumni Office.  

As an esteemed RCSI Alumnus, Professor Naji Alamuddin, Associate Professor in Medicine and Deputy Head of School of Medicine at RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, was honoured to deliver the keynote address and announce the three winners of the 2025 Inspiring Excellence Awards.  

Professor Alamuddin stated, “I extend my sincere congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Inspiring Excellence Award, who are worthy recipients of this recognition. As a proud member of the RCSI community, I am delighted that our alumni continue to carry the values of the University of clinical excellence, leadership, and service to others in their professions in Bahrain and around the world. Their commitment to their patients and communities is inspiring, and we at RCSI Medical University of Bahrain look forward to their continued success." 

Ms Lolwa Almuqla (BSc in Nursing Class of 2014, MSc in Nursing Class of 2022), an Occupational Health Nurse in Bahrain’s aviation industry, received the 2025 Inspiring Excellence Award in recognition of her exemplary contributions as both a nursing practitioner and educator. In her acknowledgement speech, Ms Almuqla expressed her gratitude and shared insights on nursing education, emphasising the importance of leveraging early clinical experiences to shape professional identity and build the confidence necessary for future success. 

Honoured for their leadership and outstanding professional and research achievements, Dr Rola Husain (Class of 2011), Diagnostic and Interventional Musculoskeletal Radiology Consultant, Governmental Hospitals in Bahrain, and Head of Radiology Department, Tarmeem Orthopaedics and Spine Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi (UAE), and Dr Yahya Ahmed Adnan Alwatari (Class of 2015), Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellow, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (USA) were awarded the 2025 Inspiring Excellence Awards in absentia. 

In recorded messages, Dr Alwatari and Dr Husain expressed their appreciation for receiving the accolade. Dr Alwatari reflected on how early access to research opportunities significantly influenced his approach to evidence-based patient care and highlighted the University's invaluable role in fostering his keenness for social service, lifelong learning, and professional growth. While Dr Rola advised graduating students entering the workforce to prioritise continuous learning, develop strong professional networks and be receptive to feedback. 

The Inspiring Excellence Award is presented annually as part of the RCSI Medical University of Bahrain’s commitment to nurturing outstanding healthcare professionals, advancing global health, and inspiring current students to pursue excellence in their chosen fields.