Under the patronage and in the presence of the President of Abdullah Al Salem University  Professor Mona Sulaiman Al-Ahmad, the University organized an orientation session on Sunday, September 13, 2026, for newly admitted students of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, who represent the College’s first cohort. The session was attended by University officials and a number of academic and teaching staff members.

The orientation session holds particular significance as it coincides with the beginning of the College’s first academic year, with the inaugural cohort embarking on its educational journey and marking a new chapter in the history of Abdullah Al Salem University.

In her welcoming remarks, University President Professor Mona Sulaiman Al-Ahmad expressed her pleasure in meeting the newly admitted students. She emphasized that the University is celebrating a significant milestone with the opening of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences and the launch of its academic, scientific, and humanitarian mission. She extended her sincere congratulations to the University community, academic and teaching staff, and students on this occasion.

Prof. Al-Ahmad added that the College represents an ambitious step toward building an educational system that contributes to preparing highly qualified medical professionals capable of keeping pace with rapid developments in medical sciences and technologies, serving the community, and advancing human health and quality of life.

She further stated that the opening of the College represents an important milestone in the University’s academic journey, a valuable addition to its colleges and academic programs, and a new step toward expanding educational and specialization opportunities while strengthening the University’s contribution to meeting the needs of society and the labor market.

At the beginning of this journey, she advised students to recognize that success in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences is achieved not through intelligence alone, but through patience, discipline, perseverance, effective time management, the ability to work as part of a team, and respect for professors and fellow students. She stressed that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey and that a true physician remains a lifelong learner.

Concluding her remarks, she expressed her hope that the College would become a home for knowledge, a platform for excellence, and a space for research and discovery. She wished the students success throughout their journey and expressed her aspiration for the College to become a distinguished academic institution.

For his part, Acting Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Professor Adel Khader Ayed, welcomed the newly admitted students and described the occasion as a historic moment for the College, as they are the first cohort to have the honor of embarking on the Doctor of Medicine program at Abdullah Al Salem University. He emphasized that they have chosen one of the noblest humanitarian professions—a profession that extends beyond science and knowledge and is fundamentally rooted in humanity, compassion, responsibility, and integrity.

Prof. Ayed added that an outstanding physician is not merely someone who possesses knowledge, but someone who applies that knowledge in the service of patients and society and demonstrates the ability to listen, empathize, and make the right decisions at the appropriate time. He noted that the students are not joining a traditional medical program, but rather a modern College established with a clear objective: to prepare the doctor of the future, capable of keeping pace with rapid developments in medical sciences, technology, and artificial intelligence, while also treating each patient as a human being with individual needs, feelings, and rights.

Prof. Ayed explained that the College follows a modern, integrated curriculum developed in collaboration with King’s College London. The curriculum connects basic medical sciences with clinical sciences and 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 distinguished physicians, researchers, and leaders in healthcare.

Concluding his remarks, Prof. Ayed emphasized that the students of the inaugural cohort are partners in building the College and that their achievements, conduct, and discipline will contribute to shaping the reputation of the College in the years ahead. He wished them an academic journey filled with success and excellence and expressed his hope for the day when the University celebrates their graduation as distinguished physicians in whom the State of Kuwait can take pride.

The orientation session also included a presentation by the Director of the Doctor of Medicine Program, Dr. Dana Al-Tarrah, who provided an overview of the academic program. The Deanship of Student Affairs delivered a presentation highlighting student activities, clubs, and student support services. In addition, the Informatics and Digitalization Sector presented an overview of the University’s digital services available to newly admitted students throughout their academic journey.

It is worth noting that the 2026/2027 academic year will commence on Sunday, September 20, 2026, for students across all University colleges. The University will also continue organizing a series of orientation sessions from September 14 to 16, 2026, for newly admitted students across its various colleges.