Beirut Arab University Celebrates the Commencement of the Tenth Class of Specialized Physicians

The Faculty of Medicine at Beirut Arab University celebrated  the graduation of the “Tenth Class” of the Specialized Medicine amounting to 66 students who have completed the necessary professional training courses in various medical specialties. The ceremony was held at Beirut campus on the 5th of June, 2014 , and was attended by the Director of Preventive Medicine at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Asaad Khoury, representing HE Minister of Health Wael Abou Faour; Dr. Abdel Amir Fadlallah, representing the Head of the Lebanese Order of Physicians Prof. Antoine Boustani; Colonel Omar Mohamad Al Khalafawi, The Chief of the Military Communication Office representing the Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon, Prof. Dr. Amr Galal El Adawi, President of BAU, Prof. Dr. Essam Osman, BAU Vice-President for Medical Sciences, Mr. Issam Houri, BAU Secretary General, Mr. Toufic Houri, Head of the “Waqf el Bir wal Ihsan” Society, Prof. Naglaa Mashaal, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, in addition to the Deans of Faculties, Staff-Members, University Administrators, the parents of the graduates, representatives of the following Hospitals: Hammoud, Makassed, Sahel, Dar Al Ajaza Al Islamia , Rafic Hariri University, Zahraa University, and Saida Governmental Hospital.

After the Graduate’s procession, the ceremony commenced with the Lebanese National Anthem and the BAU Anthem. Then Mr. Abdel Amir Fadlallah gave a speech in which he highlighted the difficult conditions witnessed by the medical profession in Lebanon, and called for a serious study to be conducted on the needs of the job-market, taking the geographical distribution into consideration. He advised the graduates to serve the patients and elevate the profession.

In his word, Prof. Dr. Amr Galal El Adawi pointed out the tangible achievements made by the Faculty of Medicine in terms of quality assurance in medical education while keeping abreast with the rapid developments witnessed by the world in the field. This is achieved by adopting up-to-date methods in developing curricula, interactive learning, and continuous assessment in accordance with international criteria. El Adawi also highlighted that the Faculty of Medicine is activating the educational and tutorial role in specialized programs, as part of the close cooperation between the work team at the Faculty and the hospitals. The Faculty has also established a new criterion for the graduation of the specialized physicians based upon the submission of a distinguished research during the years of their work at the hospital. This enhances students’ research level and strengthens the cooperation between the University and the hospitals in terms of scientific research. 

In her turn, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Naglaa Mashaal reiterated the efforts exerted towards establishing a comprehensive strategy towards developing scientific research in the various medical fields. She also pointed out that the University has approached specialized international bodies to attain international accreditation of the undergraduate programs of medicine and surgery. The Faculty is also seeking to exchange expertise with the faculties of medicine in various outstanding universities in the world. 

This was followed by speeches delivered by the representatives of participating hospitals. Dr. Said Mekkawi, representing Hammoud Hospital, spoke of the launching of the European Board Exam in the General Surgery in Lebanon, with efforts towards introducing other surgical specialties as well. Dr. Nabil Daoud, representing Makassed Hospital, considered the development of the educational and training programs at BAU to be the proof that the people in charge at the University are on the right track, and will ensure the continuity of its outstanding academic level.

Dr. Walid Alamah, representing Sahel Hospital, called upon the graduating physicians to be grateful to their University, which has paved the way for them to assume the highest medical and scientific posts in Lebanon and the world. The Director of Dar Al Ajaza Al Islamiah, Mr. Azzam Houry, described BAU as the driving denominator that brings the hospitals together. Dr. Faisal Shatila, representative of the Beirut Governmental Hospital, advised the graduates to be keen on making sacrifices towards the treatment of needy patients. 

Dr. Mostafa Khalifa, representing Zahraa University Hospital, called upon the graduates to abide by their oath and create a conscientious institution. Dr. Ali Abdel Jawad, representing Saida Governmental Hospital, stated that the most wonderful thing about the medical profession is that one deals with people who work from their heart and compete to serve and protect the patients. 

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to the graduating students.