Under the Patronage of the Dean of the College of Medicine, Dr. Bandar Al-Jefn, the Activities of the First Day for Newly Admitted Male and Female Students Commence.
By: Khalid Al-Saad
Photography: Yasser Al-Khudairi
The Dean of the College of Medicine, Dr. Bandar bin Nasser Al-Jefn, attended the activities of the first day for newly admitted male and female students, organized by the College at its campuses for male and female students, with the aim of welcoming them at the start of the new academic year, introducing them to the medical program and their academic journey, the academic and student advising and support system, and the educational and research environment, services, and facilities provided by the College that contribute to preparing them for success and excellence in studying medicine.
Dr. Al-Jefn emphasized that joining the College of Medicine, as the first medical college in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represents the beginning of a new stage in the students’ academic journey. He called on them to make use of the College’s wealth of academic and research expertise, benefit from the available educational and research opportunities, and develop their academic, practical, and research skills. He also stressed the importance of recognizing their future responsibility in serving society and contributing to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
In the male students’ program, the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Professor Dr. Mona bint Mohammed Suleiman, congratulated the newly admitted students on their acceptance into the College and reviewed the College’s vision, mission, and academic program, explaining their alignment with the directions and objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and their aim of preparing competent physicians who demonstrate professionalism and humanity and contribute to scientific research and serving individuals and society. She explained that the academic program implements learning outcomes in accordance with the Saudi Medical Education Directives (SaudiMEDs), which include the scientific approach to practice, patient care, scientific research, professionalism, communication and collaboration, and community-oriented practice. She also reviewed the supporting units and the academic and advisory services they provide, emphasizing the importance of benefiting from the available support system throughout the university journey.
The Head of the Medical Education Department, Professor Dr. Nahla Azzam, delivered a guidance speech to the students, emphasizing that learning medicine is not limited to memorizing information, but is based on understanding, application, and continuous learning. She encouraged them to ask questions, organize their time, take care of their health, cooperate with their colleagues, and remain committed to their goals, emphasizing that the Medical Education Department will continue to support them throughout the various stages of their academic journey.
The Head of the Academic Advising Unit, Dr. Mohammed Al-Jaafar, discussed the role of the unit in supporting students from the beginning of their studies through graduation, calling on them not to hesitate to seek support from the College’s Deanship, its vice deanships, departments, faculty members, and senior students.
In the female students’ program, the Vice Dean for Female Student Affairs, Dr. Hanaa bint Mohammed Al-Bulaihi, welcomed the newly admitted female students at the College’s campus in the Female Student Campus, congratulating them on joining the College and beginning a new stage in their academic journey. She emphasized that studying medicine is a journey that combines learning, experience, and challenge, calling on the students to enjoy learning, uphold the noble ethics befitting the profession, and build their personalities alongside their academic achievement.
Dr. Al-Bulaihi stressed the importance of studying lessons regularly, benefiting from the services and facilities and the academic and student support system provided by the College, and not hesitating to seek help when needed. She pointed out the importance of recognizing the humanitarian value of the medical profession and seeking reward through the pursuit of knowledge and serving others, expressing the College’s aspiration to graduate distinguished female physicians who contribute to serving the nation and society.
Atheerah Al-Sahli delivered the academic advising segment for female students, while the program included a speech by Student Council President Nora Al-Otaibi, and an introduction to student clubs and the first year, presented by Atheer Al-Otaibi.
The male students’ program included a speech by Student Council President Talal Al-Ghadeer, a speech by First Day Leaders Abdulaziz Al-Muhaidi and Mohammed Al-Ali, in addition to an introduction to the first year, presented by Azzam Al-Sahami.
The male students’ program was presented by Mohammed Al-Zamel, while the female students’ program was presented by Rahaf Al-Shalawi.
The two programs included segments introducing student clubs, a welcoming video presentation, interactive competitions, and a question-and-answer session presented by Abdullah Al-Otaibi for male students and Basma Al-Khalifi for female students. The male students also took a group photo with the Dean of the College, while the female students took a commemorative photo.
The first-day activities concluded with introductory tours for the male and female students. The male students’ program included a visit to the information booths, followed by lunch and accompanying activities.
