JEDDAH, 11 June 2006 — Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, the first private medical college in the country, intends to admit 320 students in its faculties of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy in the new academic year (2006-2007), according to its dean Dr. Rashad Hassan Kashgari. He said the Higher Education Ministry has approved Ibn Sina’s academic programs.
“We have started admission for the new academic year. We’ll take 130 boys and girls for medicine, 70 for dentistry and 120 for pharmacy,” Kashgari said, adding that the new intakes would increase the total number of students in the college to 670.
The college intends to introduce a medical technology and nursing program in the next phase, Kashgari said.
“We also intend to organize scientific seminars and conferences to keep our students and faculty members updated with the latest developments in the field,” he said.
The college has attracted a large number of expatriate students. At present there are students from more than 20 countries including America, Canada and Europe. “The first batch of the college will pass out in 2010 and the college has a plan to send its students abroad for higher studies. We also intend to train some of the outstanding students to join our faculties,” he said.
“Ibn Sina welcomes diversity amongst its students, staff and visitors, recognizing the particular contributions that can be made by individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences,” the dean said. “We are committed to offering equal opportunities to all in order to attract the best students, regardless of ethnic origin and religious belief,” he added.
Promoted by Al-Jedani Group of Hospitals and located in the southern part of Jeddah, the college offers MBBS, BDS and Pharm-D degrees. Its curriculum is designed and devised by Prince Abdullah Research and Consulting Institute in association with King Saud University in Riyadh. The college has 40 faculty members and nine workshops.
The college follows an annual intake system for medicine and dentistry in the month of September. The pharmacy program, however, will have twice a year intake during the months of September and January.
Those applying for medicine and dentistry should have obtained not less than 85 percent marks in physics, chemistry, biology and English in secondary school examination, and pass the entrance examination and an interview. Pharmacy applicants must have at least 80 percent marks is these subjects.
“Ibn Sina promises to provide holistic education to its students. A comprehensive learning environment becomes a reality only when a congenial atmosphere is supported with adequate resources. Consequently, the college recognizes the need for establishing an integrated academic resource center on the campus,” Kashgari said. It has a modern library with a comprehensive collection of books recommended by the academic council for various courses.
A graduate of King Saud University, Kashgari has over 20 years experience as a consultant surgeon and teacher. A fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Glasgow, he has worked as the head of the department of surgery at the faculty of medicine, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah. He received intensive training from the UK and Germany for more than five years.
