Alfaisal University proudly hosted the University of Ottawa Delegation Alumni Reception, bringing together over 50 distinguished guests, including consultants, specialists, healthcare leaders, and faculty members from various Saudi hospitals and institutions. This event served as a reunion for alumni and also laid the groundwork for future academic collaborations between Alfaisal University and the University of Ottawa, reinforcing the strong educational and professional ties between Saudi Arabia and Canada.
The event was led by Dr. Baraa Alghalyini, Dr. Abdul Rehman Zia Zaidi, and Dr. Rawan Elshaer, enabling discussions on academic cooperation, research partnerships, and medical education exchanges. Notably, a Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed between Alfaisal University and the University of Ottawa, with Dr. Khaled AlKattan, Vice President and Dean of the College of Medicine, representing Alfaisal University. This agreement formalizes both institutions’ commitment to exploring joint initiatives in research, medical education, and other domains.
Also in attendance were members Samir Odeh and Maryam Oloriegbe representing the SPIRIT team in the discussions. As a result of these productive exchanges, the number of seats allocated for Alfaisal University students in the University of Ottawa’s summer clinical rotation program was successfully increased, further enhancing opportunities for student training and academic exchange.
The evening commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Baraa Alghalyini, Vice Dean of the College of Medicine at Alfaisal University, who highlighted the University’s dedication to cultivating international academic and clinical collaborations. Dr. Mark Walker, Vice-Dean of Internationalization and Global Health at the University of Ottawa, followed with insights on the institution’s global outreach, the importance of medical partnerships, and the potential for expanding existing collaborations.
To cultivate engagement and networking, attendees participated in a dynamic icebreaker activity, “Alumni Bingo,” which helped reconnect colleagues and sparked meaningful conversations. This was followed by inspiring alumni reflections, where former trainees shared their journeys, the impact of Canadian medical education on their careers, and their vision for future collaborations.
Concluding with closing remarks and a networking dinner, this event represented a significant milestone in strengthening the partnership between Alfaisal University and the University of Ottawa, with promising prospects for deeper medical, academic, and research collaborations in the near future.
