Training in medical research laboratories is an essential part in the development of undergraduate students who will eventually become medical doctors. This unique exercise gives the student an appreciation of the day to day routine as well as the rigors of laboratory work. They are also exposed to researchers who are at the fore front in their fields in the search for finding better methods for treating as well as preventing diseases.
In July 2009, four Alfaisal medical students were selected and spent four weeks at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (KFSHRC) in a Stem Cell Therapy Laboratory under the leadership of Dr. Chaker Adra, Director of the program. When asked about the Alfaisal students Dr. Chaker said that “it was a pleasure having the students in our laboratory. They are intelligent and diligent. Mr. Nassan and Mr. Adi investigated the stem cell therapy approach in treating spinal cord injuries. Mr. Abouuammoh contributed to our work on stem cell therapy in peripheral arterial disease. Mr. Anindo explored the stem cell therapy approach in treating cancer, and Mr. Matthbout utilized stem cell therapy methods in treating neurodegenerative diseases”. Ms. Huda Al-Mosallam, the Manager of the Training & Education Office, said that “next year we will try to select a larger number of Alfaisal students by possibly having some students training in the wintertime and provided that we have a longer lead in time”. KFSHRC is one of the co-founders of Alfaisal University. Both partners are committed to collaborate in the areas of training and research.
