Renowned Professor Kevin M. Cahill, MD gives an inspirational lecture about Humanitarian Causes to RCSI Bahrain
Manama, Bahrain: Professor Kevin M. Cahill, MD - 'Chief Adviser for Humanitarian Affairs, Office of the President, 63rd Session of the General Assembly, United Nations' as well as 'Professor of International Humanitarian Affairs at RCSI, Dublin' gave an inspirational lecture entitled 'The University and Humanitarian Assistance' to RCSI Bahrain staff, students and distinguished guests.
Professor Cahill, a renowned physician, teacher, activist, diplomat, and advocate, has been a driving force in humanitarian assistance and relief efforts across the globe for more than 45 years and a leading specialist in tropical medicine. Professor Cahill was Chairman of the Department of Tropical Medicine at the RCSI Dublin for 36 years having taught over 4000 students about the diseases that afflict the vast majority of the world's population, causing so much unnecessary suffering and premature death. Today in his post as Professor of International Humanitarian Affairs at RCSI Dublin, he is actively trying to pass on valuable knowledge that could bring about positive change through the noble undertaking of Humanitarian assistance.
Professor Cahill spoke of what it means to be a humanitarian worker, the grand scale of humanitarian crises, the ability to come up with solutions that build life-saving programs, the need to establish appropriate training for those that will enter war zones and the ability to dispense critical assistance. His solutions helped heal desperate victims of humanitarian crises whilst growing on a journey that taught him the values of clan loyalty and family love in places like Somalia and Sudan.
Professor Cahill stated that "Whether you like it or not, you are part of the tragedies have plagued our worlds. Hopefully you will develop better solutions than has my generation. Silence and isolation are not viable options. In this era of instant communications your advanced education, your privileged position in society, and your own ethical compass, make it impossible to hide from massive sufferings. Mere compassion is an utterly inadequate response. You simply are not free to stay in a blissful state of denial, to think that expressions of concern, or endless discussions, will suffice. Somehow everyone must get involved - formally or informally."
Professor Cahill further stated that "Academia has an indisposible role in making modern humanitarian assistance a recognized profession, one broad enough, like medicine, to incorporate the many different specialties that are needed to provide comprehensive care in crises. Universities are founded to preserve the best in our traditions, to use the collection of data and the wisdom that flows from study to elevate the physical, mental and spiritual lives of all. It is patently obvious that universities - to fulfill their most basic mission - must devote their diverse skills and talents to assist those unfortunate segments of mankind caught in the maelstrom of wars or made homeless - and often helpless - by natural disasters."
In fact Professor Cahill regards humanitarian work as a form of diplomacy, whereas his Medical profession is not limited to the confines of an operating theatre but extends beyond the boundaries of his professional activities. He hopes other doctors give back to society and humanity in these ways as well.
Professor Cahill has received degrees from Fordham University, Cornell University School of Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in England and The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Upon completing his medical degree in 1961, Cahill was awarded a grant to work in Calcutta where he worked with Mother Teresa. He served as director of Clinical Tropical Medicine in Egypt and Sudan while in the U.S. Navy, and continued active medical research for the next forty years in Africa, Latin America, the Near and Far East, with long-term programs in Somalia, Sudan, India and Nicaragua. He has worked in 65 countries, mostly in refugee camps and war zones.
He has written or edited 29 books and more than 200 articles on subjects including tropical disease, the global land mine crisis, and health and foreign policy.
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Notes to editors
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Medical University of Bahrain (RSCI-Bahrain) is a constituent of the renowned Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RSCI). The world-class medical university which officially opened in Bahrain in October 2004 provides high quality medical education and training to produce world-class medical practitioners.
The foundation stone for the new US $65 million RCSI-Bahrain campus in Muharraq was laid by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and the Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland, Mary Harney in March 2006.
RCSI-Bahrain was provided a site by the Government of Bahrain immediately adjacent to the planned new King Hamad General Hospital in Muharraq. RCSI moved to its purpose built world-class campus in Busaiteen in October 2008.
RCSI-Bahrain is accredited by the GCC Medical Schools Deans' Committee (as of February 2006), included in the World Health Organisation Directory of Medical Schools, and the international medical education directory (IMED) of the Foundation for the Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER).
Noble Purpose: "Building on the heritage of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland which was founded in 1784, we will enhance health in Bahrain, the other GCC countries and beyond through endeavour, innovation and collaboration in education, research and service."
For further information please contact:
Tamara Al-Pachachi
Communications RCSI Bahrain
Mobile: +973 36440107
Fax: +973 17712500
Email: tsalpachachi@gmail.com
Sumaya Hashim - RCSI Bahrain
Telephone: +973 17 351450
Fax: +973 17 330906
Email: shashim@rcsi-mub.com
© Press Release 2008
