Professional Talks

Professional Talks held by the Student Development Department under the International Office (IO) at Alfaisal University are structured sessions where experts, faculty, and professionals share insights on various medical, research, and career-related topics. These talks are designed to expose students to the latest developments, practical skills, and emerging trends in different fields, including medicine, research, leadership, and innovation. We hold these talks to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice, inspiring students to broaden their perspectives and make informed career choices. Participants benefit by gaining knowledge from experienced professionals, understanding specialty-specific challenges, enhancing critical thinking, and developing networking opportunities. Ultimately, these sessions empower students to grow academically, professionally, and personally while fostering a culture of continuous learning within the IO community.
Discover what we covered below!
Group of healthcare professionals and students in lab coats standing on stage in front of a large screen displaying a thank you message, a QR code, and a group photo.

How to International Office

“How to International Office” was an exciting journey for students eager to understand the heart of the International Office. The talk began by exploring what the International Office stands for and its mission to connect students with global opportunities. We then guided attendees through each of the office’s teams — Student Development, Global Opportunities, Sponsorship and Outreach, and Public Relations — sharing not just what each team does, but how they make an impact and contribute to the broader vision. Students discovered the inner workings of each team, the types of projects they handle, and the unique skills and qualities we look for in new members. Beyond simply explaining the roles, we offered practical guidance on how to join, how to thrive within the teams, and how to make meaningful contributions. The session was filled with insights, inspiration, and clarity, leaving students motivated to engage with the International Office and take their first steps toward becoming active members of this dynamic community.

Speakers:
1. Samir O, MS3 | Director of International Office
2. Maryam O, MS2 | Vice Director of International Office

Hosted By: Adam T, MS3 | Head of Student Development

A man with dark hair and beard, wearing a white coat and blue scrubs, giving a presentation in a conference room with gray and yellow walls.
A man in a white lab coat holding a microphone giving a presentation in front of a large screen with information about a department and images of international events.
Three individuals sitting on a stage and engaging in a panel discussion. The person on the left is smiling, holding a microphone, and leaning toward the middle person, who is wearing a hijab and holding a microphone. The person on the right is also smiling and holding a microphone. The background includes a flag and a wooden wall.

SPIRIT 101:
From Application to Experience

The SPIRIT 101 talk under Student Development Dept., was designed to guide students through the complete journey of pursuing international research opportunities through the SPIRIT program. SPIRIT is a prestigious summer research internship and training program under the department of Global Opportunities that places medical students in world-class research institutions across countries including the United States, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom for intensive 8-12 week research experiences. Through SPIRIT, students can secure placements at renowned institutions like Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Harvard University, and other leading medical and research centers. The talk comprehensively covered the entire application process—from crafting compelling personal statements to securing strong recommendation letters and presenting relevant academic credentials—through to what students can actually expect during their international research experience. It addressed practical considerations such as accommodation arrangements, stipend or funding expectations, navigating different laboratory and clinical research cultures, and how to maximize the experience by building meaningful mentor relationships and developing both technical research skills and professional networks.

Speaker: Rawad T, MS4 | Research Trainee in Mayo Clinic Neurosurgery
Hosted By: Yahya AlGhbari, MS2

Two men seated on stage with a large screen and a flag behind them. One man is speaking, the other holding a microphone, with tissue box on a table.
Group of nine people, some in medical attire, standing in front of a presentation screen with the title 'How to: SPIRIT'. Two individuals in the center are holding certificates. An Israeli flag is on the right side of the image.
Women attending a conference or seminar in an auditorium, sitting in rows of gray seats, some taking notes or using laptops.