Under the patronage of Dr. Saad bin Saeed Al-Ghamdi, Dean of the Preparatory Year Deanship, and the supervision of Dr. Azza bint Muhammad Bannona, Vice-Dean of the Preparatory Year Deanship for the Medical Track at the Girls Section in Al-Abedyiah, the Annual Forum for University Specialization Selection was organized on Thursday, 20^th Jumada II 1439H. The forum carried the title, “My Specialization is the Beginning of My Career.” It was attended by Prof. Dr. Aliaa bint Abdullah Al-Jundy (Vice-Dean for the Scientific and Administrative Tracks), Dr. Fatima Al-Ghamdi (Vice-Dean of Admission and Registration for Academic Affairs), vice-deans of medical colleges, and academic supervisors. It is worth mentioning that the event aimed to develop the awareness of students regarding their future specialization selection, and to provide them with an overview of the participating medical colleges, so that selection could be based on sound principles and methodologies.  

The forum started with a Qur’anic recitation followed by a speech by Dr. Azza Bannona. Dr. Bannona began with praising Allah, wishing peace and blessings to be upon Prophet Muhammad, in addition to welcoming and thanking the attendees. She also pointed out to the significance of the event as it contributed to helping students select their specializations for a better future. Moreover, she stressed the significance of awareness in selection. This stemmed from the motto of Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), “Students First!” Therefore, UQU was concerned with preparing all the scientific potentials, knowledge-based experiences and needs of its students in accordance with their scientific and knowledge orientations. At the end of her speech, Dr. Bannona wished the students guidance and success in their own scientific careers. In the same context, Dr. Fatima Al-Ghamdi provided students with some guidance on specialization selection and the Admission and Registration Deanship’s mechanism in the distribution of students on the desired and available specialties according to available rates and seats.

This was followed by a speech by the vice-deans and academic supervisors at the medical colleges. They introduced their colleges, available departments for students, and admission mechanisms. They also answered some of the students’ questions, and participated with introductory booths for each college. 

At the end of the Forum, Dr. Azza Bannona extended deep thanks and gratitude to all the participants in the event.