Medicine in French
Father Rafiq Greiche
In Egypt, we’re used to medicine being in English, as are medical terminology, tests, and so on. However, adding an international language, French as announced by Cairo University, is a welcome and welcome addition. It’s no secret that our doctors are among the best in the world, and the proof of this is that many of them travel to work in Arab, African, and European countries.
Teaching medicine in French will enhance Egyptian doctors’ knowledge of global developments in many fields. This diversity in medical education is primarily beneficial to Egyptian patients, as well as French-speaking African patients. It is well known that Egypt and France cooperate in many areas of development in Egypt and the African continent, and perhaps the first of these is the new experience at Kasr El-Aini Hospital, affiliated with Cairo University. Kasr El-Aini Hospital is one of the oldest and largest teaching hospitals in Egypt. Its history dates back to 1827, when Muhammad Ali Pasha, the father of Egypt’s modern renaissance, ordered the construction of a military hospital in the Kasr El-Aini area of Cairo. Initially known as the “Kasr El-Aini Military Hospital,” it was used to treat Egyptian soldiers. Over time, the hospital expanded to include various medical specialties and became a center for medical education in Egypt.
During the 19th century, the hospital witnessed many developments, including the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine, which later became part of Cairo University. Today, Kasr El Aini Hospital is one of the largest teaching hospitals in Egypt, providing distinguished medical services to patients, in addition to its role in educating and training doctors and students at the Faculty of Medicine.
Kasr El Ainy Hospital plays a significant role in providing healthcare in Egypt, and its history is well-known, making it one of the most important medical institutions in the region.
Monday, April 28th issue, that Cairo University will launch the Kasr Al-Ainy French (KAF) medical education program at the Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, starting the next academic year (2025-2026), after the Supreme Council of Universities approved the program’s new study regulations. Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek, President of the University, emphasized that launching this program represents a qualitative step that confirms the faculty’s commitment to its historical role as a leading and influential scientific center in Africa and the French-speaking world. It will enhance the competitiveness of Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine graduates and consolidate the faculty’s position at the heart of the global medical map, as a source of scientific and humanitarian influence extending from Cairo to all French-speaking countries in Africa, especially since there are schools in Egypt that teach French.
He pointed out that the program’s concept was subjected to a comprehensive study, which resulted in the creation of a distinguished human base comprising more than 90 faculty members and support staff who are fluent in French and capable of teaching in the language across the college’s various departments.
We hope this experiment will be a success, and even spread to other hospitals and colleges. Academic and scientific diversity opens up scientific horizons and insights for the benefit of people in Egypt and humanity as a whole.