Mohammed A.F. Al-Rawi

Mohammed A. F. Al-Rawi (1952 - July 27, 2003) was a medical specialist, president of Baghdad University and the dean of College of Medicine University of Baghdad. Note that all highly qualified and skilled physicians had to make rounds at the IBN Sina Hospital in Baghdad, which was a special hospital set aside exclusively for the leadership of the country at the time. His service there, and that of other physicians, was a reflection of their excellence in their field rather than their political affiliation.[1]

Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, al-Rawi was reinstated as president of Baghdad University by US Deputy Proconsul Robin Raphel in May 2003.

Academic qualifications

As well as his PhD degree and status as a professor, Al-Rawi was an MRCP in Medicine, a member of the Arab Board of Medicine, a member of the Iraqi Board of Medicine, and chairman of the Iraqi Doctors' Union.[1]

Medical school and postgraduate years

Al-Rawi entered Baghdad University College of Medicine in September 1971. Although he was already a full member in the Baath party, he kept a low political profile initially. It is said that he was following in the foot steps of his uncle, who helped him by promoting his Baath Party career.

In 1972, he became an active member in the Students Union in the medical college (National Union of Iraqi Student, NUIS) and soon became the most senior member. He was known to have been affable, outgoing and can be rather gregarious at times.

Despite his political and NUIS duties, he was quite dedicated academically and behaved like a model medical student who rarely missed a lecture. Although he was not the top of his class, he achieved a reasonably high marks on merits. After graduation with M.B., Ch.B. in 1977, he became a lecturer in Physiology back in Baghdad University College of Medicine.

Al-Rawi was soon sent on a Mission to the United Kingdom to achieve a Postgraduate degree. With him, there were several other newly graduated doctors who were all less senior than him in the Baath Party and were sent (mainly to the UK and US) for the purpose of replacing the "politically neutral" Professors in Baghdad University when they return with their degrees in the future.

Circumstances of death

Al-Rawi was killed in his clinic. Reports from various secondary sources state that he was assassinated.[1]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Watenpaugh, Keith (2003). "Fragile Glasnost on the Tigris". MiddleEastDesk.org. Archived from the original on 2003-12-10. Retrieved 2008-12-22.