Opening doors and paving the way for international collaboration

Contributor

January 17, 2023

Dean of School of Dentistry, Peter M. Loomer, BSc, DDS, PhD, MRCD(C), FACD, was honored to welcome Suhad Al Jundi, BDS, MDentSci, MRCD(c), FRCD(c), FFDRCSI, vice president and professor of pediatric dentistry for Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), to UT Health San Antonio during her recent visit to the U.S. at the end of 2022.

The visit included a number of fruitful meetings establishing formal ties between the two institutions, laying the foundation to create and cultivate international relationships toward academic and research collaboration.

JUST was established in Irbid, northern Jordan, in 1986, and offers over 140 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through 12 faculties (colleges/schools) including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and nursing – as well as several institutes. Current enrollment at the university is approximately 23,000, with women making up roughly 60% of the student body.

Home to 5,000 international students of 60 nationalities, JUST is considered the most culturally diverse university in the nation and is ranked as the top research university in the country. Approximately 50% of JUST's faculty are graduates of U.S. higher education institutions.

Al Jundi’s aim was to explore opportunities for staff and student exchange, research collaboration, consultation regarding dental care for people with disabilities, advanced training posts for dental specialists and fellowship opportunities between the institutions.

During her six-day visit, she met with the School of Dentistry leadership and toured the university campus and facilities with fellow Jordanian, Enas Bsoul, DDS, MSc, MS, assistant professor/clinical and director of predoctoral oral & maxillofacial radiology, who acted as guide and host during Al Jundi’s visit. Al Jundi also toured the David Goldsbury Center for Children and Families at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.

“Dr. Al Jundi’s visit was a wonderful first step in opening the doors to future international collaboration between the two institutions and their faculty and students in various interesting ways,” said Bsoul.

The School of Dentistry continually seeks opportunities to forge collaborations and partnerships with outstanding institutions across the globe to expand student experiences, faculty growth and contributions, and the impact of our research. Collaborations with our global colleagues are important to the success of our school and students.