First Batch of Gulf Medical University’s ‘Future Scientists of the UAE’ Initiative Complete Research Internship

16 young scientists from GEMS International Schools receive their certificates at the end of the two-year long weekend research internship, learning under the top researchers and professors of GMU, gaining hands on experience at the University’s state-of-the-art research facility

Students of the first batch of the ‘Future Scientists of the UAE’ initiative launched by Gulf Medical University (GMU) last year, in collaboration with GEMS International Schools successfully completed their research internship at the University and were awarded certificates on 15^th June 2019.

The initiative was launched in January 2018, in line with the strategic initiatives for the Emirates Scientists Council launched by the Vice President and Prime Minster of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with the aim of creating a conducive environment for innovation and scientific research in the country.

Addressing the gathering of students, faculty members and parents at the certificate distribution ceremony, Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of GMU said that the ‘Future Scientists of the UAE’ program had been launched with the aim of providing research exposure to school students, so that they become inquisitive and innovative early on in their student lives. “Usually research is introduced very late during the learning process. However, learning takes place through research and socialization, and it is important to embed the learner in the environment at the earliest possible stage,” he explained, adding, “Today marks the completion of the first batch of this program. There will be subsequent batches.”

Prof. Salem Chouaib, Vice Chancellor, Research, GMU said, “One of the important missions of GMU is to help the students discover the world of research and help them become people generating knowledge, rather than mere knowledge consumers.”

The students of the first batch had been selected from grades 9 to 12 from various schools under GEMS, through a competitive admission process. The future scientists were mentored by research scientists, professors and clinical staff at Gulf Medical University. Faculty mentors also encouraged thinking outside of the box: students first learned the concept of developing a research question, followed by the selection and conducting of the necessary experiments to answer their question of interest and finally, interpreting and presenting the results in relation to the research objective. GMU’s world-class research facility, The Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine – played a central role in the program.

Recounting her experience attending the program, one of the participant students, Rosemary Woolley said, “This program has helped me realize the importance of research in the scientific community. It has made me excited for future discoveries in cancer research. I’ve enjoyed my time at GMU and I hope that someday I would be able to play a role in the research community. I’m grateful for the opportunity that I’ve had and I hope to contribute constructively in future research programs.”

Another participant, Adithya Mathew explained how the program enriched his thirst for knowledge and research: “I was only looking into a career in science, before enrolling in this program. This program has given me valuable theoretical and practical knowledge that is not only helping me in school, but will also help me in the future. My love for science and research has increased tenfold; thanks to this program. I cannot express how grateful I am, for this learning experience.”

Varsha Bijali, a participant, said that the program gave her the opportunity to work alongside the nation’s leading professors of biochemistry and cancer-cell biology. This gave me the perfect opportunity to understand the field of medicine beyond the academic curriculum. I’ll be taking the knowledge I gained from this program when I start medical university this September,” she said.

Ahsan Nayaz was another participant who shared a similar experience. “We learned a lot more than we usually learn at school, at a pace that never became a burden on us. We got hands-on experience and exposure to the research world, but overall we had fun, interacting with each other and with the professors, gaining new knowledge in the process. I feel proud and privileged to be a part of this program. I will be taking the knowledge gained here, towards my future medical endeavors,” he said.

Dr. Kierstan Connors, Associate Director of GEMS College & Career Counseling Worldwide said that the program was a one-of-its-kind opportunity for high school students, to get involved in hands-on research, in the company of highly-experienced faculty members. “For our students, this has been a lifetime experience of research, learning and curiosity. It was 16 students from GEMS who committed to the first batch. I now get about 10 student/parent requests a week, to ask about the next batch of the program,” she said, commenting on the rising popularity and effectiveness of the program. The second batch of ‘Future Scientists of the UAE’ is scheduled to begin from September 2019.

Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital (TPTRH), the biggest state-of-the-art rehabilitation hospital in the Middle East region located at Thumbay Medicity, has become the only hospital of its kind in Ajman to initiate the process of FIFA Medical Center of Excellence Accreditation. A MOU was signed between TPTRH and FMCE-Algiers represented respectively by Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay – Vice President of Thumbay Group’s Healthcare Division and Dr. Yacine Zerguini – Medical Director and Owner of FMCE Algiers – a fully accredited FIFA Medical Center of Excellence. The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Thumbay Moideen, the Founder President of Thumbay Group & Mr. Riccardo Aggujaro, Senior Manager of TPTRH, Thumbay Group.

TPTRH will have a new and unique department – Football Medicine – offering specialized services in trauma, rehab, cardiology, biology, imaging, education and research. The Football Medicine Department will also have a Second Opinion Clinic, as well as advanced Rehabilitation and ‘Return to Play’ programs, in addition to facilities for Pre-Competition Medical Assessment (PCMA) for athletes and referees.

As part of the agreement, the central facility of Thumbay Labs – the largest network of CAP-accredited diagnostic labs in the region – will apply to function as a Biological Passport Lab for Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), fully-equipped to perform tests such as dope detection, according to international standards.  Dr. Yacine said, “We are very proud to associate with TPTRH and to collaborate and establish the first high level football department in Ajman. The opportunity to have in the same place a fantastic general hospital and outstanding rehabilitation facilities and a medical university is unique in all Middle East.”

TPTRH is also an Academic Health Center of the Gulf Medical University Academic Health System, and provides clinical training to the students of Physical Therapy at Gulf Medical University’s College of Health Sciences. The agreement will introduce Diploma programs with extensive practical modules, as well as a program in ‘Football Emergency Care’, to produce sports stadium medical officers. These programs are expected to attract physical therapists seeking career opportunities as sports medical officers, especially in the field of football.

Commenting on the MoU, Dr. Thumbay Moideen said that the association with FIFA Medical Center of excellence in Algiers is beneficial to Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital. “We are confident that TPTRH would provide the best care in sports medicine to national and international athletes and sportspersons. Furthermore, this is in line with our strategic plans for the healthcare division, aligned with the UAE’s medical tourism objectives, and we hope to bring in international players from different parts of the world to experience the quality of our treatment and the warmth of the UAE’s hospitality,” he said.

Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay said, “Sports medicine is an important area, and the hospital is well-equipped for the diagnosis, treatment and management of sports injuries and musculoskeletal disorders in national and international level sportspersons and athletes. The hospital will be at par with the top international sports medicine hospitals, in terms of facilities for treatment, rehabilitation, injury management and academics and research.”

Operating under the healthcare division of Thumbay Group, the Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital (TPTRH) is a teaching hospital and an Academic Health Centre under the Gulf Medical University Academic Health System (GMUAHS). State-of-the-art rehabilitation treatment is delivered through advanced technology like virtual reality. The hospital operates in collaboration with internationally renowned Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Valduce Hospital, Italy. It is attached to Thumbay University Hospital Complex, having 50 dedicated beds especially for rehab. The outpatient department of the hospital offers Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Medicine. The hospital features state-of-the-art amenities for physical therapy, such as Hydrotherapy Pool, Robotics and a unique Cryotherapy Chamber and a unique ‘Therapeutic Garden’.

The Chancellor delivered his keynote speech and lecture addressing a gathering of 500+ participants including attendees from 47 leading medical colleges in Korea

Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman – the leading medical university in the Middle East region – delivered the keynote lecture at the 35th Korean Medical Education Congress held at Busan City, South Korea on 30^th May 2019. Organized by the Korean Society of Medical Education, Korea Association of Medical Colleges, the congress was themed ‘Creativeness and Values in Medical Education’ and explored the changing trends and opportunities in medical education and research.

Prof. Hossam Hamdy presented the plenary lecture of the Congress. Delivering the hour-long keynote speech on ‘Transformation of Medical Education for the Future: from Informative to Transformative’, he addressed a gathering of over 500 participants, including attendees from 47 leading medical colleges in Korea.

Reflecting on the future of medical education worldwide, Prof. Hossam Hamdy said that the field of medicine is a social science, dealing with people, societies and human interaction. Stressing upon the humanistic aspect of medicine, he said, “We should not forget that medicine is a social science and it is about human beings. The next generation health professions should be competent in treating the next generation patients in a value-based Healthcare System,” he said.

He explained how medical education and training was poised for major changes in the future, as modern medical education is embedded in advanced technology. Prof. Hossam Hamdy said that future technology will be disruptive and transform existing medical educational models. “Artificial intelligence and machine learning will influence how students learn. Physical learning spaces will reflect and express the underlying assumptions about what authentic learning and teaching are and embedding the learners in the work environment,” he said.

Prof. Hossam Hamdy further opined that Academic Healthcare Systems and innovation will be the norms for future medical education. “The training of students will be in all healthcare related facilities in the community,” he emphasized, adding, “Entrustable professional activities will be measured more frequently at different points of the students learning trajectory checking their ‘Readiness for Practice’ in a multidisciplinary team-based practice.”

Prof. Hossam Hamdy also stated that research and innovation will be integral to the students’ learning experience. “Students should be exposed to how researchers think and behave and be embedded in a research environment. Public-private partnership in education and research will spread and become more regulated and encouraged,” he explained.

Speaking about Gulf Medical University’s growing network of partner universities worldwide, Prof. Hossam Hamdy revealed that GMU is in the process of exploring opportunities for collaboration with several top universities in Korea. “The healthcare system in South Korea boasts a very advanced healthcare system that is technologically intense. GMU will collaborate with the leading names in medical education and healthcare in South Korea, for exchanges and joint programs in academia, healthcare and research,” he elaborated.

In appreciation of his keynote lecture at the Congress, Prof. Hossam Hamdy was honored with a memento, presented to him by the Dean of Seoul Medical College.

Participants included students of 44 prestigious universities from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman

A group of 4^th year MBBS student of the College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman stood first in the “Education & Instructional Technologies” category of the 7^th Undergraduate Research Competition (URC), held recently at Abu Dhabi University under the Patronage of His Excellency Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education. The submissions from local and regional academic institutions were judged by a panel of judges comprised of leading scientists, researchers, academicians and medical professionals in the country.

Ms. Kushboo Badi Uz Zaman, who presented the project before the jury, received the first prize of AED.5000. The Research project titled “Factors Distracting Learning Among Health Science Students” was also supported by Ms. Khadeeja Hala Ibrahim, Ms. Hasna Mohamed Ali, Ms. Shamreena Kolayakkarakath and Ms. Fathimathul Nazha; all 4^th year MBBS students. The students worked under the supervision of Prof. Shatha Al Sharbatti, HOD of the Community Medicine Dept.

Speaking about the accomplishment, Ms. Kushboo said, “To be one among the 261 projects accepted from 44 universities itself was a great honour; and to go on to win, it still feels surreal to me. I would like to thank my university for giving me this wonderful opportunity to present my work in front of a great platform. I believe we couldn’t have done this without help from Prof. Shatha Al Sharbatti, our mentor.”

Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of GMU said that the University was always committed to creating professionals of the future, with a strong foundation of research and innovation. “GMU is proud of our accomplishment at the Undergraduate Research Competition. At GMU, our students, researchers and faculty are engaged in shaping the future of healthcare. The high quality of education, state-of-the-art training and research facilities, and exposure that the students receive towards research quite early on, are some of the reasons we have a student community motivated by the relentless pursuit of excellence in academics,” he said, adding, “Research is an important strategic direction of the Gulf Medical University Academic Health System. GMU students benefit immensely from the university’s global partnerships with over 60 international universities as well as some of the top research institutions in the world.”

Prof. Shatha Al Sharbatti, HOD – Community Medicine, College of Medicine, said: “I am proud of all MBBS students Research Projects. Their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm are reflected in the high-quality projects they submit every year to the Community Medicine Department. I congratulate the research group and specifically the student Ms. Kushboo who had presented the project. Further, I invite all MBBS Students to participate in all possible conferences and other scientific forum to share their research findings with others, gaining greater visibility for their research projects.”

In line with its started strategic objective of expanding the network of partner universities worldwide, Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, the leading medical university in the Middle East region has entered into an agreement with Ajman University (AU), one of the region’s leading private universities. The MoU was signed between both the universities at the GMU campus on 27^th May 2019, represented by Prof. Hossam Hamdy – Chancellor of GMU and Dr. Abdelkrim Seghir – Chancellor of AU.

The MoU aims to develop academic cooperation through student and faculty exchanges, joint scientific research, dual degree programs and exchanges of academic materials and publications in addition to professional internships and technical cooperation, between both the universities.

Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of GMU said that the collaboration between the universities would have a profound impact on the UAE and the region. “The partnership with Ajman University is the latest in our efforts towards realizing the vision to be a leading international academic healthcare institution. We are confident that this collaboration would benefit the education, healthcare and research sectors in the UAE and beyond, facilitating continuing professional development in these areas, in the long run.”

Dr. Abdelkrim Seghir said that both the Universities had a lot to gain and contribute, as part of the new partnership. About his visit to GMU and Thumbay Medicity, he said, “I am very impressed with the facilities here at GMU and Thumbay Medicity. I admire the passion with which the students and faculty here pursue academics and research. I am particularly impressed by the leadership and the vision behind GMU, driving the huge growth and development.”

GMU provides a number of collaborative programs with distinguished academic institutes and universities, such as the University of Arizona, University of Paris, Medical University of Lublin – Poland, Tokyo Medical and Dental University – Japan, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University – Italy, Sun Yat-Sen University – China, etc. This is part of the internationalization of GMU, offering its students the chance to learn and get training in the USA, Europe, China, Japan and France. GMU receives students from more than 80 countries as its reputation and image goes beyond the region.

Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, the leading medical university in the Middle East region has promoted 11 faculty members to senior positions, (3 Professors and 8 Associate Professors) in the specialties of Physiotherapy, Pharmacology, Cytogenetics, Biochemistry, Pharmacy Practice, Periodontics, Oral Biology, Prosthodontics and Urology. The promotions were made on the basis of the promotion policy in accordance with the ‘Faculty Performance Review & Development System’, introduced this academic year.

The publications and scholarly pursuits of the eligible applicants were subjected to scrutiny by External Reviewers from US, UK, Poland, Jordan, Malaysia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and UAE who are subject-matter experts in the applicants’ respective disciplines.

Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder, President – Board of Trustees, GMU, wished them the best in utilizing their new roles as an opportunity to support GMU to build on its achievements.

Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of GMU congratulated the newly promoted faculty members and said that he was confident that they would make significant contributions to the growth of the university, in their new roles.

Chancellor Gulf Medical University, Prof. Hossam Hamdy welcomed a delegation from Saudi Cultural Attaché at Gulf Medical University (GMU) today. The delegation expressed their utmost satisfaction and appreciation of the
quality of education at GMU and how GMU is becoming one of the best destinations for studying medical and health professions education.  A special scholarship will be offered to the Saudi Students wanting to study at Gulf Medical University.

Chancellor Gulf Medical University, Prof. Hossam Hamdy welcomed a delegation from Saudi Cultural Attaché at Gulf Medical University (GMU) today. The delegation expressed their utmost satisfaction and appreciation of the
quality of education at GMU and how GMU is becoming one of the best destinations for studying medical and health professions education.  A special scholarship will be offered to the Saudi Students wanting to study at Gulf Medical University.

The Executive Board, Gulf Medical University Academic Health System (GMUAHS) approved the proposal by the College of Pharmacy to establish a Center for Drug Information and Evidence-based Pharmacy during its fifth meeting held on May 8, 2019. The College of Pharmacy at Gulf Medical University is now responsible for establishing and running the new Center for Drug Information and Evidence-based Pharmacy in the brand new Thumbay University Hospital at Thumbay Medicity, Ajman, UAE. The Center will function in Collaboration with Drug Information Centers in the Medical University of South Carolina and Washington State University, USA.

Thumbay Medicity is a hub of medical education, healthcare, and research. It houses the Gulf Medical University, Thumbay University Hospital, Thumbay Labs, Thumbay Pharmacy, Thumbay Dental Hospital, Thumbay Physical Therapy, and Rehabilitation Hospital. Outside Thumbay Medicity, Thumbay Chain Pharmacies are functioning in all emirates of UAE. In addition, Thumbay Chain Hospitals and Clinics in most of the Emirates in UAE make Thumbay group as one of the largest healthcare providers in the country.  These hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies are part of the Gulf Medical University

Academic Health System (GMUAHS). The Center for Drug Information and Evidence-based Pharmacy will be located in Thumbay University Hospital to serve the drug information and evidence-based pharmacy needs of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in GMUAHS.

Dr. Dixon Thomas, Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice said, “The Center will provide guidance to health professionals in Thumbay group of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies on safe, effective, quality, and affordable use of medication. By providing drug information support the center will support health professionals to develop informed decisions to establish evidence-based practice. The center will also provide guidance on creating protocols to develop standardized clinical pharmacy services.”

Prof. Sherief Khalifa, Dean College of Pharmacy commented, “ We are excited about establishing the Center for Drug Information and Evidence-based Pharmacy. This is a long awaited milestone for the College as it impacts both, the College educational programs as well as patient care in our affiliated hospitals. Such a center of Excellence in Pharmacy Services will redefine the role of the pharmacy profession and move it to higher standards and new frontiers in patient care.”

Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman the leading medical university in the Middle East region has expanded its growing network of partner universities worldwide by signing a MoU with The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, one of China’s leading institutions of research, medical service, medical education, preventive care and rehabilitation, for joint undertakings in academia and research. An agreement to this effect was signed by both the universities, recently.

Prof. Hossam Hamdy – the Chancellor of GMU and Dr. Xiao Haipeng – Vice President of Sun Yat-sen University and President of The First Affiliated Hospital signed the MoU representing their respective universities. The MoU envisions educational, training and research cooperation, including joint educational/training activities, joint research efforts, academic exchanges, faculty/student exchanges.

The collaboration also includes the joint delivery of the Executive Master in Healthcare Management and Economics (EMHME), offered by GMU’s College of Healthcare Management & Economics. GMU’s College of Healthcare Management & Economics is the first full-fledged college of its kind in the Middle East region, offering bachelors and masters programs designed to cater to the constantly growing health industry.  The college offers the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and Economics (BSc. HME) – a four-year program, as well as an Executive Masters in Healthcare Management and Economics (EMHME) – a 12-month program designed to benefit middle to senior level professionals in the healthcare industry. These programs will support all aspects of the healthcare industry including finance, economics and insurance.

Prof. Hossam Hamdy said that GMU’s association with The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, would open up avenues for greater professional collaboration and exchanges between both universities. “This is in line with our vision to be a leading international academic healthcare institution through the integration of quality health professions education, healthcare and research. Both the institutions uphold futuristic vision and high standards. We are confident that this partnership would benefit the medical education, healthcare and research sectors in the UAE and beyond, facilitating continuing professional development in these areas, in the long run.”

GMU provides a number of collaborative programs with distinguished academic institutes and universities, such as the University of Arizona, University of Paris, Medical University of Lublin – Poland, Tokyo Medical and Dental University – Japan etc. This is part of the internationalization of GMU, offering its students the chance to learn and get training in the USA, Europe, China, Japan and France. GMU receives students from more than 80 countries as its reputation and image extends beyond the region.