A new private medical school to be launched in the UAE could significantly help to bolster health care and meet the demands of a growing population.
American University in Dubai has said it is teaming up with the prestigious University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine (Penn Medicine) to establish a school of medicine in the Emirates.
The move is aimed at helping to train doctors locally, while working with UAE hospitals and generally improving health care in the Emirates and across the region. Penn also aims to bring its pioneering treatments such as those using artificial intelligence and simulations to the country.
Meeting demands of population growth
Dr Senthil Nathan, managing director and co-founder Edu Alliance Ltd, said it was not an easy project to deliver but there is “no question” the UAE and the region need several world-class medical schools to meet the emerging needs of the growing - and maturing - population.
He said, to make the project a success, it would be necessary to provide generous scholarships to attract the best talent from across the region and the provision of a world-class teaching hospital that could be owned or closely-linked to the university. He said endowments from the public and private sector would be important in making a school such as this a reality.
“Such a world-class medical school must be viewed as a long-term investment to transform the healthcare provisions of the country and the region,” he said.
“However, if the school and its programmes are analysed for business key performance indicators in isolation, that will not lead to sustainable success.”
It was not announced when the school is expected to start accepting students – thought to be several years away - but AUD said the groundwork on the curriculum, faculty and admissions has begun.
“This approach is indeed prudent and necessary given the time, effort and resources needed to overcome these challenges, although Dubai and the UAE are well known for fast-track infrastructure projects,” said Dr Nathan.
How many medical professionals work in the UAE?
Dr Glen Gaulton, deputy dean and director of the centre for global health at Penn Medicine, last week said it is important to increase the number of doctors trained in the UAE, given the growing population and reliance on overseas medics, and that the school aims to do this.
“That breeds a continuance of excellence [and will have a] dramatic effect on improving health care," he said.
Currently, there are eight universities in the UAE offering medical degrees or post-graduate programmes, according to Allocation Assist.
While there are other third-level institutions offering a medical education in the UAE, the scale of the AUD project represents a significant difference as it follows the US model where students first take an undergraduate degree before then enrolling into the proposed AUD school.
While current data is not readily available on how many medics in the UAE are trained here or abroad, the numbers working here are growing.
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) said the number of physicians working in the public and private sectors in the UAE increased to 26,151 by the end of 2020, compared to 12,894 in 2010, a rise of 104 per cent.
The number of dentists increased to 6,811 compared to 3,042, an increase of 124 per cent, and the number of nurses increased to 56,133 from 23,363 during the same reporting period, a rise of 140 per cent.
Most are thought to be foreign-trained.
More work to be done
Health experts in the UAE said the proposed school would add value to the overall medical profession in the country but further work on residency programmes once students graduated were important to keep them in the country.
“What we really need to understand is when you graduate physicians from medical school, they are just starting physicians,” said Dr Anwar Sallam, clinical adviser at Burjeel Holdings.
“They cannot even work as a family physician, so they need to pursue something after their medical school.
“We need medical schools of high calibre to graduate medical students, then address the needs of the country by establishing residency programmes and fellowships.”
Dr Sallam also outlined how the medical landscape was different in the UAE, pointing to the cost of living and medical malpractice laws.
Medical malpractice can be a criminal offence in the UAE if gross medical error is proven, as decided by the medical liability committee. Penalties include a maximum two-year prison term and fines of up to Dh500,000.
“The whole world is now like a global village, so people hear about medical cases, lawsuits and litigations which is again negatively affecting the ability to attract doctors,” said Dr Sallam. “Doctors are always looking over their shoulders, which can be very uncomfortable.”
Dr Sallam said the “number one” consideration for doctors looking to move here is the UAE’s very strict licensing body.
“This can be a game-stopper for many people. They’ve been living in their country holding the title of a consultant, which means a lot for any physician, so then they get really frustrated and shocked when they hear the law here is not going to grant them the consultant title.”
Dr Oman Najim, who is chairman and managing director of behavioural science company BeeHiveX and has previously served as a senior official for Abu Dhabi's Department of Health, spoke of the global challenges of building a sustainable healthcare sector to support ageing populations.
"Attracting talent is a complex endeavor that is not simply based on a higher salary or incentive package but also need to provide other elements that talents and their families seek," he said.
"That noted, the region and UAE in particular has taken huge strides to not only attract the right high quality talent to serve its aspirations but also establishing training programme and degrees to develop its own sustainable source, like UAE university, Khalifa University, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences and others."
What is clear is that, as more people move to the UAE and stay here, the population is expected to age. A report published by Dubai Health Authority in 2017 indicated an expected rise in the proportion of the elderly in the UAE from 6 per cent to 29 per cent by 2050.
The World Health Organisation says the global population of those 60 and older is expected to double by 2050 and triple by 2100, with huge implications for health care.
Dr Shanila Laiju, group chief executive of UAE-based private health-care provider Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres said training more doctors locally means they will be more in tune with patient needs.
“As the population continues to grow, there is an ever-increasing necessity for healthcare services, particularly in the domains of chronic illnesses and age-related therapies,” she said.
“By preparing physicians locally, the programme ensures that they are knowledgeable about the specific health needs and cultural contexts of the region.”
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Match info
Deccan Gladiators 87-8
Asif Khan 25, Dwayne Bravo 2-16
Maratha Arabians 89-2
Chadwick Walton 51 not out
Arabians won the final by eight wickets
The details
Colette
Director: Wash Westmoreland
Starring: Keira Knightley, Dominic West
Our take: 3/5
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Rooney's club record
At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17
At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Sun jukebox
Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)
This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.
Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)
The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)
Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.
Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.
Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)
An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)
Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.
Barbie
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New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
'The Batman'
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
On the menu
First course
▶ Emirati sea bass tartare Yuzu and labneh mayo, avocado, green herbs, fermented tomato water
▶ The Tale of the Oyster Oyster tartare, Bahraini gum berry pickle
Second course
▶ Local mackerel Sourdough crouton, baharat oil, red radish, zaatar mayo
▶ One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Quail, smoked freekeh, cinnamon cocoa
Third course
▶ Bahraini bouillabaisse Venus clams, local prawns, fishfarm seabream, farro
▶ Lamb 2 ways Braised lamb, crispy lamb chop, bulgur, physalis
Dessert
▶ Lumi Black lemon ice cream, pistachio, pomegranate
▶ Black chocolate bar Dark chocolate, dates, caramel, camel milk ice cream
JOKE'S%20ON%20YOU
%3Cp%3EGoogle%20wasn't%20new%20to%20busting%20out%20April%20Fool's%20jokes%3A%20before%20the%20Gmail%20%22prank%22%2C%20it%20tricked%20users%20with%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Farchive.google%2Fmentalplex%2F%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Emind-reading%20MentalPlex%20responses%3C%2Fa%3E%20and%20said%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Farchive.google%2Fpigeonrank%2F%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%20well-fed%20pigeons%20were%20running%20its%20search%20engine%20operations%3C%2Fa%3E%20.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIn%20subsequent%20years%2C%20they%20announced%20home%20internet%20services%20through%20your%20toilet%20with%20its%20%22%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Farchive.google%2Ftisp%2Finstall.html%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Epatented%20GFlush%20system%3C%2Fa%3E%22%2C%20made%20us%20believe%20the%20Moon's%20surface%20was%20made%20of%20cheese%20and%20unveiled%20a%20dating%20service%20in%20which%20they%20called%20founders%20Sergey%20Brin%20and%20Larry%20Page%20%22%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Farchive.google%2Fromance%2Fpress.html%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3EStanford%20PhD%20wannabes%3C%2Fa%3E%20%22.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EBut%20Gmail%20was%20all%20too%20real%2C%20purportedly%20inspired%20by%20one%20%E2%80%93%20a%20single%20%E2%80%93%20Google%20user%20complaining%20about%20the%20%22poor%20quality%20of%20existing%20email%20services%22%20and%20born%20%22%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fgooglepress.blogspot.com%2F2004%2F04%2Fgoogle-gets-message-launches-gmail.html%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3Emillions%20of%20M%26amp%3BMs%20later%3C%2Fa%3E%22.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
Previous men's records
- 2:01:39: Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) on 16/9/19 in Berlin
- 2:02:57: Dennis Kimetto (KEN) on 28/09/2014 in Berlin
- 2:03:23: Wilson Kipsang (KEN) on 29/09/2013 in Berlin
- 2:03:38: Patrick Makau (KEN) on 25/09/2011 in Berlin
- 2:03:59: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 28/09/2008 in Berlin
- 2:04:26: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 30/09/2007 in Berlin
- 2:04:55: Paul Tergat (KEN) on 28/09/2003 in Berlin
- 2:05:38: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 14/04/2002 in London
- 2:05:42: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 24/10/1999 in Chicago
- 2:06:05: Ronaldo da Costa (BRA) 20/09/1998 in Berlin
The%C2%A0specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-cylinder%202.0L%20TSI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20clutch%207-speed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320HP%20%2F%20235kW%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20400Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20%2449%2C709%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The specs: 2019 Subaru Forester
Price, base: Dh105,900 (Premium); Dh115,900 (Sport)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 182hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 239Nm @ 4,400rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.1L / 100km (estimated)
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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