Gulf medical University recognizes the pivotal role that quality education plays in transforming individuals, communities, and societies at large. Through a range of innovative programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated faculty, GMU strive to provide a nurturing environment that empowers our students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in the dynamic field of healthcare. By aligning efforts with SDG 4, GMU aim to contribute to a future where accessible, inclusive, and high-quality education is a reality for all. This report seeks to illuminate the commendable efforts of GMU in advancing SDG 4 in AY (2023-2024), It is reflected in its vision, mission, and mandate (Link). GMU has been progressing its endeavors for achieving SDG 4 including:

I.      Students & Graduates

II.     Research and publication

III.   International and national Collaborations

IV.   Training course

V.    Workshop

VI.   Future Scientist program

VII. Community events

Students & Graduates

GMU has produced graduates under different disciplines of healthcare. Our graduates are working nationally and internationally to address the needs and serve the healthcare community.

The figure below shows the GMU Graduates since inception under different disciplines and this is a good sign for the Quality Education

In the current academic year, a total of 876 students have embarked on their journey towards obtaining a degree. Among them, an impressive 578 students represent the first generation in their families to pursue higher education. This significant number of first-generation students reflects a commendable commitment to breaking barriers and achieving academic milestones. It exemplifies a dedication to education that transcends generational boundaries, demonstrating the transformative power of higher learning. These 578 trailblazing individuals not only pave the way for their own success, but also inspire future generations to aspire for educational excellence.

Fig 1.1: Cumulative Graduate until AY 23/24

Research and Publications

Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine (TRIPM) at Gulf Medical University organized the Annual GMU Research Day 2024 on 2nd and 3rd May 2024.

A total of 28 research projects were presented by faculty members and 123 posters were displayed. The posters presented by the students covered observational and experimental studies conducted at GMU, including TRIPM, research laboratories at different colleges, and the University hospital.

International and National Collaborations

• GMU Partners with CAA, ACPE, and AACP With the Participation of 26 Colleges of Pharmacy from 7 Countries to Organize the 7th Regional Pharmacy Faculty Development Workshop

Gulf Medical University’s College of Pharmacy proudly convened the 7th Regional Pharmacy Faculty Development Workshop on January 13-14, 2024. This distinguished gathering, co-organized by CAA, ACPE, and AACP, saw an unprecedented assembly of delegates from 26 colleges across seven countries.

• Gulf Medical University and Meridian Health Care sign MoU to enhance Advancement of AI in Healthcare, Research, and Education

Gulf Medical University (GMU), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Meridian Healthcare. this collaboration aims to strengthen GMU’s education system, scientific research, and community services through the seamless integration of artificial intelligence (AI).

Under the provisions of this MoU, both Gulf Medical University’s Thumbay Institute of AI in Healthcare and Meridian Healthcare will lead research and education initiatives in AI advancements that will create a diverse array of opportunities, such as conducting joint research projects, establishing research groups, and developing mentorship programs for health professions’ students.

Training Courses

Thumbay Institute of Health Workforce Development (TIHWD) builds on and expand the existing “Centre for Advanced Simulation in Healthcare (CASH)”, “Centre for Continuing Education and Community Outreach (CCE&CO)”, “Centre for Health Professions Education and Research (CHPER)”, “BA Centre for Online Health Professions Education and Training”, “Centre for Interprofessional Education, Research and Practice (IPERP)” and “Centre for Humanitarian Education”. Its main goal is to respond to national, regional and international shortages and the need for a competent health workforce, “Doctors, Pharmacist, Dentist, Nurses, Paramedics and All Allied Health”. GMU colleges and TIHWD with its centers' coordinate to design, develop and offer tailored healthcare programs to meet the needs of the healthcare professions market.

Courses Offered by CASH

Short Term Courses:

·       Introduction to Health Professions Careers

·       Certificate Course in Medical Terminology

·       Basic Arabic for Health Professionals

·       IELTS Preparation Training Course

AHA Accredited Courses:

·       Life Support Training /Courses

·       The Family & Friends First Aid for Children Course

·       Heart saver First Aid CPR AED Course

·       Heart Saver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED Course

·       Basic Life Support Course (BLS)

·       BLS Instructor Course

·       Advance Cardiac Life Support Course (ACLS)

·       Pediatric Advance Life Support Course (PALS)

MOHAP Accredited Courses/Workshops:

Basic Workshops/Courses

·       Basic Airway Management Skills Workshop

·       Basic Surgical Skills Workshop

·       Basic Orthopedic Skills Workshop

·       Guide to Basic Invasive Procedures Workshop

·       Comprehensive Workshop on Fundamentals of EKG

·       Principles of Infection Control

·       Intravenous & Intra-Osseous Therapy Training

·       Emergency Oxygen Provider Training

·       Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology and Applications

Intermediate Workshops/Courses

·       ACLS Preparatory Course

·       Intermediate Surgical Skills Workshop

·       A Guide to Cardiac Care

Advanced Workshops

·       Intensive Workshop on Clinical EKG

NAEMT Accredited Courses:

·       Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)

Workshops

·       GMU College of Pharmacy Organizes an Online Faculty Development Workshop on “Virtual Patient Counseling Clinic”

On June 12th, 2024, the College of Pharmacy at Gulf Medical University hosted an online faculty development seminar featuring Dr. Tamadhor Abu-Riash, Pharmacy Virtual Counseling Clinic team Leader, Pharmacist King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (KFSHR&RC). The seminar was directed to the faculty in Pharmacy Practicing Department along with the clinical pharmacists and pharmacists working in the affiliated Thumbay University Hospital. 

• Faculty Development Workshop: Integration of AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity in Course Planning and Reporting

Faculty development workshop was organized on 11th June 2024 focused on the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity in course planning and reporting. These tools offer innovative solutions to streamline educational processes, enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness for educators and students. The main objective of the workshop was to understand the capabilities of AI tools in educational settings and implement AI in course planning and reporting.

• College of Dentistry Organized a Comprehensive Lecture and Hands-On Workshop on Piezoelectric applications in Oral Surgery

The College of Dentistry, GMU organized a comprehensive lecture and a hands-on workshop on ‘Piezoelectric applications in Oral Surgery’ showcasing the Mecron Piezoelectric system on the 29th of May 2024.

the lecture, focused on evidence-based concepts of piezosurgery and its wide range of applications in the field of Oral Surgery, Periodontology, and Implant Dentistry.

GMU College of Dentistry Organized a Hands-On Workshop on Orthodontic Aligners for Dental Interns

The Department of Preventive Dental Sciences at College of Dentistry, GMU in collaboration with 3D-Ortholine, organized a workshop titled ‘Aligning Smiles: A QuickStart Workshop on Orthodontic Aligners‘ for dental interns on the 18th of March 2024.

The workshop offered invaluable hands-on experience and insights into the latest advancements in orthodontic aligner technology, under the guidance of experienced facilitators Dr. Ayman Khalif, Associate Professor of Orthodontics, and Dr. Riham Hadj, Lecturer & Specialist in Orthodontics.

 Gulf Medical University Collaborates with University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria to Conduct Cybersecurity Workshop for Healthcare Professionals

Thumbay Institute for AI in Healthcare, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, has successfully completed a specialized cybersecurity workshop for healthcare professionals, which was organized in collaboration with University of Applied Sciences, Upper Austria a leading university in Artificial Intelligence, and Information Systems. The event held at Gulf Medical University, aimed to address the growing concerns and unique challenges of cybersecurity in the healthcare sector.

The interactive workshop, titled “Cyber security for Healthcare Professionals” was attended by a diverse group of healthcare providers, including hospital administrators, IT professionals, and medical staff. Renowned cybersecurity experts from University of Applied Sciences and Gulf Medical University led the sessions, focusing on the latest threats, trends, and protective strategies in healthcare data security. 

Workshop on ‘Interpretation of Item Analysis’

Item analysis is a crucial component of the assessment process, playing a pivotal role in evaluating the quality and effectiveness of test items. It involves the systematic examination and evaluation of test items (questions) to gather information about their performance characteristics and how well they contribute to the overall assessment. With this regard, College of Nursing organized a Faculty Development Workshop titled ‘Interpretation of Item Analysis’, on December 11th, 2023.

Thumbay Institute for AI in Healthcare Organizes Workshop on Ethical Framework for AI Implementation in Healthcare

On the 2nd of November 2023, the Thumbay Institute for AI in Healthcare hosted a comprehensive seminar titled “Ethical Framework for the Implementation of AI in Healthcare”. This timely event featured a keynote address by the esteemed Dr. Attila Hertelendy from Harvard Medical School, USA. Dr Hertelendy’s lecture delved into the increasingly pertinent concerns regarding the ethical challenges posed by the integration of AI in healthcare. His discourse provided a detailed examination of various frameworks that could guide the ethical implementation of AI within the healthcare sector.

Future Scientist Program

Gulf medical university provide free access to educational resources for those not studying at the university, example of it the future Science program and MASE program for Future science program:

Building the Future of Research - Future Scientist Program of GMU

Our project with GEMS Schools ‘The Future Scientists of UAE’ has proven to be a great success. The students are highly motivated and excited that they are learning in a state- of-the-art research facility. Learning how to think like their mentors – the researchers. Below is the statistics of our participants in the program

Community Events

Gulf Medical University Celebrates a Record-Breaking MASE 2023 with 1,431 Exhibits from 108 UAE Schools

Gulf Medical University (GMU) concluded its 17th edition of the Biggest Annual Medical, Art, and Science Exhibition (MASE), a highly anticipated competition for high school students. This event saw remarkable participation from over 108 schools, showcasing the impressive talents of young minds in six distinct categories. These categories included a diverse range of creative and intellectual ideas, including projects, posters, paintings, music compositions, poetry, and innovative business ideas.

GMU’s Anesthesia Technology Students Celebrate World Mother’s Day by conducting a Community Engagement Activity

World Mother’s Day programs raise awareness about the challenges faced by mothers worldwide, from maternal health issues to gender inequality and these kinds of initiatives drive positive change and create a more supportive environment for mothers.

Students of Anesthesia Technology Department, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, conducted a community activity – Motherhood awareness program on May 10, 2024 in Thumbay University Hospital celebrating the International World Mother’s Day. 

Anesthesia Technology Students of Gulf Medical University Conduct Community Engagement Work to Mark World Sleep Day 2024

Students and faculty of Anesthesia Technology Department of College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, conducted a two-day community awareness program on World Sleep Day on 14th and 15th March 2024 on the occasion of World Sleep Day at Thumbay University Hospital as part of their ongoing commitment to community engagement.

This annual event, recognized worldwide by the World Sleep Society, marks the third consecutive year that Anesthesia Technology students has successfully organized the initiative in partnership with Thumbay University Hospital, their teaching hospital, drawing huge number of students eager to participate and raise awareness about the importance of healthy sleep habits.

Report on World Obesity Day Community Engagement Program

Community Engagement Program on ‘The World Obesity Day’ with the theme for the year ‘Let’s Talk About Obesity, Our World, and Health of the Youth’ was held On March 7, 2024, at Dulsco – People and Environmental Solutions Company, Dubai.

The event was organized by the 2023 & 2022 batch of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students under the guidance of Dr. Veena M Joseph, and Dr. Masani Abdelbagi Ahmed Elmahdy.

The program aimed to shed light on the prevalence and impact of obesity on individuals’ health and well-being, with a specific focus on youth. Through a series of interactive activities and educational sessions, participants were encouraged to engage in conversations about obesity and its implications for global health.

College of Dentistry Organized a Community Engagement Event on the Significance of Handwashing for Overall Health

The College of Dentistry, GMU organized an engaging community event on the ‘Significance of handwashing’ on the 7th of December 2023. The event aimed to educate participants on the important role hygiene plays in overall health. The event was attended by students from across the programs at GMU.

College of Dentistry, GMU Organized a Community Engagement Event at the Special Needs Future Development Center

The College of Dentistry, GMU organized a community engagement educational event at the Special Needs Future Development Center (SNF), Dubai on the 20th of November 2023. Students from BDS and DDA program actively participated along with faculty members.

The event focused on enhancing oral hygiene practices among young adults facing diverse special health care needs. It featured a hands-on approach, showcasing specialized tools and dental care products designed to make oral hygiene routines more accessible and effective

 GMU’s MLS Students Seamlessly Integrate Community Engagement into Coursework with Health Initiative in collaboration with Rafid – Sharjah

students from Gulf Medical University’s Medical Laboratory Science program embarked on a community engagement initiative seamlessly integrated into their coursework. As part of the “Teaching and Learning for Laboratory Professionals” course, led by Dr. Salma Elnour, students presented a compelling case for healthy lifestyle at Rafid – Sharjah, aligning with the Gulf Medical University’s commitment to holistic education on 13.11.2023.

Community Engagement Activity: World Mental Health Month

On 3rd May, 2023, College of Nursing (CoN) organized a community engagement program at Dulsco Company’s Ras Al Khaimah branch, focusing on “Managing Anxiety“. The session was led by Dr. Soma Ibrahim, Assistant Professor of Mental Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Gulf Medical University (GMU). It was followed by posters and video presentation by a group of 4th year students, 2019 cohort. The program was attended by 30 Emirati female employees.

Gulf Medical University’s Annual Global Day Hosts the Largest Fusion of Cultures, Featuring 25 Country Pavilions and Over 1000 Attendees

Gulf Medical University (GMU), hosted its Annual Global Day celebration. Students and staff gathered excitedly to enjoy various activities, food stalls, and entertainment. With students from 102 different countries taking part, the event shows GMU’s commitment to diversity and togetherness. Through music, dance, and delicious food from around the world, Global Day celebrates the many cultures that make up the university’s community.

A total of 25 country pavilions displaying glimpses from the culture and heritage of various countries and serving traditional food were set up at the University ground. Pavilions were set up by students of UAE, other Middle East Countries, as well as Asian and African countries.

More than 1000 attendees, including students, staff, families, and friends of the University, congregated at the University grounds to partake in the lively Global Day celebrations. As part of the festivities, students from six colleges vied for the esteemed title of the ‘Best Stall.’ Judges, comprising three faculty members, evaluated the stalls based on their creativity, presentation, and adherence to the event’s theme. The winners were chosen based on a comprehensive assessment, including online voting by the student community, taking into account the quality of their stall presentations and offerings- showcasing the diverse talents of the GMU community.