GULF MEDICAL COLLEGE students go international with Summer Training Program

It is always thrilling to have a ‘hands on experience’ as a student. But that thrill will be more when a student gets an opportunity to do so in a foreign country. The Gulf Medical College Ajman, whose MBBS program was recently recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, UAE, started this unique program three years ago. The college sponsors the students to attend a special three-week clinical training sessions in prestigious hospitals in different countries.

Ever since the Summer Training Program started, students were sent to Germany, India, Pakistan, USA and the UK. This year, more institutions are being added to the list, said Mr. Thumbay Moideen, President of the college who conceived the idea. The Summer Training Program is a unique and an innovative program, and is designed to give international exposure to the students of GMCA. The main aim is to stimulate the minds of the students, expand their horizons of knowledge and ignite their intellect, by letting the students learn about different medical problems in different countries, he explained.

‘There was a felt need for such exposure’, said Prof. Rangaswami, Dean of the college. It is of paramount importance that students must be exposed to some of the common as well as rare cases in different countries so that they get more clinical exposure. It adds up to their confidence as well. They will get to see some of the latest technology in places like Germany, USA and the UK. In Pakistan and India they could come across some very rare tropical diseases. There were more than one reasons for them to be happy, he went on to explain, because this is the first of its kind program started by any medical school in the region.

A third year medical student from UAE probably would never imagine that he/she would be allowed to examine a patient in one of the hospitals in Germany, or for that matter in India or Pakistan. But it was made possible by the Gulf Medical College Ajman. “It was a wonderful experience,” said one of the students who went to Germany.

A wonderful lesson that woke us all up to face the realities of life – especially as a doctor. Seven in the morning, we wake up early to start our practice in medicine. The Obs./Gyn was my first posting. We were introduced to new techniques in Caesarian operations where me and my friend were allowed to assist in the operation. It was my first time to actually stand at the operating table. What interested me most was the care the patient was receiving – Sara Al Shaikh.