Media Release

Ajman, Jul 9: Gulf Medical University (GMU), the leading medical university in the Middle East region, hosted the prestigious MRCPUK PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) exam in collaboration with the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom. The programme was hosted at the university campus from July 2 to 4.

With this, GMU has joined the exclusive list of international PACES exam centers in the region hosting this high-profile examination conducted under strict vigilance, in compliance with the stringent standards and guidelines laid down by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians, UK.

Attempted worldwide, PACES exams are held two to three times a year in UK and at recognized international exam centers, set by thousands of doctors around the world.
The examination tests trained doctors’ ability to practice medicine safely and efficiently. During the PACES exam, physicians are assessed for their clinical skills, history taking and communication skills. Combined with two written exams, passing qualifies a doctor for the MRCPUK (Member of the Royal College of Physicians, UK) qualification, internationally recognized by many regulators as quality benchmarks of medical knowledge and clinical skills.

Dr Donald L Farquhar, International Medical Director (assessment) said, “GMU is our new center in the region. We are delighted to have a new center as GMU. I have been very impressed with the university. This is my third visit here. We have worked with them in partnership to develop the exam center and we hope in the future to be also involved in training of post-graduate doctors at the soon-to-open Thumbay University Hospital in the campus here. We find GMU to be a very forward-looking, stimulating university with a lot of enthusiasm and can-do attitude.”

Prof Hossam Hamdy, chancellor of GMU said, “We are proud to be an international center for the MRCPUK PACES examinationin UAE. This would immensely benefit the young doctors in the UAE and the region, inspiring them to acquire an internationally respected post-graduate qualification. Furthermore, the establishment of the center is in line with GMU’s vision to be a leading international academic healthcare institution through the integration of quality health professions education, research, healthcare and social accountability for sustainable community development.”