Media release

Ajman, Jan 15: Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, on January 8, signed an agreement for strategic collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Medical University of Bahrain, aimed to promote mutual cooperation in medical education and research.

The MoU was signed at Gulf Medical University by Prof Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor, representing GMU and Prof Sameer Otoom, the President, representing RCSI Bahrain.

The MoU is part of GMU’s strategic objectives concerning internationalization and global collaborations. At present, higher education and training are confined within the walls of universities. E-learning and technological advances maximize the utilization and effectiveness of the learning process. GMU, as a leading medical university in the Gulf region, has close relationships with similar universities in the GMU.

Prof Hossam Hamdy said the collaboration between GMU and RCSI Bahrain would open up several opportunities in education, research and internationalization. “Both the institutions share the same values and have the same vision and mission of imparting healthcare to the populations of the UAE, Bahrain and the GCC countries through innovations in medical education and healthcare. We hope to take this collaboration ahead in such a way that it benefits both GMU and RCSI Bahrain, as well as the region,” he said.

Prof Sameer Otoom said that the collaboration would focus on three things mainly: exchange of examiners, joint research and clinical electives. Regarding the delegation’s visit to GMU and the tour of the teaching, training and research facilities, he said, “We are very impressed with the research facilities of GMU that we’ve seen today – a big research center focusing on one type of research and big modern hospitals within the Gulf Medical University Academic Health System. This is an exemplary concept.”

The delegation also complemented GMU for its innovative, technology-intensive training methodology, especially the Virtual Patient Learning (VPL) system developed by GMU to enhance the students’ learning experience.

Gulf Medical University has been establishing tie-ups with leading international universities and research institutions in the United States, Europe, China, India, Japan, Korea, the Gulf States and Egypt, in line with its strategic directions. In the field of research, the University has established international research laboratories that cooperate with a large number of international research centers and work with their counterparts in the UAE, especially in the field of immunology research to treat cancer. GMU receives students from more than 80 countries as its reputation and image goes beyond the region.