The Knowledge Review have introduced this edition titled, The 10 Best Medical Schools in the Middle East, 2019.

1. Alfaisal
University
ISSUE-4
Setting New Benchmarks in Medical Education Globally
Best
10in Middle East
2019
MEDICAL SCHOOLS
JULY - 2019

4. From the
EDITOR
The Science of Healing
knowledge have to be comprehensively au fait
with the developments and shortcomings of the
discipline.
Considering the gravity of the aforesaid necessity,
medical schools and universities across the globe
have to undertake the profound responsibility in
adopting new technological innovations,
constantly updating the syllabi and simultaneously
upgrading their infrastructure when needed.
This edition, provides our readers a detailed
account of how medical schools and universities
across the Middle East have proficiently catered
to this necessity and ceaselessly strive to keep
uplifting the value of holistic education.
he discipline of medicine, since times
Tunknown, has played a significant role in
the development and sustenance of
humanity. Today, the discipline has evolved in a
parallel projection alongside the engineering and
technological evolution.
What would have been the landscape of
healthcare and related aspects if medical sciences
and studies wouldn’t have evolved through time?
Would there be an adequate number of skilled
and efficient doctors, is the first question that
evidently pops in our minds.
For any individual opting to study medicine, it
becomes a prime necessity to impart knowledge
that leads them to strive for excellence in what
they aspire to become. However, to achieve this,
the educational institutions delivering that
T R
Abhishaj Sajeev
Abhishaj Sajeev

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6. COVER STORY
C O N T E N T S
Alfaisal
University
Setting New Benchmarks in
Medical Education Globally
Medical School
of the month
RAK Medical & Health
Sciences University
A Heritage of Excellence in
Medical Education
08
18

7. 28
Gulf Medical University
Surpassing the Benchmarks
of Medical Education
Hashemite University
An Abode for Excellence in
Medical Education and Technology
Hawler Medical University
A Culture of Excellence Improving
the Health of the Communities
The Holy Spirit University
of Kaslik (USEK)
An Embodiment of
Knowledge and Spirituality
34
42 48
ARTICLES
Applications of Biomedical Devices
for Controlled Drug Delivery
Medical Revolution
mHealth: The New Horizon
in the Health Technology
Innovation Healthcare
24 38

8. he emphasis on development in medical and associated sciences in the current technological era, is
Tsupposedly a substantial one.
Medical science encompasses complexity, sophistication and expertise, and a student of medical sciences
requires to be proficient in exhibiting these traits. For a student to attain these intricate virtues and expertise,
they need to be trained by leading medical schools which hold a prominent rank across the world.
Thus, with the intent of unveiling and bringing into spotlight, exemplary institutions, delivering exceptional
educational value and are reforming the landscape of the medical studies ecosystem, we at The Knowledge
Review have introduced this edition titled, The 10 Best Medical Schools in the Middle East, 2019.
Featuring as our cover story is, Alfaisal University.
Founded by the highly reputed King Faisal Foundation in 2002 as one of the first private nonprofit, research
and teaching universities in the kingdom, the university is committed to achieving international standards of
excellence.
The university has the support of national and international co-founders and distinguished Board Members that
have been continually supporting the university in its mission to remain a student-centered institution
committed to research.
The university holds in high regards, the words of his majesty, late King Faisal Bin Abdulaziz, “the education
of our youth rests on three foundations: faith, knowledge, and performance,” and believes that these pillars
have constituted the vision of late King Faisal in determining the future of education in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia.
RAK Medical & Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU), is featured as this edition’s Institute of the
Month. The University was set up in the year 2006 with the vision to be the leading Medical and Health
Sciences and University in the UAE. It is the first established University under the patronage of His Highness
Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. RAKMHSU has evolved
extremely well from a modest start, with 1300 plus teachers from 48 different nationalities. RAKMHSU is also
proud to have 109 teaching faculty, 113 adjunct faculty, and 96 non-teaching staff from 26 different nations.
Also featuring in this edition are, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; RAK Medical & Health
Sciences University, UAE; Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Lebanon; Gulf Medical University, Ajman,
UAE; Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq; and Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan.
A few other medical schools and universities that have also set a certain benchmark in sector are Ain Shams
University Faculty of Medicine, Egypt; Syrian Private University-Faculty of Medicine, Syria; Aden
University, Yemen; and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Bahrain.
he emphasis on development in medical and associated sciences in the current technological era, is
T
T R
The Significance of Medical Sciences

10. Alfaisal
University
Setting New Benchmarks in
Medical Education Globally

12. The purpose embodied within
the discipline of medicine is
inevitably as vital as the
expertise, the sophistication and the
complexity encompassed within its
practice. The implications of this
profundity lead us to the root of this
discipline which is an educational
institution for medical studies. Thus,
with and implied emphasis on
discovering and bringing into
spotlight, exemplary institutions,
striving to deliver topnotch education
and are reforming the landscape of
the medical studies ecosystem, we at
The Knowledge Review present to
you Alfaisal University.
Alfaisal University was founded by
the highly reputed King Faisal
Foundation in 2002 as one of the
first private nonprofit, research and
teaching universities in the kingdom,
committed to achieving international
standards of excellence. The
university has the support of national
and international co-founders and
distinguished Board Members that
have been continually supporting the
university in its mission to remain a
student-centered institution
committed to research. The university
holds in high regards, the words of
his majesty, late King Faisal Bin
Abdulaziz, “the education of our
youth rests on three foundations:
faith, knowledge, and performance,”
and believes that these pillars have
constituted the vision of late King
Faisal in determining the future of
education in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia.
Alfaisal University avidly exhibits its
motto of serving humanity and the
community through the best medical
practice. Today, it competes to be the
best College of Medicine in the
region and aims to be ranked among
top international colleges. With a
state of-art campus and labs, and with
the help of its distinguished faculty,
the university’s students are
achieving the top scores in national
and international exams, publishing
in the top journals and presenting
their own research in the best
worldwide medical conferences.
The University is recognized as ‘One
of the World’s Top 150 Institutions
under 50 Years Old’ and in ‘The Top
30 institutions globally for
universities established after the year
2000’ as per the Times Higher
Education World University
Rankings 2018. Alfaisal University
has succeeded to improve its ranking
from Top 501-600 globally in 2018,
to 301-350 globally as per the Times
Higher Education Young University
Rankings (THE) 2019. At the
nd
Kingdom level, it ranked 2 overall
nd
and 2 for the Arab region. For
st
Medicine, the university ranked 1 in
rd
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and 3
in the Arab Region.
A new College of Medicine building
is under construction. The
postgraduate program is continuously
updated and new fields will be
launched. Library building
expansions and sports center are
being considered.
Striving for Excellence
The management elucidates over the
University’s mission and vision in the
words below:
- Our Vision:
Alfaisal University is a private
non-profit institution, which aspires
to be a world-class research
university, committed to the creation,
dissemination and application of
knowledge in the fields of business,
engineering, science, medicine and
health sciences.
- Our Mission:
Alfaisal University is a student-
centered university which creates and
disseminates knowledge through
world-class undergraduate and
graduate education programs,
research, and service that will benefit
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the
region and the world in the
advancement of a knowledge-based
economy.
Alfaisal College of Medicine is
accredited by several international
accreditation and licensing parties
such as, International Medical
The Alfaisal College of Medicine follows a problem-based, self-
directed curriculum, in which patients and problems are studied
from multiple standpoints and wherein learning is integrated
with appropriate clinical skills training and community-based
experiences.

13. Education Directory (IMED),
Foundation for Advancement of
International Medical Education and
Research (FAIMER), and the World
Health Organization (WHO)
directory of medical schools, The
Medical Board of California, The
United Kingdom General Medical
Council (UK-GMC), Accreditation
authorities in several states in
Germany, The Jordanian Ministry of
Higher Education and Scientific
Research, and The Sri Lanka medical
council.
College of Medicine at Alfaisal
University offers an undergraduate
program and many graduate
programs. MBBS (Bachelor of
Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) is
a student centered, problem based,
integrated, and community oriented
undergraduate program which is
offered over a span of six years.
Students spend three years in learning
basic sciences and two years in
clinical sciences followed by one
year of internship. This hybrid
curriculum emphasizes on small
group and problem-based learning,
integrated with clinical skills training
and community-based experiences,
alongside lectures. College of
Medicine is affiliated with Partners
Healthcare International (PHI) USA,
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and
Research Centre (KFSH&RC), in
addition to other local collaborations.
A Balanced Perspective
On the pretext of the continuous
advancement in the sphere robotics
and its effects over the medical
discipline, The College of Medicine’s
discernment over the fact is that
artificial intelligence being
implemented in the form of robotics
is a very important revolutionary
advancement in analyzing complex
medical data and assisting physicians
in improving patient outcomes.
However, the college believes more
important is the humanitarian patient
to physician interaction and
chemistry of comfort that a robot
cannot offer, especially while dealing
with sensitive situations or vulnerable
populations. Here, medical ethics
versus human and community
wellbeing flag is to be raised.
Robotics implementation is not a
cheap process and limited centers can
afford it, taking rural situations into
consideration. Although a robot can
one day abridge all the educational
efforts and costs put by a medical
student, still the need for a physician
competent enough, by education,
training, research, and experience to
translate a robot finding never fades.
Opening the Doors to
Opportunities
Throughout the clinical training
years, the College of Medicine’s
students receive a comprehensive,
hands-on, and wide exposure and
training to different clinical scenarios
and cases encountered throughout

14. their future medical career, in the different local hospitals
involved in collaborations with the college. In addition,
the choice of and matching success in international
residency programs adds a lot to this career.
The College of Medicine’s candidates’ success rate in
matching in a residency program in the U.S. National
Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is 80%. The
college’s U.S. NRMP match rate ranks as second best in
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and seventh across the
Middle East. Many of the graduates are currently training
in residency training programs in Germany, Canada and
the United Kingdom in the specialties of Surgery,
Medicine, Psychiatry and Anesthesiology, following their
full registration with the health authorities in those
countries. In addition to the international residency
programs, the college’s graduates have succeeded in
obtaining residency in several well-recognized local
hospitals.
Alfaisal College of Medicine’s students have harnessed
the highest results among 25 other medical schools in the
Kingdom on the nationwide Progress Test (PT) for six
consecutive years. All medical students appear for this
exam at the same time and are tested on their
comprehensive understanding and knowledge of all the
subjects they learned throughout medical school. Alfaisal
College of Medicine students are passing all parts of the
USMLE (The United States Medical Licensing
Examination) at a much higher percentage (85%) than
other International Medical Graduates in performance,
clinical knowledge and skills.
The management is of the opinion that medical research
is nowadays viewed as the key point in establishing
promotion criteria and assessing a physician’s advanced
clinical practice standards. Accordingly, Alfaisal’s
College of Medicine has been a pioneer in medical and
educational research in the Kingdom. The respective
publications are covering a wide range of medical and
medicine related disciplines. The College’s collaborations
with King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center
The Guiding Light of Aspiring Doctors
Alfaisal University’s College of Medicine has been ascending the stairway to progress and development,
under the proficient and inspirational leadership of Prof. Khaled Al Kattan, the Professor of Surgery and the
Dean of the College of Medicine. “I am looking forward to seeing the College of Medicine rising and shining
like a star, and its graduates serving humanity in the best medical practice.” Prof. Khaled expresses.
The College of Medicine is supported by the vision of its overall management represented by the University
President, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Hayaza and Prof. Khaled. Both work to provide the optimal environment
that would enable students to progress at different academic, clinical, research, national, and international
levels, by supporting all programs that raise the educational standards and facilities’ capitals. It is their hard
work and dedication that is leading the university on the track of its mission and vision.

16. deliver an added value. Students
enjoy facilitated research
opportunities with international
research universities and clinics such
as Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic,
and Harvard University, through the
Summer Program for International
Research and Internship Training
(SPIRIT). Many students are also
sent abroad for clinical electives
through the International Clinical
Electives (ICE) program.
Alfaisal University also hosts several
national and international
conferences featuring a huge variety
of elite speakers delivering high yield
keynotes, several symposia, hands-on
pre-conferences’ workshops,
alongside impressive educational
exhibitions and several innovative
scientific contests and competitions
that students participate in and
always guarantee high rank prizes,
thanks to the quality of students,
supervising investigators, and novel
work presented.
Advocating Reformative Learning
Alfaisal University’s College of
Medicine takes the following efforts
in order to create a proficient learning
culture or environment for its
students:
· Implementing Team Based
Learning and Problem Based
Learning educational programs.
· Establishment of Student based
Clubs such as Medical Students
Association under which falls a
program called Peer Assisted
Learning (PAL) where students
help each other in the information
acquiring process.
· Parallel laboratory sessions in
advanced laboratory settings
covering all medical fields of
Anatomy, Physiology, Histology,
Microbiology, Molecular Biology,
and Clinical Skills through an
advanced Simulation Lab.
· Encouraging students to
participate in local and
international conferences as
attendees or speakers presenting
oral or poster communications.
· College of Medicine embraces a
unique multidisciplinary and well
experienced faculty pool
specialized in all medical fields,
and constantly familiarizing their
expertise with medical updates.
· Students at Alfaisal University
have access to huge, updated, and
up-to-date reliable library
databases including high impact
factor Scholarly journals and
Magazine articles, available
through an established Library
building that is managed by
experienced personnel.
· Research in the field of medical
education is active at Alfaisal
University, and the College tries
to implement the results in
program amendments in favor of
a better learning outcome.

17. Student Testimonials
“My experience at Alfaisal University’s College of Medicine was very productive, exquisitely
unique, and enjoyable. I have learnt that success is the direct outcome of persistent attempts
empowered by determination and optimism, regardless of the outcome of the attempts.
A strong and academically competent individual is not the person who doesn’t make mistakes,
but rather the person who acknowledges and learns the most out of her/his mistake. I feel very
grateful for all the support I have received from the College of Medicine throughout the past 5
years.”
– Haya Jamal Azouz, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, First Honor.
“My journey at the College of Medicine has been extraordinary. Looking back at us in our
freshman years, it is truly amazing how our experiences have transformed us into the bright and
refined individuals we are today. I feel extremely blessed for the many opportunities that
Alfaisal CoM has given me, for being taught by such a diverse and brilliant faculty, and for
having made the most incredible friends here at Alfaisal – all of this was only possible by the
Grace of Allah. Becoming a doctor is and honor, it entails lifelong learning and we must
remember to chase excellence, no matter what path we choose.”
– Ameera Elias Musa Sheikh, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Second Honor.
“I studied in the master’s program of Radiological and Imaging Sciences (MRIS) in an extremely
unique educational environment of higher education at Alfaisal University. In this program,
I acquired the knowledge and skills which have greatly improved me as a researcher, scientific
writer, presenter, and educator.”
– Fahad Abdulrahman Alabdulrazzaq, Master of Radiological and Imaging Sciences. T R

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20. A Heritage of Excellence in Medical Education
RAK Medical & Health
Sciences University
18 JULY 2019

21. To ensure that it offers academic programs in medical and
health sciences of International stands and high quality,
which is recognized locally, regionally, and internationally
Medical School of the month
JULY 2019 19

22. uccessful healthcare
Sinstitutions prioritize on
enhancing reasoning skills and
mindset attributes throughout their
organization. They comprehend that
unreflective accumulation of
experience does not lead to better
thinking. Instead, progression in
clinical reasoning requires a direct
focus on the critical thinking
processes used to interpret, analyze,
infer, evaluate, and explain the
ongoing processes. Instilling the
same critical and reasoning thinking
into the students is RAK Medical &
Health Sciences University
(RAKMHSU), which is dedicated to
the pursuit of academic excellence
and committed to preparing
graduates with critical skills to join
the medical and healthcare fields in
st
the 21 century.
The University was set up in the year
2006 with the vision to be the leading
Medical and Health Sciences and
University in the UAE. It is the first
established University under the
patronage of His Highness Sheikh
Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme
member and Ruler of Ras Al
Khaimah. RAKMHSU has evolved
extremely well from a modest start,
with 1300 plus teachers from 48
different nationalities. RAKMHSU is
also proud to have 109 teaching
faculty, 113 adjunct faculty, and 96
non-teaching staff from 26 different
nations.
The Knowledge Review team
discovered that the University has
become a role model of cooperation
and collaboration between learners
and teachers of various nationalities
and cultural backgrounds continuing
their corresponding career lives with
dedication. Its faculty’s significant
input has assisted RAKMHSU to
improve the traditional educational
norms. The University is proud to
support a Student-Teacher Ratio at
7:1, which is more than an ideal
situation.
20 JULY 2019

23. The university provides system-wise,
integrated and updated curriculum as
well as training in clinical skills from
the first year of study. The latest
teaching methodologies such as
team-based learning and case-based
learning is used to facilitate learning
in small groups. Clinical training and
internship are offered in government
hospitals at Ras Al Khaimah and
Fujairah which are having more than
800 patient beds.
In terms of placement and career
opportunities, the University is proud
that it’s nursing and pharmacy
graduates receive placements soon
after graduation in various clinics
and sectors. Additionally, it is proud
for of the learners many of whom
after graduation have qualified for
USMLE, PLAB and proceeded to
many countries worldwide to pursue
higher studies and practice. Even
within the country, many have
qualified in the in Abu Dhabi’s
Health Care and Health Authority
(HAAD) exams.
About the Robust Curriculum
The University encompasses of four
constituent colleges to impart quality
education. These are RAK College of
Medical Sciences, RAK College of
Dental Sciences, RAK College of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, and RAK
College of Nursing.
Under this constitute, the University
offers;
l Bachelor of Medicine &
Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
l Bachelor of Dental Surgery
(BDS)
l Bachelor of Pharmacy
(B. Pharm)
l M.S. Clinical Pharmacy
l M.S. Pharmaceutical
Chemistry
l M.S. Pharmaceutics
l Bachelor of Science in
Nursing (BSN)
JULY 2019 21

24. l RN-BSN Bridge Program (for
working nurses holding Diploma
to upgrade to BSN)
l MSN( specialities- Adult Health,
Psychiatric-Mental Health,
Pediatric & Community-Health)
RAKMHSU is also proud to be the
first in the UAE to launch the
two-year Masters program in
Nursing. Now, in addition to the MS
in Adult Health Nursing (MSN), MS
in Clinical Pharmacy, it also offers
MS in Pediatric Nursing, MS in
Community Health Nursing, MS in
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing,
MS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry,
MS in Pharmaceuticals and Pharm.
D, post-accreditation programs.
All these programs are accredited by
Ministry of Education, UAE and the
degrees are accepted worldwide.
Additionally, RAK College of
Medical Sciences (RAK COMS) is
listed in the World Directory of
Medical Schools and RAK College
of Dental Sciences is listed in WHO
directory of Health.
Accompanying this robust
curriculum is the University’s
all-round campus. It is well-equipped
with library and lecture halls and its
multipurpose laboratories help in
practicing clinical skills. There is a
separate English Language Centre
for facilitating IELTS tests. The
student to teacher ratio of 7:1 ease in
personalized teaching. A new
academic block for Pharmacy and
Nursing programs and a new large
sports complex housing gyms and
indoor sports facilities add more to
the existing facilities. Hostel and
student visa are also provided for the
students who require the same.
Beyond the Curriculum
In addition to the academic
achievements, the students at
RAKMHSU excel in several
co-curricular and extracurricular
activities including the sports
activities within and outside,
bringing laurels to the University.
The Student Affairs Office manages
and maintains an elevated standard of
student participation. In relation to
celebrating UAE National Day,
RAKMHSU Cultural Day and
Student Scientific Conference are
some of the features of each year’s
university activities. Noting the
22 JULY 2019

25. elevated amount of student
involvement in both Oral and Poster
Presentations at the Conference is
very gratifying for the University.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health
also sponsors suitable UAE nationals
for the Nursing Program for both
undergraduate and masters.
Built for the Students
The University is all about helping
the students in attaining quality
education. Therefore, when it comes
to exams and reviews, the
University’s Examination Office
enhances the examination and review
methods. In every class, several
MCQ libraries are procured to assist
the professors to come out with
better quality questions. Moreover,
several examination procedures have
been simplified. In relation to their
standardized application across all
schools, the Vetting Committees for
both MCQs and PBLs are having a
considerable effort to enhance the
quality of both.
The Examination Office conducts
very systematically exams across
four constituent colleges for more
than 130 classes each semester. The
meticulous hard work of the students
results in an overall pass percentage
of over 95% with more than 26%
obtaining excellent or outstanding
grades. Starting from the year 2010,
the University has instituted a system
of academic honors for students with
excellent academic achievements.
Clinical Experience and Exposure
The Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) between RAKMHSU and the
Ministry of Health (MOH), provides
pupils with the access to clinical
expertise at both Sheik Saqr and
Obaidulla Hospitals in Ras Al
Khaimah and Fujairah Hospital.T R
JULY 2019 23

26. iomedical microdevices are fabricated on the
Border of one to hundred µm. These devices are
fabricated with critical features and range in
complexity from microchannels to microtranslucers and
microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Biomedical
microdevices offers key advantages for applications in
health i.e. they are extremely small in sizes; provides
invasive procedures; have lower power consumption;
high reproducibility and the low costs per device. In
addition, they also offer better compatibility and multiple
functionalities with integrating electronics.
This technology has proliferated the development of
variety of microdevices such as micro components of
pacemakers, micromedical devices, diagnostic devices,
and drug delivery systems. This advent of technology
has provided significant improvement over numerous
chronic and no chronic illnesses. It has also transformed
the way drugs are administered into the patients’ body.
These microdevices are based on structural micro parts
such as microchannels that stores drugs. In conjunction,
MEMS devices incorporated with microacutuators,
microsensors, and microtransducers improve the device
capabilities.
Drug delivery through MEMS provides improved
diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of illness. It also
has the ability to control the rate of drug released to the
target area. Programmed with continuous delivery
alongside the ability to release drug locally increases the
treatment efficacy reducing systematic concentration
levels and toxicity.
Applications of
Biomedical
Devicesfor Controlled
Drug
Delivery
24 JULY 2019
Medical Revolution

27. Classification
Drug delivery system can be classified into two types;
passive and active.
Passive microdevices used for drug delivery do not rely
on actuation mechanism. These devices are reservoir
based and rely on mass transfer across permeable
membrane to deliver drugs. The release rate of the drug
can be controlled by:
Ÿ Effective permeability of membranes by fine-tuning
material and structural dimensions
Ÿ Osmotic pressure
Ÿ Rate of degradation of polymer contained in the
reservoir
Ÿ Diffusivity properties of the drug
One major thing to note here is that the delivery of the
drug cannot be modified after implementation. Other
passive release devices are based on internal body
conditions like the pH or the temperature.
Passive Nanochannel-based Drug Delivery Devices
These devices were created to improve patient adherence
towards chemotherapeutics and quality of life,
eliminating the need for repeated administration and
JULY 2019 25

28. regular visits to the clinic. These control the release of
the drug by physical-electrostatic confinement and are
consist of 30 µm wide microchannels that connects
the reservoir.
Clinical application- Diabetes, Melanoma, Prostate
cancer
Active devices use different mechanisms to release
drugs in the body and provide increased level of
control. These devices can be customised to treat a
wide range of diseases requiring specific drug delivery
profiles. When compared, MEMS can be activated and
can be stopped at any time after implantation.
Common miniature power electronics are required by
these active devices, which typically increases the
overall form factor.
Electrothermally Actuated MEMS Drug Delivery
Microchip
This type of device delivers drugs in a pulsatile
manner and because of such, several works on active
drug delivery devices based on MEMS have made
substantial progress towards treating ailments.
Clinical application - Osteoporosis
Rapid-delivery Microchip for Acute Clinical
Conditions
This device consists of a membrane, actuation, and
reservoir layer. Membrane layer consists of
biocompatible silicon nitrate and the actuation layer of
three micro resistors. On passage of current through
resistors, heat is generated and increases the inside
pressure of the reservoir. This lead to the rupture of
silicon nitrate membrane, followed by the release of
the drug.
Clinical application- Hemorrhagic Shock
Magnetically Control MEMS Delivery
A magnetic MEMS drug delivery device was
developed for the controlled release of
chemotherapeutic agent. In this device, pressure in the
reservoir is built, enabling the drug to diffuse out.
Clinical application - Cancer
Some other devices are Micropump MEMS-based
drug delivery system; Transfermall MEMS;
Microneedle Patch Array Delivery System;
Electrothermal MEMS drug delivery Device;
Microfuluidic Hydraulic MEMS-based devices.
The next generation of delivery models are present in
today's inter-connected world. The current
development of such delivery systems is at early stage
and even some technologies are still in conception
phase. From clinical standpoint, if such clinical needs
do exist and is identified, many such applications will
demand large payload that cannot be accommodated
within the microdevices. Passive and active devices
can be a part of invasive procedures and have the
ability to enhance the efficacy while reducing the
toxicity of the drug. These devices offer a wide range
of application with tailored local release and high
adherence prerequisites. They also represent a novel
technology but also face different regulatory
challenges. They also represent the next generation of
platforms for more accurate and efficient drug
delivery. Such novel platforms promise the patients to
increase adherence and overall better treatment
outcomes.
26 JULY 2019
T R

30. International Master degree in Public Health.
GMU focuses in the three core areas of Medical
Education, Healthcare and Research. The
university has infrastructure and facilities which
are at par with international standards. Apart from
the academic programs, GMU is at the forefront of
Continuing Medical Education and Continuing
Professional Development Programs. The
university regularly organizes international and
regional conferences and symposia.
The Gulf Medical University envisions being a
leading international Academic Healthcare
Institution through the implementation of quality
health professions education, research, healthcare
and social accountability for sustainable
community development. Its mission is to pursue
excellence through integration of health
professions education, translational research,
quality healthcare, innovation and social
accountability enhanced by national, international
partnerships and community engagement.
o reform the ways in which aspirants of the
Tdiscipline of medicine are taught and
trained, requires an institution to
ceaselessly excel in its approach towards the
discipline. Located in Ajman, the Gulf Medical
University (GMU) is one prominent example of
such reformative institutes. It is the first private
medical universities in UAE and the largest for its
program offerings.
Gulf Medical College was established in 1998. The
university is now offering both undergraduate and
postgraduate programs in Medicine, Physiotherapy,
Dentistry and Pharmacy. The institution is the only
private academic health system in UAE offering
healthcare, research and education. GMU has also
earned the reputation of providing programs that
had been introduced in the region for the first time.
The university was first in the region to launch
unique programs like Master in Healthcare
Management & Economics, Bachelor in
Healthcare Management & Economics, Joint
Master in Health Profession Education and
28 JULY 2019

31. A Comprehensive Offering
The Gulf Medical University caters to
providing comprehensive training to
students of the contemporary medical
discipline. The university’s syllabi cover the
following
Undergraduate Programs:
Ÿ Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of
Surgery (MBBS)
Ÿ Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
(BBMS)
Ÿ Associate Degree in Pre-Clinical
Sciences (ADPCS)
Ÿ Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
Ÿ Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D)
Ÿ Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
Ÿ Bachelor of Science – Medical
Laboratory Sciences (BSc. MLS)
Ÿ Bachelor of Science – Medical Imaging
Sciences (BSc. MIS)
Gulf
Medical
University
Surpassing the Benchmarks
of Medical Education
JULY 2019 29

32. Guiding the Seekers of Knowledge
The Gulf Medical University has been incessantly ascending zeniths
of success under the prolific leadership of Prof. Hossam Hamdy. At
GMU, Prof. Hamdy is the Chancellor and Professor of Surgery and
Medical Education. He is an internationally known medical educator
and active Pediatric Surgeon. As a scholar, professional, and leader
in higher education in the Middle East and renowned internationally
for the last 40 years, he has established several Medical Colleges in
Egypt, Bahrain, UAE. He has served in different senior academic and
administrative positions, such as Vice Chancellor at Medical &
Health Science Colleges, Sharjah University and Director of the
Institute of Leadership in Higher Education at Sharjah University;
Dean at College of Medicine, Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain and
also a WHO Consultant in Medical Education.
Prof. Hamdy states, “At Gulf Medical University, our focus is always
on shaping the future of healthcare. Being a leading medical university with its own
growing network of world-class academic institutions, hospitals and a dynamic research
division, we are constantly endeavoring to transform the University into a vibrant Academic
Health System, linking the best of medical education, healthcare and research, manned by
the finest professionals.”
Prof. Hamdy also adds that GMU is committed to leading a revolution in transforming the
way Academic Health Systems function. The university envisages a host of opportunities
waiting for us, yet understands that the challenges are huge. “We are confident that this
ambitious journey fueled by spirited preparations and meaningful partnerships will propel
us to our destination,” Prof. Hamdy expresses.
30 JULY 2019

33. Ÿ Bachelor of Science – Anesthesia Technology
(BSc. AT)
Ÿ Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Ÿ Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered
Nurses (RN-BSN)
Ÿ Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management
and Economics (BSc. HME)
Postgraduate Programs:
Ÿ Master in Public Health (MPH)
Ÿ Joint Masters in Health Professions Education
(JMHPE)
Ÿ Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics (MDS)
Ÿ Master of Dental Surgery in Endodontics (MDS)
Ÿ Master in Clinical Pharmacy (MCP)
Ÿ Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)
Ÿ Executive Master in Healthcare Management and
Economics (EMHME)
Advocating Innovation
As a leading private medical University in the Middle
East, the Gulf Medical University has always been at
the forefront of innovation in medical education and
healthcare. The proof of which is the gold medal the
university had bagged at the prestigious Sheikh
Khalifa Excellence Awards, 2018. The Gulf Medical
University Academic Health System (GMUAHS) is
the only one of its kind in the region’s private sector,
linking healthcare, medical education and research.
GMU has advanced teaching, training and research
technologies. The Virtual Patient Learning (VPL) of
GMU was developed by the University in partnership
with Lifelike, a Swiss Technology company. It is the
most sophisticated simulator with the highest fidelity
using artificial intelligence and problem-based
learning in medical education.
Prof. Hamdy believes that with all these advances in
technology and sciences and so long the patient,
health professional, students and teachers are human,
it’s all how they communicate, interact with and
understand each other, which will change.
Celebrating the Alumni
Alumni of the Gulf Medical University got together at
the Ajman Saray Hotel to celebrate their
achievements at the ‘GMU Annual Global Alumni
th
Summit’ on 27 November 2018. Dr. Thumbay
Moideen, the Founder and President, Board of
Trustees GMU was the chief guest of the function
presided by Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of
GMU.
Thirteen outstanding achievers from among the
alumni were honored by the university, in
acknowledgement of their accomplishments. The
awards were presented by Dr. Moideen. The alumni
members also honored him with a special memento.
A cake-cutting ceremony was also organized as part
of the event, celebrating GMU’s successful
completion of 20 years of excellence in medical
education, healthcare and research.
In his address to the alumni, Prof. Hamdy said, “You
are the role-models for our students and we at GMU
are proud of what you have achieved in your careers.
Your accomplishments inspire the students of GMU
to dream big.” Further, he explained the university’s
growth in recent times, with 6 colleges and 25
accredited programs currently under GMU.
Dr. Waleed, an alumnus working in the UK addressed
the gathering on behalf of the alumni members and
expressed their gratitude and appreciation for GMU’s
role in aiding them in building a successful career in
healthcare. “We are proud to be the alumni of GMU,
and are happy to see the university growing,” he
expressed.
Treading towards Progress
The Gulf Medical University’s students get their
clinical exposure quite early in their studies (Year 1)
unlike their counterparts. This attributes to the
university having its own network of Teaching
Hospitals. GMU also, employs its own graduates in
Thumbay Hospitals which are all JCI Accredited.
Students are also sent for their summer training
abroad every year to partner hospitals and healthcare
facilities in UK, US, Australia, Japan, South Korea,
India and Pakistan. GMU has an ongoing massive
expansion plan in Serbia where there is an upcoming
GMU Campus and Teaching Hospitals soon to be
inaugurated. Also, GMU is soon to open a campus
and a hospital in Egypt. Future projects are to open a
GMU Campus in South Africa and Ghana along with
a hospital.T R
JULY 2019 31

36. opens to the highway that leads to Az Zarqa and from
there to Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
A Rich History
The university came into existence by royal decree on
19 June, 1991. Teaching commenced in the university
on 16 September 1995. It is built on a total area of
8519 acres. HU received the order of independence of
first class for its achievements in renewable energy
and higher education.
About the Faculty of Medicine
The Faculty of Medicine at the Hashemite University
was inaugurated by his Majesty King Abdullah II Bin
Al-Hussein in 2006. It began with an initial batch of
135 students, and its capacity has now grown to close
to 1750 students through its current 6-year Medical
Doctor (MD) degree program. The faculty comprises
5 departments in clinical and basic sciences:
1. Department of Basic Medical Sciences: Anatomy&
Histology, Physiology, Biochemistry & Genetics,
Pathology, Microbiology, Immunology,
stablished in 1995, Hashemite University,
Eoften abbreviated HU, is prominent among
the Jordanian state-run universities. Located
in the vicinity of the city of Zarqa, it is the first
university in Jordan to apply the Two-Summer-
Semester system. Additionally, the university uses the
credit hour system. Each faculty has its own
requirement for credit hours. HU offers a variety of
masters programs. It also offers an international
admissions program that allows non-Jordanian
students to enroll at the university. The university is
comprised of 19 colleges (faculties) and institutes. It
offers (52) specialties at the undergraduate level and
(35) specialties at the postgraduate level (doctorate,
masters, higher diploma, in addition to a number of
professional diploma programs.
Demographic Advantage
The university is situated on a site at the intersection
of two international highways. The west gate of the
university, which is the main gate, opens to the
international highway that links Amman with Mafraq
and Irbid, and from there to Syria. The south gate
34 JULY 2019

37. Pharmacology, Community Medicine &
Forensic Medicine..
2. Department of Internal Medicine and
Family Medicine, which also includes
Dermatology &Diagnostic Radiology.
3. Department of General Surgery &
Specialized Surgery that includes
Urology & Pediatric Surgery,
Orthopedics, Ophthalmology &
Otolaryngology.
4. Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology.
5. Department of Pediatrics & Neonatology.
The faculty has attained international
accreditation from WHO, IMED, PLAB,
the American Medical Residency
Certification Board, and the Medical Board
of California. The faculty has well qualified
Hashemite
University
An Abode for Excellence in
Medical Education and Technology
JULY 2019 35

38. national and international teaching staff from various
medical specialties, royal medical services, and the
Ministry of Health. It offers an exciting and stimulating
learning environment that inspires and equips the medical
students to become distinguished medical professionals.
For the basic years, the faculty follows a comprehensive
curriculum integrating both theoretical and practical
teaching. Unique bespoke courses to Hashemite University
include medical economics, health policies, medical ethics,
and medical decision making as well as its flagship Clinical
Skills Education and Testing Center (CSETC) which aims
to equip the medical students with professional competency
in clinical and consultation skills. Furthermore, the newly
installed Digitalized Anatomy Laboratory (DAL) is part of
the faculty’s continued striving to use the latest
technologies to enhance the learning environment for the
medical students.
In the latter 3 clinical years, medical students rotate through
the medical specialties in the central regional hospitals and
The person leading Hashemite University towards the heights of educational and career
excellence is none other than Professor Doctor Kamal Bani-Hani, the President. He is a
gastrointestinal surgeon and formerly held the position of dean of the Faculty of Medicine
at Hashemite University. He also was the dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Jordan
University of Science and Technology from September 2008 to October 2010.
undergo comprehensive theoretical and practical
assessments, including objective structured clinical
examination (OSCE). In addition, the faculty allows for a
two-month national and international medical elective
course for the students to gain international academic
experience and broaden their vision.
The faculty of medicine awards the degree of Doctor of
Medicine (MD) after successful completion of 257 credit
hours, during the course of six years. The degree is
recognized locally (accredited by the Ministry of Higher
Education), regionally (WHO and IMED), and
internationally by some of the most prestigious academic
institutions (PLAB, the American Medical Residency
Certification Board, and the Medical Board of California).
Exceptional Educational Facilities
The Faculty of Medicine focuses on producing highly
proficient medical practitioners who are capable of
providing state of the art medical care in all the different
specialties of medicine. The faculty aims to raise the
An Erudite President
36 JULY 2019

39. T R
medical standards of physicians in the local
community through specific programs of
‘Continuous Medical Education’.
The faculty marches forward with the goal of raising
standards of health care and medical services in the
Kingdom in general, especially in the middle region,
in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the
Directorate of the Royal Medical Services. It focuses
on stimulating medical research with a special
emphasis on health problems prevalent in the local
communities. Additionally, the faculty aims to raise
the standards of Preventive Medicine and Primary
Medical Care.
The Dedicated Faculty
The excellent faculty comes from many nations, and
many of them are graduates of distinguished
international universities and have received their
clinical training in leading international hospitals.
They are actively involved in scientific research,
regional and international conferences, and regular
contributions to the medical literature. In recognition
of these research achievements, the university has
also been accredited by the Foundation for
Advancement of International Medical Education
and Research (FAIMER).
Beyond the Curriculum
Other than providing exceptional educational
facilities, the university offers various services to the
local community and society at large. It provides free
clinical services in hospitals affiliated with the
Ministry of Health, including Prince Hamzah
Hospital. The university organizes volunteer medical
days in different cities and villages throughout
Jordan. It participates in innovative projects to
enhance medical awareness and services in the local
community. Moreover, the university encourages
media involvement to promote health education on
various platforms, like television, to improve public
health awareness. It always encourages the students
to participate in local and international medical
conferences and workshops, which, in turn, provides
them the much needed exposure to the larger world.
Towards a Future of Endless Possibilities
The university aims at building a bright future for its
students. The faculty is preparing study plans for
higher specialization programs. The faculty aims to
improve its offerings further by:
• Enhancing medical training through innovative
and cutting edge medical educational methods
• Implementing a more integrated medical curriculum
• Appointing academically recognized staff and continuing of
scholarship programs.
• Allocating a university hospital
• Continuing to attain local and international accreditations and
collaborations
JULY 2019 37

40. mHealthThe New Horizon in the Health Technology
38 JULY 2019

41. Mobile health or mhealth is a general term coined for the use of mobile or wireless technology in the
healthcare systems. It is a part of ehealth healthcare practice. The most common application of the
ehealth is to educate the consumers about the preventive health care services. It is also used in disease
surveillance, treatment support, epidemic outbreak tracking, and chronic disease management. mhealth is popular
due to the areas that are accompanied by a large population and the widespread mobile phone usage. Within the
digital health, mhealth encompasses all the application of multimedia and telecommunication ensuring accurate
delivery of the healthcare and health information.
Some of the practical examples of mhealth are the voice communication and mobile messaging for the provider to
improve the health behavior. Mobile technologies are helping the healthcare sector in improving training and service
quality of healthcare workers, reducing the cost of service along with reducing the redundancy and duplication of the
collected information.
Motivation
One of the main aspects of the mhealth is to push the limits of the healthcare sector and quickly acquire, transport,
store, secure, and process the raw processed data into useful and meaningful results. mhealth offer various abilities to
the remote individuals so that they can participate in the healthcare value matrix, which was not possible in the past.
In many such cases, these participants can provide their valuable contribution in gathering data
or create awareness of the disease in public health like outdoor pollution, violence, or
drugs.
Motivation arises in mhealth due to the following two factors:
The first factor is the rise of the constraints faced by the healthcare system of
developing nations. These constraints include the population growth, limited
financial resources, the burden of disease prevalence, and a large number of
the rural inhabitant.
The second factor is the rise in mobile phones in the world and its large
population. The greater access to the mobile phones in all segments of the
country helps in saving information and transitional costs for the proper
healthcare delivery.
Health Outcomes
The integration of the technology with the health sector has promoted the
betterment of the health, its lifestyle, and has improved the decision-making ability
of healthcare professionals. Overall improvement is seen in the areas like health
information and the instant connection between patients and health professionals, which was not
possible before. Following that, there is an increased usage of technology that has reduced the health costs and has
improved the efficiency of the healthcare systems. The growth of health-related applications has further boosted the
growth of the mhealth.
A potential implementation is the direct voice communication for the poor literates and local-language versed
people. The phones equipped with the local language aid in information transfer capabilities that were not available
before. With the help of the mobile technology, the support for the existing workflow within the mhealth sector and
the general public has increased.
JULY 2019 39
Innovation Healthcare

42. The Advantages
mhealth provides various versatile advantages across all the
areas of the healthcare industry. It not only helps the
disease-affected citizens but also helps in monitoring
potential patients that are at risk. Furthermore, it has
incredible potential in the biometric hardware and real-time
analytics.
Majority of doctors believe that the applications developed
in the name of health are actually beneficial. Around
ninety-three percent of doctors suggest that the mobile
healthcare applications help in improving the overall health.
Some of the most common advantages of mhealth devices
are:
Medication reminder- Using a reminder, the public can set
timers for their medications, exercise, and many more such
activities.
Fitness trackers- People can monitor their fitness and
burned calories.
Calories counter- People can monitor how much calories
they are taking-in and can control it.
Mobile emergency health communication- Citizens can
contact their loved ones in any kind of emergencies. If the
device has autonomous capabilities, it can automatically
contact the concerned authorities.
Heart and Vital monitoring- Application rendered with the
vital monitoring abilities can be very useful. Citizens can
use these while exercising or in the case of emergency for
example, patients’ vitals’ can be monitored in an
ambulance.
As mhealth is becoming widely known, healthcare
providers are embracing the mobile communications, thus
improving the relationships with the patients.
Constraints
Major hurdles in the mhealth are the guidelines regarding
the privacy and security of the health data collection on
mobile technologies and identifying new opportunities to
enhance the delivery of mhealth services. According to the
surveys, resistance is seen from staff and physicians due to
the change. They are unwilling to learn new skills or new
technology. They also believe that it impedes their
workflow.
In terms of workflow, the structure of evaluation presents a
major challenge for the healthcare sector. There should be
resolute standards for the evaluation. With the constant
change of technology, infrastructure, and innovative
research methods, there is a specific need to evaluate the
process and consequences of the action taken in the mhealth
process implementation. Consequently, a balance is
required to be maintained in the mhealth applications and
its execution. Healthcare providers must also take care of
the data overloading. As the data is collected in the
real-time and recorded, there must be a proper assessment
of the collected data where non-important data is filtered
out.
Industry Trends
Being the fastest growing trend, the mobile platform is used
by more than five billion people in the world. With the
increase of smartphones and wireless network technologies,
the digital healthcare systems have new possibilities
alongside new challenges to provide high quality,
efficiency, accessibility, and lower cost to the healthcare
services. Various reports suggest that the consumers are
expecting mhealth to change the overall healthcare
experience with the way the digital information is obtained.
The impact of mHealth is seen in the relationship and
overall communication between a patient and the physician.
Studies have shown that the health monitoring devices and
cellular connectivity has reached more than seven million
people. The combined market of the mobile health
applications, health, and wireless apps, is expected to grow
at a significant amount. In some countries, there are apps
that are monitoring the patient’s asthma right from their
mobile phones. It is done using the microphone of the
phone just like a spirometer. Other countries are using a
wireless shoe insole, used to monitor the blood pressure in
the heel. This digital shoe alerts the diabetic patients, when
there is too much weight on feet, which can help in the
elimination of foot ulcers.
mhealth has enormous potential and is growing rapidly
along with changing technology. Various international
organization and global experts are researching
continuously to foster the best use of current promising
technology to improve the global health.
40 JULY 2019
T R

44. success is intended to increase its service to the community
in Kurdistan region as a whole.
Delivering Distinction
HMU is committed to academic freedom and the principles
of equal opportunity with no discrimination in delivering its
services and applying knowledge with ambitious standards
of intellectual, educational, and research productivity. It is
intended to become a learning institution that provides
education and research services in all fields of health and
education like a modern medical university in a well-
developed country. The University delivers this through the
following goals:
Clinical Competence
Acquire enough skills that enable students to diagnose and
manage clinical presentations including medical
emergencies in a safe, effective, and efficient manner. Show
enough skills in dealing with medical information including
data gathering, entry, interpretation, and decision making.
The Science and Practice of Medicine
Apply the obtained knowledge from basic biomedical
Hawler Medical
Based in the city of Erbil,
University (HMU) is a public university set up by
the Council of Ministers of the Iraqi Kurdistan
Regional Government in the year 2005. The university was
established to include the medical group colleges that
beloged to the University of Salahaddin-Erbil. The overall
aim of the development of HMU was to improve the
medical education in the Kurdistan region as well as to have
better and more effective management of the colleges.
Being the first medical group of a university in Iraq, HMU
offers undergraduate and postgraduate studies in different
Medical & Health Sciences. The university currently
encompasses of five colleges – ,College of Medicine
College of Dentistry College of Pharmacy College of, ,
Nursing College of Health Sciences, and . It has two main
campuses which are located in Erbil city.
With the endorsement by the Council of Iraqi Federal
government in March 2006, HMU has progressed to
establish itself as a modern and successful center for
medical and health education and research. It is backed up
by the efforts of committed and talented staff and the
support of Iraqi Kurdistan regional government. HMU’s
42 JULY 2019

45. sciences and research in the field of medicine
(including community-based researches and
foundations of epidemiology) in the best
management of patients and disease
prevention.
The Social Contest of Medicine
Understand and respond effectively to factors
that influence the psychological, social, and
economic aspects in health, disease
prevalence, and medical care.
Professionalism
Behave and communicate with patients,
families, and the medical community in an
ethical, compassionate, and legal manner,
using proper interpersonal communication
skills, and considering the prevailing rules
and regulations.
Lifelong learning
Establish the foundations for lifelong learning
to keep up with changes and continuous
professional development, recognize own
To be a national
leader in providing
excellent medical
education, health
care, and research
Hawler
Medical
University
A Culture of Excellence Improving
the Health of the Communities
JULY 2019 43

46. personal and professional limits, function effectively as a mentor, and teacher when possible. Learn and work effectively
within a multi-professional team.
More than Just Education
The university caters to student education and overall development with utmost dedication and in the same regards, likes to
conduct complete review and revisions of the curriculum and learning methodologies in different colleges.
Within the College of Medicine, it has been successful in shifting from the classical medical curriculum towards the spiral
integrated medical curriculum model. According to the university, there has been a focus on applying small group teaching
and problem-based learning. The important topics of communication skills, scientific debate, critical thinking,
Helming affairs at the University as its President is Dr. Dara O. Meran. He holds a BSc from the University of Mosul, an
MSc and a Ph.D. from Poznan Academy Poland. In his illustrious career, Dr. Meran has played diverse roles in the
education sector and has an extensive experience in higher education management and administration. He previously
held positions of Vice President for Administration and Financial Affairs at the University of Salahaddin (1998-2004) and
the Dean of the Colleges of Science (2000), Physical Education (1998 and 2004-2008), and Pharmacy (2010). He has
taken part in different management and educational training courses in and outside the country.
During his tenure at HMU, at first, he was University’s Vice President for Admin and Finance Affairs (2008-2015) and
later in 2005 he was selected as the University’s President. Under his leadership, the university has advanced well in
changing and developing the medical programs toward the spiral integrated medical curriculum model and in many
other role developments, digitalization of the learning process, and research.
Dr. Meran has been instrumental in the conception of new departments and increasing the enrollment rate of
undergraduate and postgraduate students. When it comes to his contribution in addition and accreditation of study
programs, his efforts have led to a rise the ranking of the university in the local and world university rankings. Overall,
he has uplifted the whole university and as a result, HMU is now in the top group of universities in Kurdistan region.
About the President
44 JULY 2019

47. The University also has a well-equipped and advanced medical
research center with experienced researchers working in different
medical fields. It also includies the Center for Research,
Education in Women Health, and the Psychosocial Support
Center that provides essential services to the students and the
community.
Accomplished Alumni
The university has a career development center, which is
administered by experienced and well-trained staff and organizes
regular activities and job fairs. All the graduates of the different
colleges of HMU are recruited by the Iraqi Kurdistan Ministry of
Health to serve in the public health sector. Graduates also work in
the private health sector in private hospitals, clinics, laboratories,
and pharmaceutical companies. The graduates who opt to work
outside of the country and move to Europe of the US, are
successful in obtaining jobs, equalizing their degrees, and pursue
postgraduate studies.
Education for Tomorrow
The University keeps itself in line with the future to be ready for
the ever-evolving medical field. For this, it regularly conducts
complete review of the syllabi and academic programs. The
University is moving forward toward the application of spiral
integrated medical curriculum model, small group teaching,
expanding the clinical skills labs, and application of the Bologna
process and credit transfer system in some colleges.
professionalism, and ethics have been incorporated
into the study program. All the colleges in the
university started to apply these changes in their study
programs. Some of the colleges are working to shift
the study program toward a credit-based system based
on the Bologna process.
Additionally, keeping keen eyes on new trends and
technology advancements, the university has taken
important steps toward digitalization of the learning
and management systems. Its new Moodle System has
been installed successfully and is used as an online
learning platform. The University has successfully
achieved digitalizing of the professional development
and faculty portfolio systems. Moreover, a new and
contemporary website has been launched for the
university.
In terms of scientific research, the university includes
an advanced and well-equipped scientific research
center, and the university encourages the staff to
conduct research and publish their papers in
internationally reputed journals. Training and Capacity
development programs are continuously provided to
the faculty staff and postgraduate students.
The Center for Research and Education in Women’s
Health has been established at HMU to promote
research on women’s health and gender differences
related to health. The center supports a network of
faculty members in multiple disciplines who are
interested in research collaborations to study various
aspects of women’s health and women’s rights to
health.
When it comes to ranking, the University has seen
rapid advancement in the ranking process at the
national and international level. It is currently ranked
in the first groups of universities in the National
University Ranking in Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Round
th
University Ranking ranks HMU at 5 place in Iraq and
it has been bestowed with highest ranking in the Iraqi
Kurdistan Region in the faculty staff ranking domain.
On teaching level, the University has an excellent
teacher-to-student ratio. The academic staff is
experienced in both clinical and research aspects and
the ratio of those with full professorship and assistant
professors is remarkably high compared to the other
universities in the region and Iraq as a whole. This
feature has helped in applying small group teaching.
T R
https://hmu.edu.krd/en/
JULY 2019 45

50. ealth is wealth", a short yet famous proverb reflecting a deeper meaning that
Hhealth is imperative to the balance and functioning of our bodies. It is also known
that health affects emotions and the overall well-being of humanity.
st
The 21 century is witnessing a rapid advancement in medical sciences. With pollution
levels, as one of many examples, rising at an alarming rate, societies around the world are
encountering major environmental hazards with drastic consequences to health. To remain
ahead of these adversities, new curricula have been adopted in medical schools around the
world, a worldwide initiative to equip medical students with the latest contemporary
knowledge and skills to face these pressing health challenges.
One such medical institution which has taken upon itself the responsibility of making the
world a better place by taking care of the health of its community is the School of Medicine
and Medical Sciences at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) in Lebanon.
A University with a Rich History and a Modern Infrastructure
The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) is a private Catholic higher education
institution, founded in 1938 by the Lebanese Maronite Order (OLM), with the honor of
being the first such institution which has come about thanks to a Lebanese initiative. From
its beginnings, USEK’s mission has been to serve the community and regularly meet the
needs of social, health, and economic development. Today, the University is proudly ranked
among the first 5 universities in the country.
The Holy Spirit
University of
Kaslik (USEK)
An Embodiment of Knowledge
and Spirituality
“
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52. Located in Jounieh in the heart of Mount Lebanon, this
multilingual institution (English, French and Arabic), is
committed to preserving the Maronite cultural heritage that
underpins a community in which the spiritual, civic and
ethical values of respecting others and their beliefs prevail.
In addition to all it offers educationally, USEK is also known
for its dynamic student life. It fosters student engagement on
campus by helping to build an active social life through
various means including international programs, events,
cultural trips, and student gatherings.
USEK is undoubtedly an institution keen on ensuring
continuous expansion through state-of the-art systems and
technologies, and fully-equipped facilities.
Inspiring Students with Ambition
Ranking among the best universities in Lebanon year after
year is the proof of a solid commitment of its faculty and
staff to serve the community while upholding the values of
the Catholic Church. The School of Medicine and Medical
Sciences plays a prominent role in preparing current and
future generations of well-trained physicians to become key
contributors in improving the well-being of the Lebanese
community.
The USEK School of Medicine and Medical Sciences also
aims at providing education that focuses on patients in every
aspect by imparting to the next generation of doctors the
latest knowledge and know-how in the field of basic sciences,
world-class medical skills, and high ethical standards to
better serve the community.
The School upholds a set of key values including ethical
practices and integrity among its students and faculty and
promotes the pursuit of excellence. The School has been
maturing under successive USEK presidents whose
forwarding-thinking vision and unwavering support have led
to a string of achievements, the latest being the TEPDAD
international accreditation under the current president
Reverend Father Dr. Talal Hachem.T R
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