PHOTO
More than 200 interviews conducted to select top 80 candidates for the residency program across 13 specialities.
Dubai - The Department of Medical Education at the Dubai Health Authority(DHA) recently interviewed 200 medical graduates from various universities within and outside the UAE to join the residency program in Dubai.
After medical students complete their MBBS and a one year-internship, they look for opportunities as residents so that they can specialize in the medical field of their choice. The aim of the program is to attract medical graduates to be trained across various specialties.
Dr Jamila Sheikh, Director of Medical Education at the DHA said the interviews were conducted in line with the requirements of a residency program and in line with international standards to access the capability of the healthcare professional.
She explained that the multiple mini interview (MMI) format was used and that this is the fourth consecutive year that DHA has conducted this program. The MMI style of interview uses many short independent assessments, typically in a timed circuit, to obtain an aggregate score of each candidate's skills. The format is widely used in medical schools especially in North America and Australia.
More than 70 consultants and senior doctors from the DHA and 25 organisers helped conduct the interview. Of the 200 interviewees, top 80 candidates, will be selected to practise medicine across 13 specialities.
Al Sheikh said: "MMI is a series of eight interview stations consisting of timed (six-minute) interview scenarios. Applicants rotate through the stations, each with its own interviewer and scenario. This ensures the interviewer only assesses the interviewee for the questions he or she has asked and does not have access to how the interviewee performed in the earlier or later stations, ensuring an absolute unbiased result. The final score is based on the aggregate of all the eight stations."
She said the results of the interviews will be announced by mid-July and that the program will start in October 2015.
Dr. Ashraf Ahmed, Head of the Academic Affairs Centre at DHA's medical education department said the duration of the program is four to six years, depending on the specialty chosen. Once residents successfully complete the program they will be certified as a specialist by the Arab Board and will be given membership to the Royal College of UK.
Dr Fatima Lootah, one of the applicants for this programme said it is of vital importance for doctors to seek higher education and pursue specializations to ensure provision of high quality of medical services and to serve their community members to the best of their abilities.
Ahmed highlighted the importance of the residency program and its active role in attracting qualified medical professionals which will enhance the healthcare system of Dubai.
-Ends-
About the Dubai Health Authority
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was created, in June 2007, by Law 13 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and enhance private sector engagement. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance is the President of the Dubai Health Authority and His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami is the chairman of the board of the Dubai Health Authority.
The DHA's aim in Dubai is to provide an accessible, effective and integrated healthcare system, protect public health and improve the quality of life within the Emirate. This is a direct translation of the objectives of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Keeping the strategic plan in mind, the DHA's mission is to ensure access to health services, maintain and improve the quality of these services, improve the health status of nationals, residents and visitors and oversee a dynamic, efficient and innovative health sector.
In addition to overseeing the health sector for the Emirate of Dubai, the DHA also focuses on providing services through DHA healthcare facilities including hospitals (Latifa, Dubai, Rashid and Hatta), specialty centres (e.g. the Dubai Diabetes Center) and DHA primary health centres spread throughout the Emirate of Dubai.
The main pillars of service delivery at DHA health facilities are quality, efficiency, patients and staff. It is our aim to maintain and improve the quality and efficiency of DHA health services. An important aspect of the service delivery strategy is to focus on patients, their needs and satisfaction as well as attract, retain, nurture and support outstanding staff.
Prior to the establishment of the DHA, the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS), which was established in 1973, was the functioning authority that almost exclusively focused on health service delivery.
© Press Release 2015
