A Pioneering Medical University Bridging Healthcare with Education & Research | Gulf Medical University

Gulf Medical University: A Pioneering Medical University Bridging Healthcare with Education & Research

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

Established on the historic land of Emirates, Gulf Medical University (GMU) Ajman? is nothing less than a pristine jewel on the already scintillating crown of the Middle East. Being one of the first private medical universities in the Middle East region, GMU can definitely be credited for bringing the valued education on Medical Sciences to the shores of the Persian Gulf. It is owned and run by Thumbay Group, a diversified international business conglomerate headquartered at DIFC – Dubai.

The Landmark Establishment

Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group established the Gulf Medical College in 1998 as an institution offering undergraduate programs in Medicine, Physiotherapy, Dentistry and Pharmacy. The institution became a full-fledged medical university – the Gulf Medical University in 2008 following a Decree by H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE.

The Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research has recognized GMU as a centre of excellence and has permitted the University to offer a range of courses including undergraduate studies in medicine, biomedical sciences, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and different courses in health sciences. Apart from being the first medical institution in the region which offers admissions to both boys and girls of all nationalities, the Gulf Medical University has also earned the reputation of providing programs that had been introduced in the region for the first time. GMU is first in the region to launch unique programs like Masters in Human Reproductive Biology, Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences and Masters in Physical Therapy.

International Acceptance & Global Recognition

The focus of the Gulf Medical University is in the three core areas of Medical Education, Healthcare and Research. GMU’s Academic Healthcare System links the healthcare, medical education and research functions on its own. The university has infrastructure and facilities which are at par with international standards. Apart from the academic programs, Gulf Medical University is at the forefront of Continuing Medical Education and Continuing Professional Development Programs. The university has also been organizing international and regional conferences and symposia.

Gulf Medical University is ranked among the top 50 medical universities in the Middle East, and bagged Gold at the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Awards, 2018.

A Leadership worth its Weight in Gold

The Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE, Professor Hossam Hamdy, has been a guide, a master and a visionary for the university. With a bagful of prestigious degrees under his name, viz. MBChB, D.S, Doctorate of Surgery (DM), Alexandria University, FRCS (Edinburgh), FRCS (England), FRCP (England), PhD (Med Education, Groningen, Netherlands), he has been the right taskmaster taking GMU to the heights.

Prof. Hamdy is a Professor of Surgery and Medical Education. An internationally known medical educator and active Paediatric Surgeon. 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, the UAE, and Qatar. He has served in different senior academic and administrative positions, as Vice Chancellor Medical of Health Science Colleges at Sharjah University, UAE, Advisor to the President, Qatar University. Director of the Institute of Leadership in Higher Education, and Dean at College of Medicine and Medical Sciences Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain, and a WHO Consultant in Medical Education. He is one of the founders of the Suez Canal University Medical College in Egypt, a leading institute in medical education in the region.

Prof. Hossam is a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal Medical Education, and Editorial Board of the Journal Health Profession Education. He is active in research and has published more than 70 studies that are highly cited and introduces several innovation and best practices in the world of Medical Education.

His work and contribution to Medicine and Medical Education for over more than four decades has been acknowledged and won him many/numerous awards in the medical sector.

He was even decorated by the Republic of France with the prestigious decoration as “Chevalier Dans L’ordre Des Palmes Academiques” / “Knight of the Order of Academic Palms” from the Republic of France for his extraordinary life achievements.

Campus-Buzz which Energizes Pupils Every Moment

GMU is a dynamic campus buzzing with student activities throughout the year, be it academics, cultural programs, events, sports or fun. Each day at GMU is packed with energy and excitement, bringing surprises and opening up new experiences. At GMU, you will be in the company of some of the brightest and most creative students in the region.

The University offers an impressive mix of cultural, social and sports activities, thereby promoting camaraderie, lifelong bonds and endless learning from the surroundings. Multifaceted programs and social awareness activities like National Day, Talent Shows, Global Day, Health Days and Sports Festival are quite frequent in the campus.

A typical day at GMU has a lot of student activities revolving around the library, not to mention the chic coffee-shop and the spacious restaurant, bringing the students together and keeping them engaged and entertained. Students also spend their evenings working out at the health club or engaging themselves in sports and games.

The Extra-Edge of Excellence

GMU graduates are among the most employable healthcare professionals in the region. The research-based approach to learning, early exposure to clinical cases and patients and being mentored by some of the leading professionals-cum-academicians gives GMU graduates the competitive edge over the others. GMU alumni are pursuing high-flying medical careers in the U.S.A, the U.K, the Middle-East countries, Canada, and Australia,among many others. Many of its students also enrol for higher studies in their chosen areas of specialization. Around 25% of its graduates are admitted to numerous medical schools in the United States for further training.

Gulf Medical University values and recognizes excellence in academic achievement. Colleges under the University offer Academic Excellence Scholarships to qualified students who have done exceptionally well in their high school studies.

The Rainbow of Offerings

In terms of program offerings, GMU is the biggest university in the region offering 23 different undergraduate and postgraduate programs and enjoys a robust collaboration with a number of programmes including Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, Associate Degree in Pre-Clinical Sciences, Doctor of Dental Medicine, Doctor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Health Science in Anaesthesia and Surgical Technology, as well as Bachelor of Science courses in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Medical Imaging Sciences and Nursing. This is in addition to the Masters programs in Public Health and Physical Therapy.

There are six colleges and three institutes under the flagship of Gulf Medical University: the Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, the Thumbay Institute for Population Health and the Thumbay Institute of Health Workforce Development. They cater to a whole range of teaching necessities, including research, post-graduation studies and continuous professional development. The new colleges of GMU include the only colleges in the Middle East region for Healthcare Management and Health Economics. The University also has a new College of Nursing. GMU’s unique programs also include the joint and dual masters programs in Medical Education and Public Health.

GMU offers more than 15 programmes and enjoys a robust collaboration with a number of prestigious universities around the world, such as the University of Arizona, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee – USA, University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy in Connecticut, German Heidelberg University, American University in Cairo, University of Ghana, Medical University of Lublin, Tokyo Medical & Dental University, etc., as well as research institutes such as the Gustave Rossi Cancer Research Institute – France.

Ambience of All-Round Development

At GMU, the students are strongly encouraged to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, for their overall personality development. Besides sports, the University also hosts a series of cultural events to ensure maximum participation of its students.

Some of their events comprises of GMU Sports Festival, GMU Global Day, Health Days.

The MASE (Medical and Science Exhibition), Annual Scientific Meet, MEDSIM Olympics, Health Days, Medical Campus further adds to this list.

The University has a large ground with ample parking facilities. Outdoor sports facilities include basketball court, soccer ground and cricket pitch. GMU has official teams for cricket, soccer etc., which represents the University at various tournaments and inter-university matches.

Amalgam of Diverse Talents

GMU has students from over 80 countries and faculty/staff from more than 25 countries. The University has a friendly setting for students from different cultural backgrounds to co-exist and pursue their career ambitions in an atmosphere of mutual respect and professional camaraderie.

GMU celebrates the ‘Global Day’ every year, which seeks to admire the unity in cultural diversity of GMU’s student community. The event gives the students an opportunity to display the essence of their ethnicities and cultures at the same time appreciating the cultural of their fellows.

Moreover, the Office of Student Affairs supports and complements the mission of the University and its academic programs by creating a comfortable, safe and secure environment that contributes to the success of the students’ educational mission and personal growth. It helps to involve students in the University community by providing appropriate student organizations, activities, publications and opportunities for interaction with faculty, staff and peers outside the classroom.

The Office of Student Affairs coordinates all matters concerning Graduate Student Council, Student Welfare, Career Guidance, Alumni Affairs, Student Health, Placement, Student Discipline, residential Halls, Transportation, Student Publication, Student Activities and Sports. Students may approach the Dean / Associate Dean – Student Affairs to resolve issues regarding student affairs and student support services.

Words of Trust

On joining GMU, I gained valuable insights into the latest healthcare trends and the right patient approach. The program was innovative, integrated, comprehensive and patient-centered.

Zoya Liaqat Ali, Pharm D – 2010 Batch

A unique feature of our dentistry course was that it was very clinic-centric, because of which we gained a lot of clinical exposure. After completing the course, I now feel like a competent dentist ready to take on the challenges in my field.

Sanjay Kumar Jyothish, DMD – 2010 Batch

GMU has been a mesmerizing experience, with great batchmates, lots of knowledge, love and discipline. It has been the best place to achieve my ambitions.

Danavanthi Sadashiv Bangera, MPH – 2013 Batch

When I joined GMU, I came here as a shy, reserved and nervous introvert with very little knowledge. Today, I walk out of this great University as a bold, courageous and confident graduate.