Scholarship open for Emirati medics

ABU DHABI // Emirati doctors and medical students are being given the opportunity to gain scholarships for two of the most-respected training colleges in the United States.

Through the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation’s scholarship programme, Emiratis can pursue fellowships, residency programmes, postgraduate studies and observerships at the Mayo Clinic and M D Anderson Cancer Centre.

Representatives from both colleges took part in a medical forum at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi hotel to give Emirati students a chance to learn more about their programmes.

Dr Khaled Al Mansoori, chief medical officer at Ruwais Hospital, encouraged young Emiratis to apply for the scholarships.

Dr Mansoori completed his degree at UAE University in 1994 before going to North America for further studies.

Going abroad, he said, was “important for the students as this will increase their confidence”.

“When we were at their age, it was extremely difficult to go abroad and study,” he said.

Dr Khalil Qayed, consultant in training and development at the Ministry of Health, said there was a lack of Emiratis in many medical specialities, including like anaesthesia, radiology, and intensive care, and encouraged those who could to apply for the scholarships.

“Take the opportunity while you are young as places on courses are not available easily,” he said.

Shayma Al Nuaimi, 27, a pharmacist in Ras Al Khaimah, wants to pursue a master’s in clinical pharmacy in US.

“In the medical field it’s important to be up to date, and we have to acquire higher degrees not only for a position but also to help the patient,” she said.

“The scholarship will help me achieve my dream of going abroad and studying and will benefit patients when I return.”

Dr Robert Wolff, programme director at M D Anderson Cancer Centre, is considering candidate applications at the moment and said he hoped to have students begin studies at the centre next year.