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The First Annual Mediclinic Middle East and Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) Excellence Awards were recently presented at a ceremony at MBRU in Dubai.  The awards ceremony was a culmination of an academic partnership between the two entities which has been in place since November 2016 and has seen MBRU medical undergraduate students, postgraduate medical residents and nursing trainees undertake rotations at Mediclinic’s hospitals and clinics in Dubai.

These awards recognise the Mediclinic Adjunct Faculty for the academic year 2022-2023 for their contribution to the education of MBRU’s MBBS students, MSc Nursing trainees, postgraduate medical residents and fellows. The ‘Educator of the Year’ awardees for the clinical years 4, 5 and 6 were voted for by the students themselves, who were asked to nominate those educators at Mediclinic who had most impacted their educational journey through the year.  All discipline and academic coordinators, academic administrators, residency clinical supervisors, fellowship clinical supervisors, MSc Nursing preceptors and research collaborators also received a certificate in recognition of their contribution to the success of the overall academic programme.

‘Star Awards’ were also presented to individuals actively involved in the facilitating the delivery of medical education.  These awards were decided through nominations from the MBRU Phase 3 clinical faculty, Mediclinic Dubai medical directors, hospital directors and nursing directors, in addition to all discipline coordinators and academic coordinators.  These awards recognise those who go above and beyond in the pursuit of excellent education and experience for MBRU students. 

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of The Dr. Edwin Hertzog Outstanding Educator of the Year Award 2022-2023.  The winner of this award was chosen by a panel of judges from Mediclinic and MBRU and recognises someone who possesses a unique set of qualities and skills that make them highly effective in teaching and guiding aspiring medical professionals. These include expertise and knowledge, communication skills, passion and enthusiasm, adaptability and flexibility, mentorship and support, empathy and understanding, continual learning and improvement and ethical and professional behaviour.  The award was presented by Dr. Edwin Hertzog, the founder of Mediclinic, to Dr. David Curran, Consultant Geriatrician at Mediclinic City Hospital.

Celebrating the occasion, the CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation and President of MBRU, Dr Amer Sharif shared, “From day one, Mediclinic has been an invaluable ally, wholeheartedly embracing our students in their clinical practice. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Mediclinic Group whose resolute belief in our mission has been nothing short of extraordinary. Seven years ago, we entered a partnership united by a set of values and a collective vision to advance health and serve humanity together.”

Hein van Eck, Chief Executive Officer of Mediclinic Middle East, commented, “The first Mediclinic and MBRU Excellence Awards is the culmination of a seven-year academic partnership which has seen dozens of medical undergraduates and postgraduates, as well as Nursing postgraduates, complete rotations at Mediclinic facilities in Dubai.  It is a great privilege to be able to work together with MBRU to support the UAE’s long term vision of training the next generation of doctors and medical professionals for the challenges posed by a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

The purpose of these awards is to recognise the contribution of those Mediclinic doctors who have helped shape these young people’s futures and to thank them for their leadership and passion for teaching.  Without them, this groundbreaking academic affiliation would not be possible.  I look forward to the continuation of these awards as the relationship between MBRU and Mediclinic continues to go from strength to strength.”