Fatima College of Health Sciences and VPS Healthcare officials pose for a photograph at the signing ceremony.

The Fatima College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with VPS Healthcare, to help Emirati students join the field of research and development (R&D) and find out solution to the healthcare problems faced by the region.

Earlier this year, the VPS Healthcare had sent a group of Emirati students from the Fatima College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, to the US on a study tour. The students visited various centres of research to learn the modern practices and follow it in the UAE. The MoU is aimed at further increasing this collaboration and help more students go on such study tours and help in R&D activities in the UAE.

Dr Daryl A Cornish, Director of the Fatima College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, said that it was a great opportunity for the college to expose young Emirati students, who were in the final year of various courses, to see how research is done.

“They have come back better equipped to complete their studies and apply these experiences in their professional life. I want them to pursue higher degrees in the areas they are fond of,” he said.

He pointed out that the agreement has three main objectives – to get students an opportunity to travel abroad and get the learning experience, get them placements as it is part of the degree to get clinical experience. The MoU also aims to take the relationship to a new level where the VPS Healthcare staff visit and teach at the Fatima College, while VPS Healthcare staff can upskill themselves by getting new degrees at the College.

“We are committed to taking an active role in the UAE government’s efforts to develop world-class medical research projects through public-private collaborations. This initiative gives us an opportunity to shape the future of healthcare research and innovation in the UAE while promoting a culture of knowledge-sharing that ensures the sustainability of the healthcare sector,” said VPS Healthcare Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil.

Mariam Ali Ibrahim Al Balushi, a Pharmacy graduate of the college who was part of the first batch of students visiting the US under the initiative, said that it was an enriching experience. Each programme was tailor-made as the group had students from various departments including Nursing, Pharmacy, Radiology and Physiotherapy.

“We got the exposure on how to conduct research. I realised that the UAE government has provided all the facilities and equipment here. The regulation is also excellent. But they have more scientists busy in research. Hope this initiative will help students bring those expertise to the UAE and contribute in making it a hub for R&D,” she said.