41 doctors join the MRCPI community in Dubai
Medicine is a lifelong journey. On 23 September, 41 specialist doctors in Dubai celebrated a significant career milestone as they joined a global community of Members of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
The graduates from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates successfully completed the International Residency Training Programme or the International Clinical Fellowship Programme to become Members of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
They join a globally connected community of over 13,000 doctors learning together to improve people’s health.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Mary Horgan, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland acknowledged the challenges and benefits of travelling to Ireland to study.
“This was hands-on clinical training working with world-class consultants and medical teams and getting exposure to a wide variety of cases.
“This training is not easy. However, by travelling to Ireland, so far from your home countries, and training in our health service, you have demonstrated a commitment to your profession and the health services and patients of your home countries. They will benefit so much from the expertise and skills you have brought back with you.
“We know that training in another country can sometimes be challenging, but it is a journey that is worth every step.
“The skills, knowledge, and network that you developed during your training in Ireland will be the launch pad for your career and future direction in life.
“You made an important contribution while you were in Ireland, and we also learned from you. We thank you for this.”
Professor Mary Horgan, President, RCPI speaking at the graduation ceremony
Her Excellency Ms Alison Milton, Irish Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, and colleagues from SEHA, the Dubai Health Authority, SSMC, Ministry for Health, Abu Dhabi, Emirates Health Service, the Saudi Commission, and Enterprise Ireland, as well as regional advisors, attended the event to celebrate this outstanding achievement.
Ambassador Milton spoke of the important relationship between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates to deliver medical education and training.
“We value our ongoing relationship with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the world-leading medical education you provide to our outstanding doctors.
Speaking to the graduates she said: “You are highly specialised doctors and your contribution to healthcare both in Ireland and on returning home is immense. You make a difference every day through your work and we are so grateful to you.
“You are now part of a global network. I encourage you to explore and tap into that. We have seen through the COVID-19 pandemic how important international knowledge sharing is, during times of crisis and beyond. When you connect with the global medical and scientific community, the possibilities are endless.”
Her Excellency Ms Alison Milton, Irish Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, speaking at the graduation ceremony
Sharing his personal experience of the International Clinical Fellowship programme, Dr Feras Al Kharouf expressed his gratitude to his family and friends who supported him on the journey and spoke of his experience in Ireland.
“…our education went far beyond the textbooks and tests. It was the experiences, the friendships, and the lessons learned both inside and outside the hospitals that truly shaped us,” Dr Al Kharouf said.
“The world we step into is evolving at an unprecedented pace, presenting us with challenges and complexities. However, I have no doubt that each and every one of us is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resilience to navigate these uncharted waters.
“Embrace the unknown, for it is in the face of uncertainty that true growth occurs. Embrace failure, for it is through failure that we learn, adapt, and ultimately succeed.
“Graduation does not mark the end of our education, but rather the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery. Seek knowledge, challenge your assumptions, and remain curious. Embrace the joy of learning and let it fuel your personal and professional growth.”
Professor Horgan thanked stakeholders and regional advisors in the Gulf acknowledging their vital role in the work of the College in the region.
“There is a strong link between economic prosperity and a thriving, effective healthcare sector. Human talent is the enabler of a thriving economy, fuelling its progress and delivering on its opportunities,” she said.
“We value our partnership with you to help you meet the ever-increasing demand for highly skilled doctors across the Middle East. While Ireland is a small country on the westerly most aspect of Europe, we have a large global presence in Medicine, Pharma, Technology, and Business. We as a nation value the importance of education and strong global alliances.”
