Dr. Mona Al Marzooqi navigates the wards of London’s prestigious Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) with a sense of purpose. As a specialist in infectious diseases, she is among a select group of five Emirati doctors participating in a two-year fellowship at the hospital, leaving her young family behind in Abu Dhabi to embrace this unique learning opportunity.
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Al Marzooqi recalls a defining moment from medical school 15 years ago. When asked by a professor about her aspirations, she boldly declared her ambition to find a cure for HIV. Despite skepticism from her peers, this early goal has stayed with her. Now, training with global leaders in infectious diseases at GOSH, she feels a step closer to achieving that dream. “It’s a moment of realization,” she shares. “I’m learning from the world’s experts in managing HIV, and it feels like I’ve fulfilled a part of that dream.”
Building a Future Through International Collaboration
The fellowship program is closely linked to the Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Diseases in Children, an institution established in London with a significant £60 million contribution from Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the center is at the forefront of research in gene therapy and childhood cancers. It also provides care to hundreds of children daily, addressing serious diseases and heart conditions, with 17,000 appointments recorded this year alone.
This collaboration extends beyond training; it acts as a launchpad for genomics research initiatives back in the UAE. The Emirati Genome Programme, aimed at gathering genetic data to improve the prediction, prevention, and treatment of chronic illnesses, was introduced earlier this year. Dr. Mohammed Al Ameri, a former researcher at the Zayed Centre, envisions the UAE becoming a regional hub for genomics. “I want to see discoveries like gene therapies emerging from the UAE for our children,” he remarks.
Enhancing Surgical and Medical Expertise
Among the Emirati cohort at GOSH is Dr. Alya Alblooshi, a pediatric surgeon who credits her experience at the hospital for enhancing her surgical techniques. “You’re learning from the best,” she says. “It’s not just about performing a procedure but doing so with excellence.” Dr. Alblooshi is inspired by the hospital’s interdisciplinary approach and hopes to replicate it when she returns to Abu Dhabi, with the aim of establishing a robust pediatric urology unit.
Dr. Nadia Al Sayed, another fellow at GOSH, focuses on improving the care for cystic fibrosis patients in the UAE. “In the UAE, we often send patients needing transplants abroad,” she notes. Through her fellowship, she has learned how to stabilize acute cases and conduct necessary investigations, bringing crucial skills back to her practice. She hopes to implement a model of continuous care, similar to GOSH’s, from birth through to adult services. “We have the resources and newborn screening in the UAE,” she says. “We just need someone to connect the dots, and I’m hoping to be that person.”
A Personal and Professional Journey
For Dr. Shaima Al Maeeni, a pediatric intensive care specialist from Abu Dhabi, the experience at GOSH has been both professionally enriching and deeply personal. She recounts an emotional moment when she reconnected with a young patient suffering from cardiomyopathy—a severe heart condition. Dr. Al Maeeni had treated the child in Abu Dhabi’s intensive care unit when she was just 18 months old. Meeting her again in London, after she had undergone a heart transplant in India, was a poignant reminder of the impact of her work. “It was hard seeing the family suffer, but rewarding when the mother recognized me,” she reflects.
Bridging Expertise Across Borders
Despite the UAE’s growing healthcare infrastructure and its ability to attract top specialists, certain advanced procedures still require overseas treatment. The fellowship at GOSH is designed to bridge this gap, equipping Emirati doctors with the knowledge and experience needed to enhance local medical capabilities. The goal is to reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad and to ensure high-quality care is accessible within the UAE.
Dr. Al Maeeni highlights the importance of having local specialists, especially in fields like pediatric intensive care. “It’s crucial to have local doctors who can communicate effectively with families,” she explains. “Understanding the language and cultural nuances makes a big difference in breaking barriers and providing better support.”
Preparing for a Competitive Landscape
As these skilled professionals prepare to return home, they face a competitive job market in the UAE. With an increasing number of qualified nationals and expatriates vying for positions, standing out requires more than just expertise—it demands a unique set of skills and experiences. Dr. Al Sayed acknowledges this challenge but believes that their specialized training at GOSH will give them a distinct edge.
The interdisciplinary and patient-centered approach learned at GOSH has been a transformative experience for the Emirati doctors. They aim to bring back innovative practices that will help elevate the standards of care in their home country, making a lasting impact on the healthcare system.
A Vision for Excellence in Healthcare
The UAE government recognizes the importance of investing in healthcare to ensure a high-quality medical system for its growing population. This vision aligns with initiatives like the UAE Centennial 2071, which aims to position the country as a global leader in various sectors, including healthcare. By collaborating with internationally renowned institutions like GOSH, the UAE is bridging the gap between its local expertise and world-class medical knowledge.
Unparalleled Learning Experience
London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital offers an unparalleled learning environment. The hospital is renowned for its innovative treatments, cutting-edge research, and compassionate care. For Emirati doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals, this collaboration presents a unique opportunity to gain exposure to complex pediatric cases, learn from top-tier specialists, and master the latest techniques in healthcare.
The program focuses on immersive, hands-on training in specialized fields like pediatric surgery, oncology, neurology, and critical care. By working alongside leading experts, Emirati professionals can bring back valuable skills and insights, enhancing the quality of healthcare in the UAE.
A Catalyst for Innovation in the UAE
This initiative is more than just a training program; it’s a catalyst for healthcare innovation in the UAE. Emirati professionals trained at GOSH return with advanced skills and fresh perspectives, which they integrate into local hospitals and clinics. This knowledge transfer ensures that Emirati healthcare systems can handle complex cases with greater expertise, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and the overall standard of care.
Moreover, these newly acquired skills play a critical role in the development of specialized healthcare services within the UAE. For example, pediatric care in the UAE has seen significant improvements with the incorporation of new treatment methods and protocols learned from GOSH. As a result, local hospitals can now offer specialized care that was previously only available abroad, reducing the need for medical tourism and keeping patients closer to home.
Mentorship and Lifelong Learning
A key component of the partnership is mentorship. At GOSH, Emirati healthcare professionals are paired with seasoned specialists who provide guidance and support throughout their training. This mentorship model fosters a culture of lifelong learning, encouraging professionals to continuously update their skills and stay ahead of the curve.
Additionally, these mentorship relationships often extend beyond the training period, creating a network of international connections that Emirati professionals can tap into throughout their careers. This global network is invaluable in fostering collaborations, exchanging best practices, and keeping abreast of the latest developments in pediatric healthcare.
Investing in the Next Generation
The UAE’s partnership with GOSH is a forward-thinking strategy that not only benefits current healthcare professionals but also invests in the next generation of Emirati talent. Scholarships and training programs are being made available to Emirati medical students, allowing them to pursue specialized education and clinical placements at GOSH. This early exposure to advanced medical practices inspires students to aim higher in their careers and equips them with the skills needed to tackle the healthcare challenges of tomorrow.
Enhancing Healthcare Systems with Emirati Expertise
The long-term impact of this partnership is already visible in the UAE’s healthcare landscape. Hospitals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah are now home to highly skilled Emirati healthcare professionals who have undergone training at GOSH. These experts are contributing to the development of new protocols, enhancing patient care, and even mentoring the next wave of medical students.
Furthermore, the exchange of knowledge between the UAE and the UK has led to the adoption of innovative technologies and practices. For instance, telemedicine and digital health solutions have become integral parts of the UAE’s healthcare system, influenced by the experiences and expertise of professionals trained at GOSH. This digital transformation is helping to streamline healthcare services, making them more accessible and efficient.
A Model for Global Collaboration
The UAE-GOSH partnership serves as a model for global collaboration in healthcare. It showcases how countries can work together to share knowledge, enhance skills, and improve healthcare systems for the betterment of society. As the UAE continues to invest in its local talent, such collaborations will play a vital role in ensuring that the country’s healthcare system remains robust, resilient, and ready to meet future challenges.
The partnership between the UAE and Great Ormond Street Hospital exemplifies a forward-thinking strategy to future-proof Emirati talent in healthcare. By training with the world’s best, Emirati doctors gain invaluable skills that will enhance the quality of medical services back home. This initiative is not just about learning; it’s about fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
As the UAE invests in its healthcare professionals, it builds a stronger, more resilient medical workforce. The expertise gained through these fellowships will be instrumental in transforming the UAE’s healthcare landscape, making it a hub for cutting-edge medical care in the region. The future looks promising, with a new generation of Emirati doctors ready to bring world-class care to their patients, bridging the gap between global innovation and local implementation.
