Healthy Community Wealthy Community
“Thank you, GMU, for collaborating with the Environmental and Occupational Safety Department to commemorate the World Day for Occupational Health and Safety. Maintaining occupational health and safety in the community is the need of the hour,” said Ms. Naeema Alkaabi, Environmental, Health, and Safety Specialist, the person behind a community engagement activity passionate to foster a healthy community and wealthy community.
A screening campaign was conducted by the Year 3 MBBS students, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University in collaboration with Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, and College of Dentistry under the supervision of the faculty from Department of Community Medicine to assess the health status and predominant modifiable risk factors prevalent among the participants from Environmental and Occupational Safety Department at Emirates School Establishment, Ajman, UAE on May 02, 2023, as part of our commitment towards society.
The screening focused on obesity, hypertension, oral health problems, detection of diabetes mellitus, and consultation with a general practitioner. In addition, factors such as family history, tobacco use, and exercise habits were also assessed. These screening procedures enabled us to gain an understanding of general health, as well as the presence of any indicators among the employees, which may put them at the risk of developing any health problems. Anyone found with abnormal findings was referred to the hospital for further check-up.
Danya Yahia Osma, a year 3 MBBS student said, “the event conducted on the 2nd of May of 2023 at Emirates School Establishment Ajman was very engaging. I have developed good communication skills that will help me as a future physician.”
Reem Mokhamlji, her peer said, “as a third-year medical student, I had the opportunity to develop my clinical abilities while working with seasoned healthcare professionals by observing them. I’ve discovered that taking the time to thoroughly explain the treatment and its intended outcomes, as well as paying attention to any worries or queries the patient may have, can help to significantly reduce their anxiety.”
“It is important to instill aspects of social accountability and community engagement among medical students early, so that they become responsible and entrustable doctors!” said Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Vice Chancellor Academics and Dean, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University.