On November 2, 2023, College of Medicine at Gulf Medical University, Ajman, organized a community engagement activity in collaboration with Thumbay University Hospital, Thumbay Dental Hospital, Thumbay Institute of Population Health and Thumbay College of Management and AI in Healthcare. This program was specifically tailored for the workers at the Sewage Treatment Plant Headquarters in Ajman, UAE.
The initiative aimed to assess the workers’ physical health and potential risk factors for various conditions. Anthropometric measurements were recorded including height, weight, and blood pressure. The prevalence of obesity was determined from these measurements. Information on modifiable risk factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity was gathered, in addition to a self-reported history of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory conditions, elevated cholesterol, and family medical history.
Participants requiring further assessment were referred to a General Practitioner for consultation, and those in need of additional evaluation were advised to visit Thumbay University Hospital. A clinical nutritionist from the Thumbay Institute of Population Health provided essential insights on maintaining a balanced diet. Fifth-year students specializing in healthcare management and economics efficiently managed the registration process.
The workers, encompassing both males and females, engaged in various forms of manual labour, and spanned a wide range of ages. The program successfully increased participants’ awareness of healthy living practices, encompassing diet, exercise, and oral health. It effectively fulfilled its objective of educating and screening each employee.
This campaign proved invaluable to the participating students, offering them valuable exposure to a community at higher risk for chronic conditions. It also provided an opportunity to interact with workers from diverse backgrounds, fine tuning their communication skills and deepening their understanding of the challenges faced in an occupational setting. The community engagement program allowed them to give back and uphold the social responsibility of both the university and themselves as medical students, contributing to the growth and well-being of the community.
“Medical Education does not exist to provide students with a way of making a living and enrich their portfolio’s, but to ensure the health of the community”, said Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Vice Chancellor Academics and Dean, College of Medicine, who is also the Chair of GMU Community Engagement Committee.