On January 6, 2025, Ms. Ruba Alagha and Mr. Ibrahim Shnati, PharmD students from the University of Iowa, began their international pharmacy patient care rotation at the Gulf Medical University (GMU) Academic Health System in the United Arab Emirates. This five-week rotation offers these students a unique opportunity to engage with diverse aspects of clinical pharmacy practice within a global healthcare setting.
During their rotation, Ms. Alagha and Mr. Shnati will receive comprehensive, hands-on training in specialized areas of pharmacy, including cardiology, critical care, and infectious diseases. A significant portion of their training will take place at Thumbay University Hospital (TUH), a premier healthcare facility within the GMU network. Here, they will gain valuable insights into the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists in managing complex cases and delivering clinical pharmacy services.
Beyond clinical exposure, the rotation has a broader educational mission. One of its key objectives is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences in healthcare delivery systems across US and UAE. By interacting with patients from various demographic backgrounds, the students will learn to appreciate cultural diversity in healthcare practices and develop skills to address the unique needs of a multicultural patient population.
In addition to their hospital-based training, the students will have the opportunity to visit multiple healthcare facilities throughout the UAE. These visits will include pharmacies, specialized medical centers, and other hospitals, giving them a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape in the country. This exposure is expected to broaden their professional perspective and enhance their ability to adapt to various healthcare environments.
This international rotation underscores the importance of global collaboration in healthcare education and training. By fostering cross-cultural learning experiences, the rotation aims to prepare future pharmacists like Ms. Alagha and Mr. Shnati to excel in an increasingly interconnected world of healthcare.