The Community Engagement Committee of the College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, successfully organized the Big Data and GIS Lecture Series during April and May 2026 for MD Program students, faculty members, healthcare professionals, and researchers. The series was designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and skills in emerging digital technologies that are transforming healthcare, medical research, epidemiology, and public health practice.
The lecture series provided a comprehensive introduction to the concepts and applications of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial epidemiology, healthcare analytics, and data-driven decision-making. Delivered by distinguished experts from academia and healthcare, the sessions combined theoretical foundations with practical applications to enhance participants’ understanding of how digital technologies can support evidence-based healthcare.
Participants explored the role of Big Data in healthcare analytics, predictive modeling, artificial intelligence, clinical decision-support systems, and healthcare visualization tools. The series also introduced key GIS concepts, including spatial and non-spatial data, coordinate systems, map classifications, spatial analysis, and the use of GIS in healthcare planning, disease surveillance, environmental health, and epidemiological research.
A major highlight of the series was the hands-on introduction to QGIS software, where participants learned mapping and visualization techniques, data management, thematic mapping, spatial analysis, and map design. Through practical demonstrations and real-world examples, attendees gained valuable insights into how GIS technologies can be used to analyze health data, identify disease patterns, and support public health interventions.
The sessions were facilitated by distinguished speakers, including Dr. Neelakandan Subramani, Dr. Kesavan J, and Dr. Mackwin Kenwood Dmello from Nitte University, whose expertise spans health informatics, artificial intelligence, GIS, spatial epidemiology, and public health analytics. Their contributions provided participants with a unique opportunity to engage with current developments and innovative applications of digital technologies in healthcare.
The program further supports the UAE Vision 2031 by promoting innovation, digital transformation, research excellence, and capacity building in healthcare and medical education.
The College of Medicine extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers and participants whose engagement contributed to the success of this educational initiative and its impact on advancing digital health literacy and data-driven healthcare education.
Link to recorded sessions:
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
