On January 5, 2026, final‑year PharmD students from the University of Iowa, USA, begin their one‑month clinical training at Thumbay University Hospital (TUH), the academic hospital of Gulf Medical University (GMU). The program is conducted under an existing student‑exchange agreement between the two universities, reinforcing global academic collaboration.
During their rotation, the students are currently training across key clinical departments including cardiology, infectious diseases, critical care, and nephrology. Their hands‑on responsibilities include prescription verification, medication reconciliation, medication‑history interviews, and patient‑discharge counselling; activities that strengthen their clinical competence.
In addition to clinical exposure, the students will also gain insight into the administrative and operational aspects of hospital pharmacy services, including processes related to JCI accreditation. This comprehensive approach enhances their professional readiness.
A major focus of the program is fostering cultural understanding and promoting equitable healthcare delivery. Through interactions with diverse patient populations and multidisciplinary teams, the students will deepen their awareness of healthcare disparities and inclusive practices.
As part of their international rotation, the students are scheduled to visit additional healthcare facilities; both pharmacies and hospitals across Ajman, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. These visits aim to broaden their exposure to varied healthcare systems and strengthen their global perspective.
Dean Prof. Shorbagy extended his best wishes to the students, expressing confidence that the experience will enrich their learning journey and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 3: Good Health & Well Being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
