Abu Dhabi: The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has unveiled an extensive training initiative to enhance the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals in the Emirate. Known as the Healthcare Workforce Upskilling program, the training courses and workshops will focus on three key areas such as primary care, genomic medicine, and mental health.
Over 500 doctors from various healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi are expected to participate in the program. They will have the opportunity to attend lectures and training courses led by renowned experts in their respective fields. The training curriculum comprises 12 topics that emphasize the three strategic priorities identified by the Department. Specifically, the primary care training component will encompass chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes and obesity), cardiology, oncology, and respiratory diseases. Meanwhile, the mental health programme will cover areas such as mood disorders, psychosis, anxiety, dementia, substance use disorder, depressive disorder, and child and adolescent psychiatry.
The training courses aim to equip licensed family doctors and general practitioners working in public and private healthcare facilities with the necessary skills to screen, diagnose, and manage common internal medicine illnesses. Participants will also learn how to identify when referral to sub-speciality physicians is required and gain an understanding of monitoring and addressing complications. The program emphasizes the provision of holistic care and addresses general health implications arising from comorbid medical conditions. The completion of the training is expected within a six-month timeframe.
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi continues its commitment to enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals in the Emirate. In line with its strategic priorities, DoH has always offered training opportunities to the sector’s healthcare professionals, to guarantee the provision of efficient and high-quality healthcare services to all community members in the Emirate and those visiting from abroad, thus cementing the Emirate’s position as a global leading destination for healthcare.
Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector at DoH, stated.
In addition to primary care and mental health, the Healthcare Workforce Upskilling program places a significant emphasis on genomic medicine. This aspect consists of two categories. The first category is a short-term program spanning five weeks, focusing on premarital screening and pharmacogenetics. The second category offers a long-term program that requires two years to obtain a Master’s Degree. It includes options such as genomic medicine, Scholarship Fellowship Program – Board certification, genomic Medicine, Local Fellowship Program – Board certification, and genetic counselling.
The DoH’s comprehensive training initiative underscores its commitment to ensuring all community members access top-quality healthcare services. By investing in the upskilling and professional development of healthcare practitioners, Abu Dhabi aims to solidify its position as a global leader in the field of healthcare.