Emirati Doctors Complete their Training Closer to Home

Physician Interns Graduate from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Program. Advanced Teaching Hospital Names its “Teacher of the Year”

Eleven Emirati doctors took the next step in their journey to becoming specialized physicians as they graduated from their physician internships at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. 

The graduates were recognized at a ceremony held by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Academic Office this week attended by the hospital leadership and members of the teaching faculty. The doctors are the second class to have completed their physician internships at the hospital as it continues to develop its educational offerings following its designation as a teaching hospital by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health.

Following the graduation ceremony, some of the hospital’s leading teaching faculty received awards for their role in establishing and overseeing Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s education programs. Dr. Ahmad Matalkah , a surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was named ‘Teacher of the Year’ for his contributions to advanced medical education at the hospital. 

“Seeing our physician interns graduate is a very proud moment for all of us here at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Building a culture of learning in our hospital is not only a benefit to the wider healthcare landscape, but to our patient care. Training the next generation of Emirati physicians also provides a wonderful cultural dialogue, enhancing understanding of our patients and their families’ needs,” said Dr. Murat Tuzcu , Chair of the Academic Office at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.   

Completing a physician internship represents a significant milestone on the path to becoming a fully qualified physician. The one-year program provides the opportunity for medical school graduates to practice medicine within the strict confines of their training program and under the supervision of a fully licensed and qualified physician. Following their internship, most physicians pursue a residency in order to specialise in their chosen field. Residency programs generally last between three and four years with the resident gradually assuming more responsibility until they are able to practice unsupervised. 

“Completing my internship at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi really was a dream come true for me. To be able to develop my career in my own country, treating members of my own community meant a great deal. For a long time, most Emirati doctors have had to spend a number of years abroad in order to qualify and specialize. Having these learning opportunities on our doorstep means that we can contribute to the health of the nation much earlier in our careers,” said Dr. Ahmed Al Zubaidi, one of the physician interns to graduate at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Building on the success of its physician internships, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi will welcome its first residents in 2018 as it continues to expand its educational offerings. The hospital recently received Arab Board accreditation for physician residency programs in Internal Medicine, General Surgery and Ophthalmology. 

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of Mubadala’s network of healthcare providers, has placed education at the core of its mission, as part of its commitment to supporting the development of a sustainable healthcare sector in the Emirate. The hospital is expanding its educational offerings to cover a full range of post-graduate medical education opportunities. The hospital was recently accredited by the Arab Board.