Curriculum

MD Program Overview

Introduction

Consonant with Ajman University’s vision of enhancing its standing as one of the leading comprehensive institutions of higher education in the Gulf region and an active contributor to the advancement and development of UAE society, the University decided to establish a College of Medicine offering the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program in 2018. By the start of the academic year 2022-2023, the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) approved a substantive curricular change to the running MBBS program, heralding the switch into a six-yearlong program offering the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

Vision

The Ajman University College of Medicine (AUCoM) is committed to carving out a place for itself as a national and international leader in Medicine, Medical Education, research and service delivery within the context of meeting the aspirations of the UAE for excellence and leadership in regional and global standards.

Mission

To train healthcare professionals who strive for professional excellence while contributing to the social, economic, and cultural development of the UAE and inculcating in graduates an attitude of lifelong learning, ethical conduct, and excellence in service and research.

Goals

To fulfill the mission and vision of the AUCoM, the following goals are set forth:

  • To establish a premier CoM that will prepare outstanding socially responsible physicians for an illustrious career in clinical practice, teaching and research.
  • To develop an academic atmosphere conducive to the development of a high degree of scientific knowledge and clinical skill.
  • To develop a state-of-the-art health care delivery system that will serve as a model for the nation that will provide extended health care for the region in an innovative program that will be emulated elsewhere.

Program Offered

The College offers a highly innovative 6-year full time program in a 2+4 format that includes 2 years of premedical education followed by 4 years of vertically and longitudinally integrated medical education (Pre-clerkships; 2 years) and clinical training (Clerkships; 2 years) leading to the award of the degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD)

 

MD Program Learning Outcomes

KNOWLEDGE

K1. Recognize the normal structure and function of the human body (as an intact organism) and of each of its major organ systems, taking cognizance of the molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms that are important in maintaining the body’s homeostasis.

K2. Recognize and relate the various causes (genetic, developmental, metabolic, toxic, microbiologic, autoimmune, neoplastic, degenerative, and traumatic) of illness/disease and the ways in which they interfere with normal function of the body (pathogenesis).

K3. Recognize the altered structure and function (pathology and pathophysiology) of the body and its major organ systems that are seen in various diseases and conditions.

K4. Recognize the important non-biological determinants of health and of the economic, psychological, social, and cultural factors that contribute to the development and/or continuation of disease.

K5. Identify the most frequent clinical, laboratory, radiological, and pathologic manifestations of common diseases.

K6. Recognize the power of “the scientific method” in establishing the causation of disease and efficacy of traditional and non-traditional therapies.

K7. Describe the principles of disease prevention and epidemiology of common diseases appropriate for specific populations.

K8. Demonstrate knowledge of the laws and systems of professional regulation through the UAE Ministry of Health, relevant to medical practice and abide by the UAE’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

K9. Understand the framework in which medicine is practiced in the UAE, and the roles of, and relationships between the MOH, Health Authorities and the private health sector in protecting and promoting individual and population health.

 

SKILL

S1. The ability to obtain an accurate holistic medical history that covers all essential aspects of a patient and his/her problem, including issues related to age, gender and socio-economic status.

S2. Apply a medical problem-solving process in order to arrive at a clinical diagnosis.

S3. Perform both a complete and a focused organ system specific examination, including a mental status examination.

S4. Perform routine technical procedures at a level suitable to a fresh medical graduate.

S5. Construct appropriate management strategies (both diagnostic and therapeutic) for patients with common conditions related to different age groups and genders, both acute and chronic, including medical, psychiatric, and surgical conditions, and those requiring short- and long-term rehabilitation.

S6. Formulate a treatment plan, demonstrating the ability to take action by balancing the relative risks and benefits of outcomes and treatment options.

S7. Recognize patients with immediately life threatening cardiac, pulmonary, or neurological conditions regardless of etiology, and to institute appropriate initial therapy applying Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support principles.

S8. Interpret laboratory tests (recognizing their limitations), and integrate clinical and laboratory findings in the diagnosis and management of a patient’s problem.

S9. Document and share patient-specific information, demonstrating the ability to record in the hospital management systems, specific findings about a patient and orders directing the further care of the patient.

S10. Define and describe the characteristics of a population, to include its demography, cultural and socioeconomic constitution, circumstances of living, and health status, and to relate these factors to the health and health care of patients and their families.

S11. Recognize own personal and professional limits and seek help from colleagues and supervisors when necessary.

 

COMPETENCE

Autonomy and Responsibility (CA)

  1. Acquire, assess, apply and integrate new knowledge, learn to adapt to changing circumstances and ensure that patients receive the highest level of professional care.
  2. Show responsibility and independent technical and clinical decision-making to evaluate and manage complex and unpredictable clinical work appropriate to a primary care practice.
  3. Illustrate adherence to current best practice methods in a mature manner.

 Role in Context (CR)

  1. Function effectively as a mentor and teacher including contributing to the appraisal, assessment and review of colleagues, giving effective feedback, and taking advantage of opportunities to develop these skills.
  2. Understand and respect the roles and expertise of health and social care professionals in the context of working and learning as an interdisciplinary team.
  3. Demonstrate ability to build team capacity and positive working relationships and undertake various team roles including leadership and the ability to accept leadership by others.
  4. Demonstrate awareness of the role of doctors as managers, including seeking ways to continually improve the use and prioritization of resources.

Self-development (CS)

  1. Establish the foundations for lifelong learning and continuing professional development appropriate to a fresh medical graduate.
  2. Continually and systematically reflect on practice to evaluate and improve care of patients with aim of safeguarding a high quality of clinical care.
  3. Recognize own personal health needs, consult and follow the advice of a suitably qualified professional, and protect patients from any risk posed by own health.
  4. Value professional ethics, positive criticism and feedback, and engage in a life-long learning.
  5. Be polite, considerate, trustworthy and honest, act with integrity, maintain confidentiality, respect patients’ dignity and privacy, and understand the importance of appropriate consent and respect all patients, colleagues and others regardless of their age, color, religion, culture, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender, or social or economic status.