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GMU to emphasise on continued medical education programmes

AJMAN - A role model in her field, Professor Dr Geeta Ashok Raj has been appointed the first female provost of a medical university in the country.

Prof Geeta has been given the position after the Gulf Medical College in Ajman evolved into a university - Gulf Medical University (GMU) - with effect from July 1.

The institution was granted the university status following a decree issued by Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research. The university is promoted and managed by the Thumbay Group.

"I have always been happy teaching, and have always enjoyed my job which has translated into my achievements," she says. "Honestly, I feel no different."

Elucidating the challenges that lie ahead of her as the provost of a medical university, Prof Geeta said that her priority is to enhance three sectors - medical education, healthcare services and research activities at the university.

"Various programmes at the undergraduate and graduate levels will be implemented and we will give special emphasis on continuing medical education programmes," she explained.

Prof Geeta did her postgraduate studies in Pathology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, and held other international assignments before coming to GMC, and deciding to settle down in the UAE.

A committed pathologist, Prof Geeta says she has great passion for teaching and research, especially on bone tumours, bone transplantation and joint diseases.

"Getting equal treatment in the society has its own charm, and it also proves that women can achieve a lot upon equal treatment," she said, explaining that at least two-thirds of the students in the university are women who look up to her.

"Luckily, I have never been discriminated at my workplace. Years ago, when I was appointed the dean, I was told that I have achieved the maximum, but I said there was lot more to be done yet," says the professor.

Talking about the future, Prof Geeta said it is linked to the university. "For the first time in the region, we are introducing diploma in pharmacy programme in the university.

"At GMU, we are not just producing professionals in different disciplines, but our endeavour is to encourage students of various disciplines to 'study together and work together'. This will stimulate them and enable them to learn and work together as a team while delivering healthcare services in their career," she explained.