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Gulf Medical University wins two global education awards

Ajman - With its virtual patient learning system, it bested over 1,400 universities from 72 countries.

Gulf Medical University (GMU) has won two categories at the Reimagine Education Awards, a global body that has been dubbed the ‘Oscars of education’. It was ranked first in the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learner assessment, where it bested more than 1,400 universities from 72 countries.

Open to educational innovators from all around the world, the Reimagine Education global conference and competition brought together edtech startups, academic faculty from top institutions, chief innovation officers, university leadership, teachers, and other stakeholders in the future of higher education teaching and learning. It rewards innovative approaches that enhance student learning outcomes and employability.

The GMU, owned by Thumbay Group, won the learning and assessment award (using AI-based virtual patient learning for distance problem-based learning and assessment of health professionals, clinical competencies) and the AI award (using AI and hi-fidelity simulation in health professions education). It aced six rounds of close expert scrutiny at the Global Education Awards held at QS Reimagine Conference 2020.

Professor Hossam Hamdy said: “It is wonderful to see innovative training methodologies used at Gulf Medical University being recognised at the regional and global levels. The virtual patient learning (VPL) is the only simulation which captures the patient’s emotional reactions to the learner’s approach of communications with the virtual patient. Because it is highly authentic and extends beyond the simple acquisition of knowledge, I believe that VPL will gradually replace the traditional, less authentic forms of problem-based learning.”

GMU is the first university in the Middle East region to introduce VPL, which is making a huge difference to the overall learning experience of students, arming them with additional skills and insights to evolve as healthcare professionals of the future.

Virtual patient learning can be used in two modes: a ‘learning’ mode and an ‘evaluation’ mode. The learning mode is developed to stimulate student-centered learning and is linked to a large number of resources such as radiological images, laboratory results, videos, and management guidelines. The evaluation mode can be used for the purpose of evaluating students’ decision-making and communication skills.

GMU is one of the most popular medical academic establishments in the Gulf region, with 6 colleges, 26 accredited courses having students from 86 countries and advanced infrastructure and facilities. To know more visit www.gmu.ac.ae.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com