Dubai Health Authority interviews 162 doctors for residency program

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 29 June 2014: The Department of Medical Education  at the Dubai Health Authority(DHA) interviewed 162 medical graduates from various universities within and outside the UAE to join the residency program in Dubai.

After medical students complete their MBBS and a one year-internship, they look for opportunities as  residents so that they can specialize in the medical field of their choice. Thus the aim of the program is to attract medical graduates to be trained across various specialties.

Dr Jamila Sheikh,  Acting director of Medical Education at the DHA said the interviews were in line with the requirements of a residency program, were conducted in line with international standards to access the capability of the healthcare professional.

She explained that the  multiple mini interview (MMI) format was used. This style of interview uses many short independent assessments, typically in a timed circuit, to obtain an aggregate score of each candidate’s skills.  The format is widely used in medical schools especially in North America and Australia.

Dr Ashraf Ahmed, head of the academic affairs department, said: “MMI is a series of eight interview stations consisting of timed (six-minute) interview scenarios. Applicants rotate through the stations, each with its own interviewer and scenario.  This ensures the interviewer only assesses the interviewee for the questions he or she has asked and does not have access to how the interviewee performed in the earlier or later stations, ensuring an absolute unbiased result. The final score is based on the aggregate of all the eight stations.”

She said the results of the interviews will be announced by mid-July and that the program will start in October 2014.

She said the duration of the program is four to five years, depending on the specialty chosen. Once residents successfully complete the program they will be certified as a specialist by the Arab Board and will be given membership to the Royal College of UK.

She highlighted the importance of the residency program and its active role in attracting qualified medical professionals which will enhance the healthcare system of Dubai.