Monash positions Abu Dhabi as leader in health care science
Pablo Kang, Australian Ambassador to the UAE; Professor Shane Thomas Deputy Dean (International) Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences; Louise Asher ; Dr Abdullatif Al Shamsi of FCHS
Monash University has further strengthened its reputation for excellence in health care sciences with the signing of an agreement to provide curricula to the United Arab Emirates.
Fatima College of Health Sciences, a new university enjoying the patronage of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi, has been awarded a licence to deliver four undergraduate programs in the UAE in a six year agreement with Monash University.
Under the agreement, Fatima College will gain access to the Monash curriculum for courses in physiotherapy, medical imaging, pharmacy and emergency health (paramedics) to meet the health care workforce needs of Abu Dhabi into the future.
The Victorian Government was represented at the signing ceremony in Abu Dhabi by Louise Asher, Victoria's Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business.
"Availability of proven Monash curricula in a customised form significantly accelerates the delivery of these programs in the UAE by Fatima College," said Professor Christina Mitchell, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University. "A permanent Monash staff presence in Abu Dhabi and access to experts in Australia enables our Fatima College partners to firmly establish themselves as the regional leader in health sciences education."
Professor William Charman, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences said, "We are delighted to share our innovative pharmacy curriculum and education program with Fatima College as they establish a leading healthcare sciences education offering."
Under the terms of the agreement, Fatima College will gain access to existing infrastructure and knowledge-based online facilities developed by Monash University's Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and by its Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to assist with delivery of the programs in Abu Dhabi.
“This is a significant capacity building enterprise that enables Fatima College to award its own degrees,” added Professor Stephanie Fahey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement. "Monash is committed to a long term partnership with Fatima College that engenders close relationships with health care providers in Abu Dhabi generating improved health care infrastructure for the Emirate. We are both absolutely committed to both academic and clinical excellence, and we share a desire to foster an innovation-based society in the Middle East region."