Under the auspices and presence of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, His Excellency Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Abu Mowais, the Arab American University represented by its President Prof. Dr. Ali Zedan Abu Zuhri, and the University of Dundee represented by Vice President for International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Wendy Alexander concluded a cooperation agreement in the field of medicine between the two universities.
The signing ceremony took place on the campus of the Arab American University in Ramallah, in the presence of the Chairman of the University Board of Directors, Dr. Yousef Asfour, Martin Doltrey, Director of the British Council Office in Palestine, Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Waleed Deeb, Vice President for Medical Faculties Affairs Prof. Dr. Mohammad Asia, Vice President for the Faculty of Medicine Affairs Prof. Dr. Malik Al-Zaben, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Imad Dwaikat, members of the University Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, Deans of Faculties, and members of the administrative and teaching staff, with a large participation of students of Medicine from the Ramallah and Jenin campuses.
"Today, we are pleased to see the fruits of the efforts made by the Ministry of Higher Education to enhance cooperation between Palestinian universities and their counterparts in various countries of the world. Among the fruits of these efforts is the conclusion of an agreement between the University of Dundee and the Arab American University to develop medical education, which will be positively reflected on the Palestinian Health Sector, said Prof. Abu Mowais".
The minister emphasized that it is important to strengthen efforts to establish more partnerships among Palestinian universities and their counterparts in the world in a way that contributes to opening up the homeland's universities, developing their expertise, and attracting new experiences. He praised the universities of the homeland. He also praised the University of Dundee, which has a distinguished history in the development of medical education. "We congratulate you all on this agreement and wish you success to build on the experience and relations between the two universities”, he added.
For his part, Prof. Dr. Abu Zuhri confirmed that this cooperation comes within the framework of the continuous endeavour and hard work of the University to develop the educational programs and services it provides to its students at all levels. "The agreement covers many horizons to include student exchange, academic exchange, scientific research, curriculum development, and others", he added regarding the scope of the agreement.
"This agreement benefits the Faculty of Medicine at the Arab American University. Students will be sent for training at Dundee University Hospitals and other hospitals in Britain. It will also meet our needs in basic medical education through the exchange of experiences and competencies in this field", the Minister added.
In her turn, Dr. Alexander expressed her pleasure for cooperating with the Arab American University. "Through this agreement, we aspire to support the development of health leadership and medical education in Palestine. We also hope to work quickly to support the graduates of the first class to gain medical experience at the University of Dundee and then return to their country", she added. She stated that the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Dundee is ranked second in Scotland and third in the United Kingdom.
Alexander referred to various fields covered by the agreement, such as simulation in the medical field to apply skills related to surgery and clinical work, and the sharing of expertise in health information and tissue engineering between the two universities with the aim of creating an opportunity for researchers and students specializing in medical fields.
Prof. Dr. Al-Zaben, who initiated the conclusion of this agreement, stated that it comes in line with the vision of the University. It is also an effort to develop advanced education curricula adopted at the Faculty of Medicine at the Arab American University. It also opens wide horizons for students to participate in scientific conferences and seminars at the University of Dundee, in addition to many clinical training opportunities in the hospitals of the University in the British city of Dundee.
This agreement is the first of its kind between the Faculty of Medicine at the University and the University of Dundee, which is considered one of the prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. It plays a prominent role in developing medical curricula and medical education. It also has a role in many Arab and Regional countries, in addition to its contribution to the establishment of the International Medical Education Association (AMEE).
