How the DHA Supports Doctors in Continuing Medical Education

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has long been a pioneer in shaping healthcare standards in Dubai, the UAE, and the broader Gulf region. As the healthcare landscape continuously evolves with emerging medical technologies, research breakthroughs, and new treatment protocols, the DHA has recognized the critical need for Continuing Medical Education (CME). 

CME is not only a requirement for maintaining medical licenses but also an essential component for ensuring doctors stay at the forefront of medical advancements. By providing doctors with the necessary tools and resources to keep their skills sharp and knowledge updated, the DHA ensures that Dubai’s healthcare system remains world-class, and its medical professionals are well-equipped to provide optimal care.

The DHA’s commitment to CME is evident through a range of comprehensive initiatives designed to foster lifelong learning and professional growth. These initiatives include a robust blend of online learning platforms, global collaborations, CPD accreditation, and in-person educational events, ensuring doctors have access to continuous professional development across various specialties. The DHA’s strategic focus is not only on enhancing doctors’ clinical expertise but also on keeping them well-versed in emerging areas like digital health, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine.

In recent years, the DHA has embraced digital solutions to make CME more accessible. The MANAAR platform, launched in 2020, offers accredited courses and digital resources that doctors can access at their convenience, making continuous education seamless and flexible. Additionally, events like the Dubai Health Medical Education Conference and collaborations with renowned international institutions have helped elevate the quality of education and foster a collaborative environment for medical professionals.

In this guide, we will delve into the DHA’s commitment to supporting Continuing Medical Education and explore how these efforts contribute to the professional development of doctors in Dubai.

What is Continuing Medical Education (CME)?

Continuing Medical Education (CME) is an essential component of a healthcare professional’s career development. It involves educational activities that help medical practitioners maintain competence, learn about new developments in the medical field, and improve their ability to provide high-quality healthcare. CME is often mandatory for doctors to maintain their medical licenses, but it is also an opportunity to stay updated with the latest research, techniques, and technology in medicine.

Why is CME Important for Doctors?

Healthcare is continuously evolving, with new research, technologies, and treatment methods being introduced. CME ensures that doctors stay up-to-date. Doctors who engage in CME are better equipped to provide high-quality care, as they are aware of the latest advancements in their field. Along with this, completing CME programs can improve job prospects and open doors to new opportunities in the medical field.

 

DHA’s Role in Supporting CME

The DHA recognizes the significance of continuing education for doctors and has put in place a range of services and programs to help healthcare professionals access valuable CME opportunities.

MANAAR – The DHA’s Digital Platform for CME

In 2020, the DHA launched MANAAR, a digital learning platform designed to provide doctors with access to CME resources. This platform allows healthcare professionals to participate in accredited educational activities online, providing them with flexibility and convenience.

• Accessible Learning: MANAAR provides doctors with the ability to learn from anywhere, at any time, through a user-friendly interface. This allows healthcare professionals to engage in learning without disrupting their work schedules.
• Accredited Courses: The platform offers a variety of CME-certified courses, ensuring that doctors can earn credits while enhancing their knowledge.
• Diverse Content: MANAAR features courses covering various medical disciplines, enabling doctors to choose courses relevant to their field of practice.

Medical Education Strategy by DHA

DHA’s medical education strategy emphasizes continuous learning for healthcare professionals across Dubai. The authority regularly updates its medical education policies to reflect the latest trends in healthcare delivery and the professional development needs of its medical staff. The Key Elements of the Strategy are:

 

• Diverse Learning Opportunities: Through partnerships with medical institutions, universities, and hospitals, the DHA ensures that a wide range of CME options are available to doctors.
• Focus on Technology and Innovation: The DHA integrates technology into its CME offerings, ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-versed in modern healthcare systems.

Innovative Platforms for CME Delivery

The DHA has embraced various technological platforms to enhance the learning experience for healthcare professionals. These platforms aim to make learning more interactive, engaging, and accessible.

The MANAAR Learning Management System

MANAAR is the cornerstone of the DHA’s CME initiatives. The platform offers online learning modules, webinars, and interactive courses designed to provide doctors with relevant medical knowledge. Three main features of the MANAAR Platform are:

• Interactive Learning: MANAAR offers multimedia-based learning, which includes videos, simulations, and quizzes to ensure that healthcare professionals are actively engaged in the learning process.
• Real-Time Tracking: Doctors can track their progress and review completed courses. This helps them stay organized and ensure they are meeting their CME requirements.
• Accreditation: Each course offered through MANAAR is accredited by the DHA, ensuring that doctors can earn recognized CME credits.

Digital Medical Education Platforms at GITEX

At the GITEX Technology Week, DHA launched several digital platforms to improve the delivery of medical education. These platforms are designed to support doctors by providing access to specialized content that is relevant to their specific practice areas.

• Custom Learning Paths: The DHA’s digital platforms allow doctors to customize their learning paths based on their specialization, ensuring that they focus on topics that are most relevant to their field.
• Virtual Conferences and Webinars: These platforms host virtual events that allow doctors to attend conferences, seminars, and workshops remotely, saving time and cost.

Dubai Health Experience (DXH) App

The DXH app is primarily aimed at medical tourism but also provides healthcare professionals with resources to stay updated on Dubai’s medical infrastructure, including new facilities, services, and advancements in medical technology.

• Networking Opportunities: The app allows doctors to connect with peers, specialists, and health facilities in Dubai, which fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Continuing Education Resources: The app also includes information about CME opportunities and medical workshops that are taking place in the region.

Collaboration with Global Medical Institutions

The DHA fosters partnerships with international medical organizations and universities to provide healthcare professionals in Dubai with access to global standards of education.

International Accreditations and Certifications

• Accredited Courses from Leading Institutions: The DHA partners with reputable medical institutions worldwide to offer accredited courses to healthcare professionals. This ensures that doctors in Dubai have access to the best global medical education resources.
• Collaboration with Universities: The DHA also works with universities and medical schools to integrate their CME programs with the UAE’s healthcare ecosystem, making it easier for doctors to access advanced training and research.

UpToDate: A Resource for CME

DHA has accredited the use of UpToDate, a clinical decision support resource, allowing healthcare professionals to earn CME credits by engaging with its extensive library of evidence-based medical content.

• Real-Time Learning: Doctors can access clinical content on the go and earn CME credits for reading articles and completing interactive learning sessions.
• Diverse Topics: UpToDate covers a wide array of medical topics, from general medicine to specialized fields like oncology and cardiology, allowing doctors to select topics based on their practice area.

Regular Medical Conferences and Workshops

DHA also organizes and sponsors medical conferences, seminars, and workshops throughout the year to offer in-person CME opportunities for healthcare professionals.

Dubai Health Medical Education Conference

The Dubai Health Medical Education Conference, organized by Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), is one of the key events for medical professionals in the region. It features a wide range of topics, workshops, and speakers from various specialties.

• Professional Networking: The conference offers healthcare professionals the opportunity to network with industry leaders and share knowledge.
• Specialized Training: Various workshops and masterclasses allow doctors to gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge from experts in their field.

Workshops and Seminars on Emerging Medical Technologies

DHA regularly hosts workshops on emerging medical technologies, including innovations in digital health, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. These workshops provide doctors with the knowledge and skills required to adopt new technologies in their practice.

• Tech-Enabled CME: These seminars are often conducted in collaboration with leading tech companies and are designed to help healthcare professionals understand how technology can improve patient outcomes.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and Accreditation

DHA offers an array of CPD opportunities to ensure that doctors can meet the ongoing educational requirements to maintain their medical licenses.

CPD Accreditation for Medical Institutions

Healthcare institutions and event organizers can apply for CPD accreditation from the DHA, ensuring that their educational programs align with the authority’s standards. This guarantees that the training doctors receive is relevant, rigorous, and meets the highest medical standards.

DHA’s CPD Points System

• CPD Credits: The DHA uses a points system to track doctors’ participation in accredited CME activities. These credits are required for license renewals and other professional development purposes.
• Flexibility: Doctors can earn CPD credits through various educational activities, including online courses, in-person workshops, and conferences, allowing them to tailor their CME journey to their needs.