Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 24 June 2025: With Saudi Arabia and the UAE making significant investments in strengthening and future-proofing their advanced healthcare sectors, the demand for qualified medical professionals is expected to rise sharply. Saudi Arabia alone is projected to require around 175,000 additional healthcare workers by 2030—including 69,000 doctors—while the UAE anticipates approximately 33,000 healthcare professionals. In response to this growing need, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, offers a valuable pathway for ambitious students from the GCC to pursue international medical education and gain clinical experience in the United Kingdom. This exclusive opportunity for SGU students supports the region’s vision of building a skilled, globally trained healthcare workforce equipped to meet future demands. A Legacy of UK Clinical Training SGU’s affiliation with UK hospitals dates back to 1979, providing students with the chance to undertake clinical rotations across 14 affiliated hospitals throughout the country. This program allows students to immerse themselves in the NHS, experiencing firsthand a healthcare system renowned for its comprehensive patient care and commitment to medical excellence. David Stoker, MD, FRCS, FRCS (Ed), Associate Dean of Clinical Studies in the UK at SGU School of Medicine, emphasizes the value of this experience. He said: “Students who come to the UK will be able to learn medicine and enhance their knowledge of other cultures, which will ultimately enrich their medical careers. Medical schools’ curricula are increasingly focusing on culture and ethnicity to produce doctors who are adequately trained for the global world in which we now live. SGU has shown a steady commitment to this approach throughout the years.” Curriculum Consistency and Personalized Learning The UK clinical training at SGU maintains the same rigorous curriculum as its US counterpart, ensuring consistency in medical education. Students benefit from smaller group sizes, often comprising two to four individuals per core rotation, facilitating personalized instruction and greater interaction with patients and healthcare professionals. The program places a strong emphasis on outpatient clinical teaching, ward rounds, and theatre time, complemented by significant study periods. Students are encouraged to develop patient-centered communication skills and engage in regular clinical presentations, building both technical proficiency and empathetic patient care. Support Systems and Academic Resources SGU provides comprehensive support for students undertaking clinical rotations in the UK. Academic assistance is readily available through associate and assistant deans, associate chairs and hospital directors of medical education. Additionally, SGU offers guidance on placements, accommodation, visa requirements and other logistical aspects. To further aid students, SGU conducts the “Introduction to Clinical Practice & NBME Workshop,” a program designed to prepare students for core specialty rotations and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) exams. Global Opportunities Post-Clinical Training Upon completing their clinical rotations in the UK, SGU students have various pathways available. Many opt to apply for residency programs in the United States, while others choose to remain in the UK, undertaking the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test to continue their medical careers within the NHS. SGU’s UK clinical program offers a distinctive blend of academic rigor and cultural immersion, preparing students to become competent and compassionate medical professionals in an increasingly interconnected world.
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