Since its inception in 2006, the RAK College of Medical Sciences (RAKCOMS) has bloomed to become a leading medical institution in the United Arab Emirates, imparting undergraduate Medical program. After successful evaluations annually from 2006, the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education - Higher Education Affairs, UAE, has fully accredited our medical program. The Institution is also listed in the Avicenna Directory (formerly WHO Directory) and the International Medical Education Directory (IMED). The first batch has graduated in July 2011. The institution has adequate infrastructure and state-of-the art facilities including lecture theatres, laboratories, library and a wonderful ambience for studying Medicine.
Healthcare is a rapidly advancing field with technological innovations as well as challenges posed by emerging new diseases, manmade disasters, ethical issues and consumerism. RAKCOMS is committed to the foundational value of educating and grooming the future physicians for this challenging 21st century scenario. To be a successful physician of the future, the medical student will need the competence to play multiple roles as an ethical physician, a professional team leader, a humanistic citizen and a self-directed lifelong learner. Our MD curriculum is outcome based and designed to fulfill these requirements in the training program. More than 120 well-qualified and trained faculty from 17 nationalities are involved in the training process. The courses are well defined with clear learning outcomes and suited to develop the knowledge, skills and attitude of the students. Ample time is given for students to undertake self-directed learning. 'Clinical Decision Making' is a unique credit based course implemented for the first time in our university in the UAE and this course is spread out throughout the MD program which enables the future physicians to be well versed in 'Evidence Based Medicine'. Team based learning, integrated modular basic sciences learning and students' symposia are some of the learning techniques followed and clinical clerkship training is given in the federal hospitals. Students are given adequate guidance and exposure in research methods and encouraged to do small research projects.
The college has academic tie-up with Hashemite University, Jordan, CyberJaya University, Malaysia, International American University College of Medicine, West Indies, Charles University, Czech Republic, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, (Deemed University), India, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, (Deemed University), India, AOC International and Academy for Advanced Studies & Training International, UK, St. Johns Medical College, Bengaluru, India, Azerbaijan Medical University, Azerbaijan Republic and Lithuanian University of health Sciences, Lithuania for exchange programs in the areas of clinical training of students, internship, continuing medical education sessions (CME) and research. This gives opportunities for our students to get global exposure in medical education.
Apart from educational facilities, the institution also provides excellent opportunities for the students to bring out their talents in extracurricular activities. Fine arts, sports, and social service are encouraged and practiced. In the time of COVID-19, as the world is realizing itself for a new normal, medical education, especially at the clinical levels of bedside teaching and training is among the most challengeable task for any medical school, all the while maintaining the mandatory personal safety and hygiene protocols of all stakeholders.
As medical students are clinicians-in-the-making, with responsibilities towards patientcare, health and disease management and hence are required to be allowed for their clinical practices and activities in-situ. In addition to the benefits to patients and the health care system, allowing medical students to participate reinforces important values, such as altruism, service in times of crisis, and solidarity with the health care profession.
During this unprecedented times, our entire faculty including adjunct clinical faculty, students, interns and alumni have raised up their learning/serving commitments in the service of humanity and making the best use of this opportunity.
I am sure that the RAK College of Medical Sciences will be the destination for young minds who wish to be successful Physicians of the future.
Prof. Laxminarayana Kurady Bairy
MBBS, MD, PhD
Dean
RAK College of Medical Sciences