The transition to competency-based pediatric training in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Although competency-based medical education has become the standard for physician training in the West, many developing countries have not yet adopted competency-based training. In 2009 in the United Arab Emirates, the government regulatory and operational authorities for healthcare in Abu Dhabi mandated a wide-scale reform of the emirate’s postgraduate residency programs to the competency-based framework of the newly formed Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-International (ACGME-I). This article briefly describes the rationale for competency-based medical education and provides an overview of the transition from traditional, time-based residency training to competency-based postgraduate medical education for the Pediatrics residency programs in Abu Dhabi. We will provide data on the initial impact of this transition on resident performance and patient outcomes in a Pediatrics residency program in an academic medical center in the United Arab Emirates.

Clinician-educators in emerging graduate medical education systems: description, roles and perceptions

“…In 2009, Singapore initiated a wide-scale government-mandated implementation of the ACGME-I accreditation system 7 10 11. Subsequently, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) engaged in a phased realignment to the requirements of the ACGME-I 12 13.…”

Should I stay or should I go now? The impact of “pull” factors on physician decisions to remain in a destination country

“…UAE residency programs have also expanded, with increasing numbers of specialties and fellowship programs. In Abu Dhabi, the majority of residency programs have been restructured to meet international benchmarks and are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education‐International . Improving the structure and quality of trainee education can also benefit practicing physicians in several ways.…”

The ACGME-I Effect

“…1 Prior to ACGME-I accreditation, the Arab board programs in the United Arab Emirates have lacked clearly stated outcome requirements, as well as ongoing oversight within the sponsoring institution; as a result, the Arab board pass rates were low. 2,3 Notably, now there is evidence that competencybased medical education did improve resident performance and patient outcomes in the United Arab Emirates. 3 The ACGME-I effect is growing in strength.…”

“…2,3 Notably, now there is evidence that competencybased medical education did improve resident performance and patient outcomes in the United Arab Emirates. 3 The ACGME-I effect is growing in strength. In our program, the Arab Board pass rate has risen to more than 90%.…”