e-TQM College offers e-Masters of Science in Public Health: Excellence in Health Care Management

The lauching ceremony was attended by Dr. Mansour Al Awar Vice President of the e-TQM College and Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Member of the IHF Governing Council and IHF Representative in the Middle East and North Africa. Mr.Khalid Al Sheikh, Assistant Director General for Finance and Administration and Dr. Adnan Jelfar Director Continued Education, represented the Dubai Health Authority and Health Management representatives. The Masters of Science in Public Health: Excellence in Health Care Management is the first e-Masters Program in health accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

The launching of the Masters Program was attended by doctors, nurses, administrators and leaders from Dubai Health Authority. The participants were given an overview about the program, its aim, goals and outcomes with emphasis on the program curriculum and accreditation. The participants were briefed about the faculty that constitutes from renowned faculty assigned by the International Hospital Federation and e-TQM College from all over the globe who will be teaching the program electronically. The participants were briefed about the program delivery approach, assessment modality that includes discussions, research papers, projects and exams.

The participants were briefed on the admission requirements where candidates need be holders of a Bachelor Degree from an accredited university with an AGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, to TOFEL score of 550 (Paper Based Test), or 79 (Internet Based Test), 213 (Computer Based Test) or an IELTS score of 5.5 and an interview may be required in certain cases.

Specific description of the e-learning concept adopted by the e-TQM College was introduced with emphasis on the IT capabilities of the college and the IT requirements for the candidates.

The teaching will commence by October 16th, 2008 where the faculty will be present in Dubai for 12 days after which the candidates will continue their education electronically for the next two years. The Masters of Science in Public Health: Excellence in Health Care Management program consists of 42 credit hours, split as eight core courses (covering Health Management and Quality) (3 credit hours each), four elective courses (3 credit hours each) and the option to select either a dissertation (6 credit hours) or two elective courses or 1 elective and 1 practicum courses).

Dr.Mansoor Al Awar Director General e - TQM College Dubai mentioned, "The program is delivered using a blended learning approach designed to accommodate working individuals that brings in the benefits of face to face learning, online collaboration and self paced learning."

He added that: "Due to the rapid development in the health care sector in the Middle East and North Africa necessitate the provision of qualified human resources in the health care management and quality and this is why e-TQM College welcomed the opportunity granted by the International Hospital Federation to develop this program in collaboration with Health Management."

Dr. Al Awar emphasized, "The program was developed through a blend theory and practical insights. We seek to give a total, integrated perspective on the factor that, support the development of managers, doctors, nurses and other health care professionals understanding the importance of achieving excellence in health care services, allowing participants to continue working full time while pursuing the degree, and to interact with peers from across the world."

Dr. Al Awar stressed, "This is the first e learning program in the health in the UAE and the MENA Region that is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the American Academy of Continuing Medical Education."

From his side H.E. Mr. Khalid Al Sheikh the Assistant Director General for Finance and Administration at the Dubai Health Authority mentioned, "DHA is supporting these programs and is encouraging those concerned to pursue their education in hospital and health management and excellence in health care management to join the programs.

Dr Adnan Jelfar Director Continued Education stated that the accreditation and recognition of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for this program is a confirmation that the content of the program is of high academic value which shall have a positive repercussion on the health care sector in Dubai and UAE."

Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani Member of the Governing Council of the International Hospital Federation and IHF Representative in the Middle East and North Africa speaking at the conference said, "The International Hospital Federation is proud to be part of the program. The Program used to be delivered by IHF in Europe for more than 25 years and have been moved to the Arab World in Dubai for the first time in history. The Senior Hospital and Health Services Manager Program which is part of the Masters Program comprise of 12 credits where the candidate might opt to exit the program and thus will be granted a certificate by e-TQM College, International Hospital Federation and American Academy of Continuing Medical Education. Those interested to continue the masters program and meet the admission criteria set by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and adopted by the e-TQM College can do that by completing 30 credit hours."

Mr. Al Madani emphasized that these programs due to their importance have obtained specifically the support of the health authorities in the Gulf Countries. Delegations from the International Hospital Federation, e-TQM College and Health Management toured the Gulf countries and had the honor to meet with the Ministers of the Health and authorities responsible for the Health Care Sector in the Gulf countries and to introduce the programs to them. The officials of Gulf Countries expressed their appreciation for the programs and they mentioned that such programs shall support the development of the health care sector. Gulf Countries health officials expressed their willingness to support the program by nominating candidates to participate in the program.