College of Medicine under Gulf Medical University to offer Master of Science in Human Reproductive Biology

Building upon this success and keeping in line with the mission of the university, College of Medicine has taken the next step and developed a new Master Programme in Human Reproductive Biology.

This programme has received initial accreditation status from the Commission of Academic Accreditation and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE.

Other master programmes offered by GMU include Clinical Pathology, Toxicology and Public Health.

The Masters in Human Reproductive Biology is a 2-year full-time credit-bearing programme designed to provide the candidates with a good foundation of knowledge and skills in all aspects of Human Reproductive Biology in order to prepare competent professionals and researchers, capable and dedicated, who will effectively contribute to the advancement of health care system in the UAE.

The programme focuses on ethical practice and evidence-based approach to patient management and the curriculum meets international standards with the constituent courses reflecting current clinical practice and research developments in the field of human reproductive biology.

The Programme Coordinator and Chief of Medical Staff, GMC Hospital and practicing Gynecologist, Dr. Prashanth Hegde said that the experiential component of the course includes posting in the molecular biology, biochemistry laboratory and in the department of radiology to learn laboratory techniques and the skills of performing ultrasonography crucial for the diagnosis of infertility.

The highlight of the programme includes posting in fertility clinics and state-of-art fertility laboratories to clerk and counsel infertility couples professionally and to gain exposure to various basic and advanced assisted reproductive techniques including in-vitro fertilization, intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection etc.

The programme is open to all nationalities and both genders. Candidates with a recognized bachelor's degree in medicine and a valid practice license from UAE with a capability to pursue an academic career and research is suitable to seek admission to this programme.

Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Dean, College of Medicine and Programme Director, said, "GMU is proud to add yet another feather to its cap in developing this programme which is the first of its kind to be offered in the country and is anticipated to provide the much needed boost to research in the field of reproductive medicine including areas of women's health, fetal and neonatal physiology, embryology, molecular and cellular endocrinology which will provide substantial benefit to the community. On successful completion of the programme, the student will be awarded the degree of Masters in Human Reproductive Biology that would be a stepping stone to pursue a career in Reproductive Medicine."

He further emphasized, "In today's world, with the incidence of infertility hovering around 10 - 15%, assisted reproductive technology has evolved in a big way giving hope to millions of infertile couples, so a career in this field promises to provide a variety of opportunities aimed at providing focused and specialized care to infertile couples in order to improve the success rates and patient outcome."

The programme is open for admissions and will commence from September 2013 onwards.