Ajman, UAE: Gulf Medical University and Medical University of Lublin are celebrating a major milestone as the Thumbay International Pathway – Poland programme enters its tenth year while honouring 90 newly qualified doctors who completed the unique Ajman-to-Poland medical education route.
The convocation ceremony recognised students of the Thumbay International Pathway – Poland programme, a medical education pathway that begins with pre-clinical studies at Gulf Medical University in Ajman and concludes with an MD degree awarded by the Medical University of Lublin, Poland.
The milestone also coincides with Gulf Medical University enrolling the tenth cohort of students into the programme.
Programme evolved from 27 students to global pathway
The programme was launched in 2017 as the Associate Degree in Preclinical Sciences with an initial batch of just 27 students.
In 2022, the Commission for Academic Accreditation renewed the programme accreditation with a substantive change, upgrading it to a Higher Diploma in Preclinical Sciences (HDPCS), a Level 6 qualification.
Under the academic pathway model, students complete three years of pre-clinical education at Gulf Medical University before transferring to the Medical University of Lublin in Poland for three years of clinical training.
Upon completion, students receive an MD degree from the Medical University of Lublin, recognised across the European Union.
Officials stated that the articulation agreement between the universities ensures seamless academic transfer and progression for students.
More than 650 students from 62 nationalities enrolled
Since its inception in 2017, the programme has attracted over 650 students representing 62 nationalities.
The first batch of students graduated from Lublin in 2023, and the number of graduates has steadily increased each year.
With the latest graduating batch, the total number of doctors produced through the programme has now reached 90.
Currently, 335 students from more than 45 nationalities are enrolled across the three pre-clinical years at Gulf Medical University, with future cohorts already progressing through the pathway.
University leaders highlight global medical opportunities
Prof. Manda Venkataramana, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, stated that the programme provides students with a direct and trusted route from Ajman to a European medical degree.
He remarked that every graduating doctor once began as a student aspiring to pursue medicine and expressed satisfaction that the programme has evolved into a globally recognised academic pathway.
According to him, the success of the tenth cohort and the growing number of graduates practising medicine worldwide demonstrate the strength and credibility of the partnership.
Prof. Wojeck Zaluska, Rector of the Medical University of Lublin, observed that the university’s partnership with Gulf Medical University has become one of the institution’s most rewarding international collaborations.
He stated that students arriving from Ajman are academically well prepared and capable of handling clinical training from their initial stages in Poland.
Vision of Dr Thumbay Moideen recognised
The convocation ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group and Gulf Medical University, whose vision laid the foundation for the international pathway programme.
Officials noted that what began as an effort to provide students in the UAE with a direct and reliable route towards an international medical career has now evolved into a successful global education model producing qualified doctors serving across various countries.
The programme has increasingly become a preferred pathway into medicine for students from multiple nations seeking internationally recognised medical education opportunities.
The June 23 convocation celebrated not only the graduating students but also their families, faculty members, and academic teams across the UAE and Poland who contributed towards building and sustaining the programme over the past decade.