The College of Medicine and Health Sciences at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has introduced the UAE's inaugural master's program in Genetic Counselling, supported by the Department of Health—Abu Dhabi (DoH). This initiative aims to elevate academic offerings, produce proficient medical graduates, and meet the evolving needs of medical institutions while advancing clinical medical consultations.
Dr. Muna Al Saffar, Director of the Genetic Counselling Programme at UAEU, highlights the uniqueness of the two-year Master of Genetic Counselling program. It is tailored for individuals dedicated to a specialized profession, providing support for individuals and their extended families facing genetic disorders. The focus is on preparing students with the necessary skills to positively impact the well-being of those at risk or diagnosed with genetic conditions and reduce the overall burden within the community.
The program's objectives encompass the cultivation of professional, qualified genetic counsellors proficient in various clinical areas. This includes paediatric genetic assessment, prenatal diagnosis, cancer, adult genetics, psychological support, safeguarding patients' rights, and fostering skills in clinical genetic research and community service.
Dr. Rashed Obaid Alsuwaidi, Executive Director of the Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector at the DoH, expresses pride in supporting the launch of the genetic counselling master's program at UAEU. This initiative aligns with the collective commitment to bolster capabilities in high-demand areas such as genome science, genetic counselling, and personalized and precision medicine, contributing to efforts aimed at enhancing community health and well-being.
Professor Fatma Al Jasmi, Chair of Genetics and Genomics at UAE University, emphasizes the program's balanced approach, integrating cutting-edge genomic technology with robust psychosocial counselling skills and research training. Tailored for Emirati society and diverse backgrounds, the training is applicable in various healthcare provider settings in the UAE, striving to enhance genomics care by producing highly qualified and competent genetic counsellors.
