The International Center for Genetic Disease (iCGD) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in collaboration with Harvard Medical School, is launching a six-month nationwide program in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to train 100 physicians in clinical genomic medicine and genetic counseling. This initiative, in partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Khalifa University of Science and Technology, aims to advance genomic medicine and improve healthcare outcomes globally.
The program focuses on screening, diagnosis, and treatment of a range of genetic conditions. Participants will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to address genetic challenges in a clinical setting, contributing to the successful execution of the Emirati Genome Program. The collaboration seeks to integrate precision medicine into public health policy across the UAE.
The training, delivered by Harvard-affiliated experts, aims to enhance the expertise of Emirati physicians, enabling them to incorporate innovations in genomic medicine and genetic counseling into patient care. The iCGD designed the program to address the specific public health needs of the UAE.
The inaugural ceremony, held in Abu Dhabi, was attended by key Emirati officials, including the Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and the President of Khalifa University. The program is part of ongoing collaboration to provide genomic solutions for global health challenges and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a healthcare leader.
The integration of genomics into healthcare allows for improved population screening, diagnosis, prognosis, risk management, and targeted therapy for various complex medical conditions. The initiative reflects a commitment to advancing genomic medicine worldwide and fostering a professional workforce at the forefront of genomic research and applications in the UAE.
About Mass General Brigham
Mass General Brigham is a non-profit integrated academic health care system dedicated to addressing the most challenging medical issues for communities and the global population. By bringing together exceptional minds, the organization fosters collaboration across a comprehensive continuum of care. This includes academic medical centers, community and specialty hospitals, a health insurance plan, physician networks, community health centers, and services for home care and long-term care.
As a leading biomedical research organization, Mass General Brigham collaborates with Harvard Medical School teaching hospitals to advance patient care, research, teaching, and community service. The organization’s commitment extends to providing a full spectrum of healthcare services and contributing to breakthroughs in medical science. For more details, please visit massgeneralbrigham.org.
About the International Center for Genetic Disease (iCGD)
The International Center for Genetic Disease (iCGD) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School is committed to advancing genomic medicine globally. Its primary focus lies in conducting genetic research on human health and disease by analyzing populations from diverse regions worldwide, with the overarching objective of enhancing public health. Functioning as a hub of expertise, iCGD brings together unparalleled knowledge, multidisciplinary research, cutting-edge technology, and innovative methodologies to address gaps in understanding and implementation in genomic medicine.
iCGD actively collaborates with governmental bodies, academic institutions, and industry partners, emphasizing translational and clinical research, capacity building, and technology transfer. The center’s mission is to democratize access to genomic medicine, ensuring that it benefits everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. For more detailed information, please visit https://icgd.bwh.harvard.edu/.
