A cohort of six female PhD candidates from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China have concluded their research internships at the Gulf Medical University-led Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine in the UAE. The students' summer 2024 internship offered them an exclusive chance to engage with cutting-edge technological platforms, such as Affymetrix, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), confocal microscopy, liquid biopsy techniques, and zebra fish facilities. This program played a crucial role in enhancing their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in translational cancer research, specifically in cancer immunobiology.
To celebrate the students' commitment and accomplishments, Gulf Medical University organized a special event attended by GMU Chancellor, Professor Hossam Hamdy, and Professor Salem Chouaib, Director of the Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, along with other senior faculty members. During the event, the students received certificates in acknowledgment of their diligent work and the promising contributions they are set to make in the realm of medical research. This recognition underscores the invaluable experience the students acquired at the Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, which fosters an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration. It further encouraged them to delve into various facets of cancer research and clinical applications, thereby refining the skills and knowledge crucial for their future in medical research.
Over the course of their four-week internship, the students were not only trained in advanced research methodologies but also given the opportunity to participate in patient clinicals at Thumbay University Hospital and Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital. This comprehensive program was designed to cater to the varied research interests of the students, providing them with exposure to both the research and clinical dimensions of medical science. In his address, Professor Hossam Hamdy praised the students for their dedication to advancing their research capabilities and highlighted the significance of such international collaborations in bolstering global scientific progress. "During their time with us, I have been deeply impressed by the dedication of these students from Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Over the past month, they have not only advanced their research capabilities but have also demonstrated a level of enthusiasm and hard work that serves as a model and inspiration for all of us at Gulf Medical University. The quality of research produced in such a short time is remarkable, and it exemplifies the collaborative spirit nurtured here at the university. Our faculty approached this collaboration with an open mind, adapting to the students' needs and aligning their objectives with our own capabilities. This flexible, student-centered approach allowed us to provide a supportive environment where the students could thrive. I am confident that the experiences gained here—working with state-of-the-art technologies like Zebrafish, NGS, and confocal microscopy—will be invaluable in their future careers."
Additionally, Professor Salem Chouaib emphasized the role of the Thumbay Research Institute of Precision Medicine in offering a robust platform for young researchers to hone and refine their skills. "We are thrilled to welcome such a diverse and talented group of students to our team. Our aim at the institute is to provide a platform that not only broadens technical knowledge but also promotes innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. These are the tools that will empower them to tackle the complex challenges of the future, and I am confident that they are well on their way to doing just that." The students, who were provided with accommodation at Gulf Medical University, expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. They shared their experiences with faculty, peers, and guests at the event, reflecting on how the internship had broadened their perspectives and deepened their understanding of translational research.
The successful completion of this program marks a significant milestone in the students' academic journey and underscores Gulf Medical University's commitment to nurturing future researchers. Moving forward, the university is poised to sustain its partnership with Zhejiang University and other prestigious institutions worldwide to further advance medical research.
