Department of Pediatrics

Teaching

The Department of Pediatrics plays a crucial role in both the Pre-Clinical (Years 3 and 4) and Clinical Phases (Years 5 and 6) of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

In Years 3 and 4, the department significantly contributes to medical science education through a blend of didactic lectures, problem-based learning, team-based learning, and clinical skills sessions integrated throughout the curriculum.

During Years 5 and 6, students delve into the principles of Pediatrics and their practical applications. The Junior Pediatric Rotation, an eight-week full-time training program, provides clinical exposure at both Tawam and Kanad Hospitals. Students undertake 'on-call' responsibilities during this period and are assessed through written examinations such as the National Board of Medical Examiner (NBME) Pediatric Subject Exam and Key Features Problems (KFP), as well as workplace assessments including Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX), case-based discussions, and Direct Observation Clinical Encounter Examination (DOCEE). The subsequent Senior Pediatric Rotation, lasting four weeks at both Tawam and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), allows students to work as sub-interns, perform designated procedures, actively engage in patient assessment and management, and participate in bedside discussions and clinical conferences.

In addition to undergraduate teaching, the department also supports the Pediatric Residency Program at Tawam Hospital. This four-year, hospital-based training complies with the requirements of the Arab Board of Health Specializations, and the National Institute for Health Specialties (Emirati Board).

Research

In the Department of Pediatrics, we have a proud tradition of pioneering clinical, translational, and basic science research, supported by substantial internal and external grants and driven by the dedication of our exceptionally productive researchers. We emphasize the importance of research across our faculty, a commitment evident in the high quality of our published papers and presentations. This robust research culture continues to propel advancements in pediatric healthcare, solidifying our reputation as leaders in the field.

Here are the main research areas our faculty currently focuses on:

• Pediatric Neurology: The research interests include neuroplasticity, brain injury in neonates and children, perinatal stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain connectivity, and cerebral palsy.
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases: Our researchers investigates the epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases affecting children, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), tuberculosis, vaccine-preventable diseases, and infections in immunocompromised hosts and transplant patients.
• Pediatric Cardiology: Our research in pediatric cardiology encompasses congenital heart diseases, coronary blood flow, endothelial dysfunction, risk factors for coronary heart disease in children with diabetes mellitus and obesity, and the genetics of familial arrhythmias.
• Pediatric Rheumatology: We focus on investigating genetic variants associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), as well as biomarkers linked to the molecular pathways involved in disease pathogenesis.
• Neonatology: Neonatal research centers on the care and treatment of premature infants, NICU practices, and improving neonatal outcomes.

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The research conducted by our department has significantly improved healthcare for ill children in the UAE. To access the research profiles of our faculty members, please click here. 

Clinical & Community Services

Our faculty members are actively involved in providing clinical care in the affiliated teaching hospitals, including Tawam Hospital, SKMC, and SEHA-PureHealth Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS). They contribute their expertise through consultations and various collaborative initiatives, which cover a wide range of activities. These activities include managing critically ill pediatric patients, facilitating morbidity-mortality conferences, delivering continuous medical education (CME) seminars and workshops, and developing clinical guidelines.

Faculty members provide diagnostic and therapeutic consultations across diverse clinical disciplines such as cardiology, infectious diseases, immunization, transplant medicine, neurology, rheumatology, neonatology, oncology, and hematology. These interactions ensure the delivery of high-quality care based on evidence-based medical practice.

Faculty

Note: If calling from outside the UAEU organization, dial (+971 3 713) before the extension.

Name	Position	Email	Extension
Prof. Elhadi H. Aburawi	Professor and Chair	e.aburawi@uaeu.ac.ae	7462
Dr. Ahmed R. Al Suwaidi	Professor	alsuwaidia@uaeu.ac.ae	7411
Prof. Hassib H. Narchi	Professor	hassib.narchi@uaeu.ac.ae	7414
Dr. Fatima A. AlDhaheri	Assistant Professor	fatimaald@uaeu.ac.ae	7410
Dr. Fatima Y. Ismail	Assistant Professor	fatima.ismail@uaeu.ac.ae	7409
Dr. Najla Aljaberi	Assistant Professor	najla.aljaberi@uaeu.ac.ae	7434
Dr Omar Mohammed Shehab	Assistant Professor	oShehab@uaeu.ac.ae	7233
Dr Adnan Ali	Assistant Professor	adnanalali@uaeu.ac.ae	7604
Dr.Abdullah Ahmad Issa	Instructor	a.issa@uaeu.ac.ae	7429

Staff

Note: If calling from outside the UAEU organization, dial (+971 3 713) before the extension.

Name	Position	Email	Extension
Ms Ekhlass Mohammed	Medical Research Specialist	ekhlassmohammed@uaeu.ac.ae	7167
Dr. Junu V. George	Medical Research Specialist	Junugeorge@uaeu.ac.ae	7649
Ms. Khaula K. Saeed Mohammed Mubarak Al Kaabi	Administrator I	kh.alkaabi@uaeu.ac.ae	7488
Ms. Sania M. Al-Hamad	Medical Research Specialist	saniaalhamad@uaeu.ac.ae	7607
Mr. Nagoor Mohamed Fizur Rahiman	Medical Research Specialist I	nagoormeeran1985@uaeu.ac.ae

General Enquiries

Thank you for your interest in the Pediatrics Department. We welcome your query and encourage you to contact us using the information below:

United Arab Emirates University,

College of Medicine and Health Sciences

P.O.Box: 15551, Al Ain, UAE

Email: Cmhs.office@uaeu.ac.ae