COPHS Expands Clinical Training Opportunities for Physiotherapy Students Through Thumbay University Hospital Partnership.

On 9 June 2026, a delegation from Ajman University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS) visited Thumbay University Hospital (TUH) to advance discussions on a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing experiential learning opportunities for Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BSPT) students. The visit marked a significant step toward establishing structured clinical training placements that align with COPHS’s commitment to academic excellence and professional readiness.

The AU delegation included Dr. Subish Palaian, Coordinator of the Office of Experiential Learning, Dr. Hamzeh Awad, Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, and Dr. Alaa Farajallah, Senior Instructor. They were warmly received by senior representatives of TUH, including Dr. Essam Soliman M. Atta, Associate Director of Healthcare; Dr. Mohammad Kamel, Medical Director; Dr. Sharmila Banu, In Charge and Chair of the Department at Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center; and Ms. Maisoon Al Edwan, Relationship Manager.

The discussions focused on developing a comprehensive clinical training framework that will provide BSPT students with high-quality, hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art healthcare setting accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF International). Both institutions agreed to initiate clinical rotations beginning in the Spring 2027 semester, with the collaboration to be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding.

Dr. Hamzeh Awad, Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, added: “Clinical education forms the cornerstone of physiotherapy training. Through strategic partnerships with leading healthcare institutions such as Thumbay University Hospital, we aim to provide our students with meaningful opportunities to translate academic knowledge into evidence-based clinical practice while preparing them to contribute effectively to rehabilitation services and the broader healthcare system.”

Professor Abeer AlGhananeem, Dean of COPHS, emphasized the importance of such collaborations, stating, “The College is deeply committed to delivering transformative experiential learning opportunities for our students. This partnership with a JCI-accredited academic hospital represents a vital step in ensuring that our physiotherapy graduates are equipped with the clinical competence, confidence, and compassion required to excel in modern healthcare environments. This partnership reflects COPHS’s mission to prepare future healthcare professionals to meet the evolving needs of society”.

The proposed partnership reflects the Physiotherapy Program’s strategic commitment to building a network of distinguished clinical partners across the UAE and aligning experiential learning opportunities with international best practices in physiotherapy education.