The National Genetic Center at the Royal Hospital (RH) organized today (Thursday) a graduation ceremony of the second batch of the Integrated Genetic Counseling Academic Program (2019-2020), in addition to launching the third edition of the same program (2023-2023).

The event was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Jokha Abdullah Al Shukaili, Executive President of the Omani Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education, and the presence MOH’s Undersecretary for Administrative, Financial, and Planning Affairs HE. Dr. Fatima Mohammed Al Ajmi, in addition to number of officials.

Dr. Sami Sulaiman Al Farsi, Director General of RH pointed out in the welcoming speech that the continuous professional scientific capacity and skills development that is based on the modern scientific education methods lay the foundation for success in all the therapeutic and preventive programs of genetic health at the level of the affected individual, family, and community. He confirmed that such programs seek to ensure the quality of the provided services and upscaling the therapeutic and preventive levels.

Dr. Al Farsi added that (12) trainees from the Sultanate of Oman Governorates and the GCC were enrolled in the second edition of the program that included (9) intensive modules divided as per specialty and academic requirements, and fulfilled within a specified period of 16 months.  

The program was started in collaboration with the department of Training and Studies at the Royal Hospital with the aim of expanding the genetic counselling services to cover all the governorates of the country, in addition to keeping abreast with the growing developments and needs of the genetic health services in the Sultanate of Oman. The program is part of the basic activities of the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2020-2025) of the Center.

The event shed light on the Integrated Genetic Counseling Academic Program as well its scientific and on-hand activities during the training period. Graduates were further granted certificates. The event also showcased research and studies of the graduates that were part of their graduation requirements. 

This academic program is based on on-the-job training approach to prepare and qualify genetic counsellors to be able to perform the service across the Governorates. The academic curriculum covers all theoretical and practical aspects regarding the qualification of the genetic counsellor.

Notably, this academic program is the one-of-its-kind in the region that is designed to certify a higher diploma in the field of genetic counselling; professionals wishing to obtain this specialized scientific degree were rather being sent abroad.

The program was presented to several international specialized bodies including the European Association for Genetic Counselling.