Scholars Bulletin (SB)
Volume-12 | Issue-01 | 13-20
Subject Category: Family Medicine
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Virtual Academy Training in Enhancing Continuous Medical Education for Primary Health Care Physicians in Dubai Health
Elham Alnuaimi, Rasha AbdulSalam, Heba Ahmed Reda, Alia Al Sakkal, Amal Elsetouhi, Ayesha Folad, Amr Nasr, Fatma Abbasi
Published : Jan. 16, 2026
Abstract
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a virtual academy training program in enhancing continuous medical education for family medicine physicians in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai's primary healthcare sector has implemented this virtual training initiative to provide ongoing education and skill development for family medicine practitioners working in primary care centers. A convergent mixed-methods design combined quantitative survey data from 166 participants with qualitative insights from 27 in-depth interviews. The study examined the impact of the training on physicians' knowledge, clinical competence, overall satisfaction, and the key challenges and opportunities in implementing virtual programs. Results showed that 88% agreed that the sessions improved their awareness of the latest practices, and 72.5% were more confident in diagnosing and treating common illnesses. 85.5% reported successfully putting the training skills to work at their clinics. Participants also noticed improvement in handling essential procedures, with 81.3% agreeing. Qualitative analysis reinforced these findings, highlighting the importance of interactive, case-based learning and the need for more hands-on opportunities. Barriers identified included time constraints, scheduling conflicts, and limited direct practice opportunities. The findings indicate that virtual CME is an effective strategy for upskilling family medicine physicians in Dubai. Hybrid learning models, protected learning time, and optimised session design can further enhance its impact. These insights offer practical guidance for healthcare policymakers and organisations aiming to strengthen medical education through digital innovation in the UAE and similar contexts.