Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our programs, eligibility, applications, and more

Undergraduate Training Program

Supervised clinical training for undergraduate healthcare students at Fakih IVF centers

Will I be involved in hands-on clinical activities?+

Yes. Students will participate in a supervised capacity under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals. All clinical activities are directly overseen to ensure patient safety and a structured learning environment.

What areas will I be exposed to during training?+

Students are exposed to key areas including reproductive medicine clinics, IVF and embryology laboratories, andrology services, ultrasound imaging, and multidisciplinary fertility care.

Where is the training conducted?+

Training is conducted across Fakih IVF centers, providing exposure to a range of reproductive medicine environments and clinical settings.

What is the duration of the program?+

The duration depends on the academic requirements of the affiliated institution and is scheduled as part of the undergraduate curriculum. Applications must be submitted at least 4–6 weeks prior to the requested start date.

Who supervises the training?+

All clinical training is conducted under the supervision of experienced consultants, embryologists, and designated faculty members. Each student is assigned a mentor for the duration of their placement.

Will I receive a certificate after completion?+

Yes. Students receive a completion record or evaluation in line with their academic institution's requirements upon successful completion of the training program.

What are the working days and hours?+

Training is conducted Monday to Friday, with schedules determined by the assigned mentor and the academic requirements of the student's institution.

Who can apply for this program?+

The program is available to undergraduate students in relevant healthcare disciplines such as medicine, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, and related fields, as per partner institution nomination and eligibility criteria.

Have more questions? Contact our academics team at academics.auh@fakihivf.com or visit the Undergraduate Training Program page for full details.

Observership Program

Non-clinical observational exposure for undergraduate students interested in reproductive medicine

Do participants provide direct patient care or perform procedures?+

No. This is a non-clinical observational program. Participants do not take part in hands-on procedures or direct patient care. The program is designed purely for observation and learning.

Who can apply for the Observership Program?+

The program is open to undergraduate students interested in gaining exposure to reproductive medicine and fertility care. Applicants must be aged 18 or above and enrolled in an accredited health profession institution.

What will I observe during the program?+

Participants observe outpatient clinics, clinical workflows, multidisciplinary discussions, case reviews, and selected laboratory and diagnostic processes in reproductive medicine and ART.

Where is the observership conducted?+

Observership training is conducted at Fakih IVF centers, depending on departmental schedules and slot availability.

Will I receive a certificate after completion?+

Yes. Participants receive a certificate of participation upon successful completion of the observership program.

Is this program suitable for gaining clinical experience?+

The program is designed for exposure and learning through observation only and is ideal for understanding real-world clinical practice before commencing formal clinical training. It does not count as clinical experience for licensing purposes.

Can I apply for both Observership and Undergraduate Training?+

No. The programs serve different purposes. The Undergraduate Training Program includes supervised clinical participation as part of academic requirements, while the Observership Program is purely observational. You should apply for the program most appropriate to your needs.

Have more questions? Contact our academics team at academics.auh@fakihivf.com or visit the Observership Program page for full details.

Clinical Embryology Training Program

DOH-approved competency-based training toward clinical embryology licensure in the UAE

🔄

FAQs Coming Soon

Frequently Asked Questions for the Clinical Embryology Training Program are currently being prepared and will be published shortly.

In the meantime, please contact our academics team directly with any questions:

academics.auh@fakihivf.com

Return Back to Practice Training Program

Structured pathway for healthcare professionals re-entering clinical practice after an interruption

Who is this program designed for?+

The program is designed for qualified healthcare professionals — including physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals (such as embryologists) — who have had a break from clinical practice and wish to return to the field of reproductive medicine or refresh their clinical skills, in accordance with DOH requirements.

What kind of training will I receive?+

Participants receive a combination of supervised clinical training, laboratory exposure, and academic learning — including clinics, procedures, multidisciplinary discussions, and structured teaching sessions. The program is 70% clinical and 30% academic learning.

How long is the program?+

The program duration is structured in line with DOH licensing authority requirements based on the length of the candidate's gap from clinical practice. Duration ranges from 4 months (for a 2–3 year gap) up to 12 months (for a 5–10 year gap for UAE nationals).

Where is the training conducted?+

Training is conducted across Fakih IVF centers, including clinics, laboratories, and operating theatre environments.

Is this program accredited or recognized?+

Yes. The program is aligned with DOH regulations and standards and supports participants in meeting requirements for re-entry into clinical practice, subject to licensing authority approval. Fakih IVF is a DOH-recognized training facility.

Will I receive a certificate after completion?+

Yes. Participants receive a certificate of completion upon successful completion of the program and required assessments.

Is assessment part of the program?+

Yes. Participants are continuously assessed through clinical evaluation, faculty feedback, and structured performance reviews to ensure progression and competency development throughout the program.

Have more questions? Contact our academics team at academics.auh@fakihivf.com or visit the Return to Practice Program page for full details.

REI Fellowship Program

The GCC's first DOH & NIHS accredited 3-year subspecialty fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility

How can I apply to the fellowship program?+

Applications must be submitted through the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) MEAD online portal. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and submit required documents within the annual application window.

Application period: 1 March – 31 March every year. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Apply via TAMM Portal ↗

Is there an application or tuition fee?+

There is no tuition fee for the fellowship program. The REI Fellowship is a fully supported subspecialty training program with no fees charged to selected fellows.

Who is eligible to apply?+

Applicants must:

  • Hold a recognized medical degree from an accredited institution
  • Be board-certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology or have completed a minimum of 5 years in an approved OB/GYN residency program
  • Hold a valid DoH license (or be eligible for licensing)
  • Have practiced continuously (no interruption exceeding 12 months, excluding national service for UAE citizens)
  • Be proficient in English (written and oral)
  • UAE Nationals: ≤ 40 years of age, no practice gap >3 years
  • International applicants: ≤ 36 years of age, no practice gap >3 years
Can international medical graduates (IMGs) apply?+

Yes, IMGs are welcome to apply. IMGs must:

  • Hold a primary board certification from a Tier 1 or Tier 2 recognized board
  • Complete all licensing requirements by the fellowship start date
  • Meet DoH eligibility criteria for practice continuity and English proficiency
Which hospital or center will I be based at?+

Fellows will train primarily at Fakih IVF Fertility Center, with access to affiliated clinical facilities for multidisciplinary exposure in reproductive medicine, surgical training, and research activities.

What is the fellowship program duration?+

The REI Fellowship is a three-year structured program, approved by the DoH and NIHS. Fellows must commit full-time to the program and cannot combine it with other postgraduate training programs.

When should I apply?+

Applications open annually from 1 March to 31 March via the DoH MEAD portal. Candidates must create a MEAD account and upload all required documentation within this period. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

What documents are required?+

Mandatory documents:

  • Passport copy (valid ≥ 6 months)
  • Emirates ID (if available)
  • Recent passport-size photo (white background)
  • Graduation certificate & academic transcript
  • Internship completion certificate
  • Residency completion certificate
  • Board completion certificate
  • Valid professional license & Good Standing Certificate

Optional supporting documents: publications, conference presentations, research projects, academic awards, community service.

What is the selection process?+
  • Online application submission via DoH MEAD portal
  • Eligibility verification by DoH
  • Shortlisting & interviews by Fakih IVF — attendance in person is mandatory
  • Matching & allocation to fellowship positions based on eligibility, preferences, and seat availability
  • Offer issuance & enrollment — candidates must accept offers within the specified timeframe
Applicants may not decline a matched position. Withdrawal may restrict participation in future fellowship cycles.
What happens after completing the fellowship?+

Fellows who successfully complete all training requirements receive:

  • A certificate of completion approved by DoH & NIHS
  • Eligibility to sit for the final Emirate exit board exam for consultant license

Have more questions? Contact our academics team at academics.auh@fakihivf.com or visit the REI Fellowship Program page for full details.

Still Have Questions?

Our academics team is here to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you within 2 working days.

Contact Us