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Community Impact

Oman Hosts Its First-Ever Regional Train-the-Trainer Event: A Groundbreaking Milestone in Healthcare Development

man receiving a health screening.

On September 25th, Oman made history by hosting its first-ever Regional Train-the-Trainer (TTT) event! This groundbreaking occasion brought together 15 trainees from Oman, Kuwait, Egypt, and Bahrain for an intensive training program aimed at enhancing the skills of healthcare professionals in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The event kicked off with comprehensive training sessions, followed by the setup of the Healthy Athletes screenings. The next day, 100 athletes received crucial health support through FunFitness and FitFeet screenings. These screenings are not just about health—they are about empowerment. The program was officially accredited by the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB), earning participants 7 CME credit points. This accreditation is a huge leap forward in advancing the skills of healthcare professionals and improving care for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the region.

The OMSB’s accreditation of the FunFitness program is a landmark achievement. As the governing body responsible for postgraduate medical education and training in Oman, OMSB is renowned for its rigorous standards in medical education, research, and patient care. The 7 CME credit points awarded for this program reflect the high quality of the training, making it a sought-after professional development opportunity for physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals.

The value of these CME points cannot be overstated. Healthcare professionals in Oman are required to earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) points to maintain their certification and licensure. The allocation of 7 points for this program highlights its educational impact and the role it plays in supporting the ongoing professional development of healthcare practitioners. This OMSB endorsement makes the FunFitness program not just a learning opportunity but a recognized pathway to career advancement.

About the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB)

The Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) is the governing body for postgraduate medical education and training in Oman. OMSB is committed to achieving excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. Accreditation from the OMSB is highly regarded in the healthcare industry and reflects a commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the professional development of healthcare practitioners. For more information about OMSB and its role in Oman’s healthcare development, visit www.omsb.org.

Signing of MOU with a Local University

One of the event’s key highlights was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a local university in Oman. This partnership was instrumental in the success of the event. The university managed the online registration for athletes and volunteers and sent general volunteers to assist with the event's flow, ensuring smooth operations throughout. This collaboration reflects the growing network of support for health initiatives aimed at individuals with intellectual disabilities, further integrating these efforts into Oman’s healthcare system.

athletes receiving a flexibility test

Why the OMSB Accreditation Matters:

  1. Recognition of Excellence: The OMSB’s endorsement signifies the high standard of the FunFitness training, aligning with Oman’s national healthcare priorities. It validates our efforts to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals in the region.
  2. Enhanced Credibility: With OMSB accreditation, the FunFitness program is now formally recognized as a valuable professional development opportunity. This recognition adds prestige to the program, making it more attractive to physiotherapists and other healthcare practitioners.
  3. Broader Impact: The involvement of OMSB ensures that this training reaches a broader audience of healthcare professionals across Oman, reinforcing the integration of special needs health programs into mainstream medical education. This is essential for building a more inclusive healthcare system.
  4. Continuing Professional Development: The 7 CME credit points awarded by OMSB provide tangible benefits for participants, contributing to their continuing professional development requirements. This incentive is likely to attract more professionals, increasing the program’s overall impact.

Moving Forward: The Future of FunFitness in Oman

This event marks a significant step toward integrating special needs health programs into Oman’s healthcare system. The OMSB accreditation not only adds credibility to the FunFitness program but also ensures that the knowledge gained by healthcare professionals will have a lasting impact on individuals with intellectual disabilities.

By working together with organizations like the OMSB and local universities, we are broadening the reach of these essential programs and helping to create a more inclusive healthcare environment for all.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this historic event possible, and we look forward to many more milestones ahead!

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