A Letter from our Graduate Clinical Public Health Fellow, Dr Samiya Al-Khaldi
“I’m pleased to share how the Clinical Public Health Fellowship Programme significantly shaped my professional growth and enhanced my contributions upon returning to Oman.
During the fellowship, I was involved in both clinical rotations and academic work. My clinical exposure to the NHS system offered valuable insights into how primary care is delivered and how community care is efficiently structured. I gained a deeper understanding of the annual appraisal process for general practitioners and how it drives quality improvement in primary services. I was also impressed by the NHS’s structured medical record system, which highlighted the importance of organised documentation in supporting clinical decision-making and service delivery.
These experiences inspired me to apply my clinical background in a broader public health context. Upon my return, I joined the Planning and Studies Department, where I could integrate clinical insight into health service planning and development.
As part of my academic work during the fellowship, I conducted two systematic reviews: one on HPV vaccine policies in Gulf countries and the other on the state of cervical cancer in the 22 Arab Countries. This project honed my skills in evidence-based analysis and highlighted critical gaps in regional public health strategies for HPV prevention. As a result, I was selected to join the national committee on sexually transmitted diseases, which focuses on raising awareness and improving prevention strategies, particularly for HPV.
I was also honoured to be appointed as the General Supervisor of the National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases in Oman, a key project that generates essential data to guide health policies and interventions. This role enabled me to apply the project management, epidemiological, and leadership skills I gained during the fellowship.
Building on that momentum, I launched a strategic research project titled “Designing a Predictive Weighted Risk Model for the Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease in Oman”, in collaboration with Imperial College London. This project aims to inform national strategies, improve patient outcomes, and ensure efficient allocation of resources.
The fellowship equipped me with the tools and confidence to take on national-level responsibilities, influence health priorities, and lead initiatives that shape the future of healthcare in Oman.”
Dr Samiya Al-Khaldi, Graduate Fellow 2024