Strategic Collaboration to Provide High School Internships and Career Pathway Opportunities in Clinical and Non-Clinical Fields across the UAE
DUBAI, UAE: In a significant move to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world clinical experience, Aster DM Healthcare and GEMS Education have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the ‘Aster Discover’ initiative. This strategic partnership aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals in the UAE and the wider region by embedding healthcare-centric learning and career development opportunities across GEMS Education schools.
Under this joint venture, high school students from GEMS Education will gain exclusive access to professional job placements, specialized internships, and leadership engagement programs within Aster’s extensive medical network. The initiative is designed to offer clear career pathways, introducing students to both clinical and non-clinical roles within the healthcare ecosystem.
Expanding Industry Alliances for Future Readiness
This partnership aligns with GEMS Education’s broader corporate strategy to build a robust network of industry partners capable of enhancing student employability and future-focused learning. The collaboration builds upon a long-standing relationship between the two entities, which have previously co-operated on various health and wellness initiatives across GEMS schools in the UAE.
The structured framework of the ‘Aster Discover’ program integrates seamlessly with GEMS Education’s High School Internship and Leadership Engagement Program, originally established in 2022. This targeted pathway has already seen successful execution across multiple cohorts, benefiting over 50 students who have transitioned into experiential learning environments.
To ensure absolute adherence to international safety standards, the internship program has been meticulously designed around stringent patient safety and data privacy guidelines. While the initiative offers unprecedented hands-on exposure to the healthcare industry, active student participation will be restricted or carefully supervised in highly critical medical zones.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Medical Professionals
Commenting on the significance of the partnership, Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education, highlighted the high demand for medical sciences among students:
“Healthcare continues to be one of the most highly sought-after career paths among GEMS Education students. Currently, nearly one-fourth of our student body pursues advanced studies in medicine, dentistry, allied health sciences, and healthcare management. Our partnership with Aster DM Healthcare creates an unparalleled platform for students to witness healthcare operations first-hand, fostering leadership and innovation in clinical spaces.”
He further added that the initiative serves a broader national purpose: “At GEMS, we look beyond conventional academic metrics. In line with the UAE Vision 2071 agenda, this program equips students aged 15 to 18 with actionable career insights, building the self-reliance and real-world confidence required to make informed professional decisions.”
Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, emphasized the organization’s corporate commitment to nurturing young talent:
“The healthcare industry requires a continuous influx of bright, driven young professionals to drive clinical advancements, healthcare innovation, and sustainable medical solutions. The ‘Aster Discover’ program has been structured precisely to demystify the internal workings of the medical sector for young minds. By exposing students to both clinical operations and vital supportive functions, we aim to bridge the gap between academic theory and practice while providing executive mentorship.”
Program Structure and Practical Engagement
The program is strategically scheduled to run during major school vacation periods in July, August, and December. GEMS students will be divided into specialized cohorts for intensive two-week placements across Aster’s facilities.
Rather than focusing solely on observational learning, the curriculum features a multifaceted approach to experiential education. It combines operational shadowing and structured healthcare internships with interactive case-study debates, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and direct mentorship from industry executives. This holistic design ensures that students graduate from the program with a comprehensive understanding of the operational, commercial, and ethical dimensions of modern healthcare delivery.
