Background

A hospital in Sharjah faced a critical challenge: its busy emergency department (ED) was preparing for accreditation by the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI). Achieving this accreditation was an important milestone for the hospital, bringing formal recognition of the quality of its services and improving its rankings in the competitive UAE healthcare landscape, but it required the department to meet rigorous clinical, operational, and patient care standards. To steer this effort, the hospital needed a highly experienced emergency medicine physician capable of leading the clinical team, implementing best practices, and ensuring compliance with JCI requirements.

Recognizing the importance of finding a leader with international experience, the hospital decided to recruit globally. The UK, with its well-established emergency medicine training programs and high standards of clinical excellence, emerged as the ideal talent pool.

The Challenge

• High Standards: The physician needed a strong track record in emergency medicine, with experience in managing busy departments and meeting international accreditation standards.
• Urgency: The recruitment had to be completed promptly to align with the JCI accreditation timeline.
• Relocation: The candidate had to be willing to relocate to Sharjah and quickly adapt to a new healthcare system, work culture, and living environment.

The Solution

The hospital partnered with Odyssey Recruitment for its international recruitment capabilities and candidate sourcing expertise.  Our recruiters conducted a targeted search in the UK, seeking a candidate with the requisite expertise, leadership skills, and interest in working in the Middle East.

The Recruitment Process

1.  Identifying the Ideal Candidate:

• The agency identified a senior consultant emergency medicine physician with over a decade of experience in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
• The candidate had led clinical teams in high-pressure environments and participated in quality improvement initiatives related to accreditation processes.

2. Assessment and Selection:

• The candidate underwent a rigorous interview process, including technical assessments, leadership capability evaluations, and discussions with hospital leadership in Sharjah.
• The candidate’s commitment to clinical excellence and familiarity with international standards made her the top choice.

3. Credentialing and Licensing:

• The agency supported the candidate in obtaining the necessary medical license from the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention.
• All credentials, including medical qualifications and references, were verified to ensure compliance with local regulations.

4. Relocation and Onboarding:

• Comprehensive relocation assistance was provided, including visa processing, travel, housing arrangements, and cultural orientation.
• The hospital facilitated a structured onboarding program to familiarise the physician with local protocols and the accreditation process.

The Outcome

The recruitment was highly successful, yielding significant benefits for the hospital and its emergency department:

• Clinical Leadership: The physician brought a wealth of experience and expertise, driving improvements in clinical workflows, patient safety, and team performance.
• Accreditation Success: Under the physician’s leadership, the Emergency Department implemented systems and protocols that met JCI standards, resulting in successful accreditation.
• Enhanced Team Morale: The physician’s collaborative approach and mentorship boosted morale and skill levels among the ED staff.
• Strengthened Reputation: The hospital’s ability to recruit a top-tier international consultant enhanced its reputation as a center for high quality emergency care.

Key Takeaways

This case illustrates the value of strategic international recruitment for meeting organisational goals and achieving excellence in healthcare delivery. By recruiting a consultant emergency medicine physician from the UK, the Sharjah hospital secured the leadership needed to elevate its emergency department to international standards.

The successful placement underscores the importance of matching clinical expertise with cultural adaptability and providing robust support for relocation and integration. For the hospital, this recruitment was not just about filling a vacancy, it was about securing a partner in its journey toward delivering world-class emergency care.