Part 1. “The When, and Why”

By the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010, it was a turning point for me. I graduated from faculty of medicine and I have started my internship and was exploring possible choices of residency training abroad. 

Many choices were on the table. Mine was to specialize in “Sports Medicine” and I was determined to do so.

Application deadlines were announced, emails were sent, interviews were organized and I felt for a moment that making a choice  was getting harder.

At that point, I was in contact with colleagues who were training in residencies in France. They have recommended training programs in France. 

I was thrilled and excited as I didn’t know much about France aside from two short visits to Paris when I was younger.

My curiosity about France increased and my interest got bigger. I started to do an extensive research about the country and studies. My research has shown me that France would be an amazing choice for training and specializing in Sports Medicine through Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialty.

I contacted professors in France and many of them encouraged me to study in France (professors who ended up being my teachers...). That motivated me even more. They even connected me to colleagues of theirs in the UAE whom I have met and we discussed in detail the process of learning, teaching, and education in France. This made me more determined to travel to France and pursue my higher education.

At the time, I was filled with determination and I have started preparing my application and documents to send.

As I was among the first Emirati physicians to apply to residency training in France, I would say I was anxious because the number of students was limited and the selection criterias were unknown.

After applying, I was excited yet my anxiety kept increasing day after day and I waited for a month, two, and three, but with no response!

I wouldn’t say I lost hope, but time was passing by, and my excitement of leaving to France was mixed with the anxiety of delaying my studies. Until one day, I received an acceptance from Germany, my second choice, to do my residency. However, I hesitated to accept the offer as I was awaiting the acceptance from France.

By April 2010, my anxiety reached its limits and I couldn’t wait longer so I accepted the offer to leave for Germany. At that stage, I was hoping that before leaving I would hear an answer that would make me change my destination. Sadly... It didn’t happen and I departed to Germany to start studying the language and join the residency program!

It was my second choice and a great one, but I left the UAE with sadness and my hopes almost vanished, yet destiny had something else prepared for me, some exciting news that made me arrive in France that I will be happy to share with you in the next Episode “The How”....

Dr. Abdulla Alrahoomi

consultant in Sports Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - HelthPoint Hospital

Alumni of Université de Paris, Université de Montpellier, Sorbonne Université