Opportunities and Challenges of Introducing Digital Health Training in Medical and Health Sciences Education in Palestine

Abstract

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the spread of digital health tools in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including Palestine. This spread is changing the role of medical and health sciences students, which necessitates educational training to prepare a new generation of professionals. This chapter reviews the programs in Palestine in terms of offering classes in the three main areas in Digital Medicine, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and Genomics. Each of the areas is discussed in terms of state-of-the-art applications, opportunities and challenges that could be faced regarding its inclusion in Palestinian education programs. While many Palestinian universities offered classes that target computer skills, most programs lacked a focus on new applications that are projected to change the future of healthcare. The chapter concludes by discussing the promise of developing competencies in digital health on job opportunities and improving the Palestinian education indicators for medicine and health sciences on the local and international levels.