The UBC Department of Surgery is proud to highlight the groundbreaking work of Dr. Karim Qayumi, a professor of surgery whose innovations in medical education are making a global impact. His initiative, the Canadian Virtual Medical University (CVMUI), is changing the way doctors are trained—especially in places where traditional medical schools are out of reach. By harnessing virtual learning, Dr. Qayumi is helping future healthcare professionals get the skills they need, no matter where they live.
A Solution to a Global Doctor Shortage
The world is facing a major doctor shortage. The World Health Organization predicts a shortfall of 4.3 million physicians by 2030, with the biggest gaps in low-income and conflict-affected regions. Building new medical schools is expensive and time-consuming—costing hundreds of millions of dollars and taking up to a decade to establish.
Dr. Qayumi’s solution? Bring medical training online. His virtual university is designed to deliver high-quality, competency-based, student-centered medical education to students who wouldn’t otherwise have access. It’s fast, affordable, and effective.
This is outstanding work that perfectly aligns with our global outlook. I was pleased to see the recognition of this initiative in the Globe and Mail and believe it’s important to share this more widely. We look forward to featuring Dr. Qayumi’s work in our Grand Rounds next academic year.
Dr. Gary Redekop, Head of the UBC Department of Surgery.
How CVMUI Works
CVMUI is the world’s first fully online medical school, offering a structured program that ensures students get both the knowledge and hands-on experience they need. Using platforms like Lecturio, CyberPatient, and Zoom, students progress through four levels of training:
- Level 1: Basic medical sciences
- Level 2: Pathology and basic clinical skills
- Level 3: Full clinical competencies
- Level 4: Internship (transfer of virtual skills into the real clinical world)
Through interactive simulations and virtual patient cases, students gain real-world experience without stepping into a traditional classroom. Recent studies show that students trained through CyberPatient make clinical decisions faster and more accurately, proving that virtual learning is just as effective—if not more so—than conventional methods.
Opening Doors for Afghan Women in Medicine
One of the most inspiring impacts of Dr. Qayumi’s work is how it’s empowering Afghan women to pursue careers in medicine. In a country where sociopolitical barriers often prevent women from attending medical school, CVMUI provides an accessible and affordable alternative. In a pilot project with 105 students from eight Afghan universities, the positive effect of the program has been proven and is published in The Lancet – eClinicalMedicine. Today, over 300 female students from Afghanistan are enrolled to reach their dream of becoming doctors.
Affordable, Scalable, and the Future of Medical Education
Beyond accessibility, virtual medical training is dramatically more cost-effective than traditional schools—95% cheaper, in fact. By cutting out the need for physical buildings, costly faculty salaries, and administrative expenses, CVMUI offers a sustainable model that can be expanded to other underserved regions around the world.
Shaping the Future of Global Healthcare
Dr. Qayumi’s work is redefining how medical education is delivered, proving that technology can break down barriers and bring quality training to anyone with an internet connection. His vision aligns with UBC’s commitment to innovation and excellence in global healthcare, and the success of CVMUI demonstrates that virtual education isn’t just the future—it’s happening now.
As the demand for doctors continues to rise, initiatives like CVMUI will be key to ensuring that skilled healthcare professionals are trained where they’re needed most. The UBC Department of Surgery is honored to support Dr. Qayumi’s transformative work, which is paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible medical education system worldwide.
