Dr. Zalikha Al-Marzouqi | Women Health | Women Researcher Award
Senior Sciences Teacher A at Oman College of Health Sciences-NB, Oman
Dr. Zalikha Khamis Darwish Al-Marzouqi is a distinguished Omani nursing educator and researcher with over two decades of experience shaping the future of nursing in Oman and internationally. She is deeply committed to advancing maternal and child health, nursing education, and evidence-based practice. Her extensive leadership roles include serving as acting dean, research supervisor, program committee member, and editorial board member for international journals. With a passion for mentoring, she has guided countless students and new educators. Dr. Al-Marzouqi’s work spans clinical teaching, research project supervision, and active participation in numerous international conferences and workshops. She has published extensively on topics such as maternal health, breastfeeding, anemia prevention, and nursing education innovation. Her dedication is further reflected in her active roles within Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), community outreach programs, and alumni initiatives. Recognized through multiple awards for excellence in teaching, research, and community service, she embodies the principles of lifelong learning, professional development, and societal contribution. Dr. Al-Marzouqi continues to inspire as a passionate advocate for integrating research into practice and empowering future generations of healthcare professionals.
Profile
Education
Dr. Al-Marzouqi has a solid educational foundation that bridges local and international institutions, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning. She obtained her PhD in Nursing from the University of Manchester in 2020, focusing on biological and medical sciences to strengthen her expertise in maternal and community health. She holds a Master’s degree in Professional Practice (2007) and a University Certificate in Higher Education Teaching from the University of Central Lancashire (2007). Her commitment to technology integration is evident through an International Diploma in IT Skills from the University of Cambridge (2012). Earlier, she earned a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from Villanova University in the USA (2002), following a Diploma in General Nursing from North Batinah Nursing Institute (1999). Her initial professional development included the Go West Course and an internship at Suhar Hospital. Throughout her career, she has continuously upgraded her skills through numerous workshops and specialized courses, ranging from research methods, advanced statistics, academic writing, leadership, to quality assurance and IT applications. This comprehensive educational journey has laid the groundwork for her multifaceted roles in academia, research, and healthcare leadership.
Professional Experience
With over 23 years of service, Dr. Al-Marzouqi’s professional experience is marked by her dedication to nursing education, research leadership, and community engagement. Since 2011, she has served as a senior science teacher at the Oman College of Health Sciences (North Batinah Branch), shaping the curriculum and guiding nursing students. Previously, she held the position of acting dean (2013–2015) at North Batinah Nursing Institute, where she pioneered key administrative and academic initiatives. Her early career included roles as a clinical teacher, tutor, and staff nurse in various specialized hospital wards, including oncology and surgical departments. Beyond teaching, she has actively participated in curriculum development, served as an internal reviewer, coordinated health education and outreach programs, and supervised student research projects locally and internationally. Dr. Al-Marzouqi’s leadership extended to organizing and moderating numerous conferences, workshops, and community health initiatives, fostering both professional and public health advancement. Her involvement as a reviewer for national and international journals further underscores her commitment to promoting high-quality research and evidence-based practice. This rich professional tapestry highlights her influence on nursing practice and policy in Oman and beyond.
Research Interest
Dr. Al-Marzouqi’s research interests reflect her commitment to improving maternal and child health, promoting evidence-based nursing, and enhancing community health awareness. She has led and contributed to studies addressing breastfeeding practices, gestational diabetes, anemia prevention, cervical cancer screening, and antenatal exercise among Omani women. Her passion for advancing women’s health is evident in her focus on breastfeeding support, barriers to self-examination, and the lived experiences of women with breast cancer. She also investigates perceptions and readiness among nursing students for clinical practice, bridging gaps between academic preparation and real-world healthcare needs. Further, she explores the experiences of students with disabilities in higher education, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility. Dr. Al-Marzouqi’s interest extends to the integration of simulation-based education in nursing and the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare research and education. She actively shares her findings in regional and international conferences, contributing to global knowledge exchange. Her research philosophy centers on translating evidence into practice to improve patient outcomes and empower healthcare professionals, highlighting her vision of a responsive and resilient healthcare system.
Research Skills
Dr. Al-Marzouqi possesses a robust set of research skills developed through extensive training and practice across various methodologies. She is proficient in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research designs, particularly grounded theory, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Her expertise includes proposal writing, ethical approvals, data collection (including interviews and surveys), and advanced data analysis using software like NVivo. She is skilled in disseminating findings through publications, conference presentations, and workshops. Her ability to supervise and mentor research students showcases her strength in guiding projects from conception to publication. Dr. Al-Marzouqi has also completed numerous research-focused training sessions worldwide, covering topics such as evidence-based practice, implementation science, research ethics, and academic writing. Her active involvement in reviewing manuscripts for national and international journals further demonstrates her critical appraisal capabilities. Additionally, her engagement in designing and leading workshops on research proposal writing and knowledge translation highlights her commitment to capacity-building in the research community. This versatile skill set allows her to contribute significantly to nursing science and education, fostering a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Al-Marzouqi has been recognized with numerous awards for her outstanding contributions to education, research, and community service. She was named the Best Faculty at the Ministry of Health’s Ejadha program in 2022 and received an award for presenting one of the best research studies at the First Conference of Breastfeeding for Child and Mothers Health organized by WHO and MOH the same year. She was sponsored by the Ministry of Health for her PhD studies in 2015, her MSN in 2006, and her BSN in 2001, reflecting institutional confidence in her potential. Earlier in her academic journey, she earned a full scholarship to Villanova University as a top student. She also received a certificate of appreciation and gifts from MOH for being the top nursing diploma student and was recognized as the Best Staff at Suhar Hospital in 2003. Additionally, she was awarded for her contributions to internship coordination and received multiple certificates of appreciation from schools for her community involvement. These accolades highlight her dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on the nursing profession and society.
Publications
Dr. Al-Marzouqi has an impressive publication record addressing key health issues in Oman and the region. Her research includes studies on breastfeeding practices, gestational diabetes, anemia awareness, cervical cancer screening, and adolescent health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable published works include “Experiences of newly diagnosed women with breast cancer: a constructivist grounded theory,” “Perceptions and practice of Omani women on breast self-examination,” and “Perception of pregnant women on gestational anemia and iron supplements in Oman.” She has also explored the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on adolescents with type 1 diabetes and examined ADHD prevalence among young adults. Her contributions extend to topics such as simulation-based nursing education and the experiences of Omani students with disabilities in higher education. By presenting her research at major international conferences and publishing in reputable journals, Dr. Al-Marzouqi significantly contributes to the evidence base for nursing and public health interventions. Her work underscores her dedication to improving health outcomes and informing policy through rigorous, culturally relevant research.
Conclusion
Dr. Zalikha Al-Marzouqi exemplifies the integration of academic rigor, clinical excellence, and community commitment. Her journey from a dedicated student to a respected leader in nursing education and research reflects her unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare standards. Through her extensive teaching, prolific research, and active leadership roles, she has significantly contributed to shaping nursing practice and policy in Oman and beyond. Her focus on maternal and child health, community engagement, and evidence-based education underscores her holistic approach to healthcare improvement. Recognized through numerous awards and honors, she serves as an inspiring role model for nurses, educators, and researchers. Dr. Al-Marzouqi’s work continues to impact students, healthcare professionals, and communities, embodying the essence of service and lifelong learning. Her vision for a healthier society driven by knowledge and compassion remains a guiding force in her ongoing contributions to global health and nursing science.