Jul 23 / ExamCure Team

DHA GP Syllabus 2026: Complete Exam Blueprint and High-Yield Topics




Preparing for the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) General Practitioner Prometric Exam requires more than simply reading medical textbooks. Success comes from understanding the DHA GP syllabus, identifying the highest-yield clinical topics, and studying according to the competencies expected of a General Practitioner practicing safely in Dubai.

Many candidates ask:

- What subjects are included in the DHA GP exam?
- Which specialty carries the greatest weight?
- What are the highest-yield topics?
- How should I divide my study time?

This comprehensive guide answers all these questions. Whether you are preparing for your first attempt or retaking the examination, this article will help you focus your preparation on the topics most likely to appear in the exam.

«Note: The DHA does not publicly release a detailed percentage breakdown for every specialty. The syllabus outlined below is based on official competency expectations for General Practitioners together with the clinical domains consistently tested in DHA Prometric examinations.»



Quick Summary

Exam: DHA General Practitioner Prometric Examination

Difficulty: Moderate to High

Question Style: Clinical scenario-based multiple-choice questions

Main Focus:

- Internal Medicine
- Family Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Surgery
- Preventive Medicine
- Ethics
- Primary Care Decision Making

Recommended Preparation Time

- 12 weeks for most candidates
- 8 weeks for experienced GPs
- 4 weeks for intensive revision

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Table of Contents

1. Overview of the DHA GP Exam Blueprint
2. Competencies Assessed
3. Internal Medicine Topics
4. Emergency Medicine Topics
5. Pediatrics Topics
6. Obstetrics & Gynecology Topics
7. Family Medicine Topics
8. General Surgery Topics
9. Dermatology
10. Psychiatry
11. ENT
12. Ophthalmology
13. Orthopedics
14. Preventive Medicine
15. Infectious Diseases
16. Ethics and Professionalism
17. High-Yield Topics
18. Commonly Missed Topics
19. Suggested Study Time Allocation
20. 12-Week Study Plan
21. Frequently Asked Questions

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Overview of the DHA GP Exam Blueprint

The DHA GP examination evaluates whether a physician possesses the knowledge, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills expected of an independent General Practitioner working within Dubai's healthcare system.

Unlike university examinations that often emphasize memorization, the DHA GP exam focuses on real-life patient management.

Candidates are expected to:

- Recognize common diseases.
- Identify medical emergencies.
- Choose appropriate investigations.
- Interpret laboratory findings.
- Interpret ECGs and imaging when relevant.
- Apply evidence-based treatment.
- Know referral indications.
- Practice safe prescribing.
- Deliver preventive healthcare.
- Demonstrate patient-centered communication.

Most questions present realistic clinical scenarios requiring the best next step, most likely diagnosis, or most appropriate management rather than recall of isolated facts.

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Competencies Assessed

Successful candidates should demonstrate competence in several key domains.

1. Clinical Knowledge

Candidates should understand:

- Disease mechanisms
- Risk factors
- Clinical presentation
- Differential diagnosis
- Evidence-based management

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2. Clinical Reasoning

The exam emphasizes clinical thinking.

Candidates should be able to:

- Interpret symptoms logically.
- Prioritize differential diagnoses.
- Decide which investigations are necessary.
- Select the safest management option.

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3. Emergency Recognition

Every GP must recognize life-threatening conditions.

Examples include:

- Acute coronary syndrome
- Stroke
- Sepsis
- Shock
- Anaphylaxis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Acute asthma
- Diabetic ketoacidosis

 
4. Preventive Care

Questions frequently assess preventive medicine.

Topics include:

- Vaccination
- Cancer screening
- Lifestyle counseling
- Smoking cessation
- Cardiovascular risk reduction
- Diabetes prevention

 
5. Communication

Candidates should understand:

- Breaking bad news
- Shared decision-making
- Informed consent
- Confidentiality
- Documentation

 
Internal Medicine Topics

Internal Medicine forms the largest and most important component of the DHA GP syllabus. Candidates should spend a substantial proportion of their preparation on common adult medical conditions encountered in primary care.

Cardiology

High-yield topics include:

- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Stable angina
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Atrial fibrillation
- Supraventricular tachycardia
- Bradyarrhythmias
- Valvular heart disease
- Dyslipidemia
- Cardiovascular risk assessment

Candidates should know:

- ECG interpretation
- Hypertension guidelines
- Initial management of chest pain
- Anticoagulation principles
- Secondary prevention after myocardial infarction

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Endocrinology

Important conditions include:

- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Diabetic emergencies
- Thyroid disorders
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Thyroid nodules
- Adrenal disorders
- Pituitary disease
- Obesity

High-yield concepts:

- Insulin therapy
- Oral antidiabetic drugs
- HbA1c targets
- Diabetic complications
- Hypoglycemia management

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Respiratory Medicine

Candidates should understand:

- Asthma
- COPD
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pleural effusion
- Lung cancer
- Obstructive sleep apnea

Know how to:

- Interpret chest X-rays.
- Distinguish asthma from COPD.
- Recognize severe asthma.
- Manage community-acquired pneumonia.

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Gastroenterology

Frequently tested topics:

- GERD
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Helicobacter pylori
- Upper GI bleeding
- Liver cirrhosis
- Hepatitis
- Pancreatitis
- Gallstones
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome

Candidates should recognize red flags requiring urgent referral.

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Nephrology

Topics include:

- Acute kidney injury
- Chronic kidney disease
- Electrolyte disorders
- Hyperkalemia
- Hyponatremia
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections
- Proteinuria
- Hematuria

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Rheumatology

Study:

- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Vasculitis
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Giant cell arteritis

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Hematology

Common topics include:

- Iron deficiency anemia
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Hemolytic anemia
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Thrombocytopenia
- Coagulation disorders
- Venous thromboembolism

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Emergency Medicine Topics

Every GP is expected to identify and stabilize critically ill patients before referral.

The DHA exam frequently includes emergency scenarios.

Cardiovascular Emergencies

Study:

- STEMI
- NSTEMI
- Cardiac arrest
- Unstable arrhythmias
- Hypertensive emergencies
- Acute pulmonary edema

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Respiratory Emergencies

Focus on:

- Acute asthma
- COPD exacerbation
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pneumothorax
- Acute respiratory failure

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Neurological Emergencies

Know:

- Stroke
- TIA
- Status epilepticus
- Raised intracranial pressure
- Meningitis

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Shock

Understand:

- Septic shock
- Hypovolemic shock
- Cardiogenic shock
- Obstructive shock
- Anaphylactic shock

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Trauma

Review:

- Primary survey
- Cervical spine protection
- Head injury
- Chest trauma
- Abdominal trauma
- Limb injuries

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Poisoning

Study:

- Paracetamol overdose
- Organophosphate poisoning
- Opioid toxicity
- Carbon monoxide poisoning

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Acute Abdomen

Know how to evaluate:

- Appendicitis
- Cholecystitis
- Pancreatitis
- Perforated ulcer
- Intestinal obstruction
- Mesenteric ischemia

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Pediatrics Topics

General Practitioners frequently manage common childhood illnesses, making pediatrics an essential component of the DHA GP syllabus.

Growth and Development

Candidates should understand:

- Developmental milestones
- Growth charts
- Nutrition
- Childhood obesity

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Vaccination

Know:

- Routine immunization schedules
- Catch-up vaccination
- Contraindications
- Vaccine storage
- Common adverse effects

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Common Pediatric Illnesses

Study:

- Bronchiolitis
- Croup
- Asthma
- Otitis media
- Tonsillitis
- Gastroenteritis
- Pneumonia
- Febrile seizures
- Urinary tract infection

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Neonatology

Important topics:

- Neonatal jaundice
- Sepsis
- Feeding difficulties
- Neonatal resuscitation basics
- Hypoglycemia

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Pediatric Emergencies

Focus on:

- Dehydration
- Status epilepticus
- Meningitis
- Septic shock
- Foreign body aspiration
- Severe asthma

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Obstetrics & Gynecology Topics

The examination emphasizes conditions commonly encountered in primary care.

Candidates should be comfortable managing routine presentations and recognizing situations requiring urgent referral.

Obstetrics

Study:

- Antenatal care
- Pregnancy dating
- Routine screening
- Gestational diabetes
- Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
- Pre-eclampsia
- Hyperemesis gravidarum
- Preterm labour
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Normal postpartum care

Understand antenatal investigations, vaccination during pregnancy, nutritional supplementation, and fetal wellbeing assessment.

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Gynecology

High-yield topics include:

- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Dysmenorrhea
- Amenorrhea
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Menopause
- Vaginal discharge
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Contraception
- Cervical cancer screening
- Breast cancer screening

Candidates should know first-line investigations, indications for referral, and evidence-based management commonly provided in primary care.

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Family Medicine Topics

Family Medicine is at the heart of the DHA GP examination because it reflects everyday clinical practice.

Key topics include:

- Chronic disease management
- Continuity of care
- Health promotion
- Lifestyle modification
- Smoking cessation
- Obesity management
- Mental health screening
- Preventive health checks
- Shared decision-making
- Care of older adults
- Multimorbidity
- Polypharmacy
- Patient education
- Evidence-based primary care

Family Medicine questions often integrate multiple specialties into a single clinical scenario, requiring candidates to prioritize safe, patient-centered management.


General Surgery Topics

General Practitioners are expected to recognize common surgical conditions and identify those requiring urgent referral.

Study:

- Acute appendicitis
- Gallstone disease
- Acute cholecystitis
- Acute pancreatitis
- Hernias
- Intestinal obstruction
- Perianal diseases
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Breast lumps
- Thyroid nodules
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Varicose veins
- Acute limb ischemia
- Diabetic foot infections

Candidates should also understand:

- Basic wound management
- Postoperative complications
- Surgical infections
- Tetanus prophylaxis
- Initial management before specialist referral


In Part 2, we'll cover Dermatology, Psychiatry, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Preventive Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Ethics and Professionalism, the highest-yield topics, commonly missed areas, study time allocation, a 12-week study plan, FAQs, conclusion, and a conversion-focused call to action.

DHA GP Syllabus 2026: Complete Exam Blueprint and High-Yield Topics (Part 2)

«Continue reading from Part 1»

 
Dermatology

Skin disorders are common in primary care and frequently appear in DHA GP exam scenarios. Candidates should be able to recognize common conditions, initiate first-line treatment, and identify when referral is required.

High-Yield Topics

- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Acne vulgaris
- Rosacea
- Urticaria
- Cellulitis
- Tinea infections
- Scabies
- Herpes zoster
- Herpes simplex
- Viral warts
- Skin abscesses
- Melanoma warning signs
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma

Candidates should also understand skin lesion recognition using the ABCDE approach for melanoma.


Psychiatry

Mental health conditions are increasingly encountered in primary care.

Study:

- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Dementia
- Delirium
- Suicide risk assessment
- Substance misuse
- Sleep disorders

Know:

- Initial assessment
- Red flags
- First-line medications
- Referral criteria
- Mental health emergencies


ENT

Frequently tested conditions include:

- Acute otitis media
- Otitis externa
- Hearing loss
- Vertigo
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- Ménière disease
- Sinusitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Epistaxis
- Tonsillitis
- Peritonsillar abscess

Candidates should know which presentations require urgent ENT referral.


Ophthalmology

Primary care eye conditions include:

- Acute conjunctivitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Corneal abrasion
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Red eye
- Sudden vision loss
- Retinal detachment

Understand ocular emergencies that require immediate specialist assessment.

 
Orthopedics

Common orthopedic topics include:

- Osteoarthritis
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Osteoporosis
- Septic arthritis
- Gout

Know how to differentiate benign musculoskeletal pain from emergencies such as septic arthritis or compartment syndrome.

 
Preventive Medicine

Preventive medicine is one of the foundations of Family Medicine and is commonly tested.

Important topics include:

- Adult vaccination
- Childhood immunization
- Cancer screening
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
- Smoking cessation
- Obesity management
- Diabetes prevention
- Hypertension screening
- Lipid screening
- Osteoporosis screening
- Lifestyle counselling
- Travel medicine

Candidates should understand current evidence-based screening recommendations and preventive strategies.

 
Infectious Diseases

Candidates should be familiar with common infections seen in primary care.

High-yield topics include:

- COVID-19
- Influenza
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
- Dengue fever
- Malaria
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Cellulitis
- Sexually transmitted infections

Know indications for antibiotic therapy, antimicrobial stewardship principles, and infection prevention measures.

 
Ethics and Professionalism

Professional practice is an essential competency.

Study:

- Medical ethics
- Confidentiality
- Informed consent
- Capacity assessment
- Child safeguarding
- Documentation
- Professional boundaries
- Mandatory reporting
- Communication skills
- Shared decision-making

Questions often present ethical dilemmas requiring the safest and most professional response.

 
Highest-Yield Topics Most Frequently Tested

While every topic is important, candidates consistently report seeing questions related to:

- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Asthma
- COPD
- ECG interpretation
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Sepsis
- Shock
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infection
- Thyroid disorders
- Chronic kidney disease
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Pediatric fever
- Childhood vaccination
- Antenatal care
- Gestational diabetes
- Contraception
- Dermatology rashes
- Depression and anxiety
- Preventive medicine
- Ethics
- Evidence-based primary care

These topics should receive additional revision and extensive MCQ practice.

 
Topics Candidates Commonly Miss

Many candidates lose marks by underestimating:

- Preventive medicine
- Vaccination schedules
- ECG interpretation
- Ethics
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
- ENT emergencies
- Electrolyte disorders
- Geriatric medicine
- Screening recommendations
- Communication scenarios
- Medication safety

Do not focus only on Internal Medicine. A balanced preparation is essential.

 
Suggested Study Time Allocation

A practical study distribution is:

Subject| Recommended Time
Internal Medicine| 30%
Family Medicine| 15%
Emergency Medicine| 12%
Pediatrics| 10%
Obstetrics & Gynecology| 10%
Surgery| 8%
Preventive Medicine| 5%
Infectious Diseases| 3%
Dermatology| 2%
Psychiatry| 2%
ENT| 1%
Ophthalmology| 1%
Orthopedics| 1%

Adjust these percentages based on your strengths and weaknesses.

 
Suggested 12-Week Study Plan

Weeks 1–3

- Internal Medicine
- Cardiology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Nephrology

Weeks 4–5

- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics & Gynecology

Week 6

- Emergency Medicine

Week 7

- Family Medicine
- Preventive Medicine

Week 8

- General Surgery

Week 9

- Dermatology
- Psychiatry
- ENT
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedics

Week 10

- Infectious Diseases
- Ethics
- Communication Skills

Week 11

- Full revision
- High-yield notes
- Incorrect MCQs

Week 12

- Three full-length mock exams
- Final review
- Exam readiness

 
Frequently Asked Questions

What subjects are included in the DHA GP syllabus?

The syllabus includes Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Dermatology, Psychiatry, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Preventive Medicine, Infectious Diseases, and Medical Ethics.

Which subject is most important?

Internal Medicine generally forms the largest component and should receive the greatest study time.

Does DHA publish an official blueprint?

DHA provides competency expectations for General Practitioners, but no detailed public weighting for every specialty. Candidates should prepare broadly across all core primary care disciplines.

Are clinical guidelines important?

Yes. Current evidence-based guidelines are essential, particularly for diabetes, hypertension, asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, and preventive care.

How many MCQs should I solve?

Aim to complete at least 2,000–3,000 high-quality questions with detailed explanations.

Is Family Medicine heavily tested?

Yes. Many questions reflect common primary care presentations and long-term disease management.

Are image-based questions included?

Some questions may include ECGs, clinical photographs, X-rays, or laboratory data requiring interpretation.

How long should I study?

Most candidates benefit from 8–12 weeks of structured preparation.

Are mock exams necessary?

Yes. Mock exams improve time management, identify weak areas, and build exam confidence.

What are the most commonly tested diseases?

Diabetes, hypertension, asthma, COPD, ischemic heart disease, pneumonia, thyroid disorders, pediatric infections, pregnancy-related conditions, and common dermatological disorders.

Should I memorize guidelines?

Understand the principles behind guidelines rather than memorizing isolated recommendations.

What is the best preparation strategy?

Combine a structured study plan, high-quality MCQ practice, regular revision, and full-length mock exams.

 
Key Takeaways

- Study according to the DHA GP competency framework rather than memorizing isolated facts.
- Prioritize Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics & Gynecology.
- Practice thousands of high-quality clinical scenario-based MCQs.
- Review explanations carefully and learn from mistakes.
- Complete multiple full-length mock exams before your test.
- Focus on clinical reasoning and evidence-based decision-making.


Continue Your DHA GP Preparation

Understanding the syllabus is only the first step. The most successful candidates reinforce their knowledge through structured question practice and realistic exam simulation.

At ExamCure, you can continue your preparation with:

- DHA GP MCQ Bank – thousands of exam-style questions with detailed explanations.

- DHA GP Mock Exams – timed practice tests that simulate the real Prometric experience.

- Free DHA GP MCQs – sample questions to assess your readiness.

- 12-Week DHA GP Study Plan – a structured roadmap for efficient preparation.

- High-Yield DHA GP Revision Resources – focused review of the topics most likely to appear in the exam.

Whether you are taking the DHA GP exam for the first time or preparing for a repeat attempt, a structured approach, consistent practice, and high-quality learning resources can significantly improve your chances of success.

 
- DHA GP Prometric Exam 2026: Complete Guide

- DHA GP Study Plan 2026

- DHA GP MCQ Bank

- DHA GP Mock Exams

- 50 Free DHA GP MCQs

- High-Yield DHA GP MCQs

- DHA GP Eligibility Criteria

- DHA GP DataFlow Guide

- DHA GP syllabus 2026 overview

- DHA GP exam blueprint infographic

- High-yield topics for DHA GP Prometric exam

- DHA GP study plan timeline

 -Primary care competencies for DHA GP candidates