Abu Dhabi: The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced that three medical residency programs at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), part of SEHA, a PureHealth subsidiary, have received accreditation from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCCI).
The accredited programs include dermatology, diagnostic radiology, and psychiatry, marking the first time such international recognition has been awarded in the UAE. The milestone builds on SKMC’s 2023 accreditation by RCCI as one of the first institutions in the country authorized to offer residency and fellowship programs in Canadian-accredited specialties.
شاركت الطبيبتان المقيمتان عائشة الحضرمي وميرة المرزوقي تجربتهما في الاستفادة من برامج الإقامة الطبية المعتمدة من كلية الأطباء والجراحين الملكية الكندية الدولية في مدينة الشيخ خليفة الطبية. pic.twitter.com/z6Tikbvjm0
— دائرة الصحة – أبوظبي (@DoHSocial) August 26, 2025
Under DoH’s Medical Education Program framework, SKMC provides integrated training supported by advanced teaching tools and methodologies. The programs aim to equip healthcare professionals with the expertise to deliver specialised care, pursue further qualifications, and enhance patient satisfaction.
Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said the accreditation reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening the sustainability of its healthcare system. Dr. Al Ghaithi stated that, “Medical professionals are the backbone of our community’s health. Through our strategic medical education agenda, DoH continues to drive excellence in training, further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-class hub for healthcare and medical education.”
Saeed Jaber Al Kuwaiti, Group CEO of SEHA, described the accreditation as a ‘proud milestone,’ reinforcing SEHA’s commitment to advancing clinical excellence and nurturing medical talent within the UAE. Saeed Jaber Al Kuwaiti remarked that, “Through specialised training in dermatology, radiology, and psychiatry, we’re equipping the next generation of physicians with the skills to lead, strengthening our healthcare system from within.”
Craig Ceppetelli, Executive Director of International Collaboration and Advancement and COO of RCCI, congratulated SKMC for achieving the milestone. Craig Ceppetelli noted that, “This reflects their unwavering commitment to continuous improvement in postgraduate medical education and patient care. We are proud to partner with such a dedicated team and look forward to enhancing healthcare standards in the UAE for years to come.”
Resident physicians completing these accredited programs will now be eligible to sit for Royal College examinations in their respective specialties. Successful candidates will qualify for the prestigious Royal College Fellowship.
The achievement follows an agreement signed between DoH and RCCI in 2022 to expand access to Canadian-accredited residency and fellowship training. The collaboration provides doctors in Abu Dhabi with opportunities for specialised training both locally and in Canada, while promoting knowledge exchange, research, and innovation in medical education.
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