Sana’a University Discusses Potential Development of MD Programs to Advance Academic Excellence and Research Quality

Sana’a – Sana’a University Media
Monday, June 22, 2026 (Muharram 7, 1448 AH)

Chaired by Prof. Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, Rector of Sana’a University, an expanded meeting was held today at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences to discuss plans to further develop its Medical Doctorate (MD) programs and enhance their academic and research outcomes. This initiative is part of Sana’a University’s ongoing efforts to reaffirm its commitment to advancing postgraduate medical education in line with internationally recognized standards.
Among attendees were Prof. Adel Al-Matari, Chairman of the Council of Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance (CAQA), Prof. Mohammed Al-Shahari, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, vice deans for Academic Affairs, Postgraduate Studies, Student Affairs, and Quality Affairs, in addition to directors of medical specialty programs, heads of department, and members of the Faculty’s Steering Committee.
The meeting addressed key challenges facing clinical residency training and explored strategies for modernizing MD programs to meet evolving academic and healthcare demands. Discussions also focused on updating curricula across medical specialties, strengthening scientific research, and aligning research priorities with national healthcare needs to improve both medical services and research productivity.
Participants further reviewed progress toward international academic accreditation under the standards of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and examined mechanisms for meeting accreditation requirements as part of the University’s broader quality enhancement strategy. Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Al-Bukhaiti emphasized that developing MD programs remains a strategic priority for the University amid the rapid transformation of the education and healthcare sectors. He stressed the importance of strengthening clinical training pathways and preparing highly qualified physicians equipped with the knowledge and practical competencies required to compete in advanced medical specialties.
He noted that achieving this objective requires an integrated approach that includes enhancing clinical training infrastructure, expanding partnerships with healthcare institutions, and adopting modern medical education methodologies based on simulation and interactive learning, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare services for the community.
He also underscored the importance of complying with international accreditation standards through curriculum modernization, continuous faculty members development, the establishment of a supportive educational and research environment, and the implementation of robust quality assurance, evaluation, and monitoring systems.
Prof. Al-Bukhaiti further highlighted the need to foster a culture of continuous quality improvement and institutional self-assessment, noting that international accreditation would expand opportunities for MD graduates to pursue specialized medical fellowships while strengthening their competitiveness in regional and international labor markets.
For his part, Prof. Adel Al-Matari praised the University’s leadership and the Faculty’s sustained commitment to academic development, affirming that accreditation in accordance with WFME standards has become essential to ensuring high-quality educational outcomes, reaffirming the CAQA’s continued support for the University’s accreditation efforts.
Meanwhile, Prof. Mohammed Al-Shahari stated that the meeting resulted in a comprehensive review of the MD programs and produced several recommendations aimed at improving the clinical training environment in teaching hospitals and enhancing scientific research systems to increase efficiency and productivity. He reaffirmed the Faculty’s commitment to delivering a medical education model that integrates academic excellence with clinical competence.
The meeting reflects Sana’a University’s ongoing efforts to align its academic programs with international best practices while reinforcing its role in advancing higher education, scientific research, and healthcare services in Yemen.