SSMC highlights role of community-focused medical education

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing community-driven medical education during the fourth edition of its annual Education Week, held under the theme “In the Year of Community: Social Responsibility in Health Education.”

The theme reflects the hospital’s goal of linking academic excellence with social responsibility, ensuring that learning at SSMC contributes not only to clinical growth but also to the wellbeing of the wider UAE community.

Dr Ibrahim Ahmed Alkuwaiti, Education Director at SSMC, said the theme was chosen to highlight how medical education extends far beyond classrooms and training halls.

“Education at SSMC is centred on building a responsible framework that serves the community and helps enhance quality of life,” he said. “Throughout the week, we focused on how academic programmes can respond directly to the health needs of society, reinforcing SSMC’s position as a leading educational institution.”

Dr Alkuwaiti noted that this year’s Education Week also reflects SSMC’s growing role in shaping the future of healthcare training in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

“Education is not an additional activity for us it is a core part of our identity,” he said. “Our work supports national efforts to develop human capabilities, build strong clinical and leadership skills, and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to serve the community with excellence.”

Over the last year, SSMC has continued to expand and strengthen its education and training ecosystem.

Key developments include:

      •     The growth of educational programmes across SSMC’s five dedicated education centres.

      •     Expanded simulation-based training to ensure trainees gain real-world readiness.

      •     Enhanced professional development programmes for staff across medical and non-medical categories.

      •     Upgraded academic processes to align with international accreditation standards.

“These achievements reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and to preparing professionals who can meet the demands of a modern healthcare system,” Dr. Alkuwaiti said.

Collaboration remains central to SSMC’s education strategy. The hospital works closely with local and international universities, welcoming students for clinical training and supporting joint research.

“These partnerships allow us to strengthen knowledge exchange and expand development opportunities for both students and healthcare professionals,” Dr. Alkuwaiti said.

SSMC ensures that its training programmes reflect Abu Dhabi’s health priorities. This includes analysing community needs, engaging with health authorities, and designing programmes that focus on essential skills and specialities.

“Our goal is to graduate competent professionals who can serve the community and help improve the quality of healthcare,” he said.

Education Week also plays a direct role in empowering young Emirati talent.

“We offer advanced opportunities for clinical and research training, along with platforms for students and graduates to engage with experts,” Dr. Alkuwaiti said. “Supporting national talent is a key priority for us.”

This year’s edition saw the announcement of several new initiatives, including:

      •     Expanded continuing medical education programmes

      •     Growth of simulation training capabilities

      •     Strengthened academic partnerships

      •     Specialised programmes on future skills, especially artificial intelligence and its applications in healthcare

“These initiatives reflect our direction in creating an education ecosystem ready for the future,” Dr. Alkuwaiti added.

As SSMC plans for the years ahead, its priorities include reinforcing its role as a regional hub for medical education, expanding AI-driven training programmes, increasing opportunities for Emirati learners, and strengthening research and academic collaboration.

“We remain committed to linking education with real improvements in healthcare delivery,” Dr. Alkuwaiti said. “This ensures our work has a lasting and meaningful impact on patients and the community.”

SSMC’s Education Week continues to highlight the important role of learning, collaboration, and community-focused development in shaping the future of healthcare in the UAE.