OTTAWA, Today in Dubai, Royal College International (RCI) — the international contracting arm of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (Royal College) — has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United Arab Emirates’ National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS).

The agreement establishes an educational collaboration between the organizations to support the growth of the NIHS, which will include academic activities, consultation services, workshops and conferences, as well as accreditation and assessment systems and tools.

By collaborating with RCI and the Royal College, the NIHS will be further positioned as an innovator to help advance United Arab Emirates’ postgraduate medical education initiatives.

“I look forward to working with the NIHS,” says Craig Ceppetelli, director of international affairs at RCI. “Today’s MOU signing in Dubai is an important stepping stone, which will increase our efforts to support the NIHS as it continues to evolve.”

“I am proud to be a Fellow of the Royal College,” says Dr. Mohammed Al Houqani, associate professor at United Arab Emirates University representing the NIHS. “I conducted my residency and fellowship training in Toronto, and experienced the excellence of Canada’s postgraduate medical education system. I look forward to collaborating with RCI and the Royal College on this initiative.”