Abu Dhabi Establishes First Joint-Accredited Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine for Emirati Physicians
PureHealth has unveiled a pioneering three-year fellowship programme in reproductive medicine and fertility surgery, marking a significant advancement in the UAE's healthcare workforce development and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's standing as a centre of excellence in assisted reproduction.
PureHealth has launched the SEHA National Fellowship Programme in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, a landmark initiative designed to cultivate advanced clinical expertise among Emirati physicians. Delivered through two centres—SEHA Tawam Fertility Centre in Al Ain and SEHA Corniche Fertility Centre in Abu Dhabi—the structured three-year programme represents the first fellowship in reproductive medicine for Emirati doctors to receive joint accreditation from both the National Institute for Health Specialties and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
Comprehensive Clinical and Research Training
The programme provides intensive, hands-on training within an integrated clinical model encompassing clinical practice, surgical training, research initiatives and leadership development in assisted reproductive technologies. Fellows will engage with precision medicine approaches, including the application of population-specific genomic insights relevant to the UAE healthcare landscape. Upon completion, graduates will be licensed as specialists in reproductive medicine and infertility, establishing a clear professional pathway for ambitious Emirati physicians to lead fertility care advancement across the nation.
Saeed Jaber Mohd Al Kuwaiti, Group Chief Executive Officer at SEHA, emphasised the initiative’s strategic importance: “National healthcare resilience depends on strong clinical capability. This fellowship reflects our commitment to developing subspecialty expertise among Emirati physicians and building the country’s long-term specialist workforce. By embedding reproductive medicine training within SEHA fertility centres, we are raising standards of care in response to the growing global challenge of infertility while supporting Abu Dhabi’s ambition to be recognised as a destination for advanced fertility treatment, research and specialist training.”
Advancing National Capability and Workforce Development
The fellowship accreditation was championed by Dr Fatima Al Shalabi, an alumna of the Emirati Women Chapter, PureHealth’s national leadership platform established in collaboration with the General Women’s Union. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision, which emphasises enhancing fertility outcomes and promoting healthy maternal and neonatal development as part of the nation’s long-term vision for sustainable population growth and wellbeing.
Dr Salma Salem Al Ameri, Acting Chief Medical Officer and Consultant Physician at SEHA fertility centres, highlighted the programme’s comprehensive approach: “This National Fellowship Programme ensures specialist education evolves alongside patient care. Fellows train within a system that spans genetics, assisted reproduction, maternity and neonatal services, equipping them with both technical expertise and the judgement required to lead in this complex field. Fertility care is deeply personal and through this programme, Emirati specialists will be prepared to deliver advanced clinical treatment and support couples navigating the emotional and psychological complexities that often accompany infertility.”
Building on Decades of Expertise
SEHA fertility centres bring more than 35 years of reproductive medicine expertise and a distinguished track record of over 7,000 births. The patient-centred model aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Family Wellbeing Strategy and the National Family Growth Agenda 2031. The fellowship programme contributes substantially to this vision by developing a resilient pipeline of UAE-trained Emirati reproductive medicine specialists, whilst strengthening PureHealth’s role as a national centre for advanced medical education and specialist training in critical medical fields.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office