Burjeel Cancer Institute Signs Academic Agreement with Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine 

Burjeel Cancer Institute Signs Academic Agreement with Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine 

The program will support clinical electives, faculty exchange, joint education, and collaborative research, with training facilitated by Burjeel Training Academy. 

Abu Dhabi, August 04, 2026: Burjeel Cancer Institute at Burjeel Medical City has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine to advance medical education, clinical training, academic exchange, and collaborative research, with an initial focus on oncology. The agreement developed through exchange visits involving Burjeel Cancer Institute and Loyola University Chicago’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, during which representatives explored opportunities across cancer education, clinical training, research, and patient care. 

The clinical training program under the agreement will be coordinated and facilitated by Burjeel Training Academy, the medical education and professional development arm of Burjeel Holdings. The agreement represents the Academy’s first academic collaboration with a medical school in the United States. 

Under the MoU, medical students from Stritch School of Medicine will be able to undertake supervised clinical electives and training experiences across Burjeel Holdings’ hospitals and specialty centers in the UAE. 

New Opportunities in Clinical Education and Research 
 
Students will gain exposure to a range of medical and surgical specialties while learning within a healthcare system serving a diverse patient population. The structure and duration of the electives will be determined jointly by the institutions and will be subject to applicable academic and regulatory requirements. 

“This agreement strengthens the academic relationship established between Burjeel Cancer Institute and Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center. It creates opportunities to advance oncology education and research while enabling students and faculty from both institutions to benefit from shared clinical knowledge and experience,” said Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute. 

In addition to student electives, the agreement provides a framework for faculty exchange, joint educational programs, collaborative research, and the development of new clinical learning opportunities. 

“As Burjeel Training Academy’s first collaboration with a US medical school, this partnership reflects confidence in the clinical education and training offered across Burjeel Holdings. We look forward to delivering structured learning opportunities that prepare future physicians to work in diverse and interconnected healthcare environments,” said Dr. Tahani Al Qadiri, Associate Vice President of Burjeel Training Academy. 

Burjeel Training Academy coordinates undergraduate and postgraduate clinical education and professional development programs across Burjeel Holdings. Its programs include observerships, clinical clerkships, medical and dental internships, residency and fellowship training, return-to-practice programs, and continuing medical education and professional development. 

Dr. Theresa Nguyen, Director of the Center for Community and Global Health, Professor of Emergency Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, said, “The agreement will provide our students with an opportunity to learn in a different healthcare environment and engage with clinicians serving patients from varied cultural and clinical backgrounds. We also look forward to exploring opportunities for faculty collaboration, education, and research with colleagues across Burjeel Cancer Institute and the wider Burjeel network.” 

Founded in 1909, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine provides undergraduate, graduate, and continuing medical education, as well as biomedical sciences education and research. Its Health Sciences Campus includes the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, which integrates cancer research, education, and patient care. 

Burjeel Cancer Institute at Burjeel Medical City brings together multidisciplinary expertise across medical, surgical, and radiation oncology, hematology, bone marrow transplantation, precision medicine, and supportive care.