10 Emirati Students Among 28 Graduates of McGill International Medical Program
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Aalya Helal Al Shehhi, Chargé d'Affaires of the United Arab Emirates in Canada, attended the graduation ceremony for international students completing McGill University's Summer Program for International Medical Students (SPIMS) in Montreal, which brought together 28 participants, including 10 Emirati students.
Organized by McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, the 2026 SPIMS program ran for three weeks, from July 13 to 31, and was designed for senior international medical students seeking exposure to Canadian medical education and clinical practice.
The program combines academic sessions, workshops, simulation exercises and clinical observership opportunities, allowing participants to gain first-hand insight into Canada's approach to medical education and patient care.
Clinical areas covered include cardiology, general surgery, neurology, oncology, orthopedic surgery, pediatrics and palliative care, while additional topics include evidence-based medicine and research, leadership, population and global health, professionalism and translating research into clinical practice.
Students also have opportunities to shadow healthcare professionals in different specialties and clinical environments, observing patient interactions, medical decision-making and everyday clinical workflows.
The participation of 10 Emirati students in this year's group of 28 international participants highlighted growing academic links between the UAE and Canada, particularly in medicine and health sciences.
A participating Emirati medical student later described the three-week experience as including lectures, hands-on simulation, workshops and clinical observerships across different specialties, while also noting the attendance of UAE Embassy representatives at the closing ceremony.
McGill awards a certificate of completion to participants who meet the program's attendance requirements. Activities take place on the university's Montreal campus and at selected affiliated healthcare facilities.
