In a monumental achievement that underscores its commitment to academic and healthcare excellence, the College of Medicine at the University of Duhok (UoD) has become the first in Kurdistan to attain full accreditation. This historic milestone was announced during a prestigious press conference held at the University of Duhok’s Convention Centre, attended by esteemed guests, faculty members, and regional leaders.

This accreditation is not only a source of pride for the University of Duhok, but also a significant step forward for medical education and healthcare in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The event featured speeches by prominent figures, including Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok, and Dr. Dildar Haji Musa, Dean of the College of Medicine.

A Testimony to Excellence in Medical Education

Dr. Dildar Haji Musa expressed profound gratitude to all those who contributed to this success, stating:
"Achieving accreditation is a testament to the College of Medicine’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education, research, and community service. This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students who have worked tirelessly to meet the highest standards in medical education."

The rigorous accreditation process began in October 2022, involving a comprehensive evaluation of the college’s curriculum, infrastructure, faculty qualifications, and clinical training programmes. This intensive review ensured alignment with the highest standards set by national and international accreditation bodies.

Recognised by National and Global Accreditation Standards

The accreditation was granted by the National Council for Accreditation of Medical Colleges (NCAMC), a body established in Iraq in 2015 under the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Academic Accreditation. The NCAMC aligns its standards with global benchmarks, such as those set by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), ensuring that medical education in Iraq is both globally recognised and regionally impactful.

Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of UoD, highlighted the strategic importance of this achievement, stating:
"This accreditation is a milestone not only for the College of Medicine but for the entire University of Duhok and the region. It reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence and our pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare professionals in Kurdistan and Iraq."

Strengthening UoD’s Strategic Vision for Excellence

Aligned with the University of Duhok’s Strategic Plan 2023–2038, this achievement demonstrates UoD’s commitment to advancing academic quality and fostering impactful research and community engagement. The accreditation strengthens UoD’s vision to deliver world-class education, support sustainable healthcare development, and create meaningful community impact.

The College of Medicine, as a beacon of academic excellence, is set to further contribute to healthcare improvement in Kurdistan by producing highly qualified medical professionals capable of addressing both regional and global challenges.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Excellence

This achievement sets the stage for future advancements. The College of Medicine plans to expand its research initiatives, enhance clinical training opportunities, and collaborate with international medical institutions. Dr. Dildar Haji Musa reaffirmed the college’s commitment, stating:
"This milestone motivates us to maintain and enhance the standards we have achieved, ensuring that our graduates are equipped to excel in a dynamic and ever-evolving medical landscape."

The University of Duhok will soon celebrate this historic achievement with a grand ceremony, underscoring its dedication to quality education and research excellence.

About the National Council for Accreditation of Medical Colleges (NCAMC)

The NCAMC, established in 2015, plays a critical role in elevating the standards of medical education across Iraq. By adhering to international accreditation prerequisites, including those of the WFME, the council ensures that medical colleges in Iraq align with global standards, driving the country’s healthcare sector toward quality and innovation.

📍 Learn More

• Explore UoD’s Strategic Vision: Strategic Plan 2023–2038
• Learn About Accreditation at UoD: Quality Assurance and Academic Excellence
• Discover the College of Medicine’s Programmes: College of Medicine

📷 View Photos from the Event: Click Here

UoD Media Office – September 20, 2023
Reported by: Sabah Atroshi
Photography: Muhammad Beski

Meta Keywords

• College of Medicine Accreditation
• University of Duhok Strategic Plan
• Medical Education Excellence Kurdistan
• National Council for Accreditation of Medical Colleges
• Healthcare Development in Kurdistan

THE UNIVERSITY OF DUHOK

The University of Duhok (UOD) is a public university in the city of Duhok city, which is about 150 km northwest of Erbil (Arbil, Hewlér), the capital of Iraq's Kurdistan Region (KRI). The city is situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by high mountains. The university campus is a large green area in the city's west side that provides an exciting view of the city and surrounding nature. UOD was founded in October 1992 with only two colleges to meet the region's growing demand for graduate professionals. Today, the UOD has a 19-college with 67 departments, nearly 24000 students, and over 4000 academic and administrative staff. Students thrive in one of the best regional academic communities, studying in programs such as Agriculture, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Architecture, Engineering, Humanities, Linguistics, Basic Education, and Economics as well as Spatial Planning. UOD has strong engagement through its International Relations with many Higher Education institutions and centres of excellence worldwide, such as Purdue University, Indiana University (IU), New York University (NYU), The University of Noter Dame (ND), The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA), BridgeWater State University in the USA, The University of Warsaw - Poland, The University of Glasgow - Scotland, The University of Twente - The Netherlands, Leipzig University, LLC University, University of Oldenburg, The University of Vechta, Europa-Universität Flensburg, TU Dortmund university, THM Giessen University in Germany, The University of Tuscia, The university of Pavia, Sapienza Università di Roma in Italy, The University of Deusto, The University of Barcelona, The University of Granada (UGR) in Spain, Lund University - Sweden, The University of Sussex in the UK, Tampere University - Finland, and so many more. The University of Duhok is an active member of the International Association of Universities (IAU), The UNIMED, the Mediterranean Universities Union, and The Association of Arab Universities (AARU).

UOD Media; 19 September 2023.