Celebrating the 2026 ACGME International Awards
In a significant announcement that highlights dedication to global medical education, ACGME International (ACGME-I) celebrates the recipients of the 2026 ACGME International Awards. These awards recognize exceptional individuals within institutions accredited by ACGME-I, shining a light on their commitment to enhancing graduate medical education.
Introducing the Award Categories
This year marks a special occasion, as ACGME-I received numerous high-quality nominations, resulting in two recipients for each of its three distinguished awards for the very first time. This expansion reflects the growing recognition and appreciation for excellence in medical education worldwide.
The Susan H. Day Physician Leader Award
One of the hallmark accolades is the newly renamed Susan H. Day Physician Leader Award. This award honors outstanding physicians who embody the spirit of leadership in medical education, named in recognition of Dr. Susan H. Day's impactful contributions while leading ACGME-I from 2014 to 2021. Dr. Day's vision laid the groundwork for the robust processes that ACGME-I utilizes today.
Among those honored with the Susan H. Day Physician Leader Award for 2026 are:
- Maha M. Al Fahim, MBBCh, CCFP, a prominent figure in medical leadership as Chair and Designated Institutional Official at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi.
- Salah Zein-El-Dine, MD, FACP, who excels as the Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at the American University in Beirut.
The Physician Educator Award
Another important recognition is the Physician Educator Award, celebrating those who are directly involved in teaching graduate medical residents and fellows. The awardees are:
- Sayed Karar Ali, MD, FACP, FRCP-Edin, serving as the Chief Medical Informatics Officer at The Aga Khan University Medical College in East Africa.
- Nguyen Thi Tuyet, MD, PhD, who fulfills the role of Program Director at the Graduate Medical Education Program at VinUniversity in Hanoi.
The Staff Award for Dedication
Honoring the unsung heroes behind the scenes is the Staff Award, recognizing administrators and personnel who contribute significantly to the educational environment. This year, the awardees include:
- Israk Bangzaja Abdula, a Specialist in the Medical Education Office at Sidra Medicine in Doha.
- Waqar Asghar, MBA, whose efforts as the Assistant Manager of the Pediatrics Residency Program at The Aga Khan University Medical Center in Karachi have made a notable impact.
A Celebration of Excellence
The recipients of these esteemed awards will be honored at the 2026 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, set to take place in February in San Diego. This event will serve as a backdrop to celebrate their achievements and contributions, providing an opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing among leaders in medical education across the globe.
About ACGME International
ACGME International (ACGME-I) stands as an independent organization dedicated to ensuring the quality of graduate medical education worldwide. With accreditation services spanning nearly 200 programs across numerous countries, ACGME-I aims to elevate the standards of physician education. Its mission encompasses the improvement of healthcare by ensuring that residents are thoroughly prepared to meet the challenges of their chosen specialties, ultimately benefitting patients globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the ACGME International Awards?
The awards recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions to graduate medical education within ACGME-I accredited institutions.
Who are the recipients of the Physician Leader Award?
The 2026 recipients are Maha M. Al Fahim and Salah Zein-El-Dine, honored for their leadership in medical education.
What are the criteria for the Physician Educator Award?
This award celebrates program directors and faculty involved in teaching residents and fellows, emphasizing their vital contributions.
When is the 2026 ACGME Annual Educational Conference?
The conference is scheduled for February 19-21, 2026, in San Diego, where awardees will be celebrated.
How does ACGME-I contribute to global health?
ACGME-I improves global health by ensuring that physicians receive comprehensive training in their specialties, enhancing the quality of healthcare worldwide.
