The Arab American University, represented by its Acting President, Dr. Bara Asfour, and the Istishari Arab Hospital, represented by its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Salem Abu Khaizaran, signed a strategic cooperation agreement to train fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-year medical students in the clinical phase throughout the academic year.

The signing ceremony took place at the hospital headquarters in the presence of the University Company Director, Mr. Faleh Abu Arra; the University Vice President for the Ramallah Campus, Prof. Mohammad Asia; the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Malik Zaben; a number of University administrative staff; and a number of members of the hospital's Board of Directors and executive and medical management.

Under the agreement, students will have training in a wide range of medical specialties, including internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, orthopedics, radiology, anesthesia and resuscitation, emergency medicine, otolaryngology, urology, intensive care, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, and other specialties available at the hospital. The agreement also stipulates mechanisms for monitoring compliance with practical training requirements and evaluation criteria, in accordance with the University's approved academic standards.

In his speech during the signing ceremony, Dr. Bara Asfour emphasized that "the signing of the clinical training agreement between the Arab American University, represented by the Faculty of Medicine, and the Istishari Arab Hospital is an important milestone in our academic and professional journey, and reflects the University's commitment to providing the best training opportunities for its students according to the highest international standards."

Dr. Asfour added, "We believe that partnerships with leading medical institutions, such as the Istishari Arab Hospital, represent a fundamental pillar in achieving our vision of graduating highly qualified, scientifically and professionally prepared doctors capable of making a real difference in the healthcare system."

For his part, Dr. Salem Abu Khaizaran said, "Our partnership with the Faculty of Medicine at the Arab American University stems from our deep belief in the importance of cooperation between academic institutions and specialized medical centers to build a promising medical generation that is highly competent and equipped with advanced knowledge and practical training."

He continued: "We are proud of this agreement, which we see as an ideal model for integration between education and medicine. We reaffirm our commitment to providing an advanced clinical training environment that allows students to interact directly with clinical cases and participate in care teams, within clear professional and ethical frameworks. We also aspire for this partnership to serve as a platform for research and scientific cooperation and to launch joint initiatives to advance healthcare services and medical education in our country."

For his part, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor Malik Zeben, said: "We consider the signing of the clinical training agreement with the Istishari Arab Hospital a very important strategic step, which comes within the framework of our ongoing efforts to develop an integrated educational environment that integrates theoretical academic aspects with practical medical practice."

He added: "This agreement represents a practical translation of our vision to enhance the quality of medical education. Our students will be able to train in an advanced clinical environment, under the supervision of an elite group of doctors and consultants, which will contribute to honing their skills and enhancing their efficiency. We also aspire to activate fruitful scientific research partnerships that contribute to the development of the health sector locally and regionally."

The visit was concluded with a tour of the Cancer Advisory Center, during which the University delegation was briefed on its various departments, the latest medical equipment and technologies available, and the advanced equipment that supports the provision of high-quality treatment and diagnostic services to patients.