This interview is one in a series of interviews with recipients of the 2026 ACGME International Awards. The awardees join an outstanding group of current and previous honorees whose work and contributions to graduate medical education (GME) around the world represent the best in the field. They will be honored at the 2026 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place 19-21 February 2026, in San Diego, California, US.
2026 ACGME International Staff Awardee Israk Bangzaja Abdula, is a specialist at the Medical Education Office at Sidra Medicine in Doha, Qatar. ACGME-I spoke with Mr. Abdula about his career and what receiving this award means to him.
ACGME-I: How did you become involved in medicine, and in academic medicine specifically?
Mr. Abdula: From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a physician. Although circumstances prevented me from pursuing that path fully, my interest in medicine and the sciences never faded. Instead, it guided me toward a fulfilling career in education. Before joining graduate medical education, I worked as a university biology teacher, an experience that strengthened my passion for teaching, mentoring, and helping students discover their potential.
That role introduced me to the academic side of health care—how education shapes the competence and confidence of future clinicians. Over time, opportunities arose for me to support residency programs, work closely with residents and faculty members, and contribute to the systems that ensure high-quality medical training. Through this journey, I realized that although I did not become a physician, I found a meaningful place in academic medicine, where I can contribute to the development of those who will care for patients and advance health care in Qatar.
ACGME-I: What does this award mean to you?
Mr. Abdula: Receiving the 2026 ACGME International Staff Award is both an honor and a deeply meaningful recognition. It reflects not only my own efforts but also the dedication of the teams – GME Office, program leaders, faculty members, and residents I have been privileged to work with. This award affirms the value of collaboration and shared commitment to maintaining excellence in GME. It inspires me to continue contributing to the growth of GME in Qatar and beyond.
ACGME-I: As this award reflects the contributions you’ve made to GME in Qatar, what would you consider to be the most important of your contributions?
Mr. Abdula: Among the many initiatives I have been involved in, I consider the strengthening of accreditation processes and the support provided to residency and fellowship programs to be my most significant contributions. Helping programs build robust structures—whether through curriculum revision, assessment frameworks, scholarly activity support, or ensuring alignment with international standards—has helped create training environments where residents can thrive. Additionally, fostering positive and productive communication between institutions has been crucial in ensuring smooth operations and high-quality learning across training sites.
ACGME-I: In your view, how has the overall strengthening of GME, especially through international accreditation, benefited Qatar’s medical education and health care systems?
Mr. Abdula: International accreditation has brought a clear, consistent, and rigorous framework for GME in Qatar. It has elevated program quality, strengthened patient safety practices, enhanced faculty development, and increased accountability in educational processes. Most importantly, it has produced highly competent graduates who are confident, well-prepared, and aligned with global standards of care. These improvements contribute directly to the advancement of Qatar’s health care system and support the country’s vision for world-class health services.
ACGME-I: Having played a key role in the evolution of GME in Qatar, what would you like to see happen in Qatar’s GME environment in the future?
Mr. Abdula: I would like to see continued expansion of training opportunities—both within existing programs and through the creation of new specialties that match the nation’s evolving health needs. Strengthening faculty development, investing in simulation-based education, and enhancing interprofessional training will further enrich the learning environment. I also hope to see greater integration between clinical service and education, with a sustained focus on research, innovation, and quality improvement as core components of training. Ultimately, I envision a GME system that continues to grow in regional and global leadership.
ACGME-I: Is there anything you would like to add?
Mr. Abdula: I would simply add that the progress we’ve achieved in Qatar’s GME landscape has been the result of strong teamwork, visionary leadership, and the commitment of educators who believe in continuous improvement. I am grateful for the support of our very own Chair of Medical Education and Chief Medical Officer of Sidra Medicine, Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, my Medical Education and Pediatric Residency Teams, my colleagues and mentors who have shaped my journey. This award is a reminder of what we can accomplish collectively when we place education and patient care at the center of our mission.