The College of Medicine at the University of Baghdad has concluded the training programme for the preparation and qualification of newly appointed National Assessors (NAT), organized by the National Council for the Accreditation of Medical Colleges in Iraq from 27 to 29 October 2026, with the participation of a distinguished group of academic staff members from Iraqi medical colleges.
The programme was successfully completed through the concerted efforts of the National Council, the College Deanship, and its academic and administrative staff. Baghdad College of Medicine was selected as a practical training model, providing participants with hands-on experience in conducting institutional evaluation visits, collecting supporting evidence, conducting interviews, analysing information, and preparing assessment reports in accordance with national accreditation standards.
The final day of the programme featured discussions on accreditation standards and the mechanisms for evaluating their implementation, with the aim of establishing a common understanding among assessors, reconciling different perspectives, and enhancing the accuracy of assessments and the reliability of their outcomes. Furthermore, the working groups established at the beginning of the programme convened to review the evidence and findings gathered throughout the training sessions and field visits.
The groups jointly presented their assessment findings and discussed discrepancies among their evaluations, as well as the supporting evidence underpinning each assessment. These discussions aimed to develop a comprehensive and unified perspective that would promote greater consistency among assessors when evaluating Iraqi medical colleges.
Throughout the programme, participants held meetings with the College Deanship, Associate Deans, accreditation domain coordinators, academic staff members, students, and administrative personnel. These activities were complemented by field visits to laboratories, lecture halls, and various academic and administrative facilities, enabling participants to apply assessment procedures in a practical setting and integrate theoretical knowledge with field-based evaluation practices.
The closing ceremony also included a recognition ceremony honouring the Deanship of the College of Medicine, represented by its Dean, Professor Dr. Ameen Abdul-Hassan Manea Al-Alwany, in appreciation of its constructive efforts and effective cooperation in supporting and ensuring the success of the training programme. This recognition reflects the role of Baghdad College of Medicine as a practical partner in preparing accreditation assessors and advancing the quality of medical education in Iraq.
