About the certificate
Healthcare education is evolving—and so must its leaders. The Professional Certificate in Academic Leadership and Student Support is designed for educators, clinicians, and administrators who aspire to lead transformative change in health professions education while fostering inclusive and supportive environments for student success.
This unique program develops essential leadership competencies tailored to the complex realities of healthcare and academic systems in the 21st century. With a dual focus on leadership development and student support, the course explores leadership theories, effective communication, and strategic decision-making, while also addressing the challenges of supporting diverse learners through academic, professional, and personal development.
Through interactive learning, case-based discussions, and hands-on activities, participants will gain the tools to:
- Lead interprofessional teams with confidence.
- Manage students in difficulty with empathy and structure.
- Create environments that foster learner growth, well-being, and academic excellence.
Duration: 12 Weeks
Dates: Aug 25 - Nov 16, 2025
Mode: Online
Accreditation: AoME
Program Highlights
- Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Academy of Medical Educators (AoME). Graduates are eligible for fast-track membership—your pathway to professional recognition.
- Flexible Delivery: Designed to fit around your busy professional schedule—study when and where it suits you.
- Comprehensive & Practical Curriculum: Dive into a broad range of topics with a focus on real-world assessment challenges and solutions.
- Community of Practice: Join a vibrant network of like-minded educators committed to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Career Advancement: Open doors to leadership roles and new career opportunities in education, quality improvement, and faculty development.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this module, participants will be able to:
- Understand theories and models of leadership relevant to health professions education.
- Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills to lead teams and manage conflicts.
- Apply principles of strategic planning and change management in healthcare leadership.
- Identify the signs and symptoms of academic difficulties and professional challenges among students in health professions education.
- Utilize a variety of support services and resources to address the academic, professional, and personal needs of students.
- Develop and implement targeted remediation plans tailored to individual student needs and learning objectives.
Facilitators
Prof. Samar Ahmed, PhD, MHPE, FAIMER, F. KIPRIME, SFHEA, SWLDP
Prof. Samar Ahmed is a medical educator with over 25 years of experience in health professions education. She is a Professor of Forensic Medicine and Founding Director of the FAIMER Regional Institute at Ain Shams University. Her expertise includes curriculum design, quality assurance, programmatic assessment, and faculty development. She holds an MHPE, MD, and multiple international fellowships, including FAIMER (Philadelphia) and Senior Fellowship with Advance HE (UK).
Prof. Samar is known for her interactive, inclusive facilitation style, encouraging reflective learning and collaborative dialogue among participants. She designs sessions that blend evidence-based practices with practical application.
Outside of her academic roles, she is passionate about mentoring young professionals and promoting ethical innovation in education. She’s excited to welcome learners to this course and looks forward to supporting their growth in designing meaningful assessment strategies.
Dr. Mohamed Hassan Taha, MBBS, PhD, FAcadMed, FAMEE
Dr. Mohamed Hassan Taha is a seasoned expert in health professions education with over 15 years of academic and leadership experience. He currently serves as Director of the Medical Education Centre and Coordinator of the Master of Leadership in Health Professions Education at the University of Sharjah. His qualifications include an MBBS, PhD, postgraduate diploma, and fellowships with both the Academy of Medical Educators and FAMEE.
Dr. Taha’s core expertise includes curriculum development, social accountability, online learning, and enhancing student and resident learning environments. He has led faculty development initiatives and served as a consultant for medical education institutions across the Eastern Mediterranean.
As a facilitator, he brings a collaborative, learner-centered approach rooted in real-world application.
Outside the classroom, Dr. Taha enjoys contributing to educational research and mentoring young professionals.
He looks forward to engaging with participants and supporting their leadership journey in health professions education.
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Who should attend the course
- Health professions educators seeking to develop or enhance their leadership capacity
- Clinicians aspiring to take on educational or organizational leadership roles
- Academic coordinators, course directors, and department leads in medical and allied health institutions
- Health professionals pursuing the Professional Certificate in Academic Leadership and Student Support in Health Professions Education