Burjeel Medical City (BMC), the flagship hospital of Burjeel Holdings, has entered into a clinical and academic collaboration with New York-based Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to establish a specialized thoracic surgery program in the UAE.
The collaboration combines Roswell Park’s oncology expertise with BMC’s advanced cancer care capabilities to expand access to specialized treatment across the UAE and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Strengthen thoracic cancer care
The agreement was signed in New York by Dr. Candace S. Johnson, President and CEO of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Dr. Mujtaba Ali Khan, CEO of Burjeel Medical City.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and CEO of Burjeel Holdings, and Dr. Sai Yendamuri, Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, and Chair of Thoracic Surgery at Roswell Park.
Under the collaboration, BMC will establish a dedicated thoracic surgery service focused on cancers affecting the lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, and chest wall.
The program will offer advanced surgical options, including robot-assisted procedures, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and conventional open surgeries, depending on individual patient requirements.
Access to advanced oncology services
The new thoracic surgery program will be integrated into the multidisciplinary care pathway of the Burjeel Cancer Institute (BCI), bringing together specialists in thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pulmonology, pathology, and radiology.
The integrated approach will enable patients to receive comprehensive care covering diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and long-term follow-up under one coordinated system.
Through the partnership, BMC physicians will participate in thoracic tumor board discussions with Roswell Park specialists to review complex cases. Patients will also have access to expert consultations, selected case reviews, and second opinions from Roswell Park faculty.
Clinical pathways developed through the collaboration will align with internationally recognized standards, including guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
Image Credits: BMC | Cropped by GBN
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and CEO of Burjeel Holdings, said that, “By combining Roswell Park’s expertise with BMC’s capabilities and regional reach, we aim to strengthen outcomes, build local expertise, and reduce the burden of traveling overseas for complex treatment.”
The partnership will also establish a long-term academic relationship between the two institutions. The lead thoracic surgeon will hold an academic designation with Roswell Park, while both organizations will collaborate on clinical protocols, research initiatives, educational programs, faculty engagement, clinician exchanges, and professional development.
Dr. Candace S. Johnson, President and CEO of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, highlighted the institution’s commitment to advancing cancer care through global collaboration, research, and education.
Dr. Sai Yendamuri, Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, and Chair of Thoracic Surgery at Roswell Park, remarked that the partnership will help extend specialized thoracic cancer expertise, support multidisciplinary decision-making, and contribute to building a world-class program serving patients across the UAE and the region.
Founded in 1898 in Buffalo, New York, Roswell Park was the first institution established exclusively for cancer research and treatment. It is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
The new program will complement Burjeel Cancer Institute’s existing oncology services, which include medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, advanced imaging, precision diagnostics, and supportive care.
