From Lüdenscheid to the whole world
International first: Sportklinik Hellersen is the first clinic authorised to train Arab specialists
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Sportklinik Hellersen has been certified by the Arab Board of Health Specializations. This makes it the first hospital worldwide outside the Arab states to be authorised to offer training for Arab specialists in orthopaedics and trauma surgery. Until now, this specialist training was only available at clinics in the 22 member states of the Arab Board. The Board coordinates training at numerous institutions across the member states. With this certification, Sportklinik Hellersen establishes itself as an international centre of excellence for cutting-edge orthopaedic medicine with a global reach.
For the Sportklinik Hellersen, this award also represents a clear unique selling point: it offers a combined training programme, through which doctors can obtain both the German and the Arab specialist qualification during their training. Previously, recognition in another country required an additional training pathway.
The path to Arab Board certification
These were the key milestones in the certification process:
- Initial contact with the Arab Board and discussions
- Several certification steps followed:
document analysis, interviews and site visits in Lüdenscheid, comparison with the Arab training regulations - Participation in the international orthopaedics congress in Cairo in November 2025
- Final visit and presentation of the certification certificate
- Launch of the application process and review of initial applications
International premiere
“This development presents us with a significant opportunity, as specialist doctors from Arab countries are keen to come to us. They are highly motivated and have a promising future in medicine ahead of them. We do not see ourselves as a regional hospital, but as a specialised centre of excellence for modern orthopaedics with international appeal. The certification confirms the quality of our clinical structures, our surgical expertise and our culture of continuing professional development,” says Dirk Burghaus, CEO of Sportklinik Hellersen. “The certification draws global attention to a small rural region such as Lüdenscheid. This benefits the entire region of South Westphalia and the whole of North Rhine-Westphalia,” adds Dirk Burghaus.
Dual-qualification programme
As part of the two-year certification process, several assessments were carried out by a delegation from the Arab Board. This delegation gained a comprehensive understanding of the structures, processes and quality of care at the Sportklinik Hellersen. The evaluation focused in particular on the number of surgical cases, specialist supervision, the clinic’s involvement in scientific research, and compliance with internationally comparable training standards. The participation of the Sportklinik Hellersen in the international congress in Cairo in November 2025 was another milestone, during which the Arab Board was convinced of the high level of specialist expertise at the Sportklinik Hellersen.
“The accreditation of a German hospital as a training centre for orthopaedics signifies a high-quality transfer of knowledge in the clinical training of orthopaedic surgeons. We are delighted with the successful completion of the certification process and the start of training at the Sportklinik Hellersen,” says Prof. Mohamed Elashhab as representative of the Arab Board.
Here is what the training programme involves in practice:
Following a rigorous selection process, successful candidates come to Germany to the Sportklinik Hellersen. Here, they are integrated into the day-to-day work of the clinic to complete the practical part of their training. The time spent at the Sportklinik Hellersen is fully recognised for the junior doctor by both German and Arab specialist medical boards. Only the examination at the end of the programme must be taken separately in Germany and in the respective Arab country.
A boost for securing skilled staff
“Our primary goal is to provide the best possible care for our patients. That is why we are focusing on international partnerships. In particular, the United Arab Emirates plays a pioneering role in the field of innovative medicine. We wish to bring this knowledge to Germany and at the same time strengthen the international reputation of the Sportklinik Hellersen,” says Dirk Burghaus.
In addition to enhancing the clinic’s international profile, the combined specialist training programme also provides a long-term boost to securing skilled personnel in Germany, as highly qualified doctors can be retained at the location in the long term. The clinic is currently in the process of identifying candidates, so that practical implementation can begin.
Dirk Burghaus, CEO of Sportklinik Hellersen (right), and Ahmed Almousa, Sportklinik Hellersen’s representative for the Middle East, Africa and Asia, welcomed the delegation and formally accepted the certification from the Arab Board of Health Specializations
Five questions about Arab Board
What does this certification mean for the region and North Rhine-Westphalia? What benefits does membership of the Arab Board offer, and why Lüdenscheid of all places? Dirk Burghaus, CEO of Sportklinik Hellersen, answers our questions.
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What opportunities does the certification of the Sportklinik Hellersen and the entire region offer?
This certification elevates the Sportklinik Hellersen and the region to a new international level. We are the first hospital in the world to be authorised, under the Arab Board, to train specialists for 22 nations outside the Arab world. This is not merely a theoretical title, but a clear locational advantage – for the clinic, but also for North Rhine- Westphalia as a whole. In concrete terms, this means: We attract highly qualified international doctors, strengthen medical exchange and increase the visibility of the entire region in the international healthcare market.
At the same time, we are creating structures from which other institutions can also benefit. If other hospitals follow this path, it could give rise to a genuine international centre for training and healthcare – with clear benefits for quality, recruitment and medical development. It is crucial that we actively seize these opportunities. Internationalisation is not an end in itself, but a clear competitive advantage. Because two factors have come together: proven medical excellence and international relationships built up over many years.
Why has the Arab Board managed, for the first time, to approve such a training programme outside its member states – and why specifically in Lüdenscheid?
The Sportklinik Hellersen ranks among the very best in Germany in terms of expertise. We have not only demonstrated this quality, but have also provided concrete evidence of it at international conferences and during several on-site inspections.
At the same time, we have systematically built up a robust network in the Arab world – particularly in the United Arab Emirates, but also with the relevant decision-makers in countries such as Egypt and Jordan. This ensured a direct and trusting exchange from the very start.
In the end, it was not a single moment, but the result of a consistent process: clear positioning, an international presence and trust built up over many years. The fact that this certification was awarded to Lüdenscheid for the first time outside the Arab world is no coincidence, but the result of this consistent development.
Why is the Middle East an important partner in healthcare?
The Middle East is a strategically important partner for us because healthcare systems are emerging there that are very firmly focused on innovation, internationalism and quality.
In many areas – particularly digitalisation and the use of AI – they are significantly faster and more pragmatic than in Europe. This leads to more efficient processes and new approaches to care, from which we benefit directly through our collaboration.
At the same time, there is a great need for excellent medical training and specialisation. This is precisely where we complement each other: we contribute our medical expertise and, in return, benefit from speed, a willingness to invest and technological openness.
This partnership is therefore not a one-way street, but offers clear benefits for both sides – medically, technologically and strategically.
What impact do developments at the Sportklinik Hellersen have on the shortage of skilled staff?
To be specific: we are tackling the shortage of skilled workers proactively, not just reactively. With the Arab Board, we are creating an additional, internationally recognised training pathway alongside the German specialist qualification. This model is unique in this form and serves as a clear beacon – far beyond the region.
Programmes like this mean that qualified medical professionals specifically choose us. We thereby attract precisely the people who are looking for an international, performance-oriented environment. The effect is clear: we are no longer merely part of the competition for skilled workers, but are shifting the balance in our favour.
For us, this is a strategic advantage – and for our patients, it is a guarantee that they will continue to receive care of the highest standard in the future.
What other partnerships exist between the Sportklinik Hellersen and other countries?
We are actively expanding our international partnerships in several regions.
We are already active in Asia, particularly in China and Vietnam. There, the focus is primarily on professional exchange and access to technological developments. At the same time, we are contributing the quality of our medical training, which is of a very high standard in Europe.
In addition, initial concrete discussions are underway in North America, particularly in Canada. The aim is to eventually establish a structured training model there as well – comparable to the Arab Board. This is still in its early stages, but clearly points the way forward.
Our approach is clear: we select partnerships carefully and structure them in such a way that they deliver genuine added value, both medically and strategically.
