On February 27, 2025, the Director of NEAQA, Prof. Nebojša Zdravković, PhD, hosted the deans of all medical faculties in Serbia to discuss the final activities in the process of recognition by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).
The recognition of NEAQA by WFME represents a strategically significant step for medical faculties in Serbia and their graduates, particularly in light of the fact that only graduates from countries whose national accreditation agencies are recognized by WFME will be eligible to apply to the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). This recognition directly impacts the international mobility and further professional development opportunities for medical doctors who complete integrated academic studies in medicine in Serbia.
NEAQA initiated the recognition process in January 2024 with the successful completion of the preliminary application, followed by the submission of the full application. As part of the evaluation process, the WFME Recognition Team visited Serbia on October 28-29, 2024, where they observed the accreditation process of the Integrated Academic Studies (IAS) “Medicine” program at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade. Additionally, the experts attended an online session of NEAQA’s Commission for Accreditation on December 17, 2024, gaining insight into the decision-making process in accreditation procedures.
In accordance with WFME procedures, NEAQA received a draft Recognition Report in February 2025, with the opportunity to provide feedback on all factual elements before the report is submitted to the WFME Recognition Committee for a final decision.
During the meeting with the deans of medical faculties, Director of NEAQA emphasized that the process is now in its final stage, highlighting the importance of NEAQA’s formal response to WFME in cooperation with medical faculties in the coming period.
The deans reaffirmed their strong commitment to this process, emphasizing that WFME recognition is of crucial importance for maintaining the international reputation and advancement of medical education in Serbia.
The meeting also served as a valuable opportunity for an exchange of experiences and a constructive dialogue on the challenges that faculties face in the accreditation process and the improvement of academic programs. The NEAQA leadership had the chance to hear firsthand the proposals and suggestions from the deans, which will further contribute to enhancing cooperation and successfully completing the WFME recognition process.
