DR HASSAN AL RIFAI
Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon · Dubai

Clear answers.
Thoughtful orthopedic care.

Sports injuries, joint reconstruction and second opinions — with a personal approach to helping you understand your options.

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About

Meet Dr Hassan Al Rifai

Dr Hassan Al Rifai is a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon with over 15 years of clinical experience and international training across the Middle East, Germany and Canada.

After graduating with honours from Misr University for Science and Technology, he completed orthopedic residency training in Syria, graduating first in his year, and earned the Arab Board in Orthopedic Surgery in 2011. He later trained in joint reconstruction and sports medicine at St Anna Hospital in Herne, Germany.

In 2019, he undertook a Lower Limb Reconstruction fellowship at the University of Toronto, further developing his expertise in complex joint replacement and sports injuries. In 2023, he was appointed Director of the Orthopedic Training Program at Dubai Health Authority.

15+ yearsOrthopedic experience
University of TorontoLower Limb Reconstruction Fellowship
FIFA DiplomaSports Medicine
DHAOrthopedic Training Program Director
Dr Hassan Al Rifai
Dr Hassan Al Rifai
Dr Hassan Al Rifai
Dr Hassan Al Rifai
Dr Hassan Al Rifai
Dr Hassan Al Rifai
01
Knee

ACL Tear & Reconstruction

For patients who already have an MRI or diagnosis

An ACL tear often happens during a pivot, sudden change of direction or awkward landing. Once the MRI says “ACL tear,” the next question is usually more important: what does this mean for your knee, and do you actually need surgery?

Understanding your ACL tear

The ACL is one of the main stabilising ligaments of the knee. A tear can produce anterior and rotational instability, but the MRI is only one part of the assessment. Your symptoms, clinical examination, activity level, age, sporting goals and associated meniscus or cartilage injuries all influence treatment.

Does every ACL tear need surgery?

No. Treatment should be individualised. Some patients can function well with structured rehabilitation and activity modification, particularly when instability is limited and their activities do not demand repeated pivoting. Reconstruction is more commonly considered when the knee repeatedly gives way, when the patient wants to return to cutting or pivoting sports, or when associated injuries make stability especially important.

If reconstruction is recommended

ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with a tissue graft. Common autograft options include hamstring tendon, quadriceps tendon and bone–patellar tendon–bone. Graft choice is not one-size-fits-all; it should take into account the patient's age, sport, anatomy, previous surgery and individual priorities.

More about ACL treatment

What I look for in a second opinion

  • Is the tear partial or complete, and does the knee demonstrate functional instability?
  • Is there an associated meniscus tear, cartilage injury, MCL injury or characteristic bone-bruising pattern?
  • What does the patient want to return to: everyday activity, running, or pivoting sport?
  • If surgery is appropriate, which graft best fits this particular patient?
  • For a failed previous ACL reconstruction, are tunnel position, graft integrity, alignment or additional stabilising structures contributing to the failure?

Rehabilitation and return to sport

Rehabilitation begins with restoring motion, controlling swelling and rebuilding quadriceps and neuromuscular control. After reconstruction, progression should be criteria-based rather than based only on the calendar. Return to sport commonly occurs in the 9–12 month range, depending on the sport, recovery, strength, stability and functional testing. Progression should be based on objective milestones rather than time alone.

Sagittal MRI comparison: normal ACL followed by ACL tear
Normal ACL first, followed by ACL tear — original clinical MRI images © Dr Hassan Al Rifai.
02
Shoulder

Rotator Cuff Tear

If your MRI already shows a rotator cuff tear, the important question is usually not simply whether a tear is present, but what the tear means for your pain, strength, function and treatment options.

What is the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that surround the shoulder and help keep the humeral head centred while you lift and rotate the arm. Tears most commonly involve the supraspinatus tendon and may be partial-thickness or full-thickness.

Understanding your MRI

An MRI can help define which tendon is involved, the size and depth of the tear, tendon retraction, muscle quality and associated problems such as bursitis or biceps pathology. These details are interpreted together with your symptoms, examination, age, activity level and goals.

Coronal shoulder MRI comparison: normal rotator cuff followed by rotator cuff tear
Normal rotator cuff first, followed by rotator cuff tear — original clinical MRI images © Dr Hassan Al Rifai.

Does every rotator cuff tear need surgery?

No. Some tears can be managed with activity modification, physiotherapy, pain control and carefully selected injections. Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate non-operative treatment, when there is substantial weakness or loss of function, or when the characteristics of the tear make repair more appropriate.

More about rotator cuff tears and treatment

Partial versus full-thickness tears

Partial tears affect only part of the tendon thickness, while full-thickness tears extend through the tendon. Treatment depends on more than this label alone; tear size, location, tissue quality, symptoms and functional demands all matter.

Rotator cuff repair

When repair is appropriate, the tendon is usually reattached to the bone arthroscopically using anchors and sutures. The exact technique is tailored to the tear pattern and tendon quality.

Recovery

Recovery is progressive. The repaired tendon needs time to heal before strengthening is advanced, so rehabilitation is staged and return to heavier activity or sport is based on healing, motion, strength and function rather than time alone.

When a second opinion may help

A second opinion can be useful when you have already been advised to have surgery, when the MRI description is unclear, when symptoms do not match the scan, or when you want to understand the alternatives and expected recovery before deciding.

03
Knee

Meniscus Tear

Preserve the meniscus. Protect the knee.

The menisci are two C-shaped pads of fibrocartilage between the femur and tibia. They help distribute load, absorb shock and contribute to knee stability.

If your MRI already shows a meniscus tear, the important questions are what type of tear it is, whether it is repairable, and whether it actually explains your symptoms.

Treatment depends on the tear pattern, location, tissue quality, symptoms, age and activity level. Whenever possible, preserving the meniscus is an important goal.

✓ Individualised treatment✓ Meniscus preservation✓ Second opinion welcome
More about meniscus tears and treatment →

Not every tear needs surgery

Some tears can be managed with rehabilitation and activity modification, particularly when symptoms are improving and there is no mechanical locking.

Repair or partial meniscectomy?

When surgery is appropriate, the decision depends on the tear pattern and healing potential. Repair preserves meniscal tissue; selective partial meniscectomy removes only unstable, non-repairable tissue.

Associated injuries matter

Meniscus tears may occur with ACL injuries, cartilage damage or early osteoarthritis, and these findings can change the treatment plan.

Second opinion

If you already have an MRI and a proposed treatment plan, reviewing the actual images can help clarify whether the tear is likely to be symptomatic and what options are reasonable.

Normal meniscus and meniscus tear MRI comparison
Normal meniscus first, followed by meniscus tear — original clinical MRI images © Dr Hassan Al Rifai.
04
Foot & Ankle

Bunion / Hallux Valgus

Correct the deformity. Restore comfort and function.

Understanding hallux valgus

A bunion is more than a bump on the side of the big toe. Hallux valgus is a three-dimensional deformity in which the first metatarsal and big toe progressively move out of alignment, often causing pain, shoe irritation and difficulty with activity.

When is surgery considered?

Treatment is guided by symptoms rather than the X-ray alone. Wider footwear, activity modification and other non-operative measures may help. Surgery may be considered when pain, shoe difficulty or functional limitation persists and the deformity is affecting daily life.

Individualised correction +

The operation is selected according to the pattern and severity of the deformity, joint condition, first-ray stability and the needs of the individual patient. The aim is to correct alignment while preserving function.

More about bunions and hallux valgus treatment +

A detailed assessment considers the clinical deformity together with weight-bearing X-rays. Different procedures may be appropriate for different patterns of hallux valgus; there is no single operation that fits every bunion.

Before and after hallux valgus correction X-rays
Before hallux valgus correction, followed by postoperative alignment — original clinical X-rays © Dr Hassan Al Rifai.
Dr Hassan Al Rifai
Dr Hassan Al Rifai
Dr Hassan Al Rifai
Dr Hassan Al Rifai
Dr Hassan Al Rifai
05
Knee

Knee Replacement

Enhanced recovery. Earlier movement. A smoother return to everyday life.

For patients with advanced knee arthritis, knee replacement can relieve pain and restore function when appropriate non-operative treatment is no longer enough. My approach places particular emphasis on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) — a coordinated pathway that begins before the operation and continues through pain control, early mobilisation and discharge planning.

Before and after knee replacement X-rays
Before and after total knee replacement · Original clinical X-rays · Dr Hassan Al Rifai

My ERAS approach to knee replacement

ERAS is not one technique. It brings several evidence-based steps together to reduce the stress of surgery, control pain effectively, encourage safe early movement and help suitable patients recover with greater confidence.

01 · Prepare before surgery

Education, expectation setting, medical optimisation, preoperative planning and a clear rehabilitation and discharge pathway.

02 · Multimodal pain control

Combining complementary anaesthetic and analgesic methods to control pain while reducing reliance on opioid medication whenever appropriate.

03 · Blood conservation

Careful surgical technique and blood-conservation measures, including tranexamic acid when clinically appropriate.

04 · Early movement

Standing and walking begin as soon as it is medically safe, with physiotherapy focused on transfers, gait, knee motion and functional independence.

05 · Eat, drink and recover

Early return to oral fluids and food when appropriate, nausea prevention, temperature control and thoughtful fluid management support recovery.

06 · Home when safely ready

Discharge is based on recovery milestones and safety. Selected patients may suit rapid-recovery or same-day pathways; others benefit from an overnight or longer stay.

06
Shoulder

Shoulder Dislocation & Instability

Understand the injury. Identify the instability. Choose the right treatment.

A shoulder dislocation can injure the stabilising structures of the joint. In anterior instability, MRI may demonstrate a Bankart lesion involving the anteroinferior labrum and a Hill-Sachs lesion of the humeral head. The important question is how these findings relate to your age, activity, number of dislocations and risk of recurrence.

Normal shoulder MRI
Normal Shoulder MRI
Bankart and Hill-Sachs lesions MRI
Bankart + Hill-Sachs Lesions
Accurate diagnosis
Clinical assessment together with X-rays and MRI helps define labral injury and associated bone loss.
Individualised stabilisation
Treatment is selected according to recurrence, sporting demands and the pattern of soft-tissue and bony injury.
Return to activity
Structured rehabilitation is an essential part of restoring motion, strength and confidence in the shoulder.
More about shoulder dislocation, treatment options and recovery+−

First-time versus recurrent dislocation. Not every first-time shoulder dislocation requires surgery. The decision depends on the patient’s age, activity level, sporting demands, examination and imaging. Repeated instability increases the importance of identifying labral and bony injury.

Bankart lesion. An anterior dislocation can detach or injure the anteroinferior labrum and capsuloligamentous structures. When instability persists or recurs, arthroscopic Bankart repair may be considered in appropriately selected shoulders.

Hill-Sachs lesion. This is an impaction injury of the humeral head created during anterior dislocation. Its size and relationship to glenoid bone loss can affect treatment planning. In selected cases, a remplissage procedure or a bone-restoring procedure may be considered in addition to labral repair.

Rehabilitation and return to sport. Recovery is progressive, with protection of the repair when surgery is performed, followed by restoration of range of motion, strength and shoulder control before return to higher-demand activity.

07
Hip

Hip Arthritis & Hip Replacement

Relieve pain. Restore movement. Recover with a planned pathway.

Hip osteoarthritis progressively damages the joint cartilage and can cause groin or hip pain, stiffness, reduced walking tolerance and difficulty with everyday activities. When symptoms become severe and appropriate non-operative treatment no longer provides sufficient relief, total hip replacement may be considered.

Hip arthritis before hip replacement
Before — Hip Arthritis
After total hip replacement
After — Total Hip Replacement
ERAS — Enhanced Recovery After Surgery

For me, hip replacement is not only about the operation. ERAS is a coordinated pathway that begins before surgery and continues through anaesthesia, pain control, early mobilisation and discharge planning. The goal is to reduce the physiological stress of surgery while helping suitable patients regain function safely and efficiently.

01 · Prepare before surgeryEducation, expectation-setting, medical optimisation, nutrition and activity where appropriate, and planning the home environment and postoperative support before admission.
02 · Multimodal pain controlDifferent complementary analgesic and anaesthetic strategies are combined to provide effective pain relief while limiting opioid requirements and their side effects.
03 · Blood & fluid managementModern perioperative pathways may include blood-conservation measures such as tranexamic acid when appropriate, together with careful fluid, temperature and nausea management.
04 · Early mobilisationStanding and walking begin as soon as it is medically safe, with physiotherapy focused on transfers, walking aids, stairs and confidence for home.
05 · Early oral intake & recoveryEating, drinking and returning to normal daily functions are encouraged early when clinically appropriate rather than prolonging unnecessary bed rest.
06 · Safe discharge, not rushed dischargeSelected patients may be suitable for same-day or rapid-recovery pathways. Discharge depends on medical stability, pain control, mobility and a safe home plan — not simply the number of hours after surgery.
More about hip arthritis, hip replacement and ERAS recovery+−

When is hip replacement considered? The decision is based on symptoms, examination, X-rays and the effect of arthritis on quality of life. Severe radiographic arthritis alone does not automatically mean that an operation is required.

What does total hip replacement do? The damaged femoral head is replaced and the arthritic acetabular surface is reconstructed with prosthetic components, creating a new bearing surface intended to relieve arthritic pain and restore function.

Anterior or posterior approach? Both can be used successfully. The choice should reflect the individual patient, anatomy and the surgeon’s experience rather than assuming that one incision is universally superior.

What happens immediately afterwards? Modern recovery pathways emphasise multimodal pain management and early mobilisation. Appropriate patients may be able to return home on the day of surgery, while others are safer staying overnight or longer.

Recovery is individual. Walking and functional rehabilitation begin early, but the pace of recovery varies according to preoperative function, general health and the specifics of surgery. The pathway is adapted to the patient rather than forcing every patient through the same timetable.

08
Trauma

Complex Fractures & Intra-articular Injuries

Restore alignment. Reconstruct the joint. Protect long-term function.

Complex fractures — particularly those extending into a joint — require careful assessment of the fracture pattern, joint surface, soft tissues and overall limb alignment. Treatment is individualised, with the aim of restoring anatomy and providing sufficient stability for bone healing and rehabilitation.

Complex ankle fracture before surgery
Before — Complex Fracture
Complex ankle fracture after fixation
After — Surgical Fixation
Detailed assessmentX-rays are the starting point. CT imaging may be used for complex or intra-articular patterns to understand displacement, joint involvement and plan reconstruction.
Individualised fixationThe surgical strategy depends on the fracture configuration, soft-tissue condition and joint involvement. Plates, screws, nails or other fixation methods are selected according to the injury.
Recovery & rehabilitationFixation is only part of treatment. Protection of healing tissues is balanced with appropriately timed movement and physiotherapy to restore motion, strength and function.
More about complex fractures, intra-articular injuries and recovery+−

Why are intra-articular fractures different? When a fracture crosses the joint surface, displacement can disturb joint congruity as well as bone alignment. This makes accurate imaging and careful reconstruction particularly important.

Does every complex fracture need surgery? No. Treatment depends on stability, displacement, joint involvement, soft-tissue injury, patient factors and the expected functional demands. Some fractures can be managed without surgery; others benefit from operative stabilisation.

Planning the operation. Complex injuries may require staged treatment when swelling or soft-tissue damage makes immediate definitive fixation unsafe. The fixation method and timing are tailored to the individual injury.

After fixation. Weight-bearing and movement restrictions depend on the fracture and the stability achieved. Follow-up imaging monitors healing, while rehabilitation progresses according to biological healing and functional recovery rather than a single timetable for every patient.

Dr Hassan Al RifaiDr Hassan Al RifaiDr Hassan Al RifaiDr Hassan Al RifaiDr Hassan Al RifaiDr Hassan Al Rifai
Patient experiences

What patients say

Selected feedback about consultations, surgery, recovery and the experience of care.

Myra Friedman

Hip replacement
★★★★★

I had unplanned hip replacement surgery at Saudi German Hospital, Dubai. The hospital and staff were wonderful! The orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Hassan Alrifai, was superb. Nursing staff was also great. Hannah, Princess, Angelina, Christine, Miss. Bellarmi Clemency. All were great. I may not have all the names, but all nurses in Post Op were excellent. My family and I wish to thank the hospital and the wonderful staff. Saudi German Hospital, Dubai, was clean, attractive, and I would highly recommend this facility.

Black Widow

ACL reconstruction
★★★★★

I had my ACL reconstruction surgery recently and all I can say is I was very well looked after .. A big shout out to Dr. Hassan Rifai who made sure I was informed of the procedure , the timelines , what to expect in the days up to surgery and after and kept checking up after surgery and even the next day when I reached home ..Thank you for getting me back up on my feet

The Drs. Assistant Steven, always available for my queries : thank you so much.

The team of nurses, anesthesiologist , physio's who were so patient.

all made sure I was ok and well looked after also a big shout out to Brigit my nurse who was so gentle with the needles and she helped me all throughout. I've had a successful surgery and I can't thank the team enough for being so supportive as I do panic with needles and it's was my first surgery ...Thank u ..😊 for making sure I wasn't anxious

More patient reviews+

Alyona Shakina

Orthopedic consultation
★★★★★

I wanted to express my gratitude to professionalism of Dr Hassan Alrifai from orthopedic department. I had 2 consultations on different accident occasions with my sons. Each time he clearly identified the root cause of the problem, explained it in a very clear and professional manner, did not over investigate nor prescribed unnecessary. On the first occasion I came in with my 3 year old who fell from the sofa and as I thought broke his arm as he was crying in pain. After an xray doctor just twisted his arm in a certain place and he was completely fine as if nothing happened. On a second occasion I came in with severe pain in heels of my older son where the doctor clearly explained the root cause, opened my eyes on existing flat foot condition (despite visiting about 10 orthopedic doctors before). Big thank you to the Doctor. I would recommend him to anyone looking to really understand the root cause of the problem and not just to treat the symptoms.

Roman Grazhdan

Patient care
★★★★★

... went there and me, too. The sheer number of staff working with one patient is impressive. Nice spacious rooms, great equipment, everything new and shiny clean. Doctors explain everything in great detail.

Dr. Hassan Alrifai is the best!

Patrick Gaynor

Achilles rupture
★★★★★

Dr Hassan Alrifai was brilliant when I ruptured my Achilles. His explanation and information was very comforting. What impressed me the most was the fact he remembered all of my worries and ramblings from when he first saw me in the emergency room and took them into consideration when planning my rehabilitation.

Dr Hassan was in contact and available through the whole of the rehabilitation ensuring I was confident and comfortable with the process. I would highly recommend Dr Hassan to give the most up to date and honest advice.

NTINA BEZARI

Complex fracture
★★★★★

A five star rating is nothing close to describe my treatment.

From the bottom of my heart, Iwould like to thank my orthopedic surgeon Hassan for the IImediate and accurate correspondence especially to the tough surgery but also to my persistent restoration(multiple fractured lower limb August 2022).

His speech and his scientific validation have embraced my own fears.

Konstantina GR

Xmahmoud

Orthopedic consultation
★★★★★

"I recently had an appointment with Dr. MHD Hassan Alrifai, and I couldn’t be more impressed.

Dr. Alrifai is not only highly knowledgeable in his field but also incredibly compassionate and attentive.

He took the time to thoroughly explain my condition and answered all my questions with patience, making me feel confident and cared for.

His professionalism, combined with a genuine concern for his patients, sets him apart.

I truly appreciate the exceptional care I received and would highly recommend Dr. Alrifai to anyone seeking expert orthopedic treatment.

Avensier Royal Limited Avensier Roya...

Knee consultation
★★★★★

I had a good orthopaedic review of the xray and ultrasound of my knees, it was really a nice one, Dr. Hassan Rifai is awesome with so much knowledge on orthopaedic matters and pains. It was a nice session. Thank you.

Regards,

Mr. Valentine Anyachukwu

moaaz dadoush

Orthopedic care
★★★★★

Doctor Hassan Al Rifai is a unique doctor with a special talent and great knowledge. Really impressed by his professionalism and nice personality.

Martin Charles

Orthopedic care
★★★★★

Dr Hassan in the Orthopedic Unit is excellent.

Louise Williams

Hip replacement
★★★★★

I had the misfortune to fall and break my hip on holiday in Dubai. However I had the good fortune to be admitted to this excellent hospital.

My surgeon, Dr Hassan, and his team were absolutely amazing, as was my anaesthetist, Dr Inderjeet. At 65, I had to have a complete hip replacement under an epidural anaesthetic on 19th May 2022.

Dr Hassan visited me the day after my surgery even though it was his day off. He ensured that I had ZERO PAIN throughout my ten day stay. I cannot praise his skill and dedication highly enough. Dr Omar visited me alongside him on a couple of occasions too.

All my nurses were so courteous and kind. In particular my regular nurses Jiffy, Josie and Brijit. They made my stay so comfortable. I can say the same for my physiotherapists.

Even the international patients co-ordinator, Ghazal, popped in to see me every day to ask if there was anything I needed or if there was anything she could do for me.

The total care package in this hospital was outstanding. When I arrived back in the UK, the nurse who changed my dressing was astonished at the skill of the surgeon and commented on how straight and neat my scar was and how well it was healing.

I would give this hospital six stars if I could! A big thank you to all staff members from one very grateful patient.

Çağlar Tüysüzoğlu

Lisfranc surgery
★★★★★

I had Lisfranc surgery on January 29th at Saudi German Hospital Dubai, performed by Dr. Hassan Alrifai, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the exceptional care I received. From the initial consultation through to the post-surgery follow-ups, Dr. Hassan was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly reassuring every step of the way.

The surgery itself was a complete success, and my recovery has been going smoothly thanks to his expertise and the thorough aftercare. He took the time to explain everything clearly and always made me feel confident and well cared for. The staff at Saudi German Hospital were also kind, attentive, and supportive throughout my experience.

I highly recommend Dr. Hassan Alrifai and the orthopedic team at Saudi German Hospital Dubai for anyone in need of top-quality medical care. Thank you for helping me get back on my feet—literally!

Update on October 21st

I recently had my hardware removal surgery with Dr. Hassan Alrifai, following my earlier Lisfranc procedure — and once again, the experience was outstanding. I’m very satisfied with the results and deeply grateful for Dr. Hassan’s skill and dedication. I would highly recommend him and the orthopedic department to anyone seeking top-quality surgical care in Dubai.

Sara

Fracture surgery
★★★★★

I cannot thank Dr. Al Rifai enough for his outstanding care and expertise! Two weeks before my wedding, I broke my arm, and it seemed like a disaster. But Dr. Rifai instilled confidence in me and assured me that he would do his best so I could be able to enjoy my special day. He did a splendid job with my surgery, and I'm incredibly grateful.

The nurses were exceptional too, providing wonderful care during my recovery. I'm so thankful for their kindness and attentiveness. And I must mention Nurse Steven, who was always there for me, answering my questions and making the entire process smoother.

Thanks to Dr. Al Rifai, his incredible team, and my willingness to recover, I was able to dance and enjoy my wedding! I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of professional and caring medical attention. They truly go above and beyond to make their patients' experiences positive and successful. Thank you again!

Khadija Bano

Medical education / mentorship
★★★★★

Medicine is not only about learning how to treat a condition, it is about learning how to think, observe, and care for the person behind the case. Some clinical experiences teach you a skill, while others change the way you see medicine. My electives in Orthopedics & Trauma at Saudi German Hospital was one of those experiences for me. Beyond the clinical knowledge and exposure to different orthopedic cases, the experience taught me the value of learning through observation, discussion, and real time clinical decision making. Every case became an opportunity to understand not just what to do, but why it was done. It also made me realize how much there still is for me to see, learn, practice, and grow into.

I’m sincerely grateful to Hassan Alrifai Program Director DHA, AMEE, Lean six sigma for his guidance and mentorship throughout the electives. His approach to teaching, encouragement, and willingness to share his clinical experience strengthened my interest in Orthopedics and gave me a deeper appreciation for the specialty. His guidance is something I will always carry with me as I continue my journey in medicine.

Reviews reproduced from the screenshots provided for this website.
Selected surgical cases

Before & After

Selected imaging from cases treated by Dr Hassan Al Rifai. Each pair shows the condition or injury before treatment and the postoperative result.

Before
After
More before & after cases+
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Clinical images are presented for educational purposes. Individual anatomy, treatment and outcomes vary.

Academic leadership & medical education

Academics

Alongside his clinical practice, Dr Hassan Al Rifai has a longstanding commitment to medical education and postgraduate orthopedic training. He serves as Director of the Orthopedic Training Program at Dubai Health Authority and Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Sharjah, teaching and mentoring medical students, interns and orthopedic residents. His academic development includes postgraduate training in medical education, international fellowship training, examining and faculty activities.

More about academics & medical education+

Teaching, training & academic development

Dr Hassan Al Rifai’s academic work developed alongside his clinical career and now spans undergraduate teaching, postgraduate orthopedic training, residency leadership, assessment, mentorship and faculty development. His educational portfolio combines formal study of medical education with practical responsibility for learners in the clinical environment.

Rather than separating teaching from clinical work, his approach places education within everyday patient care: discussing diagnostic reasoning, interpreting imaging, planning treatment, supervising procedures and using structured feedback to help learners progress toward independent practice.

Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education
University of South Wales

Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education

Formal postgraduate study in medical education complements Dr Hassan Al Rifai’s experience as a clinical teacher and residency-program leader. The programme develops a structured understanding of how doctors learn, how teaching should be planned, how curricula are aligned with learning outcomes, and how assessment can be used to support progression rather than simply measure it.

For his educational work, this qualification provides an academic framework for activities he already performs in practice: designing teaching sessions, supervising residents, giving feedback, evaluating clinical performance and developing structured postgraduate training. It also reflects a deliberate transition from being an experienced clinician who teaches to a clinician-educator who studies the principles behind effective teaching and assessment.

ESME Certificate in Health Professions Education
AMEE — Essential Skills in Medical Education

ESME Certificate in Health Professions Education

The AMEE Essential Skills in Medical Education programme provides focused training in the core principles of health-professions education. Its relevance extends across curriculum planning, teaching methods, learning outcomes, assessment, feedback and evaluation.

This training supports Dr Al Rifai’s work with orthopedic residents and other learners by bringing internationally recognised educational concepts into day-to-day clinical teaching. In a residency environment, those concepts translate into clearer educational objectives, better alignment between clinical exposure and required competencies, and more purposeful use of workplace-based assessment and feedback.

Artificial Intelligence in Health Professions Education
AMEE

Artificial Intelligence in Health Professions Education

Dr Al Rifai has also undertaken dedicated AMEE training in Artificial Intelligence in Health Professions Education. The course addresses an increasingly important question for contemporary medical educators: how emerging AI tools can be incorporated into learning while preserving clinical reasoning, academic integrity, appropriate supervision and professional responsibility.

The subject is particularly relevant to modern residency training, where learners increasingly use digital tools for literature review, preparation, clinical questions and educational content. Understanding AI from an educator’s perspective allows technology to be approached as a structured educational tool rather than simply as a shortcut to information.

Clinical Fellowship in Lower Extremity Reconstruction
University of Toronto — Department of Surgery

Clinical Fellowship in Lower Extremity Reconstruction

From September 2019 to September 2020, Dr Al Rifai completed a Clinical Fellowship in Lower Extremity Reconstruction at the University of Toronto. Although primarily an advanced clinical fellowship, its academic importance lies in immersion within a university-based surgical environment where complex decision-making, evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary discussion and teaching are closely integrated.

Fellowship training in an academic centre influences not only surgical technique but also the way clinical knowledge is communicated. Exposure to structured case discussion, teaching rounds and advanced reconstructive practice contributes directly to how Dr Al Rifai now teaches residents: connecting anatomy and evidence to operative planning, explaining the reasoning behind a decision, and encouraging trainees to understand why a particular strategy is selected rather than merely learning the steps of an operation.

Diploma in Football Medicine
FIFA

Diploma in Football Medicine

The FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine adds a sports-medicine educational dimension to Dr Al Rifai’s orthopedic background. It provides structured learning around the assessment, treatment and prevention of injuries encountered in football and athletic populations.

For an orthopedic educator involved in sports injuries, this type of focused programme broadens the material available for resident and student teaching. It helps connect orthopedic diagnosis and surgical decision-making with rehabilitation, return-to-sport considerations, injury prevention and the wider multidisciplinary management of athletes.

Contribution to Clinical Training
University of Sharjah — College of Medicine

Contribution to Clinical Training

This Certificate of Appreciation recognises Dr Al Rifai’s contribution to clinical training for the 2023–2024 academic year. It represents the undergraduate side of his educational work: helping medical students move from theoretical knowledge to real clinical encounters.

Clinical teaching requires a different approach from postgraduate surgical training. Students need to learn how to take a focused history, examine a musculoskeletal problem, interpret imaging, organise a differential diagnosis and understand the reasoning behind treatment choices. This role complements his residency leadership by allowing him to contribute across the continuum of medical education—from medical student exposure to the development of independent orthopedic surgeons.

Speaker — DHA Unified Residency Orientation
Dubai Health Authority — 3rd Unified Residency Generic Course Orientation, 2025

Speaker — DHA Unified Residency Orientation

Participation as a speaker in the DHA Unified Residency Generic Course Orientation reflects an educational role beyond the orthopedic department itself. Orientation programmes help new residents understand the expectations, responsibilities and professional framework of postgraduate medical training.

Contributing as faculty places Dr Al Rifai within the broader residency-education environment in Dubai, where education includes not only specialty knowledge but also professionalism, communication, patient safety, assessment, teamwork and the transition from medical graduate to resident physician.

Residency Selection, Assessment & Education Strategy
Dubai Health Authority

Residency Selection, Assessment & Education Strategy

Dr Al Rifai has participated as an examiner in residency selection through the Multiple Mini Interview process and in wider medical-education strategy activities. Selection is an important but sometimes overlooked component of postgraduate education: training programmes must identify candidates with the communication, reasoning, professionalism and potential required for residency.

His involvement in assessment and educational strategy extends his role beyond delivering lectures. It places him within the processes that shape how trainees enter programmes, how educational systems are structured and how training quality can be developed at an institutional level.

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt — Healthcare Professional
Six Sigma Global Institute

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt — Healthcare Professional

Training in Lean Six Sigma adds a quality-improvement perspective to Dr Al Rifai’s educational leadership. Although it is not a conventional medical-education qualification, its principles—defining problems, analysing processes, reducing unnecessary variation and measuring improvement—are highly relevant to the organisation of training programmes.

Applied to education, this approach encourages programmes to look systematically at teaching schedules, assessment completion, feedback processes, resident progression and the reliability of educational systems. It supports a view of residency training as a programme that can be continuously evaluated and improved rather than a collection of isolated teaching activities.

Teaching in the Clinical Environment
From knowledge to supervised practice

Teaching in the Clinical Environment

For Dr Al Rifai, medical education is closely connected to the clinical environment. Teaching around real patients, imaging, procedures and operative decision-making allows learners to see how textbook knowledge is translated into clinical judgement.

This is particularly important in orthopedic training, where competence develops through progressive responsibility: observing, discussing, planning, performing under supervision, receiving feedback and reflecting on outcomes. His educational approach therefore combines formal academic activity with practical mentorship, case-based discussion and supervised clinical learning—keeping education connected to the realities of patient care.

Education as part of clinical practice

Across these activities, the common theme is the development of doctors through structured learning, supervised experience and reflection. Dr Al Rifai’s academic interests continue to focus on how clinical expertise can be translated into effective teaching, how residents can be assessed fairly in the workplace, and how training programmes can create an environment in which learners progressively develop judgement, technical ability and professional independence.