Home: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Age: 38. Profession: Surgeon. Organization: Burjeel Royal Hospital. Title: Consultant Surgeon and Head of Department. Alma mater: American University of Beirut; Johns Hopkins University; University of Toledo. Languages spoken: Arabic, English, French.
Current project: Leading a research initiative on nanofiber-based IGF-1 delivery systems for peripheral nerve regeneration. Recent recognition: My patent on regenerative growth factors for nerve repair. Recent professional development: Promoted to head of the surgery department at Burjeel Royal Hospital. Latest accomplishment: Presented original clinical outcomes research at the Best of San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Latest contribution to others: Mentoring young surgical residents and fellows, guiding them through clinical training and research project development. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Transitioning from the US academic system back to the Middle East. Recent unique acquisition: A 3D-printed anatomical model of the neck.
Moral compass: Would I want this decision to define me if it were made public? How do you define a perfect friendship? Loyalty without conditions, mutual growth, and effortless laughter, even in silence. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Mutual respect, transparent communication, and shared purpose. What is your greatest joy? Restoring a patient’s health and dignity through a complex surgery. What natural talent have you neglected? Sketching. I used to draw anatomical illustrations in med school. What is at the top of your bucket list? Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. What is your go-to workout? Distance running, often at dawn. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Serenity and a sunrise view.
What was your first paying job? General surgery intern. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Dark Knight. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My mentor at Johns Hopkins. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Discipline is doing what needs to be done, even when no one is watching. What’s the best advice you received in your career? “Don’t chase prestige, chase purpose. The rest will follow. What company or organization do you most admire? Médecins Sans Frontières. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The COVID-19 pandemic.
What is your big idea?
Create a global surgical innovation network linking clinicians, bioengineers, and data scientists.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Bridging the gap between bench research and bedside practice by designing smarter materials and systems. What change would you like to see in the world? Equity in healthcare access, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status. What message do you want to send out into the world? Mastery and empathy are not mutually exclusive. What mega-trend most concerns you? The increasing corporatization of healthcare.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Avicenna (Ibn Sina), a true pioneer of medicine and philosophy. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A scientist. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My notebooks. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family, by the sea. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t fear the nonlinear path. It’s in the detours that you’ll build your uniqueness. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I performed my first solo complex oncologic case. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My first year of research at Johns Hopkins.
Personal mission: To improve patient outcomes and advance the future of surgical science. Personal motto: Excellence through dedication, innovation, and compassion. Favorite quote: "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known" (Carl Sagan). Desired epitaph: He healed with skill, led with vision, and lived with purpose.
