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The Arab world has always been abundant in talent and generosity across all fields, with both history and the present standing as witnesses to this legacy. Today, in a medical breakthrough of global significance, the renowned Egyptian surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub announced the development of living heart valves that can grow and regenerate within the patient’s body. Using advanced bio scaffold technology derived from the patient’s own cells, this innovation paves the way for a new era in the treatment of heart disease.
The importance of this discovery is profound, especially for children, as these valves possess the unique ability to grow with the body. Unlike conventional replacements, they eliminate the need for repeated surgeries or lifelong blood thinning medication.
For us, as a healthcare sector and as a specialized medical media group, this breakthrough carries two key messages. First, it affirms that medicine and its pioneering advances continue to progress steadily toward greater well being and renewed hope for societies worldwide. Second, it reminds us that Arab medicine today stands on par with, and in some cases ahead of, global achievements, reviving a legacy of excellence long associated with our region.
Dr. Yacoub further explains that the new valve can be implanted via catheterization without open heart surgery. Once in place, it stimulates the body to generate stem cells that, within months, transform into a fully functioning natural valve. International media have already described the innovation as a medical miracle, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expressed support for the ongoing clinical trials, a step toward eventual global adoption of this technology.
This Arab medical triumph is more than a scientific achievement. It is proof that despite political and structural challenges our region remains fertile ground for talent, innovation, and excellence. It is a contribution not only to Arab societies but to humanity at large. One milestone has been marked today and others are surely on the way.
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48 Apex Health 72 Green Hospitals: Sustainable healthcare management is essential
Farewell to Cellulite: Your Guide to the Leading Techniques
COVER STORY
38 Joseph Hazel, Group Chief Executive Officer, Apex Health
48 Apex Health: Shaping a Healthier Future
FEATURES
72 Green Hospitals: Sustainable healthcare management is essential, not optional
94 Climate Impacts on Health: From Heatwaves to Infectious Diseases
116 Farewell to Cellulite: Your Guide to the Leading Techniques and Treatments
136 Laboratory Safety: A Legal Obligation & Global Standard
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
62 Henry Ford Health Neurosurgery: Innovation, Precision, and Patient-Centered Care
68 UChicago Medicine: Bloodless double-lung transplant, one of Illinois’ first, helps grandmother honor her faith
76 Cedars-Sinai Ranked Among Top U.S. Hospitals
84 UCLA Health: Gene therapy restores immune function and extends the lives of children with a rare immune disorder
86 First Fully robotic heart transplant surgery in U.S. performed at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center
92 How Northwestern Medicine Is Redefining the Future of Transplant Oncology
108 Innovative Applications Boost IVF Success Rates at Acıbadem
124 Maximum Safety in Infection Control After Prosthesis Surgery at Acıbadem: A World-Class Approach
80 Dr. Walid Honeineh, General Practitioner at Clemenceau Medical Center in Beirut
88 Matthias Hirsch, Vice President of Statista Healthcare
112 Mona Mirza, Founder & CEO at Biolite Aesthetic Clinic, AURA 3D Imaging System – Biolite Clinic
120 Dr. Fadi Hamadani, Plastic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Surgeon
98 Digital Health Has a New Power Center: Why All Eyes Are on the Middle East By Hal Wolf, President & CEO, HIMSS
102 The Future of Psychological Healthcare: A Regional and Global Perspective By Anne Fatima Jackson, an Association for Coaching-accredited Life and Wellness Coach
104 Al-Ahli Hospital IVF Center – ISO Certified: Leading Fertility Care with a 54% Success Rate and Global Standards
130 Al-Ahli Hospital Launches Qatar’s First Comprehensive Well Child Preventive Wellness Package
132 Al-Ahli Hospital Introduces the Siemens MAGNETOM Vida
Lilly's oral GLP-1, orforglipron, delivers weight loss of up to an average of 27.3 lbs in the first of two pivotal
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced positive topline results from the Phase 3 ATTAIN-1 trial, evaluating orforglipron, an investigational oral glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, in 3,127 adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related medical problem and without diabetes. At 72 weeks, all three doses of orforglipron, met the primary endpoint and all key secondary endpoints compared to placebo, delivering clinically meaningful weight loss as an adjunct to a healthy diet and physical activity. For the primary endpoint, orforglipron 36 mg, taken once per day without food and water restrictions, lowered weight by an average of 12.4% (27.3 lbs) compared to 0.9% (2.2 lbs) with placebo using the efficacy estimand.
"Obesity is one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time, driving global chronic disease burden and impacting more than one billion people worldwide," said Kenneth Custer, Ph.D., executive vice president and president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health. "With orforglipron, we're working to transform obesity care by introducing a potential once-daily oral therapy that could support early intervention and long-term disease management, while offering a convenient alternative to injectable treatments. With these positive data in hand, we are now planning to submit orforglipron for regulatory review by year-end and are prepared for a global launch to address this urgent public health need."
In the ATTAIN-1 trial, orforglipron met the primary endpoint of superior body weight reduction compared to placebo. Participants taking the highest dose of orforglipron lost an average of 27.3 lbs (12.4%) at 72 weeks using the efficacy estimand. In a key secondary endpoint, 59.6% of participants taking the highest dose of orforglipron lost at least
10% of their body weight, while 39.6% lost at least 15% of their body weight. In addition to achieving significant weight loss, orforglipron was also associated with reductions in known markers of cardiovascular risk, including nonHDL cholesterol, triglycerides and systolic blood pressure in pooled analyses across all doses. In a pre-specified exploratory analysis, the highest dose of orforglipron reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels by 47.7%. For the treatment-regimen estimand, each dose of orforglipron led to statistically significant improvements across the primary and all key secondary endpoints.
• Percent weight reduction: -7.5% (-7.8 kg; 17.2 lbs; 6 mg), -8.4% (-8.6 kg; 19.0 lbs; 12 mg), -11.2% (-11.3 kg; 25.0 lbs; 36 mg), -2.1% (-2.4 kg; 5.3 lbs; placebo)
• Percentage of participants achieving body weight reductions of ≥10%: 33.3% (6 mg), 40.0% (12 mg), 54.6% (36 mg), 12.9% (placebo)
• Percentage of participants achieving body weight reductions of ≥15%: 15.1% (6 mg), 20.3% (12 mg), 36.0% (36 mg), 5.9% (placebo)
IN ATTAIN-1, THE INVESTIGATIONAL ONCE-DAILY ORAL PILL SHOWED SIGNIFICANT EFFICACY, AND A SAFETY AND TOLERABILITY PROFILE CONSISTENT WITH INJECTABLE GLP-1 THERAPIES AT 72 WEEKS. ORFORGLIPRON ACHIEVED THE PRIMARY AND ALL KEY SECONDARY ENDPOINTS, INCLUDING DEMONSTRATING IMPROVEMENTS IN A NUMBER OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS.
n Average 5-day evaluation
n Shortest median wait time from listing to transplant
n Decreased risk of organ rejections
n Superior success rates one year after transplant
Through groundbreaking techniques and programs, Northwestern Medicine is performing more lung transplants than ever — with 148 completed in 2024, the highest number by any program in the country. Transplantation is now an option for late-stage lung cancer patients through our clinical program, DREAM (Double Lung Transplant Registry Aimed for Lung-Limited Malignancies). Learn
290 transplants in 2024 signal world-class capabilities and growing global reputation in life-saving care
On the occasion of World Organ Donation Day, Abu Dhabi announces the completion of a major milestone in its journey toward becoming a leading destination for healthcare excellence, pioneering organ transplantation and transforming lives. Since the launch of Hayat – the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue – in 2017, a total of 1,090 organ transplants have been performed across the Emirate until 2024, with 290 conducted during the last year alone. This achievement reflects the Emirate’s growing reputation for medical excellence and advanced healthcare infrastructure.
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s unwavering commitment to delivering best in class care. Through our infrastructure, talent, and innovation, the Emirate has become a hub for organ transplantation in the region and beyond,” said H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. “We continue to encourage more people to register as organ donors through Hayat programme, a single act that can transform multiple lives and shape a healthier future for all.”
The 290 transplants performed in 2024 included seven heart transplants, 142 kidney transplants, 117 liver transplants, 22 lung transplants, and two pancreas transplants.
Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system continues to push boundaries through complex surgeries, including multi-organ and robotic-assisted transplants that improve surgical precision and recovery outcomes. These achievements are made possible by four leading transplant centres including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Burjeel
Medical City (BMC), and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC).
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has played a pivotal role in advancing the transplant field in the UAE. Established in 2017 as the nation’s first multi-organ transplant centre, the hospital performed 241 multi-organ transplants in 2024, alone, including the UAE’s first combined heart and lung transplant. Other milestones include the region’s first combined lung-liver transplant in 2023 and the nation’s first triple-paired kidney exchange. It also houses the UAE’s only dedicated multi-organ transplant ICU and the only lung transplant programme.
SEHA Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, has successfully performed over 114 kidney transplants in 2024 and continues to expand its liver transplant programme for both adult and
THE 290 TRANSPLANTS PERFORMED IN 2024 INCLUDED SEVEN HEART TRANSPLANTS, 142 KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS, 117 LIVER TRANSPLANTS, 22 LUNG TRANSPLANTS, AND TWO PANCREAS TRANSPLANTS.
pediatric patients—demonstrating its steadfast commitment to delivering world-class care and enhancing patient outcomes. It is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technologies and supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts, establishing its position as a regional leader in kidney transplantation.
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, a flagship hospital in the UAE for serious and complex care and a subsidiary of the PureHealth group, has distinguished itself in research and education, with 10 international conference presentations and the Best Abstract Award at ISODP 2023 in Las Vegas. The facility performed the first COVID-positive organ donation in UAE, demonstrating medical leadership and innovation. It was ranked second among UAE hospitals for the highest number of utilised organ donors in 2022.
Burjeel Medical City has also emerged as a leader in multi-organ transplantation. Among its achievements is the UAE’s first paediatric living donor liver transplant, first ABO-incompatible kidney transplant, and youngest paediatric liver transplant at just five months old.
Organ donation can save patients suffering from serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, lung failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney failure. To promote long-term well-being, DoH encourages residents to adopt healthy lifestyles, including balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, to help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, major contributors to organ failure.
The National Programme for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, “Hayat”, launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), is a national system to enhance efforts in the donation and transplantation of human organs and tissues, in line with the highest international standards. Hayat aims to regulate organ donation and transplantation, provide comprehensive care for patients and enhance the safety, well-being and quality of life of all community members.
To register as an organ donor and become part of this life-saving mission, visit: https://www. doh.gov.ae/en/organ-donation
Precision weighing solutions for hospitals, clinics and care faciilities. EU MDR certified and SFDA approved.
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Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi successfully performed a complex combined liver and kidney transplant on Nashami, a Kuwaiti mother of three, diagnosed with advanced liver disease and kidney failure. Given the need for a double organ transplant, her doctors in Kuwait and the UK strongly recommended Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for its expertise in advanced transplant care. In June 2024, Kuwaiti national Nashami was enjoying a family holiday when she began noticing unusual symptoms such as extreme fatigue, swollen feet, and, alarmingly, the yellowing of her eyes. Initially attributing these symptoms to exhaustion from traveling, Nashami soon realized that this was something more serious when her symptoms continued to persist. Upon consulting doctors in Kuwait, an ultrasound revealed her diagnosis: severe hepatic cirrhosis and kidney failure caused by primary biliary cirrhosis, an autoimmune disease that damages the bile ducts and liver and can impair kidney function. In need of an urgent combined liver and kidney transplant, her doctors recommended she go to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s multi-organ transplant center in the UAE.
“From the moment I arrived at the hospital, I was welcomed by the warmth and professionalism of the caregivers, as well as the world-class facility,” said Nashami. “We were met by a dedicated coordinator who guided us to the International Patient Services department, where everything about my journey was explained clearly. From registration to pre-surgical assessments, I felt completely supported every step of the way.”
Dr. Luis Campos, Staff Physician, Abdominal Transplant, Digestive Disease Institute, who led her treatment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, explained, "Nashami’s case was particularly complex. Not only did she have advanced liver damage from an autoimmune disease, but her kidney function was also severely compromised. These are precisely the kinds of complex cases our multidisciplinary transplant
program is built to handle. Our ability to provide such comprehensive care stems from having integrated teams and advanced surgical protocols that ensure streamlined, coordinated treatment."
Nashami’s case exemplifies the success of the UAE-Kuwait organ sharing agreement, a cross-border collaboration established in 2021 between both countries’ Ministries of Health and national transplant centers. This partnership enabled her to be placed on a shared waiting list, ensuring access to suitable donor organs from either nation on time. Since its inception, the program has saved the lives of over 180 patients in the UAE, thanks to seamless coordination among embassies, airports, and hospitals. With seamless coordination between medical teams in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, Nashami was swiftly placed on the transplant waiting list. Shortly thereafter, she received the life-changing call: a donor match had been found.
On the day of the surgery, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s transplant experts first conducted the liver transplant, followed by the kidney transplant. Dr. Baraa Abduljawad, Staff Physician, Critical Care, Integrated Hospital Care Institute, added, "Timing is everything in transplantation. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we’ve designed our operating environment and facilities to reduce the time between donor organ retrieval and transplantation drastically. This short window helps preserve organ function and significantly improves patient outcomes."
The transplant surgeries, performed consecutively with precision and minimal blood loss, were successful. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s multidisciplinary team, along with its dedicated International Patient Services team, ensured Nashami’s remarkable recovery, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to providing holistic, personalized care for the best patient outcomes.
IN JUNE 2024, KUWAITI NATIONAL NASHAMI WAS ENJOYING A FAMILY HOLIDAY WHEN SHE BEGAN NOTICING UNUSUAL SYMPTOMS SUCH AS EXTREME FATIGUE, SWOLLEN FEET, AND, ALARMINGLY, THE YELLOWING OF HER EYES. INITIALLY ATTRIBUTING THESE SYMPTOMS TO EXHAUSTION FROM TRAVELING, NASHAMI SOON REALIZED THAT THIS WAS SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS WHEN HER SYMPTOMS CONTINUED TO PERSIST.
As of today NEWTOM 7G incorporates the Dual Energy (DE) system, elevating performance to new heights and revolutionising the way your practice operates.
Dual Energy: patented NEWTOM technology
The result of a continuous quest for patient well-being and ever-greater diagnostic precision, Dual Energy uses two different radiant energies to identify any pathologies with greater clarity and precision.
Virtual Monochromatic Images
Dual Energy technology mitigates beam-hardening artifacts. What’s more, being able to reconstruct monochromatic virtual images at different keVs improves soft tissue imaging quality and reduces metal artifacts. Lastly, Dual Energy CBCT provides a basis for tissue characterisation.
Colour-coded images
NEWTOM Dual Energy software enables users to perform semi-automatic tissue segmentation and apply colour codes, streamlining the differentiation of materials within the scanned area. This allows rapid and straightforward detection of potential pathologies.
Blended image
The new features enable weighted blending of high- and low-energy imaging. The resulting images combine the low noise, typical of high-energy acquisition, with the high contrast resolution of the low-energy image set.
Featuring a large gantry aperture, the NEWTOM 7G is the most advanced CBCT device on the market. From in-depth detail to the big picture.
In a groundbreaking advancement for prostrate treatment, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has introduced aquablation therapy, a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure that brings new hope for men suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). This innovative therapy is the first in the UAE to use roboticassisted waterjet solution for BPH, providing a new benchmark in precision and safety through real-time ultrasound guidance and robotic control, without the potential risks associated with heat-based treatments.
Commenting on the adoption, Dr. GeorgesPascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and a leading urologist specializing in robotic surgery, said: “At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we are committed to continuously advancing our medical capabilities and ensuring that the latest technologies, like the aquablation therapy, are available to our patients. It represents another milestone in our pursuit of providing the highest standards of care to our patients. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from the Department of Health- Abu Dhabi, which enables us to deliver world-class healthcare solutions right here in Abu Dhabi.”
Dr. Waleed Hassen, Department Chair of Urology in the Surgical Subspecialties Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, added: “Aquablation therapy represents a new era in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), addressing the limitations of traditional techniques with remarkable precision and safety. We chose to bring this technology to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi because it aligns with our mission of providing the most advanced, patient-centered care. Unlike conventional methods, aquablation is ideal for patients with even the most challenging prostate conditions, offering a level of customization and predictability that has not been possible before.”
Aquablation therapy utilizes the AquaBeam® Robotic System, which delivers a heat-free,
high-pressure waterjet to precisely remove prostate tissue. Unlike traditional methods that use heat (such as laser or electrocauterybased techniques), the non-thermal waterjet technology ensures minimal damage to surrounding tissues, significantly lowering the risk of side effects such as incontinence or sexual dysfunction. The treatment is guided by real-time ultrasound imaging and cystoscopy, which allow the surgeon to visualize critical structures, such as the bladder neck, verumontanum, and external sphincter, ensuring their preservation. This combination of robotic precision and advanced imaging helps optimize outcomes and minimize risks.
Dr. Zaki Almallah, Staff Physician, Urology, Surgical Subspecialties Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, explained: "Aquablation therapy is truly revolutionary in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is a onetime procedure that provides long-lasting symptom relief, with patients enjoying the benefits for years after treatment. By harnessing the power of robotic technology, we can now offer patients a treatment that is both highly effective and minimally invasive. It’s the only treatment that provides realtime imaging of the entire prostate, allowing us to precisely remove excess tissue while preserving reproductive function. This means patients experience fewer side effects, faster recovery and a significant improvement in quality of life."
Dr. Omer Raheem, Staff Physician, Urology, Surgical Subspecialties Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi added: “The robotic precision in the aquablation is truly transformative, especially for patients with larger prostates where traditional methods often fall short. The average resection time with aquablation is just 5.8 minutes, compared to nearly half an hour for TURP, without compromising on safety or effectiveness. It’s an advanced solution that minimizes risk, accelerates recovery, and offers patients an unmatched standard of care.”
ACCORDING TO GLOBAL STUDIES, NEARLY 50% OF MEN OVER THE AGE OF 60 ARE AFFECTED BY BPH, WITH THE PREVALENCE RISING TO AROUND 80% BY AGE 85. THE CONDITION CAN LEAD TO FREQUENT URINATION, WEAK URINARY FLOW, AND, IN ADVANCED CASES, URINARY RETENTION OR INCONTINENCE, SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTING A PATIENT’S QUALITY OF LIFE. TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS LIKE MEDICATION AND TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE (TURP) SURGERY, WHICH REMOVES EXCESS PROSTATE TISSUE MAY INVOLVE LONGER RECOVERY PERIODS AND POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS IN SOME CASES. AQUABLATION OFFERS A MINIMALLY INVASIVE, HEAT-FREE ALTERNATIVE WITH FASTER RECOVERY AND A LOWER RISK OF SIDE EFFECTS.
Our experts get to know you, then tailor treatments to help fit your needs—which could include radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, cellular therapy, genetic counseling, or a customized lifestyle management plan. In collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine, we’re equipped to pave the way for even more revolutionary discoveries and groundbreaking approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn more about the NCI-designated Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine at stlukeshealth.org/bslmcinternational
Liquid biopsy in breast cancer – Less invasion more precision
Liquid biopsy in breast cancer – Less invasion more precision
The Plasma-SeqSensei Breast Cancer IVD Kit is an NGSbased liquid biopsy assay that focuses on highly sensitive detection of clinically relevant mutations in TP53, ESR1, PIK3CA, AKT1 and ERBB2 from blood plasma.
Learn more about the unique advantages of Plasma-SeqSensei technology
The Plasma-SeqSensei Breast Cancer IVD Kit is an NGSbased liquid biopsy assay that focuses on highly sensitive detection of clinically relevant mutations in TP53, ESR1, PIK3CA, AKT1 and ERBB2 from blood plasma.
High sensitivity at low MAFs
Learn more about the unique advantages of Plasma-SeqSensei technology
Down to 0.06% - 0.07% Mutant Allele Fractions.
High sensitivity at low MAFs
Down to 0.06% - 0.07% Mutant Allele Fractions.
Absolute quantification
Short and standardised workflow
From cfDNA samples to results in two days.
Short and standardised workflow
From cfDNA samples to results in two days.
Data analysis and reporting made easy
Generate report designed for clinicians with just a few clicks.
Absolute quantification
Meaningful comparison of ctDNA levels per millilitre of plasma.
Meaningful comparison of ctDNA levels per millilitre of plasma.
Data analysis and reporting made easy
Generate report designed for clinicians with just a few clicks.
Expert voices
‘We know that tissue samples cannot be taken regularly, but liquid biopsy is easy to take, it is simply a sample of blood. And it gives you real-time information.’
Dr Bhuwnesh Agrawal Member of The Supervisory Board
‘Even low levels of ctDNA could have given an indication of the coming progression in the follow-up.’
‘There is much more diagnostic power in the absolute quantification.’
‘We know that tissue samples cannot be taken regularly, but liquid biopsy is easy to take, it is simply a sample of blood. And it gives you real-time information.’
Sysmex Inostics and MD, Germany
Dr Bhuwnesh Agrawal Member of The Supervisory Board
Sysmex Inostics and MD, Germany
‘Even low levels of ctDNA could have given an indication of the coming progression in the follow-up.’
‘There is much more diagnostic power in the absolute quantification.’
Prof. Christopher Gebhardt UKE Hamburg, Germany
Prof. Christopher Gebhardt UKE Hamburg, Germany
Prof. Geert A. Martens AZ Delta General Hospital, Belgium
Prof. Geert A. Martens AZ Delta General Hospital, Belgium
A n exc e ptio n al g ro u p devote d to
ACIBADEM MOBIL
provides emergency and home care services outside of the hospital.
ACIBADEM APLUS
addresses the hygiene and catering requirements of the hospitals.
ACIBADEM HEALTH POINT ensures continuous support for patients from their arrival at Istanbul Airport until they return home, guiding them through their entire healthcare journey in Türkiye.
ACIBADEM TECHNOLOGY
develops and improves inhouse softwares including Hospital Information System and healthcare command center.
ACIBADEM UNIVERSITY
trains healthcare students to be future healthcare professionals.
ACIBADEM LABMED
offers a wide range of services including pathology, food control, stem cell and cord blood bank within the laboratory framework.
develops turnkey hospital establishment projects.
Step into a world where healthcare is not just a service, but a carefully designed ecosystem centered around Patient Safety and Patient Satisfaction – Welcome to ACIBADEM. At the forefront of innovative medical care, ACIBADEM's healthcare model is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. Every facet of the healthcare journey is seamlessly integrated, with ACIBADEM collaborating with its supporting institutions at every step to mitigate risks and ensure service quality that aligns with ACIBADEM standards. Embark on a journey of cutting-edge medical services that transcend borders, as ACIBADEM extends its reach across Türkiye, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, and the Netherlands. Experience healthcare like never before, where your well-being takes center stage.
10 Years in a Row on the ' Best Hospitals ' Honor Roll in the U.S.
Cedars-Sinai has been named to the Honor Roll for the 10th consecutive year and tied for No. 1 in California and Los Angeles in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals 2025-26” rankings.
Every year, thousands of patients from over 100 countries choose Cedars-Sinai for our renowned healthcare. From complex surgeries to rare diagnoses and second opinions, the Cedars-Sinai team ensures a seamless experience - before, during, and after care.
Six Cedars-Sinai specialties were ranked in the top 10 in the U.S.:
Orthopedics
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Diabetes & Endocrinology
Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery
Located in Los Angeles, California, Cedars-Sinai combines world-class care with a vibrant setting, cultural sensitivity, and concierge-level comfort.
cedars-sinai.org/international cedars-sinai.org/globalcollaborations Learn
@Cedars-Sinai International
April 8-11, 2025
Shanghai, China
Sept. 26-29, 2025
Guangzhou, China
Exhibitors
Joseph Hazel is a distinguished leader in the healthcare industry with over 30 years of C-suite experience across Africa, Europe, the UK, and the Middle East. In February 2023, he joined Apex Health to spearhead the development of an integrated, collaborative private healthcare group portfolio, focusing on the MENA region. Under his leadership, Apex Health has transformed from establishing a leading private 250-bed hospital in Qatar in 2022 to now operating 8 hospitals across 4 countries, encompassing over 3,000 beds. With an additional 13+ projects in the pipeline for 2025, Joseph's strategic acumen is driving unparalleled growth and innovation, and most recently has been appointed as member of the Advisory Board for the Arab Hospitals Federation. Prior to his role at Apex Health, Joseph spent 7 years at Mediclinic Middle East as the Chief Operating Officer for Abu Dhabi, where he played a crucial role in elevating healthcare standards and operational excellence. Joseph holds an MSc in Healthcare Economics, Policy, and Management from the London School of Economics, an MBA, and a Diploma in Management from the Open University. He has further honed his expertise with certificates in Managing Healthcare Delivery and Strategy Execution from Harvard Business School, as well as completing director training at the Institute of Directors and leadership training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
In just two years, Apex Health has become a major player in the MENA region, with a vision to redefine patient care through global partnerships, advanced digital platforms, and unmatched operational scale. Group CEO Joseph Hazel shares how they’re doing it.
At a time when the global healthcare sector is seeking resilient, scalable, and patient-first models, few success stories stand out quite like Apex Health. From launching its first flagship hospital in Qatar in 2022 to now managing eight hospitals across four countries, with 13 more projects underway. Apex Health is growing with purpose and vision.
Guided by its parent company Estithmar Holding, and powered by strategic affiliations with world-renowned institutions like Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles, USA– ASAN Medical Center, South Korea, Apex Health is making bold moves to raise healthcare standards across the MENA region. At the helm of this transformation is Joseph Hazel, Group CEO, whose career spans top global organizations and healthcare systems from the UK and Africa to the UAE and now Qatar. We sat down with Mr. Hazel to discuss what it takes to build a modern, tech-
forward, globally connected healthcare group and what the future looks like as Apex Health continues its expansion.
Joseph, you joined Apex Health in early 2023. In just 2 years, the group has grown from one hospital to eight across four countries with over 3,000 beds. What’s behind this remarkable expansion? It’s been an incredible journey, and I’d say the foundation of our growth is the vision of Estithmar Holding, our parent company, which is listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange and backed by over 5,000 Qatari shareholders. That strong national support gave us both the mandate and the credibility to start ambitious projects quickly. It began with The View Hospital in Doha, in affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, USA, and that quickly positioned us as the leading private healthcare provider in Qatar. Since then, our focus has been on expanding into countries where governments are actively seeking highquality private sector operators. We’re now operating or developing hospitals in Algeria, Iraq, and Libya, with many more projects across the Middle East and Central Asia in the pipeline.
IT’S BEEN AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY, AND I’D SAY THE FOUNDATION OF OUR GROWTH IS THE VISION OF ESTITHMAR HOLDING, OUR PARENT COMPANY, WHICH IS LISTED ON THE QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE AND BACKED BY OVER 5,000 QATARI SHAREHOLDERS.
Let’s talk more specifically about those expansion efforts. What are the major developments happening across these countries?
We’ve signed a joint venture in Algeria with the Sovereign Wealth Fund (FNI) to develop and operate a flagship hospital in Algiers, expected to be completed by 2027. In Iraq, we’re managing two large public hospitals one in Karbala and one in Nasiriyah with nearly 600 beds each. These were awarded through a competitive tender process and are part of a larger initiative to uplift Iraq’s hospital management systems. We’re also building a brand-new 400-bed hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, which has just received a license from Iraq’s Investment Committee. In Libya, we’ve begun operations in a heart hospital in Misrata and are now exploring additional hospital management and design-build projects. Across all these, our approach is bespoke: we assess the healthcare needs and work with governments to bring the right capabilities; clinical, digital, and operational into play.
You’ve described Apex Health’s growth across Qatar, Algeria, Iraq, and Libya. What enables the group to deliver in such varied settings so quickly?
A lot of it comes down to our strategic framework and integrated service offering. We’re not just hospital operators, we’re healthcare system partners.
We offer the full spectrum: from designing and building new hospitals, to running clinical services, to providing EMR systems, mobile health apps, and even our own pharmaceutical distribution network. This allows governments to work with a single, coordinated partner who can modernize their entire healthcare platform.
Many public systems are behind in digital health or clinical performance management, and we help them leap forward using AI tools, automation, and predictive analytics. That’s a big part of why we’re seeing so much regional interest; it’s not just about expansion, it’s about capability.
WE’RE NOT JUST HOSPITAL OPERATORS, WE’RE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM PARTNERS. WE OFFER THE FULL SPECTRUM: FROM DESIGNING AND BUILDING NEW HOSPITALS, TO RUNNING CLINICAL SERVICES, TO PROVIDING EMR SYSTEMS, MOBILE HEALTH APPS, AND EVEN OUR OWN PHARMACEUTICAL DISTRIBUTION NETWORK. THIS ALLOWS GOVERNMENTS TO WORK WITH A SINGLE, COORDINATED PARTNER WHO CAN MODERNIZE THEIR ENTIRE HEALTHCARE PLATFORM. MANY PUBLIC SYSTEMS ARE BEHIND IN DIGITAL HEALTH OR CLINICAL PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT, AND WE HELP THEM LEAP FORWARD USING AI TOOLS, AUTOMATION, AND PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS.
The Korean Medical Center (KMC) is the region’s gateway to Korean healthcare
Apex Health is also known for its global clinical partnerships. How have these shaped the organization’s culture and capabilities?
Our partnerships are more than just logos on a slide, they’re embedded in how we deliver care. In Qatar alone, we have Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, USA for The View Hospital, ASAN Medical Center in South Korea for our Korean Medical Center, and WMC (a German partner) for the Military Medical City Hospital (Managed by EWS). Each partner brings a unique layer of expertise. Cedars-Sinai supports our advanced clinical programs, offers visiting doctors, and provides second opinions.
ASAN Medical Center, also ranked among the top hospitals globally, supports surgical excellence and training. These relationships also help us attract and retain top medical talent by offering research, academic affiliations, and continuous education, often in
collaboration with institutions like Weill Cornell Qatar, Qatar University, and HEC Paris.
You’ve mentioned innovation frequently. What are the digital health technologies or tools that have fundamentally transformed operations at Apex Health? We’ve made major investments in our digital health infrastructure. That includes a proprietary Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, our own mobile patient app, and a suite of AI-powered tools that support clinical decision-making, patient engagement, and administrative efficiency.
In fact, we’ve launched over 45 AI projects, from ambient listening tools that transcribe and structure clinical conversations into EMRs, to AI-assisted ICU platforms that reduce mortality rates by providing real-time decision support.
We also offer tele-ICU, digital triage
CEDARS-SINAI SUPPORTS OUR ADVANCED CLINICAL PROGRAMS, OFFERS VISITING DOCTORS, AND PROVIDES SECOND OPINIONS.
By Apex Health
systems, and remote patient monitoring solutions that help us scale care without compromising quality.
The View Hospital in Doha has been described as a blend of luxury and clinical excellence. What makes it such a standout facility in the region?
It’s a new benchmark in the region, designed around the concept of hotel-hospital integration. From royal suites to high-end interiors, the patient journey is central to everything. We’ve brought in hospitality training teams from top hotel groups, including some that manage luxury resorts in the Maldives, to instill that service excellence into our healthcare model. But it’s not just about luxury.
Clinically, it’s state-of-the-art: we have the latest Da Vinci robotic system, advanced surgical theaters, and a constantly rotating roster of world-class visiting clinicians.
The facility also benefits immensely from
its direct partnership with Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, which supports medical programs, symposia, second opinions, and staff training.
Are you planning to bring this model to other Apex Health facilities in the future?
Absolutely. Our vision is to adapt and deploy successful elements of each model across the network, whether that’s CedarsSinai’s transplant programs or ASAN’s surgical training. Each partnership enhances our ability to offer high-complexity, high-quality care close to home. We also maintain advisory boards with these partners, helping guide governance and clinical strategy across our facilities.
As we expand into new geographies, we plan to replicate and customize this model based on local needs and capabilities.
With such a fast pace of growth, how do you decide where to expand next?
We don’t have a one-size-fits-all playbook.
CLINICALLY, IT’S STATE-OF-THE-ART: WE HAVE THE LATEST DA VINCI ROBOTIC SYSTEM, ADVANCED SURGICAL THEATERS, AND A CONSTANTLY ROTATING ROSTER OF WORLD-CLASS VISITING CLINICIANS.
We assess each opportunity based on local healthcare needs, regulatory support, and Qatar’s diplomatic relationships.
Many countries approach us with specific needs: some want us to manage hospitals they’ve already built; others want new hospitals designed and operated from scratch. We offer a full-service platform; clinical, operational, digital, and supply chain, so we can be quite flexible. That includes our newly launched distribution network for pharmaceuticals and consumables. In some cases, a government may just want our IT and EMR ecosystem to upgrade their national platforms.
You’ve previously worked with other Companies in Middle East and Africa. What lessons from that experience are now informing your leadership at Apex Health?
By managing care for a very diverse expatriate population taught me the importance of tailoring care pathways to different cultural and clinical expectations.
It also reinforced the value of aligning local recruitment with international standards, something we continue to do at Apex Health. Perhaps most importantly, it showed me how to build trust-based organizations: focus on
doing the right thing, bring in the best talent, be transparent, and engage with communities genuinely, ensuring we become the choice of every patient. Those lessons are very much at the heart of how we operate at Apex Health today.
What is your vision of world-class healthcare in the MENA region? Where is the biggest gap today?
The MENA region is evolving fast, but preventative care is still lagging. We spend a lot of time treating advanced conditions that could have been prevented with better screening and early intervention. So much of our effort is still reactive. I believe digital tools and public-private coordination can dramatically change that.
Over the next few years, I think we’ll see a major shift toward digitally driven, preventative-
SUCCESS ISN’T ABOUT THE NUMBER OF HOSPITALS, IT’S ABOUT IMPACT.
first healthcare that supports population health, not just hospital throughput. Apex Health is well-positioned to lead that change.
And finally, when you look ahead five years from now, what does success look like for Apex Health?
Success isn’t about the number of hospitals, it’s about impact. We want Apex Health to be
seen as the partner of choice for governments and health systems that want to elevate care standards. Whether they’re looking to manage six hospitals or upgrade their national digital health platform, we want them to call Apex Health first. We also want to prove that a private company, based in the Middle East can deliver public value at scale, with excellence. That’s the legacy we’re working to build.
Apex Health has established itself as one of the most respected healthcare providers in the Middle East and North Africa, combining world-class clinical expertise with a refined patient experience and cutting-edge technology. As a proud subsidiary of Estithmar Holding, the group benefits from robust governance, strong investment capacity, and a strategic vision that is shaping the future of healthcare across diverse regions. International memberships and accreditations are at the heart of Apex Health’s promise. The View Hospital, for example, is not only ranked by Newsweek among the world’s leading facilities but is also the first hospital in Qatar to achieve Joint Commission International (JCI) Eighth Edition accreditation, a testament to the group’s dedication to global best practices, patient safety, and measurable quality standards.
At the heart of Apex Health’s vision are its Strategic Pillars, a foundation that ensures resilience, innovation, and trust across every project and partnership:
• Trusted Quality Healthcare: Upholding uncompromising standards of safety, compassion, and clinical quality that place patients at the core of every decision.
• Ethical & Sustainable Resilient Healthcare System:
Embedding long-term sustainability into healthcare delivery by developing resilient systems that serve communities today and for generations to come.
• Leading Facilities with Advanced Medical Technologies: Equipping hospitals with state-of-theart infrastructure, digital solutions, and advanced technologies to redefine standards of care.
• Engaged Medical Expertise: Empowering skilled professionals through continuous training, international exposure, and a culture of excellence that drives outstanding patient outcomes.
• Partnerships with Governments, Universities, and Affiliations: Working hand-in-hand with public institutions, academic centers, and global healthcare leaders to expand capacity and accelerate knowledge transfer.
Through these pillars, Apex Health delivers a comprehensive continuum of care, from preventive screenings and advanced diagnostics to specialized treatments, rehabilitation, and wellness support. This integrated approach ensures smooth care transitions, tailored treatment plans, and the reassurance that every patient receives care guided by international best practices.
AS A PROUD SUBSIDIARY OF ESTITHMAR HOLDING, THE GROUP BENEFITS FROM ROBUST GOVERNANCE, STRONG INVESTMENT CAPACITY, AND A STRATEGIC VISION THAT IS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE ACROSS DIVERSE REGIONS. INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ACCREDITATIONS ARE AT THE HEART OF APEX HEALTH’S PROMISE.PROMISE.
Perched near The Pearl and Lusail, The View Hospital’s contemporary, curvilinear façade integrates LED elements that evoke flowing water, a visual metaphor for serenity, healing, and Qatar’s waterfront identity. Founded on Qatar National Day, December 18, 2022, the hospital embodies a fusion of medical precision and hospitality-focused architecture.
Developed in affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, one of the most esteemed medical centers in Los Angeles, USA, The View Hospital brings global clinical standards, research excellence, and training frameworks to the Gulf. This strategic partnership enhances the hospital’s capacity for clinical integration, protocol alignment, and longterm innovation across Apex Health network.
• 240 inpatient private suites, including VIP, deluxe, and presidential options, catering to comfort and privacy.
• A highly capable critical care infrastructure comprising 10–12 operating rooms and 20–23 ICU beds.
The hospital is equipped with premier medical technology enabling minimally invasive and precision-driven care:
• Da Vinci and Artis pheno robotic systems for surgery.
IN 2025, THE VIEW HOSPITAL ACHIEVED THE DISTINCTION OF BEING THE FIRST PRIVATE HOSPITAL IN QATAR TO EARN JCI’S GOLD SEAL OF APPROVAL® – 8TH EDITION, UNDERSCORING ITS COMMITMENT TO PATIENT SAFETY, DIGITAL INTEGRATION, SUSTAINABILITY, AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT.
• Hybrid operating rooms integrating real-time imaging and interventional capabilities.
• Qatar’s first private nuclear medicine unit, alongside 3T MRI, Open MRI, and advanced CT scanners.
• Robotics in pharmacy and laboratory improve precision and safety in medication dispensing and diagnostic testing.
In 2025, The View Hospital achieved the distinction of being the first private hospital in Qatar to earn JCI’s Gold Seal of Approval® – 8th Edition, underscoring its commitment to patient safety, digital integration, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
It also earned recognition in Newsweek’s 2025 Global Hospital Ratings, affirming its position among the world’s highest-ranking facilities for comprehensive and patientcentered care.
Through its affiliation with Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, The View Hospital continuously
benefits from a visiting physician program that brings world-renowned specialists from Cedars-Sinai Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and from Spain, and Germany. This collaboration ensures that patients in Qatar have direct access to advanced expertise and innovative treatments, without the need to travel abroad.
For the past three years, The View Hospital, in partnership with Cedars-Sinai convenes an international symposium that brings together leading clinicians, innovators, and global healthcare leaders. More than just a scientific event, it reflects The View Hospital’s role in driving medical progress, setting benchmarks for excellence, and positioning Qatar at the forefront of global healthcare innovation.
Aligned with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, The View Hospital is advancing healthcare quality, accessibility, and sustainability. It brings together academic expertise, technology-driven medicine, and a healing environment that reflects what future-focused healthcare should look like.
Opened in June 2024, the Korean Medical Center (KMC) in Lusail is Qatar’s first fully integrated Korean medical institution, established through partnerships with leading institutions including Asan Medical Center, JK Plastic Surgery Center, Seoul AhnKang Hospital, and Limetree Dental Hospital. What makes KMC truly unique is its seamless blend of advanced medical innovation with the wisdom of traditional Korean therapies. From cuttingedge treatments and specialized procedures to acupuncture, cupping, and herbal care, every service is delivered with cultural sensitivity and clinical precision. This distinctive fusion of tradition, technology, and expertise has quickly positioned KMC as a premier healthcare destination in the GCC.
KMC delivers care through four seamless pillars designed around the patient. Under Lifestyle, the focus is on transformation, from advanced aesthetic treatments to full makeovers, all delivered with Korean precision. Mobility ensures patients regain
strength and movement through minimally invasive orthopedic and spine procedures, complemented by innovations like FIMS pain therapy. Longevity brings a proactive approach to health, offering personalized executive health checks while weaving in the wisdom of traditional Korean medicine such as cupping and acupuncture.
And through Primary Care, families find everything from pediatrics, cardiology, and nutrition, importantly, fertility care, with offerings IVF, and comprehensive reproductive support delivered with cultural sensitivity and easy access. Together, these pillars create a truly holistic model of healthcare that feels both advanced and personal.
KMC DELIVERS CARE THROUGH FOUR SEAMLESS PILLARS DESIGNED AROUND THE PATIENT. UNDER LIFESTYLE, THE FOCUS IS ON TRANSFORMATION, FROM ADVANCED AESTHETIC TREATMENTS TO FULL MAKEOVERS, ALL DELIVERED WITH KOREAN PRECISION.
At KMC, innovation isn’t just about technology, it’s about giving patients a chance to live better. As the first center in Qatar to make stem cell therapy widely accessible, helping people with early-stage joint degeneration regain mobility and confidence with minimal recovery time.
KMC Executive Health Screenings takes preventive care to the next level, offering bespoke health programs designed in collaboration with leading South Korean institutions. In a setting that blends clinical precision with the comfort of a luxury experience, patients receive advanced screenings and tailored wellness strategies that put their long-term health first.
And with a fully integrated dental lab onhouse, patients benefit from complete digital workflows and precision design, making it possible to achieve full smile transformations in 24 hours. This seamless approach eliminates delays, delivering world-class results with efficiency and ease.
At KMC, beauty and wellness are approached the Korean way, preventive, precise, and focused on lasting radiance. From advanced treatments like HIFU lifting, PicoSure laser toning, and regenerative skin boosters to time
honored therapies such as ginseng baths and scalp care, every detail is designed to refresh from the inside out. It’s not about quick fixes, but about restoring balance, renewing vitality, and helping patients to feel naturally confident.
At KMC, every patient is guided with care from the moment they arrive. From checkups and diagnostics to advanced treatments and recovery, each step is seamless and personalized. What makes KMC unique is the way modern medicine and traditional Korean therapies work hand in hand, ensuring patients feel supported, understood, and cared for at every stage of their journey.
KMC EXECUTIVE HEALTH SCREENINGS TAKES PREVENTIVE CARE TO THE NEXT LEVEL, OFFERING BESPOKE HEALTH PROGRAMS DESIGNED IN COLLABORATION WITH LEADING SOUTH KOREAN INSTITUTIONS. IN A SETTING THAT BLENDS CLINICAL PRECISION WITH THE COMFORT OF A LUXURY EXPERIENCE, PATIENTS RECEIVE ADVANCED SCREENINGS AND TAILORED WELLNESS STRATEGIES THAT PUT THEIR LONG-TERM HEALTH FIRST.
EWS, a company of Apex Health, managing the Military Medical City Hospital (MMCH), one of Qatar’s most advanced healthcare destinations. Located west of Doha within a medical city campus spanning 77 hectares, the 90,000-square-meter hospital was inaugurated on January 24, 2024, by His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah, marking a milestone in the nation’s medical landscape.
A Grand Vision in Healthcare
MMCH redefines what a hospital can be, an institution that merges health, community, education, and wellness in a single environment. It integrates world-class medical services with a holistic vision of care, setting new standards for patient well-being and clinical excellence.
From Military Roots to National Impact
Dedicated to serve active and retired Qatar’s
Armed Forces, Emiri Guard, Internal Security Forces (Lekhwiya), and Ministry of Interior, and their families. This reflects the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to delivering highquality healthcare aligned with international standards and Qatar’s public health strategy.
At its core, the facility houses a 400-bed hospital, planned to expand from an initial 126-bed general unit into a full-fledged tertiary referral center, serving an estimated 250,000 people. The complex features 10 operating rooms, 36 ICU rooms, 400 patient rooms, a rehabilitation center, and even a helipad for ambulance helicopters.
AT ITS CORE, THE FACILITY HOUSES A 400-BED HOSPITAL, PLANNED TO EXPAND FROM AN INITIAL 126BED GENERAL UNIT INTO A FULL-FLEDGED TERTIARY REFERRAL CENTER, SERVING AN ESTIMATED 250,000 PEOPLE.
FDEDICATED TO SERVE ACTIVE AND RETIRED QATAR’S ARMED FORCES, EMIRI GUARD, INTERNAL SECURITY FORCES (LEKHWIYA), AND MINISTRY OF INTERIOR, AND THEIR FAMILIES.
rom Doha to Iraq, Libya to Algeria, Apex Health is reshaping the healthcare landscape across the MENA region. Its network of world-class facilities operates under a unified philosophy, clinical excellence, relentless innovation, patientfirst service, and sustainable growth, ensuring that care is not just delivered but elevated to global standards.
In Iraq, through strong agreements with the Iraqi government, Apex Health manages two of the country’s leading hospitals, Al Nasiriya Teaching Hospital in Dhi Qar, and Al Imam Al Hassan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital in Karbala, strengthening clinical training, advancing medical education, and expanding specialized services.
Building on this foundation, Apex Health is also establishing and developing Baghdad International Hospital, within AlZaafaraniyah district. Poised to set a new benchmark for private healthcare in Iraq, the hospital will not only expand access to advanced specialties but also strengthen the nation’s clinical capacity, ensuring patients can receive world-class treatment without leaving the country.
In Libya, Apex Health is driving the transformation of Misrata Hospital for Cardiovascular Disease & Surgery, introducing cardiac programs, expanding surgical capacity, and reinforcing training for local medical teams.
In Algeria, the Algerian Qatari German Hospital (HAQA) is set to bring advanced multi-specialty care to Sidi Abdellah, eliminating the need for patients to travel abroad for complex treatments.
Located in Baghdad, Baghdad International Hospital is set to mark a turning point in Iraq’s healthcare landscape. Designed as a 400-bed tertiary facility, it will deliver complex, highacuity medical services that until now forced patients to travel abroad. With 12 operating rooms, 16 ICU beds, 80 outpatient clinics, and a full Emergency Department, the hospital is being built to handle more than 600,000 outpatient visits and 100,000 inpatient admissions every year.
Once complete, the hospital will host comprehensive programs in oncology, openheart surgery, pediatric and neonatal care, organ transplants, neurosurgery, and orthopedic oncology, services that will raise the standard of
care across the country. Patients will no longer need to look beyond Iraq’s borders for advanced treatment, as BIH brings global expertise within reach of local communities.
More than just a facility, BIH represents a strategic investment in Iraq’s future, reducing medical travel, strengthening national clinical capacity, and reinforcing trust in the country’s healthcare system. By anchoring advanced specialties in Baghdad, it will play a vital role in reshaping the nation’s healthcare journey for generations to come.
WITH 12 OPERATING ROOMS, 16 ICU BEDS, 80 OUTPATIENT CLINICS, AND A FULL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, THE HOSPITAL IS BEING BUILT TO HANDLE MORE THAN 600,000 OUTPATIENT VISITS AND 100,000 INPATIENT ADMISSIONS EVERY YEAR.
Located in Dhi Qar, Al Nasiriya Teaching Hospital is a major 600-bed tertiary facility, offering care across 19 specialties, from emergency and surgical services to long-term treatment programs. Now under the operational management of Apex Health, the hospital is benefiting from internationalgrade governance, modern infrastructure, and streamlined clinical pathways.
This transformation is positioning Al Nasiriya
as a powerful nexus for medical education, research, and high-quality patient care in southern Iraq, expanding access to advanced treatment while equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals with the skills to lead Iraq’s health future.
AL NASIRIYA TEACHING HOSPITAL IS A MAJOR 600-BED TERTIARY FACILITY, OFFERING CARE ACROSS 19 SPECIALTIES.
Located in Karbala, Al Imam Al Hassan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital, is a 600bed facility, designed to deliver tertiary healthcare while fostering clinical education. Managed by Apex Health, the facility integrates capacity building with advanced administration and care protocols, strengthening both medical training and patient outcomes.
By combining service delivery with academic excellence, the hospital reinforces Iraq’s longterm clinical capacity, ensuring that healthcare professionals are not only trained to global standards but also able to deliver advanced care directly to the communities they serve.
By Apex Health - Redefining Healthcare
Located in Sidi Abdellah, this hospital is set to be one of Algeria’s most advanced medical destinations, a 300-bed hospital represents a milestone in reducing the country’s reliance on outbound medical travel.
Designed with cutting-edge infrastructure, 10 ICU beds, and 20 emergency bays, the hospital will deliver complex specialties including cardiology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and oncology. Beyond clinical excellence,
BEYOND CLINICAL EXCELLENCE, IT REFLECTS A GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP THAT INVESTS IN ALGERIA’S FUTURE. it reflects a global partnership that invests in Algeria’s future, strengthening the local healthcare workforce and bringing world-class care closer to home.
By Apex Health - The Beating Heart
Located in Misrata, this specialized facility is Libya’s leading center for advanced interventional cardiology, cardiac treatments, and rehabilitation services.
Managed by Apex Health, the center is focused on elevating standards of cardiac care through training of local medical teams and offering procedures previously unavailable within Libya. With its patient-first approach and regional expertise, Misrata center is steadily positioning itself as a national hub for cardiovascular excellence.
As one of the fastest-growing healthcare leaders in the Middle East and North Africa, Apex Health continues to redefine how care is delivered, combining speed of execution with uncompromising quality. With a focus on clinical excellence, technology-driven innovation, and partnerships that empower local healthcare systems, Apex Health is not only expanding access to world-class treatment but also building sustainable models of care that will serve communities for generations to come.
Apex Health is redefining the patient experience through digital innovation. The app enables patients to book and reschedule appointments, access their medical history, results, and records, and take advantage of exclusive healthcare packages and offers. It places healthcare directly in patients’ hands, making services more convenient, transparent, and personalized. The Application is part of Apex Health’s wider digital ecosystem that includes EMR’s, AI-enabled analytics, and clinical performance platforms. Together, these tools allow Apex Health to support governments and communities in modernizing healthcare delivery and bridging digital gaps.
Henry Ford Health Neurosurgery program offers comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including brain tumors, spine disorders, vascular malformations, epilepsy, movement disorders, and traumatic injuries. The team includes US fellowship-trained, US board certified neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, and integrated clinical support staff who work across specialties to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care. Henry Ford Health Neurosurgery is widely recognized for its clinical excellence, innovation, and leadership in neurological surgery. Some key highlights include:
The Henry Ford Health brain tumors program is Internationally recognized for its expertise in the treatment of gliomas, meningiomas, metastatic brain tumors, and skull base tumors, the Henry Ford Neurosurgery program integrates the most advanced surgical and technological approaches available today. These include sophisticated preoperative and intraoperative imaging, functional surgical mapping, Gleolan (5-ALA)
fluorescence-guided resection, Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT), and implantable radiation therapies, all tailored to maximize precision and patient safety.
Henry Ford Health is a national leading spine surgery in the advanced treatment of spinal disorders, offering comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions including trauma, tumors, infections, and spinal deformities. Our spine program combines clinical expertise with the most advanced technology available to deliver highly individualized care. Whether using anterior, lateral, or posterior approaches, we tailor every surgical plan to the unique needs of the patient.
Our surgeons are at the forefront of innovation, performing both minimally invasive and complex reconstructive procedures using state-of-the-art technologies such as roboticassisted surgery, augmented reality (AR) navigation, intraoperative MRI and CT, and laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT). These technologies allow for unparalleled precision, improved outcomes, and faster recovery.
Henry Ford Health is at the forefront of
HENRY FORD HEALTH IS A NATIONAL LEADING SPINE SURGERY IN THE ADVANCED TREATMENT OF SPINAL DISORDERS, OFFERING COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF CONDITIONS INCLUDING TRAUMA, TUMORS, INFECTIONS, AND SPINAL DEFORMITIES. OUR SPINE PROGRAM COMBINES CLINICAL EXPERTISE WITH THE MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE TO DELIVER HIGHLY INDIVIDUALIZED CARE.
spinal surgery innovation, leading the way by using cutting-edge technologies in surgery that enhance precision, safety, and outcomes. Our spine surgeons employ advanced techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery and augmented reality navigation, to ensure the exact placement of hardware during procedures to stabilize fractures, correct deformities, or reconstruct the spine after trauma or tumor removal. These technologies have significantly reduced the risk of hardware misplacement, offering unparalleled surgical accuracy. With intraoperative CT-guided imaging, our surgeons are able to confirm precise hardware placement in real time, before the patient even leaves the operating room, ensuring the highest standards of safety and success.
Our functional and Epilepsy surgery program offers a full spectrum of advanced surgical therapies for movement disorders and epilepsy, including both asleep and awake Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS), Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), and epilepsy surgeries such as temporal lobectomy, laser ablation (LITT), and stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) for drug-resistant seizures. Beginning in October
2025, we will also offer High-Frequency Focused Ultrasound (HIFU, a noninvasive, incisionless treatment option for patients with Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s disease.
Henry Ford Health neurosurgeons are experts in aneurysm clipping/coiling, AVM resection, bypass surgery, and stroke intervention, the team works in close collaboration with fellowship trained and US board-certified endovascular neurologists and neuroradiologists to deliver rapid, coordinated care. Henry Ford Health consistently meets or exceeds national benchmarks for stroke response times, ensuring timely interventions such as thrombectomy and thrombolysis that are critical to minimizing brain damage. Stroke recovery is further supported through the combined efforts of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, opening soon at Henry Ford Hospital, and operating at Henry Macomb hospital and Henry Ford Wyandotte hospital offering world- class, multidisciplinary rehabilitation aimed at maximizing recovery and quality of life.
Henry Ford Health’s neurosurgery program offers advanced expertise in peripheral nerve and pain surgery, providing comprehensive
STROKE RECOVERY IS FURTHER SUPPORTED THROUGH THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF THE SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITYLAB, OPENING SOON AT HENRY FORD HOSPITAL, AND OPERATING AT HENRY MACOMB HOSPITAL AND HENRY FORD WYANDOTTE HOSPITAL OFFERING WORLD- CLASS, MULTIDISCIPLINARY REHABILITATION AIMED AT MAXIMIZING RECOVERY AND QUALITY OF LIFE.
care for patients with complex and often debilitating conditions. This includes the treatment of nerve compression syndromes such as carpal tunnel and tumors, including those associated with neurofibromatosis. The team also specializes in the surgical management of chronic pain, offering procedures such as spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal pain pump implantation. Care is delivered through a multidisciplinary approach in close coordination with neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and pain management, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan aimed at restoring function and improving quality of life.
Henry Ford Health offers a comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary program for the care of patients with Neurofibromatosis (NF, a complex, lifelong condition that requires coordinated expertise across specialties. Whether a patient is diagnosed with NF1, NF2, or Schwannomatosis, the program is designed to address the full spectrum of needs from diagnosis through treatment and long-term management.
(NPH)
Our comprehensive, patient-centered, multidisciplinary team integrates advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise, and coordinated care to optimize outcomes for patients with this often- misdiagnosed condition, one that can mimic neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, ensuring accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
Henry Ford Neurosurgery is heavily involved in research and clinical trials, particularly in:
• Novel brain tumor therapies (immunotherapy, viral vectors, radiosurgery)
• Artificial intelligence and image-guided surgery
• Human connectomics (in partnership with industry and neurotech companies)
• Spine surgery quality improvement
initiatives as an active participant in The Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MSSIC), working to advance best practices and patient outcomes across the region
The program is supported by a dedicated Neurosurgery Research Lab and the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center with robust funding from NIH and industry partners.
Care is coordinated across specialties, including:
• Neurology, neuro-oncology, neuroradiology
• Neuropsychology, radiation oncology, neuropathology
• ENT, genetics, physical medicine & rehabilitation, pain management, and palliative care
This multidisciplinary collaboration ensures that each patient receives a highly customized treatment plan that addresses every aspect of their condition.
Our expert US board certified Neurosurgeons work closely with:
• Neurology
• Neuro-oncology
• Clinical Trials
• NeuroRadiology
• Radiation oncology
• Neurology
• Neuropsychology
• NeuroOphthalmology
• Neuropathology
• Genetics
• Otolaryngology (ENT)
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Pain Management, Palliative & Hospice Care
Henry Ford Health Neurosurgery is a global leader in clinical excellence and innovation, while also serving as a catalyst for meaningful impact within the local community and around the world. Our influence reaches far beyond the operating room, embodying a steadfast
COMMUNITY & GLOBAL IMPACT HENRY FORD HEALTH NEUROSURGERY IS A GLOBAL LEADER IN CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION, WHILE ALSO SERVING AS A CATALYST FOR MEANINGFUL IMPACT WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND AROUND THE WORLD. OUR INFLUENCE REACHES FAR BEYOND THE OPERATING ROOM, EMBODYING A STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING NEUROSURGICAL SCIENCE, ENHANCING PATIENT OUTCOMES, AND PROMOTING HEALTH EQUITY ON A GLOBAL SCALE.
commitment to advancing neurosurgical science, enhancing patient outcomes, and promoting health equity on a global scale. Through robust public outreach initiatives, dedicated mentorship programs, and by welcoming international scholars and faculty, we foster knowledge exchange and cultivate the next generation of neurosurgical leaders worldwide. At Henry Ford Neurosurgery, we have built a patient-centered team dedicated to delivering coordinated,
Dr. Ellen Air is a renowned functional neurosurgeon specializing in deep brain stimulation (DBS), epilepsy surgery, movement disorders, and pain management Recognized for her compassion-driven approach and dedication to improving patient quality of life— especially those affected by Parkinson’s, dystonia, tremor, and epilepsy.
Dr. Ian Lee a leading expert in brain tumor and spinal tumor resections, with advanced expertise in laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for tumors—one of only two centers in the world performing laser treatment for spinal tumors.
multidisciplinary care tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Leveraging our extensive expertise, we are well-equipped to provide comprehensive consultations through both inperson and virtual second opinion services.
Henry Ford Health’s Department of Neurosurgery is led by a distinguished team of physician-leaders who are nationally recognized for their expertise, innovation, and commitment to advancing the field.
Dr. Muwaffak Abdulhak provides strategic oversight across systemwide neurosurgical operations. His world renowned expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery (MAST), complex reconstructive spine procedures addressing trauma, tumors, and spinal deformities.
Dr. Adam M. Robin a neurosurgeon at the Henry Ford Hermelin Brain Tumor Center and co-director of the CNS Metastatic Program, leading advancements in brain metastases care. He played a key role in bringing GammaTile therapy to Henry Ford, offering targeted radiation at the time of tumor removal for patients with recurrent brain tumors.
Dr. Mike Chedid a key figure in community-based neurosurgery at HFH West Bloomfield and beyond, is known for his patient-centered approach and dedication to extending highquality neurosurgical services into community settings. spinal fusion, minimally invasive techniques, treatment for spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, cervical myelopathy, and vertebroplasty
At the system level:
Dr. Tobias Walbert
Harvad School of Public Health graduate leads a dynamic program focused on treating patients with primary brain tumors and Neurofibromatosis. He is an active clinical researcher and a strong advocate for integrating research and clinical care to improve outcomes for patients facing Neurofibromatosis or malignant brain tumors.
In the field of Neuro-Oncology:
Dr. Steven Kalkanis
CEO of the Henry Ford Medical Group, Harvard trained Neurosurgeon and former Chair of Neurosurgery, remains a national thought leader in academic medicine and neurosurgical oncology. Under his leadership, Henry Ford Health has expanded its reach, deepened its research footprint, and solidified its place as a destination for highacuity, multidisciplinary neurological care.
medical services including emergency care. Michigan State University (MSU) and Henry Ford Health share a strong and dynamic partnership that bridges academic excellence with clinical innovation. Through collaborative efforts, the two institutions advance cuttingedge research, medical education, and patient care across a broad spectrum of specialties, including neurology, oncology, and translational medicine. Henry Ford Health serves as a major clinical affiliate for MSU’s College of Human Medicine, providing a rich environment for training future healthcare professionals and conducting clinical trials. This partnership enhances access to state-of-the-art therapies and fosters interdisciplinary research initiatives that aim to improve outcomes for patients across Michigan and beyond. Together, MSU and Henry Ford Health exemplify a commitment to integrating scientific discovery with compassionate care, driving progress in both academic and clinical settings.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY (MSU) AND HENRY FORD HEALTH SHARE A STRONG AND DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP THAT BRIDGES ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE WITH CLINICAL INNOVATION
Together, this leadership team continues to shape the future of neurosurgery and neuro-oncology through a unified vision of innovation, education, and equitable access to world-class care.
Henry Ford Health partnership with MSU and Ability Lab
Henry Ford Health’s Destination Grand is our flagship campus in Detroit, Michigan, anchored by a 20-story tower featuring all-private smart rooms, an expanded emergency department, advanced operating suites, and a leading inpatient rehabilitation partnership with Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, located on an 80-acre wellness-focused campus in West Bloomfield, offers private, nature-view rooms and holistic amenities such as a demonstration kitchen, yoga studio, greenhouse, pet therapy, and comprehensive
Bloodless double-lung transplant, one of Illinois’ first, helps grandmother honor her faith
Teresa Victoria almost didn't make it to the medical appointment that would save her life. Suffering from end-stage pulmonary fibrosis, Victoria was on a flight to Chicago last December when the battery in her portable oxygen concentrator died. While flight attendants provided an emergency oxygen canister, her need was so great that it ran out after 15 minutes.
"That's when I felt I was going to die," said Victoria, 68, a resident of Lakeland, Florida. "I couldn't breathe."
But Victoria made it to a consultation with Pablo Sanchez, MD, surgical director of the University of Chicago Medicine's Lung Transplant Program. She hoped for the seemingly impossible: a double-lung transplant using no transfused blood to align with her religious beliefs.
"I think that she never expected for us to say, ‘Let's see what we can do,’” Sanchez said.
Forty years earlier, Victoria was hospitalized with pneumonia. She later experienced periods of phlegm build-up and coughing. Her doctors in Florida routinely prescribed medications, including an albuterol inhaler, to help.
But it wasn't until 2023 that a doctor in Mexico diagnosed her with stage 2 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis — a condition characterized by scarring of the lung tissue. The scarring damages the lung tissue, including the air sacs and small blood vessels that help bring oxygen into the body.
"Your lungs are not as flexible and elastic," Sanchez said. "Oxygen doesn't transfer well because the lungs start getting harder and harder."
The irreversible scarring of both of Victoria's lungs led her to be hospitalized for breathing issues every few months and to use a portable oxygen concentrator constantly. Most of her days were spent sitting or lying down.
"It was bad," said her husband, Patalla, shaking his head. "Really bad."
With her condition worsening, Victoria was given roughly a year to live. She was approved
for a double-lung transplant in 2024.
Nevertheless, several surgeons in Florida would not operate because of her age, frailty or decision not to receive blood. Victoria is deeply committed to her faith as a Jehovah's Witness, which doesn’t support the use of blood transfusions.
"I was more afraid of blood than the transplant because I didn't want blood," she said.
Sanchez was confident he and his team could help Victoria become one of the first bloodless double-lung transplant recipients in Illinois.
"Everybody else said ‘no’ to Teresa, but we didn't say ‘yes’ because we were crazy," said Sanchez, who approaches every transplant surgery with the goal to lose as little blood as possible — because the less blood lost, the better the outcome.
"We said ‘yes’ because we knew we could help her through all of this."
Bloodless transplant surgeries were developed to treat patients with certain religious beliefs, and UChicago Medicine’s transplant team has adapted these techniques for lung transplants. Rade Tomic, MD, medical director of UChicago Medicine's Lung Transplant Program, said the method produces better outcomes and has a lower risk of graft dysfunction, arrhythmias and stroke.
Nevertheless, few medical centers are able to undertake the procedure when both lungs are being transplanted.
"Nobody in our region is doing it because without the ability to transfuse the patient, it's a technically challenging procedure," Tomic said.
Shortly after her arrival, Victoria was admitted to stabilize her health, build up her iron and hemoglobin levels and gain weight before the operation.
On February 19 — after weeks of nervous anticipation and musings from Patalla that one of the medical helicopters they could see
Pablo G. Sanchez, MD, PhD
Lowell T. Coggeshall Professor of Surgery Surgical Director, Lung Transplant Program
As a renowned lung transplant surgeon, Dr. Sanchez provides compassionate, carecentered treatment to patients with endstage lung disease.
landing from his wife's hospital room might be carrying her donor's gift — Sanchez began the operation to replace Victoria's diseased lungs.
He began by opening Victoria's chest and connecting her heart to an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system to temporarily replace the work being done by her lungs. He first removed the left lung and ensured there was minimal blood loss.
"We paid a lot of attention because we did not want this patient to bleed in the ICU later," Sanchez said.
After carefully connecting the new lung's pulmonary arteries and veins to Victoria's existing blood vessels, Sanchez allowed blood to flow into the lung and made sure it would ventilate before repeating the same procedures with the right lung. After 10 hours of work, the transplant was complete. Sanchez asked Victoria to open her eyes.
"I opened my eyes and smiled," Victoria said. "I was so happy."
With her breathing improving by the day, Victoria no longer needs a portable oxygen concentrator. She still has frequent checkups in order for doctors to fine-tune her medications and monitor her health, but the couple is renting an apartment in Chicago for one year so that she can easily attend her rehabilitation appointments. Other than being readmitted once to the hospital due to being weak after a planned scope of her lungs, Victoria continues to make progress.
Patalla keeps a pill organizer the size of an iPad to store the dozens of pills his wife takes every day. Victoria is looking forward to those pills being reduced over time — and she's excited about an upcoming visit from her son and grandchildren.
"Before the transplant I couldn't do anything anymore, and now I can do life's daily activities," she said. "It was worth it."
Rade Tomic, MD, is a nationally recognized pulmonologist who specializes in complex lung conditions, including end-stage lung disease and interstitial lung disease (ILD).
The expansion of medical practices and the significant evolution of the healthcare sector have demonstrated that environmental factors impact healthcare, just as healthcare influences the environment. Experts agree that any effort to achieve environmental sustainability in the healthcare sector must begin here. Developing an advanced hospital model is key to enabling healthcare centers to transition into environmentally friendly institutions.
Another important observation is that healthcare was often overlooked in discussions on reducing environmental impact. However, over time, it has become increasingly clear that healthcare is the most critical field in which we can work to achieve greater sustainability. This realization has led to the emergence of a new concept in sustainable medical practice: green hospitals. This shift toward a more environmentally friendly healthcare system is no longer a luxury or a modern aesthetic; it is a necessity. When we examine the core of medical practice and its impact beyond hospital walls, including social, operational, and financial dimensions, it becomes undeniably clear that adopting eco-friendly practices lies at the heart of healthcare operations. The primary goal is human health, which begins with the surrounding community, the environment, and daily lifestyle. Preventing illness before it starts with preserving the environment.
As Janvi Solanki, Vice President of Clinical Programs at Humber River Health in Toronto, Canada, puts it: “Sustainability is not just a goal, it’s a responsibility.” She adds, “Every decision, from patient care to operations, must consider its environmental impact.”
The concept of a green hospital is crucial for promoting sustainable development in the healthcare sector. The goal is to minimize the environmental impact of hospitalization while enhancing the health and well-being of both
patients and staff. This objective is being actively pursued and is included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The healthcare sector, designed to protect health, ironically contributes to environmental pollution that harms it. This highlights the critical need for healthcare institutions to embrace ecofriendly practices. Sustainability is now a global priority focused on efficient resource use and widespread social recognition.
Key elements in achieving green hospital certification include integrating renewable energy sources, adopting innovative practices, utilizing smart building systems, and striking a balance between the benefits and challenges of implementation. Environmental sustainability criteria assess how hospitals minimize resource consumption and carbon footprint while maintaining high-quality patient care and staff satisfaction. Around the world, more healthcare centers are pursuing environmental certifications, redesigning their operations, creating green operating rooms, and reducing waste. But this transformation requires significant effort and planning. Hospitals face unique challenges due to their continuous operation; unlike offices or factories, they can’t “shut down,” making energy demands constant, even at night.
The Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH) agenda seeks to replace harmful chemicals, improve waste management, enhance energy efficiency, reduce water consumption, and design greener facilities. These actions have direct effects, such as reducing tons of CO₂ emissions. The philosophy behind it: “The health of people and the planet are inseparable.”
A green hospital prioritizes three key elements: environmental protection, agility, and digitization. This approach ensures sustainability in all operations, including waste reduction and efficient infrastructure.
For example, one hospital uses ORCA food waste digesters to turn organic waste into liquid, cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Its kitchen staff prepares 80% of meals fresh onsite, vacuum-seals leftovers, and favors reusable items. As hospitals recognize their environmental impact, global networks are emerging to reform healthcare practices and promote proper medical waste disposal, while facilities upgrade to meet green standards. Operational needs often create chances for green enhancements.
Successful examples of eco-friendly hospitals include the installation of photovoltaic panels, which save up to 25% of energy use. In the future, these systems could also power electric vehicle (EV) chargers or fully meet the hospital’s energy needs. Transitioning to energy-efficient systems is critical. Technologies such as LED lighting, smart building systems, and renewable energy sources can significantly reduce a hospital’s carbon emissions, with some reductions reaching up to 60%.
Key strategies include upgrading infrastructure, enhancing energy efficiency, and integrating renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ensuring that healthcare systems like heating, cooling, lighting, and water operate efficiently is vital for a healing environment. Waste management, a newer research area in healthcare, is also important because hospitals generate significant waste, especially from operating rooms. Effective sorting, recycling, and innovative techniques can mitigate medical waste and environmental impact. Sustainable purchasing of eco-friendly medical supplies and food can further lower the ecological footprint. Even choosing the right window glass is essential for optimizing energy use and temperature control.
Healthcare buildings (HBs) operate continuously and are crucial for society. Regular assessment of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is vital for patient recovery, involving air quality monitoring and advanced filtration to reduce airborne pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints and furnishings. Additionally, green building design,
which includes natural lighting and sustainable materials, enhances energy efficiency and fosters healing environments.
In the UK, the NHS is working to reduce the environmental impact of inhalers, which significantly contribute to their carbon footprint. By switching from pressurized metered-dose inhalers to dry powder inhalers, they aim to cut carbon emissions by 58 kilotons annually.
Hospitals around the world are adopting similar innovative practices to go green, without compromising patient care. As awareness of climate change grows, the shift toward green hospitals is expected to accelerate.
The healthcare sector faces the challenge of balancing its life-saving mission with its environmental impact. As the saying goes, hospitals must heal both people and the planet.
Climate change threatens public health, making healthcare institutions crucial for environmental stewardship. Green hospitals reduce ecological impact and promote sustainability in their communities. Sustainable healthcare buildings minimize natural resource use, support public health, and reduce pollution while boosting occupant health and well-being
Smart healthcare buildings now use advanced technology and building management systems to improve patient care, operational efficiency, and building performance.
The benefits of green hospitals go beyond environmental protection. Studies have shown that they can improve patient outcomes, reduce operational costs, and increase staff satisfaction.
Green hospitals focus on sustainability in healthcare. They use eco-friendly design strategies in new and renovated projects, aiming to reduce their environmental impact while providing quality care. This shift signifies a new approach to healthcare delivery, establishing sustainable practices as essential for responsible healthcare leadership. Green hospitals exemplify sustainable development, showing that environmental responsibility aligns with healthcare excellence. By focusing on design, resource efficiency, and community well-being, they prove we can protect the planet while providing high-quality care.
Cedars-Sinai has been named to the Honor Roll for the 10th consecutive year and tied for No. 1 in California and Los Angeles in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals 2025-26” rankings.
But the Cedars-Sinai story goes far beyond the numbers. It’s a story of impact across continents, of patients finding answers, and of a health system that meets people where they are - from Los Angeles to Mexico, Singapore to London, and beyond.
Every year, thousands of patients from over 100 countries choose Cedars-Sinai for care they can’t find somewhere else. From complex surgeries to rare diagnoses and second opinions, the Cedars-Sinai International team ensures a seamless journey for international patientsbefore, during, and after care.
“Many of our international patients are facing urgent or rare medical conditions,” says Dr. Heitham Hassoun, Chief Executive of CedarsSinai International. “We provide them with timely
access to world-renowned experts and a level of personalized support that helps them feel safe and cared for throughout their journey.”
Located in Beverly Hills, Cedars-Sinai offers international patients access not only to trusted medical care but also to world-class comfort, cultural understanding, and convenience. Multilingual care teams and interpreters ensure clear communication at every stage, while dedicated support is available as they navigate their journey to Los Angeles. Spiritual and dietary needs are thoughtfully accommodated, and private concierge services offer personalized assistance throughout the stay. Patients and families can also relax and recharge in the Cedars-Sinai International Lounge - a dedicated space designed for comfort, privacy, and peace of mind.
Among the many lives touched by this level of care is Suhail, a young patient from the Gulf
CEDARS-SINAI HAD 11 SPECIALTIES IN THE U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT HOSPITAL RANKINGS. THE SPECIALTY RANKINGS MEAN CEDARS-SINAI IS AMONG THE TOP 50 HOSPITALS IN THE U.S. IN THESE SPECIFIC CLINICAL AREAS.
region who arrived at Cedars-Sinai facing lifethreatening conditions. After receiving both a heart and kidney transplant, Suhail recovered with remarkable strength. “I didn’t expect to have Suhail back and even better than he was,” said his mother, Fatima Hussain. “Thanks to the hospital and doctors for giving Suhail a second chance at life.”
The Smidt Heart Institute leads the world in adult heart transplants, and the Samuel Oschin Cancer Center offers over 60 cancer-specific programs and access to clinical trials not widely available elsewhere. In addition, Cedars-Sinai had 11 specialties in the U.S. News & World Report hospital rankings. The specialty rankings mean Cedars-Sinai is among the top 50 hospitals in the U.S. in these specific clinical areas.
Three Cedars-Sinai specialties were ranked in the top five in the U.S.:
• Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
• Orthopedics
• Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
Six specialties were ranked in the top 10 in the U.S. In addition to the three above, the list includes:
• Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery
• Diabetes & Endocrinology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
Three specialties also were No. 1 in California (highest U.S. News ranking in the region):
• Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery
• Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
• Orthopedics
“At Cedars-Sinai, we are fortunate to have passionate, talented healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to meet the needs of our patients and our communities, locally and globally,” said Peter L. Slavin, MD, President and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Health System and the David and Meredith Kaplan Presidential Chair. “Their dedication is the reason our clinical programs are ranked among the top in the U.S.”
From Arab Health in Dubai to medical education sessions in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Cape Town, Mexico, Georgia, and beyond, Cedars-Sinai continues to expand its global footprint - sharing worldclass expertise through clinics, offices, and strategic collaborations around the world. Our presence now includes offices in Mexico, Ecuador, Singapore, and China. We also recently opened our initial clinic in London, with another clinic location in London due to open in 2026. This growing international network brings our trusted care model closer to patients and partners worldwide - wherever they are.
“Our network continues to grow, but our focus never changes - the patient is always at the center,” says Dr. Hassoun. “Wherever you are in the world, Cedars-Sinai is here for you.”
EVERY YEAR, THOUSANDS OF PATIENTS FROM OVER 100 COUNTRIES CHOOSE CEDARSSINAI FOR CARE THEY CAN’T FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE. FROM COMPLEX SURGERIES TO RARE DIAGNOSES AND SECOND OPINIONS, THE CEDARS-SINAI INTERNATIONAL TEAM ENSURES A SEAMLESS JOURNEY FOR INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS - BEFORE, DURING, & AFTER CARE.
Walid Honeineh,
Medicine is undergoing a significant paradigm shift towards prevention and early detection today. In this context, "Hospitals" magazine interviewed Dr. Walid Honeineh, General Practitioner at Clemenceau Medical Center in Beirut, to highlight one of the center's prominent initiatives: the Premier Executive Health Check. The discussion explored the program's structure, clarified how it transcends conventional medical examinations, and underscored its crucial contribution to elevating community health awareness.
What is the Premier Executive Health Check program offered by CMC Beirut for early detection of silent diseases, designed to fit the demanding schedules of busy professionals?
Clemenceau Medical Center in Beirut proudly offers Premier Executive Health Check for the Early Detection of Silent Diseases, reflecting the principle that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
The program includes a wide range of precise tests designed for the early detection of health problems.
For women, the program includes mammography and ultrasound for any woman aged 40 and above, along with a cervical smear (Pap test) to prevent abnormal cells or tumor development. The program also features a comprehensive eye and retina examination, intraocular pressure measurement, and an audiogram (hearing test).
For men, the program includes an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound to check prostate size and its impact on the bladder. If the patient is young and there are no specific concerns, some tests may be adjusted or removed from the program to suit the individual case. Additionally, colonoscopy from the age of 45 for both sexes is of utmost importance for detecting any polyps or masses in the colon that could develop into a tumor if left untreated.
• Laboratory studies for a complete blood count, urinalysis, and evaluation of blood chemistries, kidney function, fasting blood sugar, liver function tests, and thyroid function tests.
• Lipid evaluation was obtained through a thorough assessment of cholesterol levels.
• Hemoglobin A1C (blood sugar storage test) and urine microalbumin (for diabetes mellitus).
CLEMENCEAU
MEDICAL CENTER’S PREMIER EXECUTIVE HEALTH CHECK SURPASSES TRADITIONAL ROUTINE EVALUATIONS IN SCOPE AND DEPTH. WHEREAS STANDARD CHECKUPS TYPICALLY TARGET A SINGLE ORGAN SYSTEM OR FOCUS, SUCH AS BASIC BLOOD TESTS OR A GENERAL PHYSICAL EXAM, THE COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM ADOPTS A MULTISYSTEM, INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH.
• Cancer screening: Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and CA-125 (for tumor detection in women).
• Prostate-Specific Antigen: to detect prostate cancer or prostate enlargement in men over the age of 40.
Cardiac Evaluation
• Cardiac Echocardiogram, evaluating the valves, heart muscle, and major vessels (Aorta and Pulmonary arteries).
• Cardiac stress test to screen for unrecognized coronary artery diseases, hypertension, and abnormal heart rhythm, as well as to evaluate how your heart responds to physical activity.
• Ultra-fast CT scan Revolution Apex for evaluation of coronary heart disease.
Carotid Ultrasound
Screening of the carotid arteries of the neck for atherosclerosis and risk of stroke.
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT )
To evaluate how well your lungs work. The tests can diagnose lung diseases and measure the severity of lung problems.
Colonoscopy
A fiber-optic evaluation of the entire colon to identify if there are polyps, cancer or other abnormalities.
Total Body CT Scan
A new diagnostic technique that uses computed tomography to help identify potential problems and diseases before symptoms even appear. The scan examines six major areas of the body: the heart and major blood vessels. Lungs, abdomen, pelvis and brain. The scan includes:
• Bone densitometry (dexa scan): For both men and women to determine the presence of bone loss (osteoporosis/osteopenia).
• Nutritional counseling: Taking into account your overall assessment, medical history and personal goals, the dietician provides nutritional counseling, answers and questions about sports, nutrition and dietary supplements; also provides guidelines for healthy eating when dining out and traveling.
• Eye exam: A vision screening test and check for increased eye pressure that could lead to glaucoma, and an evaluation for cataracts.
• Audiogram: To evaluate your hearing and provide recommendations as needed for hearing amplification and preservation. For example, screening for HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) can reveal diabetes or prediabetes before symptoms occur. Lipid profile tests similarly identify harmful cholesterol levels long before arterial damage begins. This early insight enables timely intervention and effective prevention.
The core strength of the program lies in its ability to detect health risks at their earliest stages, significantly boosting the chances of successful treatment and helping individuals maintain long-term health and well-being.
Our program offers tailored healthcare solutions that take into account each individual’s age, gender, medical history, and presenting symptoms. This personalized approach ensures that every aspect of the patient’s health is carefully considered, allowing for a highly targeted and effective evaluation.
Patients will enjoy premium accommodations, being admitted to a first-class room designed for comfort and privacy. Throughout their stay, they will be continuously accompanied by an
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PREMIER EXECUTIVE HEALTH CHECK WAS ESTABLISHED MORE THAN 20 YEARS AGO AND HAS SINCE EVOLVED TO BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE CENTER'S SERVICES. THIS EXAMINATION IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE NOT ONLY TO THE PATIENT BUT ALSO TO THEIR SURROUNDINGS. IT ENCOURAGES THE EARLY DETECTION OF ANY SILENT DISEASES THAT MAY NEGATIVELY AFFECT THE PATIENT'S LIFE. THIS EARLY DETECTION PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN MAINTAINING AN INDIVIDUAL'S HEALTH AND ENABLING THEM TO LIVE A NORMAL AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE.
executive nurse, ensuring attentive care and assistance at all times. A dedicated physician will oversee the patient’s case from start to finish, providing expert supervision. Upon completion of the program, patients will receive a comprehensive summary report detailing all findings, along with clear recommendations from the attending physician to guide their ongoing health management.
How does this program differ from routine checkups?
Clemenceau Medical Center’s Premier Executive Health Check surpasses traditional routine evaluations in scope and depth. Whereas standard checkups typically target a single organ system or focus, such as basic blood tests or a general physical exam, the comprehensive program adopts a multisystem, integrated diagnostic approach.
Key advanced components include:
• Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) to assess myocardial function and valvular integrity.
• Exercise stress testing (treadmill ECG) to evaluate myocardial perfusion and detect potential coronary artery stenosis or occlusion.
• Pulmonary function stress testing (spirometry/VO₂ max) is aimed at diagnosing respiratory disorders, especially in smokers.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scanning for early detection of thoracic and abdominal lesions, granulomatous conditions (e.g., tuberculosis), neoplasms, or other structural abnormalities.
While routine exams remain essential and are strongly encouraged, this comprehensive medical screening program offers far greater diagnostic breadth, enabling the proactive detection of health issues at earlier stages and facilitating more effective preventative measures for long-term well-being.
How does this program contribute to raising health awareness in the community?
Established more than 20 years ago, this health program has a long-standing tradition of excellence and continuous improvement. It is regularly reviewed and updated to incorporate the latest medical advancements and best practices, ensuring that patients benefit from state-of-the-art preventive care and diagnostic services. It encourages the early detection of any silent diseases that may negatively affect the patient's life. This early detection plays a vital role in maintaining an individual's health and enabling them to live a normal and productive life. Moreover, the impact of Premier Executive Health Check is not limited to individual health; it extends to promoting community health awareness as a whole. By providing these comprehensive examinations, the center contributes to spreading a culture of prevention and highlighting the importance of early detection of silent diseases, which may not show symptoms until advanced stages.
This, in turn, encourages individuals to take greater responsibility for their health, reduces misconceptions about illness, and prompts them to adopt better health behaviors and preventive lifestyles. Consequently, the proliferation of such programs contributes to building a healthier and more aware society, where the focus is on maintaining wellness before reaching the stage of complex and costly treatment.
What are the most prominent silent diseases this program focuses on? And why is early detection important before symptoms appear?
Specifically, the comprehensive screening program focuses on two vital aspects, in addition to other silent diseases.
First, we pay special attention to diabetes screening due to its significant impact on the body's arteries and nerves, including the coronary arteries. It increases the risk of blood clots and atherosclerosis, in addition to its potential effects on nerves in the feet and the body as a whole.
Second, the examinations aim to evaluate tumor markers. These tests give us an initial idea of whether a patient is susceptible to developing any type of malignant tumor or if there is any anomaly that could lead to tumor formation.
THE PROGRAM INCLUDES A WIDE RANGE OF PRECISE TESTS DESIGNED FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF HEALTH PROBLEMS. THIS ENCOMPASSES COMPREHENSIVE BLOOD TESTS TO ASSESS KIDNEY AND LIVER FUNCTION, CHOLESTEROL LEVELS, THYROID FUNCTION, AND TUMOR MARKERS. A URINE TEST IS ALSO CONDUCTED TO DETECT PROTEIN EXCRETION THAT MAY INDICATE THE HEALTH AND FUNCTION OF THE RENAL ARTERIES.
This focus allows us to intervene early and take the necessary preventive measures.
This program is available to everyone, but we especially recommend it for businessmen and women who are short on time and find it difficult to visit multiple doctors at different appointments. The program typically starts at 9 AM and finishes by 4 PM. If needed, a colonoscopy can be added on the following day to check for any polyps or growths in the intestines.
instructions regarding dosage and timing. This ensures these silent diseases are treated effectively before any symptoms appear, achieving the highest degree of prevention.
You can book an appointment through the hospital's International Office one to two days prior to your desired date. They'll explain the program details, provide necessary instructions, and clarify how your case will
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THE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS ITS EFFECTIVENESS IN THE EARLY DETECTION OF SILENT DISEASES, ESPECIALLY DIABETES, HIGH CHOLESTEROL, AND TUMORS. THE GOAL ISN'T JUST DETECTION; IT ALSO EXTENDS TO ENCOURAGING PATIENTS TO ADHERE CORRECTLY TO THEIR MEDICATION. GIVEN THE VAST AMOUNT OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE AND THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA TODAY, PATIENTS MAY QUESTION THE SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICATIONS. THEREFORE, WE EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF STRICTLY FOLLOWING THE DOCTOR'S INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING DOSAGE AND TIMING. THIS ENSURES THESE SILENT DISEASES ARE TREATED EFFECTIVELY BEFORE ANY SYMPTOMS APPEAR, ACHIEVING THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF PREVENTION.
Gene therapy restores immune function and extends the lives of children with a rare immune disorder
9children born with severe LAD-l are symptom-free two years after treatment.
An investigational gene therapy has successfully restored immune function in nine children with the rare and life-threatening immune disorder severe leukocyte adhesion deficiency-I, or LAD-I, in an international clinical trial co-led by UCLA Health.
LAD-I is a rare genetic disorder affecting about one in 1 million people. It’s caused by mutations in the gene that makes CD18, a protein that helps white blood cells reach infection sites. Without CD18, patients — usually diagnosed in infancy — face recurrent, lifethreatening infections and rarely survive past childhood without treatment.
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, senior author Dr. Donald Kohn reports two-year outcomes for nine patients age 5 months to 9 years who received the therapy across three sites: UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London, and the Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús in Madrid. Dr. Claire Booth and Dr. Julian Sevilla, leaders of the London and Madrid trial sites, are colead authors. All responded well and are now symptom-free. Skin lesions and inflamed gums have resolved, and their immune systems function normally.
“These children are no longer defined by their diagnosis,” said Dr. Kohn, a professor
LAD-I IS A RARE GENETIC DISORDER AFFECTING ABOUT ONE IN 1 MILLION PEOPLE. IT’S CAUSED BY MUTATIONS IN THE GENE THAT MAKES CD18, A PROTEIN THAT HELPS WHITE BLOOD CELLS REACH INFECTION SITES.
of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics and member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA. “Seeing them healthy is a testament to how consistently beneficial this therapy is.”
Currently, the only available treatment for LAD-I is a bone marrow transplant from a matched stem cell donor. But even with a match, transplants carry risks, including graft-versushost disease, a condition in which donor cells attack the recipient’s body.
Developed by Rocket Pharmaceuticals Inc., the therapy genetically corrects patients’ own blood stem cells, avoiding many transplant risks. Stem cells are collected, modified with a lentiviral vector carrying a working CD18 gene, then infused back into the patient, enabling the body to produce healthy immune cells capable of fighting infections.
Dr. Kohn and colleagues report that all patients reached adequate CD18 protein levels, had normalized white blood cell counts, and saw fewer severe infections needing hospitalization. No severe therapy-related side effects, graft failures, or immune reactions occurred.
Six of the nine patients are now enrolled in a long-term follow-up study at UCLA Health, where they will be monitored for 15 years to assess the therapy’s durability and safety.
The findings highlight gene therapy’s potential to deliver “durable, life-changing benefits” for people with rare genetic disorders, said Dr. Kohn, who is also a professor of pediatrics and of molecular and medical pharmacology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
The gene therapy is under review by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration. If approved, it could expand access to more children who need it.
“This therapy presents a new path in treating these rare immune conditions and reducing risks for patients,” said Dr. Booth, a consultant in pediatric immunology and gene therapy at GOSH. “It’s a momentous breakthrough for families facing this devastating disease.''
Three of the patients treated at UCLA Health — Ava, 9; Olivia, 7; and Landon, 5 — are siblings. All were born with severe LAD-I. In their early years, the family faced constant infections, emergency department visits, and medical uncertainty.
“It felt like we were fighting an uphill battle every day,” said their mother, Alicia. “Every fever, every rash, was terrifying.”
In 2020, the family enrolled in the UCLA Health trial and moved from Ohio to Los Angeles. “The risks were minimal compared to the potential reward,” said their father, Jon. “We knew we had to take this chance.”
Today, the children live vibrant lives. They attend school, play outside, and recover from everyday cuts and scrapes without issue. Their immune systems are strong.
The days of constant doctor visits and prolonged hospital stays are behind them. The siblings share memories of their journey, and their story now represents resilience and hope. “They’ve been through so much together, and it’s made them stronger,” said Alicia.
The license for this investigational lentiviral gene therapy is held by Rocket Pharmaceuticals Inc., with research support from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The therapy is not yet approved for clinical use by any regulatory agency.
For more information, please visit https://www.uclahealth.org/international-services/ or call +1 310-794-8759
DEVELOPED BY ROCKET PHARMACEUTICALS INC., THE THERAPY GENETICALLY CORRECTS PATIENTS’ OWN BLOOD STEM CELLS, AVOIDING MANY TRANSPLANT RISKS. STEM CELLS ARE COLLECTED, MODIFIED WITH A LENTIVIRAL VECTOR CARRYING A WORKING CD18 GENE, THEN INFUSED BACK INTO THE PATIENT, ENABLING THE BODY TO PRODUCE HEALTHY IMMUNE CELLS CAPABLE OF FIGHTING INFECTIONS.
Asurgeon at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center successfully performed a fully robotic heart transplant on an adult patient – the first reported in the United States.
Using a surgical robot, lead surgeon Dr. Kenneth Liao and his team made small, precise incisions, eliminating the need to open the chest and break the breast bone. Liao removed the diseased heart, and the new heart was implanted through preperitoneal space, avoiding chest incision.
"Opening the chest and spreading the breastbone can affect wound healing and
delay rehabilitation and prolong the patient's recovery, especially in heart transplant patients who take immunosuppressants," said Dr. Kenneth Liao, Professor and Chief of Cardiothoracic Transplantation and Circulatory Support at Baylor College of Medicine and chief of cardiothoracic transplantation and mechanical circulatory support at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. "With the robotic approach, we preserve the integrity of the chest wall, which reduces the risk of infection and helps with early mobility, respiratory function and overall recovery."
USING A SURGICAL ROBOT, LEAD SURGEON DR. KENNETH LIAO AND HIS TEAM MADE SMALL, PRECISE INCISIONS, ELIMINATING THE NEED TO OPEN THE CHEST AND BREAK THE BREAST BONE.
In addition to less surgical trauma, the clinical benefits of robotic heart transplant surgery include avoiding excessive bleeding from cutting the bone and reducing the need for blood transfusions, which minimizes the risk of developing antibodies against the transplanted heart. Before the transplant surgery, the 45-year-old patient had been hospitalized with advanced heart failure since November 2024 and required multiple mechanical devices to support his heart function. He received a heart transplant in early March 2025 and after heart transplant surgery, he spent a month in the hospital before being discharged home, without complications.
“Becoming the home of this medical breakthrough in robotic heart transplantation further establishes Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center as a worldwide health care leader,” said Dr. Bradley T. Lembcke, Hospital President. “This pinnacle in heart transplantation brings great pride to our hospital and adds to its legacy of medical
achievements and caring for the most complex health conditions that only advanced health care systems can treat successfully.”
"This transplant shows what is possible when innovation and surgical experience come together to improve patient care. Our goal is to offer patients the safest, most effective and least invasive procedures, and robotic technology allows us to do that in extraordinary ways," said Liao.
"This robotic heart transplantation represents a remarkable, giant step forward in making even the most complex surgery safer and we are delighted to offer this great success to the world," said Dr. Todd Rosengart, Chair of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor.
IN ADDITION TO LESS SURGICAL TRAUMA, THE CLINICAL BENEFITS OF ROBOTIC HEART TRANSPLANT SURGERY INCLUDE AVOIDING EXCESSIVE BLEEDING FROM CUTTING THE BONE AND REDUCING THE NEED FOR BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS, WHICH MINIMIZES THE RISK OF DEVELOPING ANTIBODIES AGAINST THE TRANSPLANTED HEART.
Hospitals Magazine had the opportunity to speak with Matthias Hirsch, Vice President of Statista Healthcare, about the official launch of ‘Statista Healthcare’, a new business unit dedicated to advancing quality assessment, benchmarking, and data-driven insights in the healthcare sector. Building on Statista’s global reputation for reliable data and analytics, Statista Healthcare aims to empower hospitals, health systems, and policymakers with tools to measure, compare, and improve performance. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Hirsch shares the vision behind this initiative, its potential to shape global healthcare standards, and the specific opportunities it presents for emerging markets, including the Middle East.
What motivated the launch of the new business unit Statista Healthcare, and how does it fit into Statista’s overarching mission?
Statista draws on many years of expertise in evaluating healthcare providers. Renowned
worldwide for our data analysis and communication capabilities, we have become a trusted authority in the field, exemplified by our collaboration with Newsweek on the prestigious “World’s Best Hospitals” ranking.
Building on this strong foundation, felt that now is the right time to take the next step: creating a dedicated division ‘Statista Healthcare’. This new business unit empowers providers and institutions to measure, benchmark and sustainably improve their quality through targeted strategies. With unmatched analytical precision and deep sector knowledge, this division strengthens Statista’s overarching mission – to empower with sound and actionable data.
You’re combining health-specific quality assessment with Statista’s data and analytics expertise. What kind of impact do you envision this synergy will have on the global healthcare sector?
Statista Healthcare unlocks entirely new
STATISTA DRAWS ON MANY YEARS OF EXPERTISE IN EVALUATING HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. RENOWNED WORLDWIDE FOR OUR DATA ANALYSIS AND COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES, WE HAVE BECOME A TRUSTED AUTHORITY IN THE FIELD, EXEMPLIFIED BY OUR COLLABORATION WITH NEWSWEEK ON THE PRESTIGIOUS “WORLD’S BEST HOSPITALS” RANKING.
possibilities: For the first time, quality information from one of the world’s most complex and important industries becomes truly comparable on an international scale. By fostering global transparency and exchange among stakeholders, this initiative has the potential to reshape healthcare, creating an environment that continuously drives quality improvements and, ultimately, delivers better care for patients worldwide.
What makes your approach to quality development and benchmarking stand out from other existing initiatives in the healthcare industry?
Statista Healthcare builds on a unique expertise derived from its established Global Hospital Rating and rankings of healthcare providers worldwide. This foundation enables us to deliver highly specialized, in-depth insights for hospitals, clinics and medical facilities. Beyond data, we offer tailored services that directly address the core priorities of healthcare institutions. Through our ‘Custom Quality Development Program’, we support providers in advancing their performance in line with their specific strategic and clinical objectives. This includes comprehensive benchmarking projects, the development of relevant quality indicators and targeted analyses – all designed to drive sustainable quality improvements. Our approach is grounded in global standards and continuously aligned with the latest advancements in the healthcare sector.
In your view, what are some of the biggest blind spots healthcare providers face when trying to assess their own performance and how can Statista Healthcare close those gaps?
One common challenge is ensuring that the chosen KPIs truly capture all strategically relevant aspects of quality in a balanced way – from clinical outcomes and patient experience to operational efficiency and innovation. Equally important is structuring these indicators so that they provide actionable insights for leadership, enabling genuinely data-driven decision-making. In many cases,
data processes themselves present a barrier: KPIs may not be consistently validated, complete, up-to-date, or defined in a way that allows meaningful comparison. Finally, external reference points are often missing, making it difficult to put performance into context. Statista Healthcare supports providers and decision-makers across all these points – from designing an optimal KPI set that is relevant to management and establishing robust data processes, to integrating relevant external benchmarks that create transparency and drive targeted improvement.
One concrete example is your collaboration with the ANHP in Mexico. Can you walk us through the project and its key objectives?
Our collaboration with the ANHP (Asociación Nacional de Hospitales Privados) in Mexico exemplifies Statista Healthcare’s mission: Enabling providers through transparency, benchmarking and data-driven quality development. The goal was to create a comprehensive, objective, and comparative assessment of hospital quality across ANHP’s diverse member hospitals, purely for internal transparency and improvement.
Together with ANHP’s leadership and a multidisciplinary expert circle, we co-developed a customized benchmarking framework with over 100 medical quality indicators across five strategic dimensions, ranging from patient safety and clinical outcomes to digital health, infrastructure, patient experience and staff qualifications. Indicator weighting followed a hybrid approach, combining expert input and data analytics to ensure relevance, fairness, and alignment with ANHP’s strategic priorities.
The result: Tailored, actionable insights for each hospital and the association overall, highlighting both performance and peer comparison, including international benchmarks.
All data remained anonymized, and results were communicated with a focus on constructive feedback to support continuous improvement. The initiative represents a key milestone for evidence-based, transparent healthcare management in the region.
STATISTA HEALTHCARE BUILDS ON A UNIQUE EXPERTISE DERIVED FROM ITS ESTABLISHED GLOBAL HOSPITAL RATING AND RANKINGS OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS WORLDWIDE. THIS FOUNDATION ENABLES US TO DELIVER HIGHLY SPECIALIZED, INDEPTH INSIGHTS FOR HOSPITALS, CLINICS AND MEDICAL FACILITIES. BEYOND DATA, WE OFFER TAILORED SERVICES THAT DIRECTLY ADDRESS THE CORE PRIORITIES OF HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS. THROUGH OUR ‘CUSTOM QUALITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM’, WE SUPPORT PROVIDERS IN ADVANCING THEIR PERFORMANCE IN LINE WITH THEIR SPECIFIC STRATEGIC AND CLINICAL OBJECTIVES.
What were the measurable outcomes or initial results of this collaboration?
The outcomes of the ANHP collaboration were both tangible and strategic. Each participating hospital received a tailored results package, including a management summary and full dataset with detailed scores across all dimensions, indicators and peer groups. This transparency enabled hospitals to identify strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement, and many used the findings directly to guide internal strategy.
More broadly, the benchmarking brought a new level of quality awareness and alignment across the ANHP network. It highlighted where Mexican private hospitals already outperform international benchmarks, such as low mortality and infection rates, while also revealing improvement potential in digitalization or PROMs. Beyond the data, the project fostered a strong collaborative culture.
Hospitals, experts, and ANHP leadership coshaped the methodology, laying the foundation not for a one-time audit, but for an ongoing quality improvement process expected to grow in reach and depth.
What types of healthcare partners or regions are you particularly looking to collaborate with in the near future?
We are especially interested in partnering with healthcare providers and organizations that are committed to measurable, transparent quality improvement. This includes leading hospitals, forward-looking health ministries, and national associations. We also work closely with specialized data partners whose contributions help us refine and enrich our analyses. These collaborations strengthen the foundation for our international rankings and benchmarking projects, ensuring they remain robust, credible, and ever more insightful.
As part of this, we continuously expand the underlying data basis to increase the accuracy and relevance of our results. Regions undergoing rapid transformation, such as the Middle East and parts of Asia, present exciting opportunities – their strong investments in infrastructure, digital health, and patient care
align perfectly with our expertise in ranking, benchmarking, KPI development, and bestpractice integration.
How relevant is the mission of Statista Healthcare for healthcare providers in the Middle East specifically? What opportunities do you see in countries with rapidly evolving healthcare systems?
The Middle East is one of the most ambitious healthcare regions in the world right now, combining significant capital investment with a strong vision for quality, innovation, and patient experience. Our mission – to make quality measurable, transparent, and internationally comparable – is directly aligned with these goals. By providing robust, standardized benchmarks and actionable insights, we can help providers in the region accelerate their transformation, attract top medical talent, and position themselves as global leaders in advanced, patient-centered care.
How do you ensure that your benchmarking projects are adaptable to different healthcare contexts, including those in the Arab world?
Adaptability starts with recognizing that every
WE ARE ESPECIALLY INTERESTED IN PARTNERING WITH HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE COMMITTED TO MEASURABLE, TRANSPARENT QUALITY IMPROVEMENT. THIS INCLUDES LEADING HOSPITALS, FORWARD-LOOKING HEALTH MINISTRIES, AND NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS. WE ALSO WORK CLOSELY WITH SPECIALIZED DATA PARTNERS WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS HELP US REFINE AND ENRICH OUR ANALYSES.
healthcare system operates within a unique framework of regulations, structures, and resource realities. Our approach begins with a detailed scoping phase, during which we work closely with local stakeholders to understand strategic priorities, data environments, and existing quality frameworks. This ensures that our benchmarking is not a one-size-fits-all import, but rather a tailored methodology, grounded in globally recognized standards while calibrated to local definitions and practices.
We employ a modular design: core indicators that enable international comparability are complemented by contextspecific metrics relevant to the region or institution. Data collection processes are adjusted to reflect the available infrastructure, and our validation methods are sensitive to local reporting norms. Just as importantly, we integrate peer comparisons at both global and regional levels, enabling institutions to see themselves in multiple contexts.
This flexibility, combined with a rigorous methodological backbone, allows our
benchmarking projects to deliver credible, actionable insights in any healthcare setting –from established centers of excellence to rapidly developing systems.
As healthcare becomes more globalized, how can institutions in the Arab region benefit from being part of an international quality benchmarking network?
Through Statista Healthcare’s global rankings, Global Hospital Rating, tailored benchmarking projects and custom quality development programs, institutions gain a clear, data-driven view of their performance in an international context. These services not only identify strengths and areas for improvement but can also provide access to best practices from highperforming hospitals worldwide.
By integrating these insights into their own strategies, providers can accelerate quality development, strengthen patient outcomes, and align with global standards, while contributing their own innovations to the international exchange of expertise.
THROUGH STATISTA HEALTHCARE’S GLOBAL RANKINGS, GLOBAL HOSPITAL RATING, TAILORED BENCHMARKING PROJECTS AND CUSTOM QUALITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, INSTITUTIONS GAIN A CLEAR, DATA-DRIVEN VIEW OF THEIR PERFORMANCE IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT.
Breakthrough programs are saving more lives in less time, with transplant outcomes among the best in the U.S.
Through advanced techniques and specialized programs for late-stage cancers, Northwestern Medicine continues to demonstrate excellence as a leading U.S. transplant center, with record numbers of transplants performed in 2024, plus median wait times and patient outcomes that are among the best in the nation.
In 2024, the Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute’s (CTI) Lung Transplant Program performed 148 lung transplants, finishing the year as the highest-volume lung transplant center in the United States – the
most for a single year since the program began ten years ago. CTI also led the nation in 2024 for the shortest wait time for a lung transplant, with a median wait time of four days. Improved procurement and preservation methods have widely expanded the donor pool for lung transplants. Organ procurement specialists at Northwestern Medicine are now routinely repairing and preserving donor organs via technologies known as “Lungs in a Box” (perfusion) and “Lungs in a Fridge” (temperature control).
Perfusion and refrigeration allow for ventilating the lungs outside the body as well as assessment and preservation of donor lungs that might otherwise be deemed unsuitable for transplant, thereby increasing the availability
THE FIRST (AND CURRENTLY, ONLY) DOUBLE-LUNG TRANSPLANT PROGRAM FOR OTHERWISE INCURABLE LUNG CANCER PATIENTS USES “LUNGS IN A FRIDGE” TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE PRESERVATION AND KEEPS THE LUNGS ALIVE OUTSIDE THE HUMAN BODY TO GIVE MORE TIME TO PREPARE FOR TRANSPLANTATION AND PERFORM THE SURGERY.
of viable organs, reducing the risk of future rejection, and shortening wait times for recipients. Previously, donor lungs would be stored on ice, which is about four degrees colder than the ideal (around 10 degrees Celsius).
Through a first-of-its-kind clinical program called DREAM (Double Lung Transplant Registry Aimed for Lung-Limited Malignancies), Northwestern Medicine can offer transplantation to lung cancer patients who were once considered incurable. Currently, Northwestern is the only known health system in the world with a dedicated program for this patient population. Diagnosed in 2018 with stage 3 lung cancer despite leading a healthy, non-smoking lifestyle, Cornelia Tischmacher of Berlin received chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and numerous surgeries without success.
“A lung transplant was her only option to fix the lung failure, remove all the cancer cells from her body, and give her a fighting chance,” says Ankit Bharat, MD, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Northwestern Medicine, who performed Cornelia’s surgery.
After being accepted to the DREAM Program, Tischmacher boarded an air ambulance and flew from Germany to Chicago. Just two days later, her new lungs were obtained and the surgery was successfully completed. Today, she is cancer-free.
Tischmacher was the first patient from Germany to receive a lung transplant at Northwestern Medicine, but others have traveled from Asia, the Middle East, South America, and other parts of Europe for this unique program and procedure.
In March 2025, Northwestern Medicine launched a clinical program called CLEAR
(Colorectal Metastasis to Liver Extraction with Auxiliary Transplant and Delayed Resection) to expand liver transplant access for patients with stage 4 colorectal cancer.
CLEAR uses the RAPID (resection and partial liver transplantation with delayed total hepatectomy) technique, a two-stage surgical protocol in which a partial liver transplant grows inside the patient before removing the diseased organ. This eliminates the need for a living donor, providing more time to address the diseased liver and ultimately cure the cancer.
“The current organ allocation system does not prioritize these patients, and they end up falling lower on the waitlist,” said Satish Nadig, MD, PhD, who is the director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center. “They often depend on living donors, and those are not always available.”
Northwestern Medicine is one of the few known health systems in the United States focused on redefining the criteria for transplant eligibility. “It’s a very exciting time for the field of transplantation,” said Dr. Nadig. “What we’ve learned in the past is not necessarily what we’re taking with us into the future. I think it’s time to re-examine what we think we know about the indications for transplant, and become more inclusive of those who have recently faced or who are facing cancer. Northwestern Medicine should not be a stop along a patient’s journey –it should be the destination.”
Northwestern Medicine is anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital, nationally ranked in 11 specialties, with 8 programs ranked among the top 10 in their specialty in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, 2025 – 2026.
LAUNCHED IN MARCH 2025
PROVIDES LIVER TRANSPLANT OPTION FOR LATE-STAGE COLORECTAL CANCER PATIENTS.
PROCEDURE THAT ALLOWS FOR ONE LIVER TO BE SPLIT AND TRANSPLANTED INTO TWO DIFFERENT PATIENTS PROVIDING LIFE-SAVING DONOR SOURCE FOR CANCER PATIENTS, WHO OTHERWISE DEPEND ON LIVING DONORS.
For more information please contact our Global Services team on the following email; globalservices@nm.org, or visit our website; www.northwesternglobalservices.com
Climate change affects human health through both direct and indirect pathways. Directly, it increases mortality and injury from extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and storms. Indirectly, it alters ecosystems, worsens air quality, disrupts food and water security, and facilitates the spread of infectious diseases. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, low-income communities, and individuals with chronic illnesses, are at the greatest risk.
One of the most significant threats is the spread of vector-borne diseases into new geographic areas. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns expand suitable habitats for vectors such as mosquitoes, allowing them to establish and thrive in regions that were
previously unsuitable. Consequently, diseases like malaria, dengue fever, West Nile virus, and Lyme disease may appear in areas that were once protected by cooler climates.
Climate change also affects water safety. Waterborne diseases increase as water sources become contaminated. Intense flooding heightens the risk of freshwater pollution, leading to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and typhoid. After flooding, sewage may mix with drinking water supplies, rendering them unsafe. Prolonged droughts can also degrade water quality by concentrating pollutants and pathogens in limited supplies.
Food security is equally affected. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns disrupt crop yields and livestock production, threatening global food systems. Malnutrition
VULNERABLE GROUPS, INCLUDING THE ELDERLY, CHILDREN, LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES, AND INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES, ARE AT THE GREATEST RISK.
and undernourishment weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases, including foodborne illnesses resulting from spoiled produce or improper food storage under extreme climate conditions. Rising temperatures and wildfires elevate air pollutants such as fine particulate matter and ozone. These pollutants contribute to serious respiratory conditions. Individuals with asthma or pneumonia are especially vulnerable and may experience worsened symptoms or increased risk of infections caused by airborne bacteria and viruses.
As global temperatures rise, cases of heat exhaustion and heatstroke are becoming more frequent. The body struggles to cool itself, leading to dangerously high internal temperatures that can damage vital organs and, in severe cases, result in death.
Increased sweating during heat events raises the risk of dehydration if fluids are not adequately replenished. Dehydration can impair kidney function, circulation, and neurological performance.
High temperatures place additional strain on the heart and blood vessels. The cardiovascular system must work harder to pump blood to the skin’s surface for cooling. This raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly among older adults and individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
Extreme heat can worsen chronic diseases such as respiratory conditions (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), kidney disease, and diabetes. Hospital admissions and mortality rates increase significantly during heatwaves among affected populations.
High temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and increased humidity create ideal conditions for the proliferation of vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Warmer temperatures accelerate mosquito development, increase their reproduction rate, and shorten the incubation period of the pathogens they carry. Diseases like dengue fever and malaria are highly sensitive to these climatic shifts. Regions once too cold for mosquito populations are now becoming suitable habitats. For example, dengue has been reported in parts of southern Europe, and malaria is reappearing in some African highlands. Increased rainfall also creates more stagnant water bodies, ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Warmer winters and prolonged warm seasons contribute to the spread of tick populations into higher latitudes and elevations. This raises the incidence of diseases such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis, exposing new populations to these health threats. Ticks remain active for longer periods, increasing the likelihood of human transmission.
Changes in rainfall patterns, including extreme flooding and prolonged drought, directly affect water quality and the transmission of waterborne pathogens.
Heavy rainfall and flooding can overwhelm sewage systems, contaminating freshwater sources with untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and other pollutants. This creates an environment conducive to the rapid spread of bacteria and viruses that cause diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, salmonella infections, and giardiasis. Communities with inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure are particularly at risk during and after flood events.
EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS SUCH AS FLOODS AND WILDFIRES CAN LEAD TO ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND GRIEF AMONG SURVIVORS WHO EXPERIENCE THE LOSS OF LOVED ONES, HOMES, OR LIVELIHOODS. STUDIES INDICATE THAT 30 TO 40 PERCENT OF DIRECTLY AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS MAY DEVELOP POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD), WITH SYMPTOMS INCLUDING FLASHBACKS, NIGHTMARES, AND PROLONGED ANXIETY.
Higher temperatures in rivers, lakes, and coastal zones enhance the survival and reproduction of many waterborne pathogens, including Vibrio cholerae and various salmonella strains. Warmer oceans also increase the risk of Vibrio infections from seafood consumption or exposure of open wounds to contaminated seawater.
Paradoxically, prolonged droughts also increase waterborne disease risks. Scarcity of safe water may force populations to rely on unsafe or untreated sources. Shrinking water bodies lead to higher concentrations of pathogens in the remaining water, making limited supplies more dangerous. Cholera outbreaks have occurred in regions affected by severe droughts.
Climate change poses an existential threat to global food and nutrition security by destabilizing agricultural systems and compromising the ability to produce and distribute adequate and nutritious food, particularly in vulnerable countries.
Declining crop yields decrease food supply locally and nationally, raising prices that mainly impact low-income groups.
When food becomes scarce or unaffordable, individuals reduce their intake, leading to calorie deficiency and acute malnutrition, particularly among children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions. Climate change reduces the nutrient quality of crops like rice and wheat, leading to fewer nutrients and greater risk of deficiencies.
Developing nations, particularly those reliant on agriculture for food and income, face the greatest risks. Limited adaptation capacity, financial resources, and infrastructure make these countries more vulnerable to humanitarian crises and rising hunger levels.
Climate change affects not only physical health but also mental well-being. Psychological effects arise from both acute and chronic climaterelated stressors.
Extreme weather events such as floods and wildfires can lead to anxiety, depression, and grief among survivors who experience the loss of loved ones, homes, or livelihoods. Studies indicate that 30 to 40 percent of directly affected individuals may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, and prolonged anxiety.
Beyond acute trauma, climate change also contributes to eco-grief, a deep sense of sadness and helplessness stemming from the degradation or loss of ecosystems and species. Individuals witnessing these changes in their environments may experience a profound emotional toll.
Addressing the health impacts of climate change requires a dual approach. On one hand, mitigation strategies such as transitioning to clean energy, improving energy efficiency, adopting sustainable transportation and agriculture, and implementing waste management systems are essential for reducing emissions and improving air quality.
On the other hand, adaptation is equally important. Strengthening health systems with early warning mechanisms, training personnel, adapting infrastructure, and improving water and sanitation management are key to ensuring safe water access. Enhancing food security through climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming practices is vital.
Equally important is integrating mental health support into disaster response systems to manage anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Tackling vector-borne and waterborne diseases through surveillance and control measures is crucial.
Finally, incorporating health into all climate policies and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration are essential for an effective and comprehensive response.
WARMER TEMPERATURES ACCELERATE MOSQUITO DEVELOPMENT, INCREASE THEIR REPRODUCTION RATE, AND SHORTEN THE INCUBATION PERIOD OF THE PATHOGENS THEY CARRY. DISEASES LIKE DENGUE FEVER AND MALARIA ARE HIGHLY SENSITIVE TO THESE CLIMATIC SHIFTS. REGIONS ONCE TOO COLD FOR MOSQUITO POPULATIONS ARE NOW BECOMING SUITABLE HABITATS. FOR EXAMPLE, DENGUE HAS BEEN REPORTED IN PARTS OF SOUTHERN EUROPE, AND MALARIA IS REAPPEARING IN SOME AFRICAN HIGHLANDS.
By Hal Wolf, President & CEO, HIMSS
The Middle East is fast becoming a focal point for digital health innovation. From national strategies that emphasize AI and health data governance to investments in cybersecurity and connected care, countries across the region are laying the groundwork for health systems that are more integrated, resilient, and responsive to the needs of their populations.
fragmentation, limited interoperable data infrastructure, variance in regulatory maturity, and workforce shortages.
Countries, including the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, and many others, are rapidly advancing national health agendas focused on digital maturity. Examples of these ambitious national visions include Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the UAE’s Health Strategy, and Egypt’s digital transformation plan. The region is rethinking how systems are structured, how care is delivered, and how data can inform public health planning and patient outcomes. Digital health investment in the Middle East is at an alltime high and will continue to rise.
This momentum is encouraging, but with scale comes complexity. Countries must address challenges around data access and governance, interoperability, AI regulation, digital workforce development, and cybersecurity. The region’s healthcare leaders are actively working to address these issues, not only as operational and technical challenges but also as questions of equity and long-term sustainability.
A strong commitment to digital health transformation is critical to preparing GCC health systems to address the rising demand for health services, driven by an aging population, rising chronic disease rates, and patient demand for both convenience and personalized care. These factors are putting significant strain on health systems already managing geographic
These challenges are not unique to the Middle East – health organizations across the globe face similar issues. Regional health leaders recognize these shared constraints within the global health ecosystem. They are partnering with NGOs, international governments, and leading health systems to share critical insights that will help drive digital health transformation across the Middle East.
As a non-profit organization, HIMSS brings together the brightest minds across healthcare, technology, policy, and research to solve today’s challenges and prepare for the technological advancements of tomorrow.
HIMSS serves as a convener of thought leaders and ideas, providing a platform for healthcare leaders to connect, collaborate, and share critical insights through our professional society, global conferences, and regional forums. We also train future digital health leaders through our professional development courses and certifications. The Middle East can leapfrog legacy constraints by combining strong public leadership with agile private innovation. The region is well-positioned to succeed in building on already strong publicprivate partnerships. CEOs should focus first on interoperable foundations, data governance, workforce development, and regulatory clarity to unlock scalable digital health models that improve outcomes and financial sustainability. Move deliberately: pilot fast, measure rigorously, and scale only when outcomes and economics are proven.
COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA, THE STATE OF QATAR, AND MANY OTHERS, ARE RAPIDLY ADVANCING NATIONAL HEALTH AGENDAS FOCUSED ON DIGITAL MATURITY. EXAMPLES OF THESE AMBITIOUS NATIONAL VISIONS INCLUDE SAUDI ARABIA’S VISION 2030, THE UAE’S HEALTH STRATEGY, AND EGYPT’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PLAN. THE REGION IS RETHINKING HOW SYSTEMS ARE STRUCTURED, HOW CARE IS DELIVERED, AND HOW DATA CAN INFORM PUBLIC HEALTH PLANNING AND PATIENT OUTCOMES. DIGITAL HEALTH INVESTMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST IS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH AND WILL CONTINUE TO RISE.
Digital health transformation is the shift towards an ecosystem of healthcare tools like patient portals, telehealth, predictive analytics, and AI. When patients remain the focus of digital health transformation, innovation improves outcomes for all. Transforming digital systems means better use of EHRs, improved infrastructure, less workforce burnout, and increased access to care. Digital health maturity helps health systems deliver personalized care at scale, provide the correct data to the right people, and allows clinicians to focus on what matters most – patients.
Artificial intelligence is transforming health and healthcare, empowering clinicians and organizations to improve clinical decisionmaking, patient engagement, data governance, and resource management. Despite its potential to enhance patient outcomes, reduce costs, alleviate workforce burnout, and strengthen interoperability, health professionals remain mindful of the risks and challenges associated with AI integration.
AI is no longer an abstract technology; it is a strategic catalyst that multiplies clinical impact, operational resilience, and equity across health systems. Health systems and governments alike must embrace and adequately prepare for effective and equitable AI integration. When responsibly deployed, AI can positively impact nearly every aspect of the Middle East’s health ecosystem.
Healthcare is a top target for cybercriminals due to sensitive patient data, critical operational systems, and a high likelihood of ransom payment. Cyberattacks have ranged from ransomware and data breaches to medical device compromise, supply-chain threats, and insider risk.
The potential consequences are severe and include patient safety incidents, operational disruption, regulatory fines, long-term reputational damage, and significant remediation costs. Cybersecurity is a strategic business risk, not just an IT issue, requiring board oversight, executive ownership, and investment proportional to patient safety and operational impact.
Digital transformation in healthcare is outpacing workforce readiness. Organizations face a shortage of clinicians, informaticians, data scientists, and digital program managers who understand both clinical workflows and emerging technology. Critical gaps include limited digital literacy among frontline staff, a lack of clinician leaders with informatics expertise, and insufficient training pathways for emerging roles.
Healthcare leaders should treat workforce development as a strategic enabler rather than an operational afterthought. Build a coordinated talent strategy that combines rapid upskilling of existing staff, recruitment of niche digital expertise, and partnerships with academic institutions and vendors for pipeline development. Practical steps for health organizations include defining core digital competencies, embedding protected time and incentives for clinician participation in technology projects, increasing investment in professional development programs, and establishing multidisciplinary delivery teams led by empowered clinical-digital leaders.
The region’s digital health transformation efforts will take center stage at WHX Tech 2025, held 8–10 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event will bring together regional leaders, innovators, and global health experts
HEALTHCARE LEADERS SHOULD TREAT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AS A STRATEGIC ENABLER RATHER THAN AN OPERATIONAL AFTERTHOUGHT. BUILD A COORDINATED TALENT STRATEGY THAT COMBINES RAPID UPSKILLING OF EXISTING STAFF, RECRUITMENT OF NICHE DIGITAL EXPERTISE, AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS AND VENDORS FOR PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT.
to explore the future of health and healthcare. HIMSS is proud to serve as the exclusive digital health partner for this timely gathering, contributing expertise on frameworks, policy, and global lessons learned.
WHX Tech 2025 offers an opportunity to reflect on what the Middle East has already achieved—and what’s ahead. With stages dedicated to strategy (World X), technology (Future X), and innovation (Xcelerate), the event will spotlight everything from AI regulation and cloud adoption to value-based care and publicprivate partnerships.
What’s happening in the Middle East is not
simply a regional shift. It’s a signal to the global health community. It shows what can happen when ambition, policy, and collaboration converge.
The pace of change is impressive, but what’s most inspiring is the intention behind it - to build systems that are not only more efficient, but also more equitable and adaptive to future challenges.
Digital health has a new power center. And the world is watching. We look forward to welcoming health leaders, policymakers, and innovators to WHX Tech, Dubai, this September—to share what’s working, to ask the right questions, and to shape the next chapter of global health transformation.
WITH STAGES DEDICATED TO STRATEGY (WORLD X), TECHNOLOGY (FUTURE X), AND INNOVATION (XCELERATE), WHX TECH 2025 WILL SPOTLIGHT EVERYTHING FROM AI REGULATION AND CLOUD ADOPTION TO VALUE-BASED CARE AND PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS.
By Anne Fatima Jackson, an Association for Coaching-accredited Life and Wellness Coach, professionally trained and accredited in a range of psychotherapy-informed approaches
As the landscape of healthcare rapidly evolves across the globe, psychological care is undergoing a critical and longoverdue transformation.
What was once considered a quiet corner of medical practice has now become a key pillar of comprehensive health and wellness. In the UAE and wider Middle East, momentum is building, driven by shifting cultural attitudes, digital innovation, and a new generation of healthcare professionals and policymakers determined to prioritise mental health.
So, what does the future of psychological healthcare look like? And how do regional developments align with global trends?
One of the most significant shifts shaping the future is the growing recognition that mental health is public health. The World Health Organization reports that one in eight people globally lives with a mental disorder.
In the Middle East, the numbers are compounded by rising rates of youth anxiety, depression, and trauma exposure, often in the context of rapid social change or conflict-related stress. Governments in the UAE and GCC are beginning to respond.
Initiatives such as the UAE National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, mental health insurance mandates, and school-based psychological services are critical steps toward reframing mental wellbeing as a systemic concern, not just an individual one.
The future lies in integration. Psychological healthcare is no longer a standalone service, it is increasingly embedded within primary care, emergency response, corporate health programs, and education. As with physical health,
prevention, early detection, and communitybased care models are becoming key.
Technology is both a driver and a solution in the future of psychological care. The global rise of teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic proved that mental health services could be more accessible, flexible, and less stigmatised when delivered online.
In the UAE, where long working hours and urban lifestyles limit in-person access, virtual therapy, AI-powered screening tools, and appbased wellness platforms are already expanding the reach of psychological care. Companies like Takalam and MindTales have gained popularity, offering culturally sensitive, bilingual support
to a wider population. Globally, we are seeing the early stages of AI-integrated mental health tools, from sentiment analysis software used in GP consultations to chatbot-based CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). While these cannot, and should not, replace human therapists, they offer early intervention and triage opportunities, especially in underserved or rural areas.
The challenge, however, lies in regulation, ethics, and equity. As we move forward, the priority must be ensuring digital mental health tools are clinically validated, culturally appropriate, and used to complement - not replace - professional care.
One of the most encouraging trends is the move away from reactive mental healthcare, where treatment is offered only in times of crisis, toward preventive, proactive, and wholeperson care. In the Middle East, wellness culture has historically been linked to physical fitness or nutrition but that is changing. A growing number of hospitals, clinics, and wellness centres are offering integrative services that bring together psychotherapy, life coaching, somatic therapies, and stress management tools under one roof.
As a Therapeutic Coach practising in Dubai for over 15 years, I have seen firsthand how psychological care that integrates emotional insight with action-oriented coaching tools creates longer-lasting outcomes. This “therapy-informed coaching” approach has proven particularly effective in the corporate and expatriate communities, where highfunctioning individuals struggle with invisible stress, burnout, or loss of direction, yet do not seek traditional therapy. Globally, this shift is echoed in emerging fields like lifestyle psychiatry, integrative psychotherapy, and trauma-informed care, which consider everything from sleep and nutrition to relational health and identity in treatment planning.
the narrative
Stigma has long been one of the greatest barriers to psychological care in the Arab world. But the narrative is shifting. In the UAE, high-profile campaigns, social media voices, and educational outreach have begun to normalise conversations around mental health, especially among young people.
The next generation of psychological healthcare will be culturally responsive, sensitive to family dynamics, identity, and language. Increasing numbers of Arab psychologists and therapists are being trained both locally and abroad, bringing regional fluency to global best practices.
Importantly, care models must recognise the intersection between mental health and issues such as migration, trauma, family structures, culture, religion and gender roles, particularly in the diverse, high-pressure environments found in Gulf cities.
As we look to the future, three priorities emerge:
Care must be affordable, available in multiple languages, and reachable through both public and private channels.
Medical professionals, educators, tech developers, and policy makers must work together to ensure mental health is built into the healthcare system, not added on as an afterthought.
Psychological healthcare systems must be robust enough to serve populations across income levels, age groups, and cultures, particularly in times of crisis or transition.
Mental health is no longer a silent issue, but a strategic priority. And in the Middle East, where tradition and innovation often go hand in hand, the opportunity to lead by example is immense.
AS A THERAPEUTIC COACH PRACTISING IN DUBAI FOR OVER 15 YEARS, I HAVE SEEN FIRSTHAND HOW PSYCHOLOGICAL CARE THAT INTEGRATES EMOTIONAL INSIGHT WITH ACTIONORIENTED COACHING TOOLS CREATES LONGER-LASTING OUTCOMES. THIS “THERAPY-INFORMED COACHING” APPROACH HAS PROVEN PARTICULARLY EFFECTIVE IN THE CORPORATE AND EXPATRIATE COMMUNITIES, WHERE HIGH-FUNCTIONING INDIVIDUALS STRUGGLE WITH INVISIBLE STRESS, BURNOUT, OR LOSS OF DIRECTION, YET DO NOT SEEK TRADITIONAL THERAPY.
In a world where fertility challenges are increasingly common, Al-Ahli Hospital's IVF Center stands as a beacon of clinical excellence, compassion, and trust. As one of the most advanced private fertility centers in Qatar, it has achieved a remarkable 54% pregnancy success rate a figure that surpasses global benchmarks and speaks to the center’s medical integrity and patient-centric philosophy.
With a high number of take-home baby successes of 35%, a dedicated team of internationally trained consultants, and an ISOcertified facility, Al-Ahli Hospital offers couples a complete, safe, and expertly guided fertility journey, from initial diagnosis to the joy of holding their baby.
Al-Ahli Hospital’s IVF Center is more than just a treatment facility it’s a place where science meets hope. Designed to support couples with diverse fertility challenges, the center has become a trusted name in assisted reproductive technology (ART) throughout Qatar and the region.
The center offers a full spectrum of advanced fertility treatments, including:
• Fertility consultations and cycle assessments
• Ovulation induction and hormonal monitoring
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
• Embryo and sperm freezing
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
• Fertility preservation for medical or elective reasons
Every procedure is conducted with precision, privacy, and professionalism reflecting AlAhli’s commitment to medical excellence and ethical practice.
Al-Ahli’s IVF success is driven by a team of expert consultants, embryologists, gynecologists, and fertility nurses, many of whom were trained in leading fertility centers around the world. Their combined expertise ensures:
• Accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans
• Evidence-based protocols aligned with global standards
• Close collaboration across departments for holistic care
With a high pregnancy success rate and hundreds of families reunited with newborns, Al-Ahli’s IVF team continues to set the benchmark for private fertility care in the Gulf.
A Facility Built for Life: ISO-Certified, Patient-Centered
Quality and safety are the foundation of trust. The IVF Center at Al-Ahli Hospital is ISO certified, reflecting its adherence to the highest international standards in clinical practice, lab operations, infection control, and patient care. Every detail from air filtration in embryology labs to patient safety protocols is meticulously designed to protect embryo viability and optimize success.
This rigorous approach has led to a high number of take-home babies, underscoring the effectiveness of the center’s science and the depth of its compassion.
Care Plans: Because No Two Journeys Are the Same Fertility treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Each patient receives a customized treatment plan based on their medical history, diagnostic results, and personal preferences.
From choosing stimulation protocols to timing embryo transfers, the team ensures:
• Minimal physical burden
• Maximum efficiency
• Optimized timing for success
This personalized care model has contributed significantly to the center’s high success rate and exceptional patient satisfaction.
Al-Ahli understands that fertility treatment is both a medical and emotional journey. That’s why the center is designed to deliver care in a setting that respects:
• Confidentiality and cultural sensitivity
• Private consultation and recovery rooms
• Emotional and psychological counseling when needed
• One-on-one coordination through the entire treatment cycle
A major advantage of receiving fertility care at Al-Ahli Hospital is the continuity and comprehensiveness of care. After successful conception, patients seamlessly transition to:
• High-risk pregnancy monitoring
• Obstetric care
• Delivery services
• Postnatal and pediatric follow-up
All services are delivered within the same trusted institution, ensuring consistency, convenience, and confidence throughout your parenthood journey.
Who Can Benefit from Al-Ahli’s IVF Services?
The IVF Center provides care for:
• Women with ovulation disorders (e.g., PCOS)
• Couples with unexplained infertility
QUALITY AND SAFETY ARE THE FOUNDATION OF TRUST. THE IVF CENTER AT AL-AHLI HOSPITAL IS ISO CERTIFIED, REFLECTING ITS ADHERENCE TO THE HIGHEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, LAB OPERATIONS, INFECTION CONTROL, AND PATIENT CARE. EVERY DETAIL FROM AIR FILTRATION IN EMBRYOLOGY LABS TO PATIENT SAFETY PROTOCOLS IS METICULOUSLY DESIGNED TO PROTECT EMBRYO VIABILITY AND OPTIMIZE SUCCESS.
• Men with low sperm count or motility issues
• Women with tubal blockage or endometriosis
• Couples with a history of miscarriage or failed IVF cycles
• Individuals seeking fertility preservation
Each case is carefully evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, offering honest guidance and world-class solutions.
Raising Awareness and Breaking the Silence Around Fertility
Beyond treatment, Al-Ahli Hospital is committed
to educating the community and reducing the stigma of infertility through:
• Public webinars and fertility Q&A sessions
• Pre-marital screening programs
• Emotional support groups
• Awareness campaigns across social media
Knowledge is power and Al-Ahli ensures that couples are empowered to seek help early and confidently.
AL-AHLI HOSPITAL’S IVF CENTER IS MORE THAN JUST A TREATMENT FACILITY IT’S A PLACE WHERE SCIENCE MEETS HOPE. DESIGNED TO SUPPORT COUPLES WITH DIVERSE FERTILITY CHALLENGES, THE CENTER HAS BECOME A TRUSTED NAME IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY (ART) THROUGHOUT QATAR AND THE REGION.
September 18-21, 2025
Visit healthexpoiraq.iq to find out all country pavilions participating.
Iraq stands at a pivotal moment in its healthcare journey. With unprecedented government investment, ambitious national healthcare programs, and a commitment to modernization, the opportunities are extraordinary. Health Expo Iraq 2025 is your gateway to this transformative market Alongside the Exhibition, As we celebrate our milestone 5th edition, we’ve evolved from an exhibition into the region’s most influential healthcare platform -where policy meets innovation, where partnerships are forged, and where the future of Iraqi healthcare takes shape.
Comprehensive Healthcare Showcase :
• Pharmaceuticals & Medications
• Hospital Build & Infrastructure
• Healthcare IT & Digital Solutions
• Specialized Care & Services
• Medical Supplies consumables
• Medical Equipment & Devices
• Education & Training
+300
Leading Exhibitors
9
National Pavilion
+25
Participating Countries
+18K
Professional Visitors
+35 Delegates
serves as a strategic platform, bringing together health leaders, decision-makers, and experts from both the
Private hospitals across Iraq are working to enhance healthcare services and expand their capacity to meet the growing needs of citizens. These efforts align with the Iraqi government’s directives to strengthen the health sector, support the implementation of health insurance, and encourage greater integration between the private and public sectors. With the direct support of His Excellency the Prime Minister, Mr. Muhammed Shiaa Al-Sudani, and in coordination with the Iraqi Ministry of Health, private healthcare institutions aim to provide high-quality medical services and contribute to building a more sustainable and accessible healthcare system for all Iraqis.
Fulfill your dream of becoming parents with the help of an individualized treatment approach, an experienced team, and advanced technologies at Acıbadem IVF Center.
Assisted reproductive technologies have been helping couples fulfill their dreams of parenthood for years. Every year, the number of couples seeking this treatment increases. Why? Factors such as the rising age of marriage and delayed decisions to have children play a significant role. As a natural result, the chances of conceiving naturally decrease, making IVF treatments the best option for many couples to achieve pregnancy.
Fortunately, advances in assisted reproductive technologies continue to meet the expectations of couples. How? Like other fields of medicine, this area has witnessed
remarkable progress. Pre-implantation genetic testing helps prevent implantation failure and miscarriage, while innovative approaches focus on improving the ovarian reserve in women. Moreover, advancements have made it possible to enhance sperm concentration and motility, improving the chances of conception in cases of male factor infertility. In summary, assisted reproductive technologies can now help more than ever to address the desire of couples to have babies.
In the field of reproductive medicine and fertility, significant advancements such as laboratory techniques, technology, medications, surgical methods, and the development of
THE EXPERIENCE OF PHYSICIANS, EMBRYOLOGISTS, AND NURSES IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FACTORS IN ACHIEVING HIGHER SUCCESS RATES IN IVF TREATMENT.
specialized equipment have had a major impact on overall IVF success rates. For example, egg collection and embryo transfer procedures are routinely performed under ultrasound guidance. Ongoing advancements in ultrasound resolution and quality have made these procedures safer and more precise. Another example is pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), which assesses embryos in the laboratory before transfer to the uterus. It helps identify genetic issues that could lead to implantation failure, miscarriage, or birth defects, enabling the selection of genetically healthy embryos and improving the likelihood of conception.
PRP is a promising method for addressing both female and male factor infertility. By stimulating the ovaries, it may enhance egg quality and quantity, potentially increasing the chances of pregnancy. Head of Acıbadem Maslak Hospital IVF Clinic Professor Bülent Tıraş marks that this procedure has been performed since 2016 and it offers auspicious results. For women who received PRP injections, when ovarian reserve parameters were analyzed, it was observed a statistically significant increase in AFC and AMH, decrease in serum FSH, which are indicative of favorable responses; "In one of our studies, we conducted a comprehensive study involving 510 women experiencing poor ovarian response with an average age of 40.3. Following the PRP and IVF procedures, we achieved a 20% pregnancy rate. These findings highlight the potential benefits of PRP in enhancing fertility treatments, especially for women facing specific challenges in conception.”
Additionally, PRP can be used for treating male infertility, particularly for men with non-obstructive azoospermia. To investigate the effects and benefits of PRP on male infertility caused by azoospermia, published the first academic study in this field, achieving promising outcomes. Testicular PRP therapy was administered to 135 men included in the study, resulting in positive sperm retrieval rates of 27.5% in patients with one prior failed Micro-
TESE procedure and 16.4% in those with two or more failed attempts.
The experience of physicians, embryologists, and nurses is one of the most significant factors in achieving higher success rates in IVF treatment. This is why a couple who has experienced failed IVF attempts at one clinic may achieve positive results at another clinic. While technology is accessible to many clinics worldwide that can afford the costs, a medical team’s experience and dedication are qualities that are not easily found everywhere. It is crucial to identify the treatment modality that would be most beneficial for each patient, as the reasons for infertility can vary from case to case. Even when two patients share the same infertility cause, their treatment plans may differ. Individualized approaches are necessary for every patient.
At Acıbadem IVF Center, where approximately 10,000 IVF cycles are performed annually, fertility specialists with over 30 years of experience develop customized treatment plans based on each couple’s individual conditions and needs, significantly improving the chances of IVF success
AT ACIBADEM IVF CENTER, WHERE APPROXIMATELY 10,000 IVF CYCLES ARE PERFORMED ANNUALLY, FERTILITY SPECIALISTS WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DEVELOP CUSTOMIZED TREATMENT PLANS BASED ON EACH COUPLE’S INDIVIDUAL CONDITIONS AND NEEDS, SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVING THE CHANCES OF IVF SUCCESS.
The AURA 3D Imaging System represents a significant leap forward in skin analysis. It distinguishes itself from traditional 2D methods by capturing a true 3D digital replica of the face, chin, neck, and submental area. This advanced system utilizes multiple camera angles and synchronized flashes, ensuring consistent and clinically accurate scans regardless of external lighting or room conditions. This reliability is crucial for precise before-and-after comparisons and tracking changes over time. Mona Mirza, Founder & CEO at Biolite Aesthetic Clinic, during an interview with ‘Hospitals’ magazine, explains that AURA 3D imaging system empowers practitioners to design highly tailored and results-driven treatment plans.
What sets the AURA 3D Imaging System apart from traditional skin analysis methods?
At Biolite Clinic, we’ve always invested in technology that enhances precision, improves consumer trust, and delivers measurable results, and AURA does precisely that. Unlike older 2D systems, AURA captures a true 3D digital twin of the face, chin, neck, and submental area, using multiple camera angles and synchronized flashes that are unaffected by external lighting. It’s incredibly reliable. Each scan is consistent, regardless of the time of day or room conditions, which means that before-andafter comparisons are always clinically accurate. The intuitive interface makes it effortless for our team to use during consultations, while the quantifiable data helps us map changes over time. It provides our practitioners with clarity and our consumers with confidence, which is precisely what modern aesthetic care should deliver.
ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE THINGS AURA BRINGS TO THE TABLE IS CLINICAL OBJECTIVITY. IT ENABLES OUR DOCTORS AND THERAPISTS TO SEE BEYOND WHAT’S VISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE, OFFERING MEASURABLE DATA ON VOLUME LOSS, ASYMMETRY, TEXTURAL ISSUES, PIGMENTATION, AND MORE. THIS ENABLES US TO DESIGN TAILORED, RESULTSDRIVEN TREATMENT PLANS AND ADJUST THEM DYNAMICALLY BASED ON HOW THE SKIN RESPONDS.
How does the AURA 3D Imaging System enhance consumer care and treatment outcomes?
One of the most valuable things AURA brings to the table is clinical objectivity. It enables our doctors and therapists to see beyond what’s visible to the naked eye, offering measurable data on volume loss, asymmetry, textural issues, pigmentation, and more.
This enables us to design tailored, resultsdriven treatment plans and adjust them dynamically based on how the skin responds. Whether we’re tracking collagen stimulation after Sofwave or the volumetric balance following injectables, AURA gives us a clear roadmap. For consumers, it eliminates the guesswork from their journey, replacing it with trust, clarity, and a sense of control.
Can you describe the consumer experience during a typical AURA 3D Imaging System session?
It’s swift, clean, and non-invasive. The client aligns their eyes with a small on-screen guide, no chin rest, no harsh light, no discomfort. A series of brief, synchronized flashes captures multiple angles in one seamless scan.
From there, we walk the consumer through their 3D facial twin, highlighting key concerns and showing them precisely what we see, across zones like the forehead, cheeks, jawline, and neck. The entire experience feels elevated, professional, and deeply personalized, and often, consumers tell us they finally understand their skin on a whole new level.
In your opinion, how does the AURA 3D Imaging System contribute to the advancement of aesthetic medicine in the region?
AURA raises the standard for what aesthetic consultations should be, data-driven, transparent, and beautifully presented. In a region like ours, where clients are discerning and results-focused, this kind of clinical integrity is essential.
It empowers practitioners to move from opinion to evidence, and helps consumers feel
genuinely informed, not just convinced. At Biolite, it has completely redefined the way we assess, plan, and communicate outcomes. It bridges the gap between artistry and science in a way that truly elevates the aesthetic conversation.
What types of skin concerns can the AURA 3D Skin Analyzer detect and monitor?
AURA is incredibly comprehensive. It can accurately identify and track:
• Wrinkles and fine lines.
• Volume loss and asymmetry.
• Pigmentation and UV damage.
• Texture irregularities and enlarged pores.
• Redness and vascular activity.
• Dynamic facial movement (neutral, smile, surprise, kiss).
• Skin tone evenness.
• Oil, hydration, and overall skin health scoring.
The 3D data and AI scoring help us understand not just what’s visible now, but what’s forming beneath the surface, giving us a head start in preventative care.
How do you see the future of skin analysis evolving with technologies like AURA?
The future is moving toward intelligent, predictive, and hyper-personalized skincare, and AURA is already paving that path. As AI continues to evolve, we expect to see systems that can forecast aging trajectories, recommend personalized protocols, and integrate seamlessly with electronic medical records (EMRs) and wearable diagnostics.
At Biolite, where aesthetics meets regenerative wellness, this level of insight will be invaluable, allowing us to treat not just what we see, but what we anticipate. Technologies like AURA are transforming consultations from reactive conversations into proactive, empowered journeys, which is precisely where modern medicine is heading.
AT BIOLITE, WHERE AESTHETICS MEETS REGENERATIVE WELLNESS, THIS LEVEL OF INSIGHT WILL BE INVALUABLE, ALLOWING US TO TREAT NOT JUST WHAT WE SEE, BUT WHAT WE ANTICIPATE. TECHNOLOGIES LIKE AURA ARE TRANSFORMING CONSULTATIONS FROM REACTIVE CONVERSATIONS INTO PROACTIVE, EMPOWERED JOURNEYS, WHICH IS PRECISELY WHERE MODERN MEDICINE IS HEADING.
Cellulite is a common skin condition, particularly among women, and occurs when accumulated fat pushes against connective tissues beneath the skin, creating a dimpled or uneven appearance. While it poses no health risk, many women seek ways to reduce its visibility. Below is a comprehensive overview of the most prominent techniques and methods available today for minimizing the appearance of cellulite:
Topical creams remain a popular choice among women seeking to improve the appearance of cellulite. These products typically contain active ingredients aimed at tightening the skin, enhancing local blood circulation, or breaking down fat deposits directly, all of which can help reduce the visibility of cellulite.
However, it is important to note that these effects are often temporary. Most active ingredients in topical formulations do not penetrate deep enough into the skin layers to create lasting structural changes in fat or connective tissue. To maintain even minimal results, regular and consistent use is essential.
Treatments such as mechanical massage (e.g., Endermologie) are widely offered as options for addressing cellulite. These involve the use of motorized rollers in combination with suction technology to stimulate lymphatic drainage. This process helps reduce fluid retention and toxins in tissues, while also improving blood flow in targeted areas.
Though results are typically temporary, massage can enhance skin texture, making it appear smoother and less bumpy. Multiple sessions are usually required to achieve and sustain visible benefits.
Ultrasound technology is a modern, non-invasive
approach increasingly used in cosmetic and body contouring treatments. It utilizes high-frequency sound waves that penetrate the skin to induce specific biological and physical effects.
Ultrasound targets fat deposits by generating internal vibrations and localized heat, which break down fat cells. These are then naturally eliminated by the lymphatic system and liver. Simultaneously, the procedure stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin firmness and elasticity, and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
These techniques operate on the principle of heating targeted tissue beneath the skin’s surface. Laser and radiofrequency energy raise the temperature of fat cells in the deep dermal layers, causing fat cell shrinkage or breakdown. Some less-invasive systems liquefy fat deposits, making it easier for the body to eliminate them. Moreover, the thermal effect stimulates new collagen synthesis and remodeling of existing collagen fibers. As collagen contracts in response to heat, the skin tightens immediately. Over time, fibroblasts generate new collagen, improving skin elasticity and firmness while smoothing out dimples and irregularities caused by cellulite.
This technique uses high-frequency sound waves applied directly to problem areas to disrupt stubborn fat deposits beneath the skin. At the same time, it encourages collagen production in skin cells, boosting elasticity and improving the skin’s overall appearance.
Subcision is a minimally invasive procedure that targets moderate to severe cellulite. It involves using a specialized needle or blade to sever
TREATMENTS SUCH AS MECHANICAL MASSAGE (E.G., ENDERMOLOGIE) ARE WIDELY OFFERED AS OPTIONS FOR ADDRESSING CELLULITE. THESE INVOLVE THE USE OF MOTORIZED ROLLERS IN COMBINATION WITH SUCTION TECHNOLOGY TO STIMULATE LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE. THIS PROCESS HELPS REDUCE FLUID RETENTION AND TOXINS IN TISSUES, WHILE ALSO IMPROVING BLOOD FLOW IN TARGETED AREAS. THOUGH RESULTS ARE TYPICALLY TEMPORARY, MASSAGE CAN ENHANCE SKIN TEXTURE, MAKING IT APPEAR SMOOTHER AND LESS BUMPY. MULTIPLE SESSIONS ARE USUALLY REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE AND SUSTAIN VISIBLE BENEFITS.
the fibrous bands beneath the skin that pull it downward and create a puckered or dimpled surface.
By releasing these tight bands, the skin becomes smoother and more even. This method is especially effective when fibrous septae are visibly contributing to the skin's uneven texture.
Injectable treatments represent a significant advancement in the realm of non-surgical cellulite therapy, effectively addressing the underlying causes that lie beneath the skin’s surface. One of the most notable injectable options is the use of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH), which is a purified formulation derived from bacterial enzymes. These specialized enzymes are crafted to specifically target and break down types I and III collagen. These collagen types form the tight fibrous septae that pull the skin downward,
contributing to the formation of visible dimpling that many seek to eliminate.
When CCH is injected into the areas affected by cellulite, it initiates a process known as enzymatic disruption. This innovative process works by breaking apart the fibrous bands that tether the skin, effectively releasing tension and allowing the skin to become smoother and more level. With the recent advancements in injectable treatments, individuals who are struggling with the visible and often frustrating problem of cellulite now have a promising new option to consider. These innovative treatments can significantly enhance the appearance of their skin, helping to smooth out dimpled or uneven textures. Importantly, this approach offers a non-surgical alternative, making it an appealing choice for those seeking effective results with less risk, minimal downtime, and greater convenience compared to traditional surgical procedures.
INJECTABLE TREATMENTS REPRESENT A SIGNIFICANT ADVANCEMENT IN THE REALM OF NON-SURGICAL CELLULITE THERAPY, EFFECTIVELY ADDRESSING THE UNDERLYING CAUSES THAT LIE BENEATH THE SKIN’S SURFACE.
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S t e p i n t o t h e F u t u r e o f H e a l t h c a r e
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Health Leaders
Dr. Reem AlBunyan Chief Executive Officer Value in Health Saudi Arabia
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Dr. Fadi Hamadani, Plastic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Surgeon
As part of its ongoing commitment to showcasing the latest innovations in cosmetic surgery, “Hospitals” Magazine is delighted to feature Dr. Fadi Hamadani, a renowned Plastic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Surgeon. In this insightful interview, we'll dive deep into the groundbreaking BodyTite technology, exploring how this innovative solution has revolutionized body contouring and skin tightening, and delivers exceptional results with minimal surgical intervention.
What is BodyTite, and how does it differ from traditional liposuction or other body contouring procedures?
BodyTite is a minimally invasive body contouring solution that addresses fat reduction and skin tightening in a single procedure. Unlike traditional liposuction, which removes fat without addressing skin tone, BodyTite utilizes radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to
target subcutaneous fat while heating the dermis and fibroseptal network.
This results in controlled fat coagulation and significant tissue contraction. The technology is particularly valuable for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, who may not benefit fully from liposuction alone.
Because of its dual action, aspiration and RF-induced tightening, BodyTite offers more comprehensive contouring results with reduced risk of skin redundancy post-procedure. It also requires smaller incisions, is typically performed under local anesthesia, and provides faster recovery compared to surgical alternatives. This makes it a preferred option for patients seeking surgical-level outcomes without traditional methods' scarring or extended downtime.
What is the technology behind BodyTite, and how does it use radiofrequency energy to tighten skin and reduce fat?
BodyTite’s technology is based on bipolar radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL). It uses a dual-probe system, one internal cannula inserted under the skin and one external electrode above, to deliver precise, focused RF energy. This energy heats the adipose tissue and fibrous septae, causing adipocyte disruption and fat liquefaction for easier aspiration. Simultaneously, thermal stimulation in the dermis promotes collagen denaturation and remodeling, improving skin firmness and elasticity. Real-time feedback mechanisms, including temperature and impedance monitoring, ensure safe and effective treatment, maintaining optimal internal temperatures (60–70°C) and external temperatures (38–42°C).
The thermal effect on the subdermal tissue network leads to skin contraction and tightening that continues for months post-procedure. This unique bipolar design distinguishes BodyTite from monopolar devices by allowing for greater
BODYTITE IS A MINIMALLY INVASIVE BODY CONTOURING SOLUTION THAT ADDRESSES FAT REDUCTION AND SKIN TIGHTENING IN A SINGLE PROCEDURE. UNLIKE TRADITIONAL LIPOSUCTION, WHICH REMOVES FAT WITHOUT ADDRESSING SKIN TONE, BODYTITE UTILIZES RADIOFREQUENCYASSISTED LIPOLYSIS (RFAL) TO TARGET SUBCUTANEOUS FAT WHILE HEATING THE DERMIS AND FIBROSEPTAL NETWORK.
precision and uniform heating. The result is a consistent fat reduction with significant skin tightening, making it particularly effective in areas prone to laxity.
BodyTite is suitable for many body areas where fat reduction and skin tightening are desired. Commonly treated regions include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, upper arms, bra rolls, back, and knees. It is also frequently used to treat the male chest, particularly for gynecomastia. The system is adaptable to large and small zones, making it versatile for patients with diverse body goals. When paired with devices like FaceTite or AccuTite, more delicate areas, such as the neck and submental region, can also be effectively treated.
Importantly, BodyTite is especially beneficial in areas where skin laxity coexists with stubborn fat, such as the inner thighs or lower abdomen. In such cases, patients often experience better outcomes compared to traditional liposuction.
Many practitioners combine BodyTite with Morpheus8, an RF microneedling device that further refines skin tone and texture in the same treatment areas for enhanced results.
The best candidates for BodyTite are individuals with localized fat deposits and mild to moderate skin laxity seeking a non-excisional surgery alternative. These are often patients in their 30s to 60s who are near their ideal weight but experience persistent contour issues despite diet and exercise. Skin tone is a key consideration, BodyTite delivers optimal results in those with relatively good elasticity, although it still provides measurable tightening even in moderate laxity cases.
It's beneficial for postpartum patients or individuals following weight loss who wish to address loose skin in the abdomen, arms, or thighs. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations regarding results and recovery. Unlike non-invasive treatments that require
multiple sessions, BodyTite offers more significant improvement in one procedure, making it attractive to those seeking efficiency and efficacy with limited downtime.
How long does a BodyTite session take, and is there any downtime afterward?
The duration of a BodyTite session depends on the number and size of treatment areas. For a single zone, such as the arms or abdomen, the procedure typically takes 60–90 minutes.
When treating multiple regions, sessions may last up to 2–3 hours.
BodyTite is usually performed under local anesthesia, with or without sedation, allowing for a comfortable and safe outpatient experience. Downtime is significantly shorter than surgical alternatives. Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and mild soreness, which subside within a few days.
Compression garments are recommended for 2–4 weeks to support healing and maximize tissue contraction. Light activities can resume within 2–3 days, while more intense physical exertion should be postponed for 1–2 weeks. The recovery process is generally smooth, and patients appreciate the balance of noticeable results with minimal interruption to daily life.
What kind of results can patients expect after undergoing the treatment, and how soon will they begin to see them?
Patients can expect visible fat reduction and significant skin tone and firmness improvement. Initial contour changes can be observed within 2–3 weeks as swelling diminishes.
However, the most pronounced results typically develop over 3 to 6 months due to ongoing collagen remodeling and dermal contraction. Radiofrequency-induced tightening continues long after the initial healing phase, delivering progressive skin texture and definition improvements. When combined with Morpheus8, the treatment further enhances results by targeting the superficial and deep dermal layers with fractional RF microneedling. This combination is especially effective in areas with visible skin laxity or textural concerns. For patients seeking a non-excisional lift with
BODYTITE’S TECHNOLOGY IS BASED ON BIPOLAR RADIOFREQUENCYASSISTED LIPOLYSIS (RFAL). IT USES A DUAL-PROBE SYSTEM, ONE INTERNAL CANNULA INSERTED UNDER THE SKIN AND ONE EXTERNAL ELECTRODE ABOVE, TO DELIVER PRECISE, FOCUSED RF ENERGY. THIS ENERGY HEATS THE ADIPOSE TISSUE AND FIBROUS SEPTAE, CAUSING ADIPOCYTE DISRUPTION AND FAT LIQUEFACTION FOR EASIER ASPIRATION.
minimal downtime, BodyTite (especially when paired with Morpheus8) provides outcomes that rival traditional surgical procedures, without the scars. Patient satisfaction is high, especially when expectations are aligned with the treatment’s capabilities.
How long do the results from BodyTite typically last, and are there any maintenance treatments needed over time?
BodyTite results are long-lasting, mainly when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. The fat reduction is permanent, as the adipocytes treated and aspirated do not regenerate. The skin tightening component, driven by collagen stimulation and contraction, also endures for several years.
However, natural aging and lifestyle factors, such as significant weight fluctuations or sun exposure, can influence the longevity of results. While maintenance treatments are not required, some patients opt for adjunctive procedures like Morpheus8 or Forma to support skin tone over time. These can be performed annually or bi-annually based on individual goals. Regular follow-up allows us to assess whether additional touch-ups may be beneficial. With appropriate patient selection and post-treatment care, BodyTite provides sustainable results that significantly improve both body contours and skin quality.
Is BodyTite a good option for individuals who have previously undergone other body contouring procedures?
Absolutely. BodyTite is an excellent choice for patients with prior body contouring procedures, such as liposuction or non-invasive fat reduction, but are left with residual skin laxity or contour irregularities. RFAL technology provides skin contraction and refinement that traditional methods often lack. It’s particularly beneficial in revisional cases where scar tissue or uneven fat removal has impacted the aesthetic outcome. The ability to sculpt tissue while promoting dermal tightening makes BodyTite ideal for secondary procedures. Caution is taken in areas with significant fibrosis, and energy delivery is
carefully calibrated. We also often incorporate Morpheus8 for additional surface refinement and improved skin texture, especially in areas with stretch marks or superficial irregularities. The synergy between these technologies allows us to deliver smoother, more consistent results, even in previously treated or challenging zones.
What advantages does BodyTite offer compared to other skin-tightening methods?
BodyTite offers several clinical advantages that distinguish it from other skin-tightening techniques. Firstly, it delivers a higher degree of tissue contraction, up to 40% more than liposuction alone, making it ideal for treating mild to moderate skin laxity. Its bipolar RF energy allows for simultaneous internal and external heating, offering superior precision and control. Unlike non-invasive methods that require multiple sessions and yield modest results, BodyTite typically achieves noticeable improvement in a single treatment. It also provides real-time temperature and impedance monitoring, which enhances safety and consistency. From a practitioner’s perspective, BodyTite is highly versatile and can be used across various anatomical regions with customizable settings. Combined with devices like Morpheus8, it further addresses surface irregularities, texture, and dermal rejuvenation, creating a comprehensive aesthetic result surpassing what standalone energy-based devices can achieve.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with BodyTite, and how do you mitigate these concerns during the procedure?
As with any medical procedure, BodyTite carries some risks, although they are minimal with proper technique and patient selection. Common side effects include temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, or tenderness. More rare complications may involve thermal burns, asymmetry, or seroma formation. We use real-time temperature monitoring and impedance control to mitigate risks, ensuring that RF energy remains within safe therapeutic
BODYTITE RESULTS ARE LONG-LASTING, MAINLY WHEN PATIENTS MAINTAIN A STABLE WEIGHT AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. THE FAT REDUCTION IS PERMANENT, AS THE ADIPOCYTES TREATED AND ASPIRATED DO NOT REGENERATE. THE SKIN TIGHTENING COMPONENT, DRIVEN BY COLLAGEN STIMULATION AND CONTRACTION, ALSO ENDURES FOR SEVERAL YEARS. HOWEVER, NATURAL AGING AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS, SUCH AS SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT FLUCTUATIONS OR SUN EXPOSURE, CAN INFLUENCE THE LONGEVITY OF RESULTS. WHILE MAINTENANCE TREATMENTS ARE NOT REQUIRED, SOME PATIENTS OPT FOR ADJUNCTIVE PROCEDURES LIKE MORPHEUS8 OR FORMA TO SUPPORT SKIN TONE OVER TIME.
ranges. The BodyTite handpiece automatically shuts off if overheating is detected, reducing the likelihood of thermal injury. In addition, we employ precise, uniform movement during treatment and avoid overlapping passes. Patient selection is key, we thoroughly assess skin quality, fat distribution, and medical history. Clear post-treatment guidelines support safe recovery, including compression garment use and activity restrictions. Overall, when performed in a professional setting with advanced safety protocols, BodyTite has an excellent safety record and consistently high patient satisfaction.
How do you tailor BodyTite treatment plans for each patient to achieve their specific body goals?
A personalized approach is essential in BodyTite treatments. Each patient begins with a comprehensive consultation, physical examination, lifestyle assessment, and medical history review. We evaluate fat distribution, degree of skin laxity, and aesthetic expectations. Based on this, we design a treatment strategy tailored to the individual’s anatomy and goals. For example, patients with significant surface irregularities may benefit from combining BodyTite with Morpheus8 to target volume and skin texture.
Energy levels, probe depth, and aspiration volume are adjusted based on treatment area and tissue response. We also set realistic timelines for recovery and result progression. Photography and, when needed, 3D imaging are used for tracking and planning. This structured, customized approach ensures the safe delivery of RF energy while achieving a harmonious, natural-looking result. Ongoing follow-up helps us monitor outcomes and recommend maintenance or adjunctive treatments if desired.
Can you describe the patient's experience during and after the procedure? Is the recovery process relatively easy for most people?
Patients typically find the BodyTite procedure comfortable and manageable. It
is performed under local anesthesia, often with light sedation, allowing for a pain-free experience without the risks of general anesthesia. During treatment, patients may feel warmth or pressure but not significant discomfort. Afterward, mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness is common and typically resolves within a few days. Most patients can return to work and their daily routines within 2–3 days. Compression garments are worn to support healing and optimize skin tightening. The overall recovery process is relatively easy, particularly compared to surgical options like abdominoplasty or Brachioplasty. Patients appreciate the minimal downtime and visible improvements in contour and skin tone. Followup appointments are scheduled to assess healing and provide support. In clinical practice, most patients express high satisfaction with the process and outcomes, particularly when adequately educated about the procedure.
What advice would you give someone considering BodyTite as a non-invasive body contouring and fat reduction option?
While BodyTite is minimally invasive, it delivers results that are far superior to those of noninvasive treatments.
I would suggest that you clearly understand its capabilities and limitations. It’s best suited for patients who seek noticeable fat reduction with simultaneous skin tightening, but wish to avoid scars and prolonged downtime. Consult with a qualified practitioner with experience with RFAL and a strong understanding of body aesthetics. Ask about the potential to combine BodyTite with complementary technologies like Morpheus8, which can enhance skin texture and long-term outcomes.
Be prepared for a few days of downtime, and follow post-care instructions diligently to ensure optimal results. Most importantly, maintain realistic expectations, while BodyTite can produce transformative results, it is not a substitute for major surgical interventions when indicated. For the right candidate, however, it offers an exceptional balance of efficacy, safety, and minimal invasiveness.
BODYTITE OFFERS SEVERAL CLINICAL ADVANTAGES THAT DISTINGUISH IT FROM OTHER SKIN-TIGHTENING TECHNIQUES. FIRSTLY, IT DELIVERS A HIGHER DEGREE OF TISSUE CONTRACTION, UP TO 40% MORE THAN LIPOSUCTION ALONE, MAKING IT IDEAL FOR TREATING MILD TO MODERATE SKIN LAXITY. ITS BIPOLAR RF ENERGY ALLOWS FOR SIMULTANEOUS INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL HEATING, OFFERING SUPERIOR PRECISION AND CONTROL. UNLIKE NON-INVASIVE METHODS THAT REQUIRE MULTIPLE SESSIONS AND YIELD MODEST RESULTS, BODYTITE TYPICALLY ACHIEVES NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENT IN A SINGLE TREATMENT.
Prosthetic surgeries are one of the most significant advancements in modern medicine. These operations enable millions of patients to regain their freedom of movement and live pain-free lives. They are performed on approximately 2.5 million people worldwide every year. However, we at Acıbadem Healthcare Group know that prosthesis surgeries carry a risk of infection like any other surgical procedure. This risk affects 1 to 3 out of every 100 patients and poses a critical threat to patient safety and successful recovery. Acıbadem employs a multidisciplinary approach and the most advanced technology to ensure the highest level of infection control safety after prosthesis surgery, both in Türkiye and internationally.
One indicator of Acıbadem's leadership in this field is the 3rd International Orthopedic Infections Consensus Meeting, which was
hosted by the Acıbadem University International Joint Center (IJC) in Istanbul. This event brought together 1,200 specialists in prosthetic surgery and infectious diseases from around the world. During the meeting, the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of prosthetic infections were thoroughly discussed based on scientific data. Prof. Dr. Javad Parvizi, an orthopedic and traumatology specialist from the IJC, mentored the meeting. He has published more than 700 scientific articles in the field of orthopedic surgery. Prof. Parvizi summarized the purpose of the meeting, saying, "A new roadmap was created to prevent infections." It is believed that the decisions made at this consensus meeting, which addressed approximately 400 questions, will improve the success rate of prosthetic surgery by minimizing the risk of infection and enhancing patients' quality of life and satisfaction with treatment. Professor Parvizi emphasized that the previous two meetings had been held in the United States and that it was a great success for the third
THIS EVENT BROUGHT TOGETHER 1,200 SPECIALISTS IN PROSTHETIC SURGERY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES FROM AROUND THE WORLD. DURING THE MEETING, THE PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT OF PROSTHETIC INFECTIONS WERE THOROUGHLY DISCUSSED BASED ON SCIENTIFIC DATA.
meeting to be held outside the United States for the first time, in Istanbul, Türkiye. The results of this meeting will be published digitally as a scientific reference for experts.
At Acıbadem Healthcare Group, we have a comprehensive strategy to minimize the risk of infection during prosthesis surgery and provide quick, effective solutions for any infections that may occur. Our strategy is based on our expert and experienced physician staff.
Prof. Dr. Remzi Tözün emphasizes the importance of appropriate patient selection and risk management in prosthetic surgery. He states that factors such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can increase the risk of infection two to three times. He states that the preoperative conditions of these patients should be optimized and that patients with such risk factors are meticulously evaluated at Acıbadem, where necessary precautions are taken. He also adds that, thanks to developing techniques, prostheses now last up to 30 years and patients recover faster.
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Tuncay pointed out that infectious diseases are an important problem today and stated that even microorganisms that were discussed at the consensus meeting can
cause prosthesis infections. He stated that there are at least 25,000 to 30,000 cases of infection after prosthesis surgery worldwide each year and emphasized the importance of factors such as the patient's chronic diseases, the hospital environment, and the correct implementation of infection control measures. He pointed out that unconscious antibiotic use is one of the biggest risks in developing an infection and warned that unnecessary antibiotic use can mask an infection and lead to antibiotic resistance. At Acıbadem, a responsible, scientifically justified approach to antibiotic use is taken.
Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Parvizi, a world authority on prosthetic infections, Acıbadem applies the most up-to-date scientific approaches to infection control. His participation in international consensus meetings demonstrates Acıbadem's global impact in this field.
Acıbadem's success in preventing infections
THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF INFECTIONS IN PROSTHETIC SURGERY IS CRUCIAL FOR BOTH SURGICAL SUCCESS AND THE PATIENT'S LONG-TERM QUALITY OF LIFE. WITH ITS LEADING PHYSICIANS, STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY, AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH, ACIBADEM HEALTHCARE GROUP IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING PATIENTS WITH SUCCESSFUL SURGERIES AND COMPLETE SAFETY AND COMFORT DURING THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD. YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIORITY, AND WE WILL BE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY ON YOUR JOURNEY TO RECOVERY.
spans from patient selection to post-discharge follow-up and includes intraoperative practices. Preoperative screening, individualized antibiotic protocols, and postoperative follow-up programs reduce the risk of infection based on scientific principles.
However, thanks to the emphasis on patient education, patients can play an active role in managing their health. This approach positively affects short- and long-term results and quality of life.
The prevention and treatment of infections in
prosthetic surgery is crucial for both surgical success and the patient's long-term quality of life. With its leading physicians, state-of-the-art technology, and multidisciplinary approach, Acıbadem Healthcare Group is committed to providing patients with successful surgeries and complete safety and comfort during the postoperative period. Your health is our priority, and we will be with you every step of the way on your journey to recovery.
AT ACIBADEM HEALTHCARE GROUP, WE HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INFECTION DURING PROSTHESIS SURGERY AND PROVIDE QUICK, EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR ANY INFECTIONS THAT MAY OCCUR. OUR STRATEGY IS BASED ON OUR EXPERT AND EXPERIENCED PHYSICIAN STAFF.
Dr. Mohamad Anas Barakat, Pediatric Consultant Head of Department at Al-Ahli Hospital/Qatar
Al-Ahli Hospital proudly leads the way in pediatric care with the launch of Qatar’s first fully integrated Well Child Preventive Wellness Package, a groundbreaking initiative offering children a full-circle health experience focused on early detection, prevention, and long-term wellness. Recognizing that healthy childhoods lead to healthier societies, this one-of-a-kind program is designed to screen for physical, emotional, sensory, developmental, and even dental issues before they evolve into chronic or lifelong conditions.
HEALTHIER CHILDHOODS START WITH SMARTER CHOICES AND EARLIER INTERVENTIONS.
While many healthcare services respond to illness after it arises, Al-Ahli Hospital’s Well Child Package is proactive, preventive, and holistic. It offers a multidisciplinary, age-specific approach that includes eight interconnected specialties, all delivered in one seamless, childcentered experience. From behavioral health to dental checks and lab diagnostics, this package ensures nothing is overlooked in your child’s developmental journey.
This package uniquely combines the expertise of eight vital disciplines, working together to provide a full-picture understanding of your child’s health:
Experienced pediatricians conduct full evaluations focusing on growth charts, neurological milestones, immunization status, and behavioral screening, looking deeper than surface-level symptoms to uncover subtle indicators of concern.
Our ENT specialists use modern technology to detect hearing loss, balance disturbances, or inner ear conditions that may affect language development, attention, and school performance.
Poor eyesight is often misdiagnosed as a learning issue. Our team screens for strabismus,
refractive errors, and early signs of eye disease, helping protect your child’s visual and cognitive development.
4. Nutritional Assessment and Diet Counseling
Our clinical dietitians evaluate nutritional intake, BMI, and family dietary patterns. They offer personalized nutrition plans to support healthy growth and help prevent obesity, diabetes, and future cardiovascular risks.
5. Pediatric Dentistry Screening
Oral health plays a critical role in overall wellbeing. Our dental team checks for cavities, bite problems, hygiene habits, and gum conditions, educating children and families on proper dental care routines that support lifelong oral health.
6. Laboratory Tests (Basic Wellness Panel)
Key laboratory diagnostics are included to assess internal health, screen for anemia, vitamin deficiencies, glucose levels, and general indicators of systemic issues. These tests support clinical findings and reinforce early prevention strategies.
7. Integrated Report & Personalized Recommendations
All results are compiled into a cohesive wellness report, reviewed jointly across specialties. Parents receive clear action steps, lifestyle guidance, and referrals if any risk factors are detected.
The Well Child Package is ideal for:
• 4- 15 years old kids
• School-age children facing academic or behavioral transitions
• Preteens preparing for puberty and emotional growth
• Any child needing a full preventive check, even without noticeable symptoms
Whether it’s routine screening or early detection, this package acts as a health
shield, catching what parents might miss and addressing issues before they escalate.
Why Al-Ahli Hospital?
• The First in Qatar to offer this fully integrated pediatric wellness model
• Multidisciplinary team: Pediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Nutrition, Dentistry, Hearing and Balance, as well as the following tests: Ferritin, (for Iron levels), Vitamin D, and Complete Blood Count CBC.
• ISO-Certified for quality, safety, and patient-centered care
• Stress-free, child-friendly environment
• Single-visit experience with comprehensive reporting
At Al-Ahli Hospital, we believe pediatric wellness is a shared responsibility—between hospitals, families, and communities.
Our Well Child Preventive Wellness Package is part of a broader vision to create a healthier, happier future generation by shifting from reactive to proactive pediatric care.
This initiative encourages families to see wellness checks as essential, not optional, and empowers parents with education, support, and peace of mind.
Because
Healthier childhoods start with smarter choices and earlier interventions. The Well Child Preventive Package is not just a healthcare offering; it’s a promise: to protect your child’s full potential, to support families at every step, and to reduce the risk of preventable illnesses before they begin. Because when it comes to children, the best medicine is prevention.
www.ahlihospital.com
WHILE MANY HEALTHCARE SERVICES RESPOND TO ILLNESS AFTER IT ARISES, AL-AHLI HOSPITAL’S WELL CHILD PACKAGE IS PROACTIVE, PREVENTIVE, AND HOLISTIC. IT OFFERS A MULTIDISCIPLINARY, AGE-SPECIFIC APPROACH THAT INCLUDES EIGHT INTERCONNECTED SPECIALTIES, ALL DELIVERED IN ONE SEAMLESS, CHILD-CENTERED EXPERIENCE. FROM BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TO DENTAL CHECKS AND LAB DIAGNOSTICS, THIS PACKAGE ENSURES NOTHING IS OVERLOOKED IN YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENTAL JOURNEY.
Al-Ahli Hospital, a leader in advanced healthcare in Qatar, proudly announces the addition of the Siemens MAGNETOM Vida 3T MRI system to its radiology department, becoming the first private hospital in Qatar to introduce this revolutionary diagnostic technology. This investment underscores Al-Ahli Hospital’s commitment to innovation, patient/ guest-centric care, and delivering the highest standards of diagnostic accuracy and clinical efficiency.
A New Era in Imaging: What is the Siemens MAGNETOM Vida?
The MAGNETOM Vida is Siemens Healthineers’ flagship 3 Tesla (3T) MRI scanner. Built on the exclusive BioMatrix Technology, this stateof-the-art machine adapts to the unique anatomical and physiological characteristics of each patient, offering personalized, faster, and more precise imaging. It is designed not only for high-end neurological, cardiac, and musculoskeletal imaging but also to streamline workflows and minimize patient/ guest discomfort. Key Strengths and Advantages of the MAGNETOM Vida
1. BioMatrix Technology: Precision Meets Personalization
Traditional MRI systems struggle to adapt to patient/guest variability, often resulting in image artifacts or repeat scans. The MAGNETOM Vida solves this challenge with BioMatrix sensors and tuners that automatically adjust to each patient's body shape, movement, and breathing patterns. This means clearer images on the first scan, reduced scan times, and fewer recalls, a major win for both clinicians and patients/ guests.
2. Exceptional Image Quality at High Speed
Powered by the latest GO technologies and Turbo Suite, the MAGNETOM Vida significantly shortens scan durations without compromising quality. Patients spend less time in the scanner, while physicians receive sharper, high-resolution images in record time.
Whether detecting early-stage neurological conditions, evaluating joint injuries, or mapping complex vascular pathways, the clarity and detail delivered by the Vida are unmatched.
For many, undergoing an MRI can be stressful. The MAGNETOM Vida was engineered with patient/ guest comfort at the forefront.
A wider bore and noise reduction features make the scanning process less claustrophobic and more relaxing. It’s particularly beneficial for pediatric, elderly, and anxious patients/ guests groups often underserved by traditional MRI technology.
4. Faster Diagnostics, Quicker Treatment
Speed and accuracy are not just technical perks, they are life-saving advantages. With the MAGNETOM Vida, clinicians at Al-Ahli Hospital can detect abnormalities earlier and with greater precision, enabling faster, more targeted interventions. In emergency settings, the Vida’s speed can make a critical difference in patient/ guests outcomes.
5. Wide Clinical Applications
From neuroimaging to oncology, orthopedics, cardiology, and beyond, the MAGNETOM Vida offers multi-disciplinary imaging capabilities. Its versatility supports the diagnosis and monitoring of numerous conditions, such as:
• Brain tumors and strokes
• Spinal disc abnormalities
• Cardiac perfusion and ischemia
• Liver and kidney lesions
• Joint and soft tissue injuries
• Advanced breast MRI and whole-body scans
Al-Ahli Hospital’s introduction of the MAGNETOM Vida is more than just a technological upgrade—it’s a transformative step in patient / guest care.
For
• Greater diagnostic confidence: Early and accurate diagnosis leads to better outcomes.
• Reduced scan times: Faster imaging means more comfort and less waiting.
• Fewer repeat exams: Thanks to the system’s automated adjustments and precision.
• Enhanced safety: With optimized imaging protocols that minimize exposure to contrast agents and scanning stress.
• Enhanced clinical decision-making based on crystal-clear imaging.
• Improved workflow efficiency with AI-powered scan planning and reconstruction.
• Broader diagnostic capabilities supporting complex and rare disease imaging.
• Research-grade performance that aligns with global standards in radiology.
With the acquisition of the MAGNETOM Vida, Al-Ahli Hospital becomes the first in Qatar’s private healthcare sector to offer this level of advanced MRI imaging.
It’s a bold move that reflects the hospital’s vision to bring global best practices in healthcare technology to the heart of Doha. This milestone also reinforces Al-Ahli Hospital’s mission to continuously evolve, attracting toptier medical professionals, and offering Qatar’s diverse patient/ guest population access to world-class diagnostic services without the need to travel abroad.
THE MAGNETOM VIDA IS SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS’ FLAGSHIP 3 TESLA (3T) MRI SCANNER. BUILT ON THE EXCLUSIVE BIOMATRIX TECHNOLOGY, THIS STATE-OF-THE-ART MACHINE ADAPTS TO THE UNIQUE ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EACH PATIENT, OFFERING PERSONALIZED, FASTER, AND MORE PRECISE IMAGING. IT IS DESIGNED NOT ONLY FOR HIGH-END NEUROLOGICAL, CARDIAC, AND MUSCULOSKELETAL IMAGING BUT ALSO TO STREAMLINE WORKFLOWS AND MINIMIZE PATIENT/ GUEST DISCOMFORT. KEY STRENGTHS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE MAGNETOM VIDA.
Incorporating the MAGNETOM Vida is not just about todayit’s a strategic investment in the future. With AI-ready architecture, the scanner paves the way for next-generation developments in radiomics, predictive diagnostics, and precision medicine.
Al-Ahli Hospital is positioning itself not only as a service provider but also as a leader in medical innovation, contributing to the region’s evolving healthcare landscape.
Share the Vision: Quality Imaging for a Healthier Community
As part of its awareness and outreach efforts, Al-Ahli Hospital is leveraging the arrival of the MAGNETOM Vida to educate the public on the importance of early and accurate diagnosis. Campaigns through social media, hospital tours, and informational videos are being launched to highlight the benefits of MRI in routine and specialized care.
INCORPORATING THE MAGNETOM VIDA IS NOT JUST ABOUT TODAYIT’S A STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE. WITH AIREADY ARCHITECTURE, THE SCANNER PAVES THE WAY FOR NEXT-GENERATION DEVELOPMENTS IN RADIOMICS, PREDICTIVE DIAGNOSTICS, AND PRECISION MEDICINE. AL-AHLI HOSPITAL IS POSITIONING ITSELF NOT ONLY AS A SERVICE PROVIDER BUT ALSO AS A LEADER IN MEDICAL INNOVATION, CONTRIBUTING TO THE REGION’S EVOLVING HEALTHCARE LANDSCAPE.
Lab safety is essential for preventing accidents and injuries in research, medical, industrial, or educational labs. It involves careful handling of hazardous substances, proper PPE like gloves, lab coats, goggles, and respiratory gear. Consistent use of PPE and attention to detail create a safer, more reliable workspace.
Laboratory safety is a foundation for multiple essential areas.
The primary aim of safety systems, especially in hazardous labs, is to protect lives and minimize risks. Good safety protocols prevent injuries, limit exposure, reduce infection risks, and ensure radiological safety.
Laboratories operate within a rigorous legal framework requiring adherence to established safety standards, both nationally and internationally.
• OSHA Standards: OSHA enforces safety regulations in U.S. laboratories, including routine compliance inspections.
• The Joint Commission: A global healthcare accreditation body sets strict laboratory safety standards for staff and patients.
• Legal Responsibility: Failing to comply can lead to penalties, shutdowns, or legal action if negligence causes injury or harm. Following regulations lowers legal and financial risks.
Laboratory accidents disrupt operations, causing downtime, financial costs, and damaging morale. They can destroy samples, corrupt data, and damage equipment, delaying progress. Beyond costs, such incidents harm workplace confidence and efficiency. Therefore, lab safety is a vital investment in staff, accuracy, and sustainability.
A safe and effective lab environment begins with a proactive approach to identify and minimize risks. Labs contain various hazards that need continuous attention and understanding. Risks require customized controls.
Chemicals are essential in labs but can be dangerous if not handled properly. They may expose you to toxic substances that can harm your lungs, nerves, or organs. To stay safe, store chemicals safely, ensure good ventilation, and wear proper protective gear.
Life science labs face risks from pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, requiring containment, sterilization, and waste protocols.
Often underestimated, physical hazards remain a leading cause of laboratory accidents. These include sharp instruments like needles, scalpels, or microtome blades. Preventative measures include safe handling, proper organization, and prompt cleanup of spills.
Labs using radioactive materials for research or diagnostics must address ionizing radiation (gamma rays, X-rays, alpha, beta) and nonionizing radiation (UV, lasers, microwaves). Safety requires shielding, dose monitoring, and training.
The equipment with higher pressure and temperature introduces extra dangers. Gas cylinders full of nitrogen, hydrogen, or oxygen may burst if harmed or overheated. Fast centrifuges might break if not balanced properly. Autoclaves, used for steam sterilization, can cause burns or explosions. Proper maintenance, operator training, and following manufacturer instructions are essential.
PPE SERVES AS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE IN SAFEGUARDING LABORATORY STAFF. LAB COATS PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE BARRIER FOR SKIN AND CLOTHING AGAINST CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL SPLASHES. GLOVES, SELECTED BASED ON MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY SUCH AS NITRILE OR LATEX, ARE CRITICAL FOR HAND PROTECTION. SAFETY GOGGLES OR FACE SHIELDS PROTECT THE EYES FROM SPLASHES OR AIRBORNE DEBRIS. IN ENVIRONMENTS WITH HARMFUL VAPORS OR FINE AIRBORNE PARTICLES, RESPIRATORY PROTECTION BECOMES ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE SAFE AIR QUALITY. CONSISTENT AND CORRECT USE OF PPE IS FUNDAMENTAL TO MAINTAINING A SAFE AND HEALTHY WORKING ENVIRONMENT.
By Ali Elhaj, LLM., Ph. D. Healthcare CEO, Board Member. Risk Governance, Forecast. Implementation. Advisor and Strategist.
Let’s talk plainly. You shape policy, sign budgets, navigate mergers, and chase "growth." On paper, it’s impressive: gleaming facilities, dazzling tech, expanding market share. These things matter, absolutely. Sustainability isn’t optional; progress demands structure. But somewhere along this relentless drive for business expansion and technical efficiency, we risk losing sight of the why. We risk confusing the platform for the sacred space it’s meant to support. We’ve become too adept at glorifying leadership itself, celebrating the "transformative CEO," measuring success in KPIs and profit margins. Sustainability demands structure, but relentless expansion risks losing sight of “why”. Healthcare isn't just an industry; it's the foundation of a humane society, as vital as defense and education. It reflects our commitment to each other's humanity. Yet, much so-called 'innovation' leaves many behind. When cutting-edge care is inaccessible and staff are burned out, what have we truly achieved? A hollow victory.
Esteemed leaders, your responsibility transcends budgets:
1. Health Policy
Anticipate, don’t react. Craft policies addressing social determinants, pandemic resilience, and prevention. Ask: Who benefits? Who is harmed?
2. Funding
Allocate with moral courage. Redefine "return" as healthier communities, reduced disparities, and thriving workforce. Incentivize prevention, support primary/mental health care, and fight for equitable reimbursement.
3. Human Resources
Your most valuable asset walks out exhausted nightly. Address burnout with safe staffing,
competitive wages, respect, and growth. Invest in people as fiercely as in MRI machines.
4. Technology
Deploy AI/telemedicine ruthlessly: Does it improve access or create divides? Augment care or replace humanity? Prioritize interoperability and affordability. Tech for the affluent alone is exclusion.
5. The Unseen & Unheard:
This is the core. Always consider those excluded. Equity isn’t a checkbox; it’s healthcare’s ethical imperative. A system failing the vulnerable fails entirely. Governing healthcare is societal trust, stewardship of hope and dignity. It demands:
• Courage to prioritize long-term health over short-term gains.
• Humility to listen to frontline voices and refine vision by reality.
• Ethical Fortitude to center the Hippocratic Oath: "Is this right?" not just profitable.
• Foresight to build resilience against demographic/climate shifts.
• Compassion for patients and providers shaped by your choices.
The glorification of leadership rings hollow without tangible, equitable health. step out of the c-suite echo chamber. listen to communities. feel the weight of trust. lead for the soul of healthcare, a fairer, humane society. that’s the only kpi history remembers. Investing in healthcare builds legacy: healthier children, thriving communities. Before approving plans or budgets, ask:
• Who truly benefits?
• Who is left behind?
• Does this serve all?
• What legacy are we building? Now, go build that legacy.
THE GLORIFICATION OF LEADERSHIP RINGS HOLLOW WITHOUT TANGIBLE, EQUITABLE HEALTH. STEP OUT OF THE C-SUITE ECHO CHAMBER. LISTEN TO COMMUNITIES. FEEL THE WEIGHT OF TRUST. LEAD FOR THE SOUL OF HEALTHCARE, A FAIRER, HUMANE SOCIETY. THAT’S THE ONLY KPI HISTORY REMEMBERS. INVESTING IN HEALTHCARE BUILDS LEGACY: HEALTHIER CHILDREN, THRIVING COMMUNITIES. BEFORE APPROVING PLANS OR BUDGETS, ASK.
As a world-class transplant center, Northwestern Medicine’s programs and procedures are saving more lives than ever. With an ideal Downtown Chicago location and dedicated global services team, physicians can feel confident sending patients and their families to Northwestern Medicine for quality care in a dynamic, connected city.
n Top-ranked U.S. transplant center with 400+ annual transplants and exceptional outcomes
n Personalized coordination, care, and concierge services from Global Services Team at every step of the journey
n Chicago location offers daily direct flights, ultra-luxury shopping and five-star dining, plus activities for visitors of all ages
n Home to first and only transplant program for lung cancer patients, as well as liver transplant program for late-stage colorectal cancer patients
