How can a nation’s health system withstand the compounded pressures of a pandemic, a severe economic crisis, and the impact of various wars? In this episode, we speak with Bouchra Abou Abbas, a healthcare consultant in Lebanon, about the country’s journey through COVID-19 and the road ahead. We explore the systemic weaknesses these crises laid bare, the unexpected strengths that emerged, and the community innovations shaping recovery. From local solutions to global partnerships, this conversation offers valuable lessons for developing countries striving for stronger, more equitable, and crisis-ready healthcare systems.

#HealthSystems #ResilientHealthcare #LebanonHealth #PublicHealth #HealthResilience #GlobalHealth #PandemicResponse #EconomicCrisis #HealthcareInnovation #HealthEquity #COVID19Lessons #CrisisPreparedness #HealthcareLeadership #MiddleEastHealth #BouchraAbouAbbas #HealthcareConsultant #DevelopingCountries #CommunityHealth #GlobalCollaboration #HealthPolicy

Podcast Title: "AI for Health: Innovating Lebanon’s Future with Dr. Sandy Rihana"

Podcast Description: Join us in a compelling conversation with Dr. Sandy Rihana, Head of Biomedical Engineering at USEK in Lebanon, as we explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare. From the global frameworks developed by the WHO to Lebanon’s unique readiness and ethical considerations, Dr. Rihana shares insights into successfully integrating AI in both resource-rich and resource-constrained environments.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The WHO’s new framework for AI-based medical devices and its applicability to Lebanon.

• Challenges in adapting AI technologies designed in high-income settings to Lebanon’s healthcare realities.

• Inspiring examples of successful AI applications across diverse global contexts.

• Lebanon’s current digital health maturity and Dr. Rihana’s personal experiences in AI healthcare projects.

• Ethical AI deployment amidst Lebanon’s crisis-prone healthcare environment.

• The future of Large Multi-Modal Models (LMMs) like ChatGPT in healthcare, along with their potential risks and benefits.

• Dr. Rihana’s vision, advice for healthcare leaders, and what gives her hope for Lebanon's AI-driven health innovation.

Tune in to uncover the possibilities and navigate the complexities of bringing meaningful AI innovation to healthcare in Lebanon and beyond.

#AIinHealthcare #DigitalHealth #LebanonHealth #BiomedicalEngineering #HealthcareInnovation #EthicalAI #WHOFramework #HealthTech #Lebanon #GlobalHealth #HealthcareLeadership #AIResearch #FutureofHealth #EmergingTech #AIgovernance #MedicalAI

This episode is also on available on YouTube

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Dr. Carine El Khazen Hadati, clinical psychologist and director of the Eating and Weight Disorder Program at the American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology. A leading expert in the Middle East, Dr. El Khazen shares her insights on the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of eating disorders across the region. We explore how she applies enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) to treat complex cases with empathy and scientific precision. The conversation also dives into the cultural and social taboos that impact care, and how stigma around mental health and body image is slowly being challenged. This is a powerful discussion for anyone interested in mental health, cultural change, and compassionate care.

#EatingDisorders #MentalHealthAwareness #CBT #CBTE #BodyImage #MiddleEastMentalHealth #CompassionateCare #PsychologyPodcast #DisorderedEating #MentalHealthMatters #EDRecovery #BreakingTheStigma #EatingDisorderTreatment #HealthAndWellness #TherapyTalk #WomenInPsychology #MindBodyConnection

This podcast is available on all podcast apps and on YouTube