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

What does it truly mean to grow as a doctor, not just in skill, but in humanity?

In this powerful episode, Dr. Tarek Souaid joins us to discuss his book How Doctors Grow and reflect on the emotional journey of becoming a physician. From the high-stakes environment of the Cleveland Clinic to the quiet moments that shaped his empathy, Dr. Souaid opens up about what medical training often overlooks: the importance of emotional intelligence, patient connection, and self-care.

We dive into the common communication pitfalls young doctors face, how to foster meaningful doctor-patient relationships, and why burnout continues to plague the profession. Dr. Souaid also shares insights on navigating stress during residency and how institutions can better support physician wellbeing. Whether you're in medicine or simply curious about its human side, this episode is a thoughtful exploration of growth, resilience, and purpose.

#HowDoctorsGrow #MedicalHumanism #PhysicianWellbeing #EmpathyInMedicine #DoctorBurnout #EmotionalIntelligence #ResidencyLife #MedicalTraining #DoctorPatientRelationship #HealthcareLeadership #NarrativeMedicine #ClevelandClinic #MedicalEducation #HumanSideOfMedicine #PhysicianGrowth

In this episode, Dr. Hind Rafei dives into the cutting-edge world of CAR-NK cell therapy and its potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. Unlike their T-cell counterparts, CAR-NK cells promise enhanced safety and innate tumor-killing ability. But what if their power could be dialed up even further?

Dr. Rafei discusses her team's groundbreaking discovery of CREM, a transcriptional regulator that shapes CAR-NK function and limits its full therapeutic potential. We explore how modulating CREM—particularly by deleting or suppressing it—can reprogram these cells to become more effective, resilient cancer fighters.

We unpack the science behind the PKA–CREB pathway, CREM-driven epigenetic changes, and how these findings might lead to next-generation immunotherapies and even cancer vaccines. Finally, Dr. Rafei offers insights on clinical translation and the path ahead for CREM-tuned therapies.

Whether you’re a researcher, clinician, or patient advocate, this episode sheds light on one of the most promising frontiers in cellular immunotherapy.

• #CARNKCells

• #CellTherapy

• #CancerImmunotherapy

• #GeneEditing

• #Epigenetics

• #TranscriptionFactors

• #CREMgene

• #CancerBiology

• #ImmunoOncology

• #NextGenTherapies

• #CancerInnovation

• #PodcastEpisode

• #SciencePodcast

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• #CancerResearch

• #Immunotherapy

Dr. Marie Nakhoul reflects on growing up in Lebanon, the emotional complexities of migration, and how her work as an OBGYN in the U.S. deepens her understanding of grief, memory, and identity. A powerful conversation on belonging, nostalgia, and writing as a way to return home.

From the smells of her childhood village to the silence of clinical spaces, this conversation weaves together stories of home, healing, and hope. Whether you're part of a diaspora or simply navigating your own journey of identity and place, this episode will resonate deeply.

#UnfinishedStories #MemoryAndMigration #DiasporaVoices #CulturalIdentity #ImmigrantStories #WomenInMedicine #LebaneseVoices #HomeAndBelonging #GriefAndHealing #MemoirWriting #Nostalgia #MedicineAndMeaning #OBGYNVoices #WomenInHealthcare

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Wael Hanna, thoracic surgeon and founder of NodeAI, a pioneering startup transforming the evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes through artificial intelligence. Dr. Hanna shares the inspiration behind NodeAI, the clinical problem it aims to solve, and how its cutting-edge platform helps stratify lymph node malignancy risk with speed and precision. We explore the implications of this innovation for lung cancer diagnosis, biopsy decision-making, and patient care — and take a look at what the future holds for AI in thoracic oncology. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or health tech enthusiast, this conversation offers a compelling look at how AI is reshaping diagnostic medicine from the inside out.

#NodeAI #AIinHealthcare #MediastinalLymphNodes #LungCancerDiagnosis #HealthTech #MedicalAI #ThoracicSurgery #AIinMedicine #PrecisionDiagnostics #StartupSpotlight #CancerDetection #MedicalInnovation #FutureOfMedicine #RadiologyAI #ChestImaging #DigitalHealth #AIStartup #OncologyTech #HealthcareInnovation

This episode can also be found on YouTube

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Maysaa Jaafar, President of the Lebanese Society for Quality and Safety in Healthcare (LSQSH), to explore the remarkable journey of the society since its inception.

Maysaa shares the story behind the establishment of LSQSH, shedding light on the visionaries and healthcare professionals who came together with a shared commitment to improve healthcare standards in Lebanon. We delve into the mission and core objectives of the society, which center on promoting excellence in healthcare quality, patient safety, and clinical best practices across the country.

Throughout the conversation, Maysaa highlights the key milestones and achievements LSQSH has reached to date, including successful initiatives, training programs, and awareness campaigns. She also offers candid reflections on the challenges the society has faced—ranging from limited resources to navigating complex healthcare dynamics in a time of national crisis.

We discuss the importance of collaborations and partnerships, both locally and internationally, that have played a pivotal role in amplifying the society's impact. Looking ahead, Maysaa outlines LSQSH’s strategic plans for the future, emphasizing innovation, capacity building, and broader community engagement to sustain and scale their mission.

This episode is a must-listen for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and anyone passionate about improving healthcare systems through quality and safety frameworks.

🔗 Listen now to learn how the LSQSH is shaping the future of healthcare in Lebanon—one quality initiative at a time.

• #HealthcareQuality

• #PatientSafety

• #QualityImprovement

• #HealthSystems

• #GlobalHealth

• #LebanonHealthcare

• #HealthcareInLebanon

• #LebaneseHealthLeaders

• #MENAHealth

• #HealthcarePodcast

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• #HealthLeadership

• #ListenNow