Speakers

4th SSMC Education Week

In the Year of the Community: The Social Accountability of Healthcare Education

Dr. Marwan Alkaabi

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sheikh Shahkbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi is the chief executive officer (CEO) at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC). With over 17 years of hands-on experience in successfully performing complex operations and leading large teams, Dr. Al Kaabi has earned a reputation as an expert in driving operational efficiency, improving customer care and enterprise risk management.

Prior to joining SSMC, Dr. Al Kaabi played a pivotal role in safeguarding critical infrastructure and functions as PureHealth’s chief of critical infrastructure management and response. His role extended to developing and implementing incident and crisis management plans and establishing stringent security protocols and health and safety standards.

Dr. Al Kaabi served as the chief operations officer (COO) at Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), where his visionary leadership steered the organisation through multiple strategic initiatives. Driven by a commitment to advancing healthcare delivery, Dr. Al Kaabi brings a wealth of experience, expertise and a proven track record of success to SSMC. Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Board of the United Arab Emirates University and the Leaders Advisory Board of the Arab Hospitals Federation. He has recently been appointed as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Khalifa University to collaborate with Faculty members on research projects in compliance with policies and procedures.

Dr. Al Kaabi is a Medical Doctor (M.D.) and holds a Master’s degree in Health Emergency Management from Boston University, United States, and executive certificate in managing healthcare delivery from Harvard Business School. His academic pursuits have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of medical practice and healthcare management.

Prof. James Rourke

MD, CCFP (EM), Mci Sci, FCFP, FRRMS, FCAHS, LLD Professor Emeritus, Former Dean of Medicine Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada

Dr. James Rourke is Professor Emeritus at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, where he was Dean of Medicine 2004-2016 and Professor of Family Medicine.

Dr. Rourke was Chair of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), Chair of the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS-CAFMC) and a member of Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).

He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (FCAHS) with over 100 publications (Scopus h-index 23 Google Scholar h-index 34). Dr. James Rourke is a leader in Medical Education, Rural Medicine, and Social Accountability and has been the Chair of the AMEE ASPIRE-to-Excellence Board and was the Founding Chair of the ASPIRE Panel on Social Accountability.

Prof. Robert Woollard

MD, CCFP, FCFP, LM, DHC (Laval) Emeritus Professor UBC Department of Family Practice, Canada

Dr. Woollard is Emeritus Professor at UBC. He has extensive national and international experience in the fields of medical education, social accountability of medical schools, ecosystem approaches to health, and sustainable development. In this he has held leadership roles in the CFPC, CMA, AFMC, AMEE, and the NetworkTUFH. He is actively involved in Nepal with a national medical school, school of public health and a nursing school founded on the principles of social accountability. He is currently working on the establishment of the University of Nepal—a new public liberal arts university. His work in East Africa and Asia is centered on matters of social accountability, primary care and accreditation systems.

Dr. Woollard co-chairs the Global Consensus on Social Accountability for Medical Schools (GCSA) and does extensive work in this area with many international bodies. He was a lead organizer for the World Summit on Social Accountability that led to the Tunis Declaration.

Prof. Ahmad Murad Alraeesi

Vice Chancellor, UAE University Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Prof. Ahmed Alraeesi holds the position of Acting Vice Chancellor and Professor of Hydrogeology at United Arab Emirates University. With an extensive academic background spanning over two decades, he brings a wealth of experience in teaching and mentoring graduate students. Throughout his career, Prof. Alraeesi has held various significant roles, including Associate Provost of Research from January 2020 to January 2025, Chair of the Geology Department from 2006 to 2010, Vice Dean of the College of Science from 2012 – 2016, Dean of the College of Science from 2016 to 2020, and Acting Dean of the College of Education from 2018 to 2019.

His primary research interests lie in hydrogeology, water resources, and isotope hydrology. Dr. Alraeesi is deeply involved in various initiatives aimed at enhancing water management and sustainability in the UAE. He is a founding member of the UAE’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Program National Committee and has served on the board of the UAE Water Aid Foundation since 2018.

He was a member of the Permanent Consultation Mechanism of the Groundwater
Governance Project and served on the Emirates Scientists Council in the UAE government (2016–2018). Prof. Ahmed Alraeesi also served as a member of the National Committee on Combating Desertification. UNESCO appointed him as a Member of the Advisory Board for Open Science in July 2020. Prof. Alraeesi spearheaded the UAEU initiatives at COP28. His scholarly output includes over 70 papers published in internationally peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Moreover, he has engaged in and delivered presentations at more than 100 national and international conferences since 2005.

Prof. Manda Venkatramana

Chancellor, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Prof. Manda Venkatramana is the Chancellor of Gulf Medical University and has served as Vice Chancellor Academics and Dean, College of Medicine for several years. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Glasgow, UK. He is a Professor of Surgery and a Consultant Surgeon at Thumbay Hospital, Ajman.

He has been instrumental in securing international accreditations for GMU and its programs, and launching groundbreaking innovative programs, the first of their kind in the country and region. An award-winning educator, Prof. Manda is the recipient of multiple ‘Best Teacher Awards,’ chosen by students for his passion and excellence in teaching. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to several academic books. His leadership continues to propel GMU toward becoming a leading medical varsity in the region.

Dr. Abdul Majeed Al Zubaidi

Medical Advisor at the Presidential Court, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abdulmajeed Alzubaidi is from the United Arab Emirates. Finished medical school at Cairo University followed by postgraduate training in the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, where he completed his training in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Alzubaidi works as a consultant Interventional cardiologist. With more than 20-year experience in cardiology and interventional cardiology.

He is an Associate Dean, Workforce & Professional Development Center, SSMC. In addition to the clinical practice he served as a Chief Medical Officer for the largest hospitals in Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Khalifa Medical City 2012-2017, then Mafraq Hospital 2018- 2020). He also served as a chair of the SEHA network cardiovascular service line 2012-2019.

He won the Chairman of the Executive Council Medal in the specialized field category in 2015 and received an Abu Dhabi Awards.

Dr. Alzubaidi carries the Canadian Board of Medicine and cardiovascular disease and the cardiovascular boards in Cardiac CT. (CBCCT). He is a fellow of the Royal College of physicians (Canada) and Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

Dr. Mohammed Al Houqani

Secretary General, National Institute for Health Specialties, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Mohammed Al Houqani is a distinguished medical professional dedicated to advancing medical education and patient care. He currently serves as the Secretary General of the National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS), playing a pivotal role in shaping postgraduate medical education in the UAE.

Additionally, Dr Al Houqani is also an Associate Professor at the Department of Internal Medicine, at the College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, and a consultant in Respiratory & Sleep Medicine.

Prof. Amjad Mohammad Qandil

Director, Commission for Academic Accreditation, United Arab Emirates

Prof. Qandil received his BSc Degree in Pharmacy from Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jordan and his PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design form Purdue University, USA. Before joining the Commission, Prof. Qandil was an Associate Professor of Medicinal and Organic Chemistry in the Faculty of Pharmacy at Jordan University of Science and Technology, and a Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the College of Pharmacy at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, KSA.

He has published work in several areas including Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Education. During the past 14 years he chaired the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy was the Assistant Dean of Pharmacy (JUST) and the founding chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KSAU-HS).

Additionally, Prof. Qandil chaired the Quality Unit and the Curriculum, Student Assessment and Accreditation Committees in both Colleges and also served as an Accreditation Academic Advisor to the Vice President, Development and Quality Management at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, KSA.

Dr. Abdulkarim Saleh

Dean of Education, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abdulkarim Saleh, MD is a Consultant Nephrologist and Dean of Education at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and his Medical Doctor’s degree at the American University of Beirut. He trained in Internal Medicine at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois and completed a Nephrology Fellowship at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

He served on the faculty of Northwestern University for two years and was later appointed Head of the Clinical Services Division at the National Kidney Foundation of Singapore, in medical partnership with the Renal Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard University. He joined Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (Abu Dhabi, UAE) in 2002 where he served in several leadership roles including Founding Chairman of the Education Institute, Founding Chairman of the Medical Ethics Board, Chairman of Medicine, and Deputy Chief Medical Officer. He joined SSMC in July 2019.

Dr. Yara Al Jalbout

Director, Center of Innovation and Medical Simulation, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Yara is an American Board-Certified Anaesthesiologist, who brings more than 15 years of experience in anaesthesiology, holding clinical and educational leadership roles in prestigious hospitals and institutions in the USA and her home country Lebanon. She has a special interest and is highly trained in simulation and medical education, in addition to regional, obstetric and neuroanaesthesiology.

Dr. Al Jalbout currently works as a Consultant physician in the department of Anesthesiology at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City where she also serves as the Medical Director of the Center of Innovation and Medical Simulation.

Dr. Rasha Buhumaid

Dean of the College of Medicine, Dean of Graduate Medical Education, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Rasha Buhumaid is an Emirati Emergency physician at Dubai Health, Dubai’s first integrated academic health system. She serves as the Dean of College of Medicine and Graduate Medical Education at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) which leads the learning mission of Dubai Health, where she oversees undergraduate and graduate training programs and more than 1000 learners across various training sites in Dubai. As Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at MBRU, she actively contributes to point-of-care ultrasound education in the Middle East region. She is the president elect of the Asian Society of Emergency Medicine and a board member of the Arab Resuscitation Council

Dr. Buhumaid completed her residency training in Emergency Medicine at George Washington University in Washington D.C. and a fellowship in Emergency Ultrasound at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, USA. She is the President of the Emirates Society of Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Alkuwaiti

Education Director, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Ibrahim Al Kuwaiti is the Education Director and Director of Staff Development at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC). He brings extensive experience in healthcare operations alongside a deep passion for education. Dr. Al Kuwaiti began his career at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) in 2005, where he held several leadership roles before joining SSMC as part of the hospital’s activation team. At SKMC, he led a variety of strategic projects and employee engagement initiatives, serving as Deputy Director of Outpatient Specialty Clinics and Primary Health Care, Director of the Abu Dhabi Rehabilitation Center, and Director of Patient Experience and Support Services. He later became Director of Operations at Al Rahba Hospital, where he oversaw major operational functions.

At SSMC, Dr. Al Kuwaiti initially contributed within the Operations Division and has since transitioned to education leadership, where he now works closely with the Dean of Education to advance SSMC’s education strategy. His focus includes developing workforce and professional development plans, ensuring the highest quality of medical education, and building programs that serve all SSMC staff. Dr. Al Kuwaiti holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the United Arab Emirates University, a Master of Business Administration from Abu Dhabi University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Management Information Systems) from California State University, Long Beach, USA.

Dr. Mohamed Yahya Alseiari

Chief Medical Officer, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Mohamed Yahya Alseiari is a highly accomplished Consultant Transplant Nephrologist and the Acting Chief Medical Officer at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi. Since 2019, he has also served as Chair of the SEHA Transplant Institute, where he has been instrumental in advancing transplant programs and shaping the UAE’s national transplant landscape.

Dr. Alseiari completed his Internal Medicine training at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, affiliated with Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. He went on to earn a fellowship in Clinical Decision Making and Medical Informatics at Tufts University, followed by a Nephrology Fellowship at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and a Transplant Nephrology Fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both Internal Medicine and Nephrology.
Recognized as a leading figure in renal transplantation across the region, Dr. Alseiari combines his clinical expertise with a passion for innovation. His research interests include decision modeling, machine learning, and deep learning applications in medicine, with a particular focus on improving outcomes in renal care.

Dr. Saeeda Almarzooqi

Assistant Dean, Medical Education, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Saeeda Almarzooqi is a Professor of Pathology at the College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, and has served as Assistant Dean for Medical Education since 2019. A consultant histopathologist at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, she holds a 2018 master’s in Executive Healthcare Administration from Zayed University. Trained in anatomical pathology at McGill University with a fellowship in pediatric pathology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, she is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

She chaired the inaugural Women in Science Committee at the Mohammed bin Rashid Academy of Scientists and previously sat on the Emirates Medical Association’s Pathology division board. With 60+ publications and multiple grants, her research spans oncology, disease pathogenesis, and pediatric oncology. She has organized national conferences, frequently presents internationally, and writes, including The Hoopoe and two children’s stories; she is also an amateur watercolorist.

Dr. Junaid Muhib Khan

CME Director, CME Center, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Junaid Khan is American Board Certified in Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. He is also American Board Certified in Medical Quality. He is currently working as the Director of Cont. Medical Education and a Consultant in Neonatology. In addition, he is an adjunct Faculty at Khalifa University.

Dr. Khan is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Royal College of Physicians in Canada and has an honorary fellowship from the American Austrian Foundation (AAF). Furthermore, he is an active member of the committee for Neonatal Resuscitation and is a regional instructor for NRP and PALS courses. He is also an adjunct faculty member and Professor of Pediatrics at Khalifa University and a Professor of Pediatrics at Gulf Medical University
He has vast experience (>25 yrs.) in medical education and visiting faculty in Pakistan and Canada.

He is on the editorial board of online journals. He is the author of a chapter in a textbook on Neonatal ventilation. He also published extensively in some reputed journals. He is one of the main authors of the Neonatal Resuscitation Manual for Pakistan. Also published his booklet on Non-Invasive Ventilation of neonates. He presented at many national and international conferences and has immense experience in the field of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, with special interests in Respirology of Preterm Neonates, Nutrition, Non-Invasive Monitoring, and Resuscitation.

Beyond his clinical roles, Dr. Junaid has published extensively in many reputable journals and is on the editorial board of many online medical journals. He has presented at national and international conferences and has vast experience in the field of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.

Dr. Ahmed Omar Hawsawi

Chief Nursing Officer, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Saudi Arabia

Ahmad Omar Hawsawi is a Certified Global Nurse Consultant, Keynote Speaker, and Chief Nursing Officer with nearly three decades ofexperience leading healthcare transformation and advancing nursing practice. His expertise spans Healthcare Leadership, Nursing Workforce
Transformation, Patient Experience, Quality, Patient Safety Accreditation, Organizational Excellence, and Clinical & Research Bioethics. Currently serving as the Chief Nursing Officer at King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Ahmad spearheads strategic nursing initiatives, strengthens care models, and drives leadership development aligned with international excellence frameworks.

He is also building the Nursing Leadership Academy, shaping the next generation of leaders through evidence-based, human-centered approaches. Ahmad earned his PhD in Nursing from MAHSA University, a Master of Nursing from Monash University, and a Master of Bioethics from King Saud University. He is a Fellow of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery (FFNM) at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), and an alumnus of both the Harvard Business School
Senior Executive Leadership Program (SELP2) and the Global Nursing Leadership Program (GNLI 2023) by the International Council of Nurses.

His leadership journey includes senior roles as Assistant Vice President for Healthcare Delivery and Chief Nursing Officer at Madinah Health Cluster, Chief Nursing Officer at Fakeeh Care Group, and Executive Director of Nursing at King Fahad Medical City. Across public and private
healthcare systems, he has overseen large-scale operations, advanced practice nursing models, and transformation programs that elevate patient-centered care and organizational performance.

Beyond hospital leadership, Ahmad serves as a Surveyor for the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI), a Consultant & Learning Facilitator at the Healthcare Leadership Academy, and a Contributor Member of the Dr Suliman Fakeeh Innovation Award Executive Committee at his previous institution. His future focus is on healthcare leadership consultation and nursing transformation, helping organizations achieve sustainable change, build empowered nursing teams, and align with global benchmarks for
excellence.

Ms. Zahra Mohamed

Associate Dean of Nursing Education Center PhD(c), EMHCA, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, United Arab Emirates

Zahra Mohamed is a transformational nursing education leader with over 19 years of experience in professional development, competency-based education, and strategic leadership. As Nursing Education Manager and Associate Dean, she has led education teams, academic collaborations, and clinical competency programs, shaping nursing excellence at national and international levels.

She holds two master’s degrees—a Master of Nursing (distinction) from the University of Wollongong in Dubai and an Executive Master’s in Healthcare Administration (honors) from Zayed University—and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education, specializing in innovative learning methodologies and healthcare leadership.

A pioneer in workforce development, Zahra has spearheaded strategic initiatives in on boarding, nurse retention, simulation-based education, and inter-professional training. She was instrumental in launching the UAE’s first ANCC PTAP-accredited Nurse Fellowship Program, achieving high retention and measurable success.

Beyond her leadership in education, Zahra is a staunch advocate for nurse well-being and burnout prevention, championing resilience, psychological safety, and work-life balance in the nursing profession. As an authentic leader, she fosters a culture of trust, empowerment, and professional fulfilment, ensuring that nurses feel valued, supported, and inspired in their careers.
An advocate for evidence-based practice and research, she has authored several impactful publications on nursing education, residency programs, and mentorship strategies. Committed to global knowledge exchange and leadership development, she continuously works to advance nursing practice and professional growth while championing a healthier, more sustainable future for the nursing workforce.

Ms. Zulaikha Al Hosani

Chief Nursing Officer, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Zulaikha Al Hosani, BSc, MHA, is the Chief Nursing Officer at SSMC, Abu Dhabi. She has 20+ years of experience in clinical leadership roles, supporting excellence in patient care and safety. Zulaikha has managed the nursing team ensuring consistency in the standard of nursing practices across all settings and providing leadership for the development of strategies of recruitment, retention, and recognition of excellence for nursing employees.

Prof. Lisa Bayliss Pratt

Director, Chief Academic Officer, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Prof. Lisa Bayliss-Pratt, a visionary in nursing and healthcare education, serves as the Director and Chief Academic Officer at Fatima College of Health Sciences in the UAE. Holding a Doctor of Clinical Practice from the University of Southampton, her career spans significant roles, including Chief Nurse at Health Education England. Here, she was instrumental in introducing the Nursing Associate role and reshaping nursing and care assistant workforce education. At Coventry University, as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, she led strategic initiatives in health and life science education, research, and wellbeing.

A prominent figure in global nursing education, Professor Bayliss-Pratt directed a global early careers nursing leadership initiative that was part of raising the profile and status of nursing globally, namely ‘Nursing Now’ in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the International Council of Nursing. Her work has earned her numerous honorary awards and recognitions, solidifying her as a key influencer in nursing education and healthcare policy.

In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Professor Bayliss-Pratt is renowned for her contributions to international healthcare education. She has been pivotal in forging international partnerships, notably in developing nurse leadership in West Bengal through UK-India collaborations. Her commitment to ethical nursing practices and global health education is evident in her strategic oversight of Health Education England’s international nursing work. As a respected speaker and author, she influences healthcare policy and practice, sharing her insights at global forums and in numerous publications.

Dr. Isam Salih

Associate Dean, Medical Student Education Centre, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Salih is a Consultant Vascular Neurologist and the Chair of Neuroscience Institute at SSMC.
Dr. Salih’s career is marked by notable accomplishments in academic, clinical, and research
domains, having worked in renowned UK organizations. In the realm of medical education, he currently serves as the Associate Dean of Education for Medical Student Education, reflecting his leadership capabilities in this field, as well as Adjunct Associate Professor in Khalifa University and Gulf Medical University.

He possesses qualifications in Medical Education from Newcastle University. Dr. Salih has also held academic and administrative positions in distinguished UK medical schools like Newcastle, and Exeter. Moreover, he has made significant contributions at the regional and national levels in training and education within the UK.

Dr. Soma Ibrahim Ali

Associate Dean, Assistant Professor - Mental Health Nursing, BSN Program Director, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Soma Ibrahim Ali currently serves as Associate Dean CoN & BSN Program Director at the
College of Nursing, Gulf Medical University (GMU). She holds a Master’s degree in Health Professions Education (MHPE), completed in November 2024. Dr. Soma was awarded theprestigious Fellowship of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery (FFNMRCSI) by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in 2024. She brings over 18 years of academic and clinical teaching experience in Mental Health Nursing and various other nursing disciplines across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Dr. Soma has served as an External Examiner for several Colleges of Nursing in Egypt from 2018 to 2020, and has held key leadership roles including Chair of the Curriculum Committee and the Faculty Development Program, in addition to being an active member of the University Community Engagement Committee at GMU. She is currently a research mentor for a national-level study under the National Committee for Nursing & Midwifery Affairs-Nebras, and contributes to the advancement of nursing education as a peer reviewer for Scopus-indexed journals, including the International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences and Teaching and Learning in Nursing.

Areas of Interest:

Psychiatric Nursing Research
Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Integration of Technology in Mental Health Care
Medical Education

Prof. Maxime Merheb

Dean, College of Medical and Health Sciences Liwa University, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Campuses

Prof. Maxime Merheb has been serving as Dean of the College of Medical and Health Sciences at Liwa University since August 2023, overseeing both the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain campuses. With nearly two decades of experience in higher education and scientific research, he is recognized for his leadership in developing and accrediting innovative health and biotechnology programs aligned with North American educational standards.

At Liwa University, Prof. Merheb led the development of several new programs, including the BSc in Occupational Therapy, BSc in Physiotherapy, BSc in Nursing, BSc in Medical Biotechnology, BSc in Health Management & Informatics, Diploma in Emergency Medical Care, and Diploma in Respiratory Care. He also oversees other established programs within the College, including the BSc in Medical Laboratory Science, BSc in Respiratory Care, BSc in Emergency Medical Care, BSc in Medical Diagnostic Imaging, and Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science.

He holds an MSc in Physiology from the University of Poitiers and a PhD in Biotechnology from the École Normale Supérieure. Before joining Liwa University, he held senior academic and administrative roles at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, where he established accredited programs in Medical Biotechnology and Forensics.
Prof. Merheb is a Certified Reviewer for the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and a Peer Evaluator for SACSCOC (USA). His research focuses on medical biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, and cancer genetics, with notable innovations in PCR technologies.

Deborah Claire Pierce

Operations Manager, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Deborah is the Burn Program Manager. Deborah has worked across the continuum of healthcare services and taught in a physiotherapy degree program. Deborah is passionate about providing safe, efficient and effective healthcare services and developing other healthcare professionals.

Her dedication to achieving these is evidenced by her ongoing professional development including her MBA (Health Management) and Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP), NEBOSH Occupational Safety and Health, CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality) and Certification in Adult and Tertiary Education.

Abdulkadir Haji Noorshe

Manager of Respiratory Therapy, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abdulkadir Haji Noorshe, MSc, MHM is a Manager of Respiratory Therapy, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, UAE Respiratory Therapy Program Advisor, Liwa University, Abu Dhabi. He is a seasoned respiratory therapy leader with a distinguished career spanning clinical and administrative domains. He currently serves as the Manager of Respiratory Therapy at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), one of the UAE’s premier tertiary care institutions, and as the Respiratory Therapy Program Advisor at Liwa University in Abu Dhabi, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of respiratory care professionals.

He holds a graduate degree in Respiratory Therapy from the University of Cincinnati and a post-graduate degree in Health Management from the University of Phoenix. His clinical expertise is rooted in international experience, having practiced at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the Mayo Clinic Health System in Minnesota, USA. He is passionate about advancing respiratory care through evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic mentorship. His leadership is marked by a commitment to clinical excellence, innovation in respiratory therapy education, and strategic development of healthcare services.

Dr. Seema El Khider Nour

Associate Dean of Health Sciences Center; Consultant Interventional Cardiology, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Seema Nour is Associate Dean for Health Sciences Center and a Consultant Cardiologist. She currently serves as an Interventional Cardiology Consultant and director of the Cardiology Fellowship Program at SSMC. She has extensive experience in cardiology and a deep passion for research and education. Prior to joining SSMC in November 2020, she served as an
interventional cardiologist and fellowship program director at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) since 2015. During her tenure at SKMC, she received the SEHA Award for her role in achieving ACGMEI accreditation and establishment of the Cardiology Fellowship Program.

Prior to coming to the UAE, Dr. Nour was working Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia in the U.S as a consultant interventional cardiologist. She received her medical degree (MBBCh) from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She then moved to the U.S. where she completed her residency training in internal medicine at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, followed by a fellowship in general cardiology and interventional cardiology at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, Wisconsin. During her residency and fellowship, she received multiple awards for resident of the year and teaching.

Dr. Abba Zubair

Dean, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Florida, USA

Dr. Zubair is a professor of Lab Medicine and consultant in Transfusion Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy at Mayo Clinic Florida. He is the Dean of the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (MCASOM), Florida Campus. He was Dean for Education at SSMC-Mayo Clinic Joint Venture, Abu Dhabi, UAE. He was former Associate Dean, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.

Dr. Zubair did his clinical residency at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania in Clinical Pathology and a fellowship in Transfusion Medicine at the Harvard Medical Center, Boston USA. He obtained a master’s degree in clinical trials and principles of drug development at Harvard University in partnership with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Dr. Zubair was educated at ABU Medical School, Zaria Nigeria. He studied homing and trafficking of human lymphoma cells at Sheffield University Cancer Institute, England and obtained a PhD degree in Cancer Immunobiology in 1995. His research interest is in the field of stem cell biology, immunotherapy and regenerative medicine. He conducts both NIH and industry-sponsored basic science and clinical studies on stem cells.

Utilizing the unique conditions of the space environment offers valuable insights into stem cell biology and its potential applications for treating human diseases both on Earth and in space. Traditional methods of culturing stem cells on Earth are challenging, as they typically allow only limited population doublings. The standard two-dimensional culture systems do not reflect the natural three-dimensional growth conditions required by cells. For this reason, cultivating stem cells aboard the International Space Station (ISS) within a microgravity environment may provide a more physiologically relevant three-dimensional setting conducive to enhanced stem cell expansion and organogenesis.

Dr. Zubair and his research team were the first to demonstrate that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) grown under microgravity conditions on the ISS exhibited greater immunosuppressive properties compared to ground-based controls. Furthermore, their studies indicated that it is feasible and potentially safe to culture MSCs in space for prospective clinical applications. In recognition of these contributions, Dr. Zubair was awarded the NASA Medal of Honor for Exceptional Scientific Achievement in 2022.