What inspired you to pursue a career in emergency medicine?

​

I developed an early interest in emergency medicine during my studies at the University of Montpellier, where I was drawn to both in-hospital and prehospital care. But it was alongside Professor Louis Serres, a pioneer in the field, that I truly grasped its full scope. I came to understand that beyond technical expertise and rapid decision making, what defines emergency medicine is the ability to be fully present in the moment—to establish trust in an instant, to ease distress in critical situations, and to recognize that every medical act carries a human dimension. This understanding has stayed with me throughout my career. It has shaped the way I practice, the way I teach, and the way I work to develop emergency care systems. Because at its core, emergency medicine is not just about responding to crises—it’s about ensuring that, even in urgency, care remains precise, intentional, and deeply human. 

​​

​

What unique challenges do you face in emergency medicine in your country, and how have you worked to address them?

​

​After completing my studies, I returned to Lebanon in the late 1990s, where I found that although emergency medicine was included in medical curricula, its practical application was still very limited. In a country where crises—be they political, economic, or health-related—were frequent, the need for a more organized approach to emergency care was certain.  During the first years following my return, I worked alongside many colleagues in order to lay the foundations of the emergency medicine field in Lebanon. And co founded the first emergency medicine society to bring together the medical community, hospital networks, the Ministry of Health, and universities in a collaborative effort to introduce practical guidelines. In 2005, we organized the first national conference on emergency medicine, marking an important step forward for the field. Over time, I also had the chance of working with a number of hospitals to help them develop emergency response plans, and I saw firsthand the progress made. What started with a small group of 3 to 4 practitioners has now grown into a field with over seventy dedicated professionals, with emergency departments now established across Lebanon. This journey has shown me that the challenges in emergency medicine are not just about the technical aspects of care, but also about building systems that can adapt to constant change. While we have made significant progress, the work continues, and I remain committed to ensuring that both the technical and human aspects of care are prioritized in a system still learning to respond to emergencies in a structured way. 

​​

​

What advice would you give to young professionals or students in your country who are interested in pursuing emergency medicine?

​

To young Lebanese professionals and students aspiring to emergency medicine, I emphasize that your commitment is both crucial and exceptionally demanding. Lebanon, unfortunately, exists in a state of constant emergency, where the exception often becomes the rule. Having navigated the complexities of emergency care in this context, I understand that the ability to truly see the patient as a person, not just a case, is paramount. This requires more than technical expertise; it demands a commitment to attentive observation and the recognition that every interaction, however brief, leaves an impact. My advice is to develop a solid foundation of technical skills, but also a profound capacity for empathy. Learn to listen attentively, to observe beyond the symptoms, and to understand each patient's lived experience. ​​

​​

​

What are you most looking forward to at ICEM2025, both in terms of learning and networking opportunities?

​​​

​At ICEM2025, I'm particularly looking forward to two key aspects: learning and networking. In terms of learning, I believe this congress, especially in our era of global health, is crucial for understanding the diverse cultural contexts that shape emergency medicine. While the core medical act might be similar across countries, the means, methods, and patient reception vary significantly. Sharing and learning from these diverse experiences is vital. Throughout my career, including my work with the WHO, I've seen firsthand how practical applications of medicine differ based on cultural and regional contexts. For example, during trainings I’ve given, facilitating discussions among diverse groups in Lebanon who faced border tensions revealed the crucial differences in implementing emergency contingency plans. ICEM2025 offers a unique opportunity to learn from these varied experiences and enrich our understanding of global emergency care. Regarding networking, I see this congress as a vital platform for connecting with colleagues who understand the complexities of our field from diverse perspectives. My experience as a special guest at the Quebec Emergency Medicine Association's meeting (AMUQ) in 2021 confirms the value of these connections. Meeting individuals like those from the Jacques Champlain Foundation, whose work is truly inspiring, highlighted the importance of human connection in our profession. ICEM2025 promises to be a space where professionals from around the world can share insights, build relationships, and strengthen our collective commitment to patient-centered emergency care. 

​

​

How does diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) play a role in shaping the future of emergency medicine in your country and globally?

​

​The strength of emergency medicine is found in the varied backgrounds and experiences of its practitioners. Especially in a country like Lebanon, where diverse communities, cultures, and traditions coexist, and where our teams routinely manage highly urgent situations, the principles of equity and inclusion are particularly important. Recognizing the value of each individual's cultural perspective and lived experience is crucial for building a more resilient and empathetic healthcare system. It is my belief that these principles will facilitate the evolution of our practice towards more comprehensive and patient-centered care, and enable the full contribution of all involved

​​​​

​