Faculty

Fatima Al-Haddad

Chief of Department | Bahrain Government Hospitals

Fatema Al-Haddad is a Clinical Dietitian from the Kingdom of Bahrain. She is the Chief of Department at Bahrain Government Hospitals. Fatima obtained her BSc. in Nutrition with a Major in Dietetics from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, after which she went on to earn a Fulbright Scholarship and obtained a MSc. in Public Health Nutrition with a Minor in Public Health from the University of Knoxville-Tennessee in the United States. She has a passion for infant and child nutrition and her focus on diabetes was the drive behind her PhD thesis from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom. Her area of research focuses on child health with an emphasis on evidence-based strategies for improving health outcomes in these populations.

Liana Poulia

Assistant Professor of Clinical Dietetics | Agricultural University of Athens

Kalliopi Anna Poulia is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Dietetics at the Agricultural University of Athens. She served as a Clinical Dietitian-Nutritionist at the Univesrity hospital of Athens from 2003 to 2021, with a special interest in nutrition in renal disease, cancer, malnutrition and artificial nutritional support. She has been the general secretary of the Hellenic Medical Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (GrESPEN) and the ESPEN LLL director since 2024. She is also the Nutrition Consultant for the European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA). She has written several medical books on clinical nutrition in English and Greek and has spoken at many local and international congresses.

Mirey Karavetian

Senior Research Associate | University of Toronto

Mirey has a PhD in Health Promotion from Maastricht University, and a dietetics degree from American University of Beirut. She has worked in several Middle Eastern countries as university professor and a clinical dietitian. After relocating to Canada in 2021, Mirey has worked on nutrition research projects with principal investigators from McMaster, Calgary, and Toronto Metropolitan Universities before assuming her current position as a senior Research associate at the faculty Kinesiology and Physical education at University of Toronto. Her research focuses on finding effective strategies to enhance dietary and exercise habits to prevent and manage non-communicable chronic diseases in at-risk and/or clinical populations. She also aims to improve the health care policies that can facilitate this transformation. She shares her experience in conferences and workshops locally and internationally. In her free time, she likes to stay active and spend quality time with family and friends.

Reem Al-Saadi

Director of Dietetics and Nutrition Department | Hamad Medical Corporation

Ms. Reem Al-Saadi is a Clinical Lead for Metabolic Dietetics and Director of Dietetics & Nutrition Department at Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha-Qatar. She has a wealth of experience in pediatric and adult dietetics, having worked as a clinical dietetic specialist for almost 21 years. Her involvement in all aspects of IMD has spanned almost all her working life. As director of the Department, she helps oversee the inpatient/outpatient management of all IEM patients, diet and formula instruction, computer diet analysis, and the medical foods distribution center. Ms. Al-Saadi is one of the most trusted dietitians to Classical Homocystinuria (HCU) patients in Qatar and the Region. Her main research interests include maximizing the benefits of the early diagnosis through newborn screening (NBS) and pre-symptomatic treatment with diets to improve health outcomes and prognosis in children with IMD. In addition, Ms. Al-Saadi has contributed to many publications surrounding nutrition management and HCU. Ms. Al-Saadi participates in several projects that help with the development of translational clinical research. She is the Co-founder of MEMU (Middle East Metabolic University), which provide an academic training as well as practical aspects of dietetic management of IMD. She has also participated as a speaker in many national, regional and international IMD conferences. Her outstanding dedication and hard work in improving newborn screening and more specifically the HCU community.

Rolf Smeets

Managing Director and Board Member | Dutch Medical Food

Dr. Rolf Smeets is a scientist and healthcare professional with over 28 years of experience in medical nutrition, specializing in the development of evidence-based therapies for disease-related malnutrition. He holds a PhD in Medical Sciences, with expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology, complemented by extensive experience in clinical research. Dr. Smeets has led the development of nutritional interventions for complex medical conditions, including oncology, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and Alzheimer’s disease. His work includes the design and oversight of clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of medical nutrition products, as well as collaboration with healthcare professionals to integrate these therapies into clinical practice. In his previous roles, Dr. Smeets has been instrumental in the development of plant-based tube feeds and compact nutritional supplements, providing tailored support for patients with advanced nutritional needs. He has also contributed to shaping international medical nutrition guidelines through collaborations with regulatory bodies and healthcare organizations in Europe and Asia. Dr. Smeets’ focus on the translation of scientific research into practical therapeutic strategies underscores his commitment to advancing patient care through innovative and sustainable nutrition solutions.

Sanaa Youssef

Consultant of Pediatric Clinical Nutrition, President of ASPCN | Ain Shams University

University professor, clinician and researcher in the field of Pediatric nutrition with more than 30 years of exceptional record, experience and contributions in teaching nutrition knowledge and skills to medical students and health care professionals as well as applying such expertise for the welfare of patients. Awarded Ain Shams University award for distinguished papers published in international journals in the year 2008 Founder and Head of the Nutrition Rehabilitation Unit Children’s Hospital, 1997 till 2010, and Collaboration with various specialized clinics in the children’s hospital Ain Shams University to provide specific nutritional rehabilitation protocols.Teaching nutrition and clinical nutrition courses diploma and master degree in pediatric department faculty of medicine and Institute of childhood studies Ain Shams University. Supervision of more than 300 master degree and PHD thesis in Pediatrics; mainly in the field of clinical nutrition and nutritional disorders, with 25 international publications. Instructor of medical nutrition therapy diploma in AUC. Founder of clinical nutrition rehabilitation unit , EL GALAA Military Hospital. Board member in Middle East allergy guidelines. Board member in Egyptian complementary feeding guidelines. Project in collaboration with 57357 hospitals, NAMRU-3

Wafaa Ayesh

Consultant Clinical Nutrition | Tadawi General Hospital

Wafaa Helmi Ayesh, Consultant Clinical Dietitian & Head of Nutrition at Al Tadawi General Hospital, is a leader in clinical nutrition. She is the President of the Emirates PEN Society. Also, as President of the Middle Eastern Alliance of Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition Congress, she contributes significantly to the field. Wafaa directs the Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition Program at the University of Sharjah and has a history of service at Dubai Health Authority. With a Master's in Food Science and Nutrition, she initiated projects like DHA@Home and Tummy Fish. Wafaa, the first Arab recipient of an ESPEN diploma, actively contributes to education, co-founding Sweetkidz Group and receiving awards such as the "Sheikh Hamdan Award" and "Excellence in Healthcare.

Ahmed Elmelhat

Specialist Neonatologist & Pediatrician | HMS MIRDIF HOSPITAL, DUBAI, UAE

Dr. Ahmed Elmelhat is a Specialist Neonatologist and Paediatrician with over 15 years of experience in Level III NICUs across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. He is a DHA-licensed clinician currently practicing in Dubai, where he provides advanced neonatal intensive care alongside inpatient and outpatient paediatric services. Dr. Elmelhat’s expertise includes management of complex neonatal and paediatric conditions. He has published multiple peer-reviewed articles in international medical journals on topics including prematurity, neonatal respiratory disorders, congenital anomalies, and COVID-19 outcomes. He is also the author of the eBook Light Amidst Shadows: Narratives of Strength in the NICU, highlighting the resilience of infants, families, and healthcare teams within the NICU environment.

Alaa Thabit

Clinical Pharmacist | Al Zahra Hospital

"Dr. Alaa Thabit is a critical care clinical pharmacist with over ten years of experience in clinical pharmacy and inpatient settings at Al Zahra private hospital in Dubai. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy- PharmD degree from the University of Jordan and holds the American Board of Critical Care pharmacy certification for the year 2020. She completed her master’s degree in advanced Practice in Healthcare at the university of Birmingham -Dubai 2024. Dr. Alaa is the Team Leader for Inpatient Pharmacy at AL Zahra hospital, and her areas of interest include intensive care therapeutic plane management, parenteral nutrition, and adverse drug events. Dr. Alaa is an active member of a number of committees, in addition to moderating and coordinating multiple projects. She is also a frequent speaker at medical and pharmaceutical conferences. Dr. Alaa is a board member of IVPN-Critical Care Listserv and is involved in many Critical-Care activities such as webinars, podcasts, and literature reviews.

Ali Al-Mehaidib

Head Section, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition | King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center

Dr Ali Almehaidib is a consultant pediatric gastroenterologist, Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (KFSHRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He completed his residency at KFSHRC and his fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology and clinical nutrition at Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada in 1994. Dr Almehaidib is currently the Head Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, KFSHRC. The Chairman of Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship Examination Committee, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. Dr Almehaidib is the founder of Pediatric Gastroenterology fellowship program in Saudi Arabia and has trained 43 fellows serving now as consultant Pediatric Gastroenterologists in different provinces of Saudi Arabia as well as Arabian Gulf countries. In 2006, he established the Riyadh pediatric Gastroenterology club monthly meeting. Dr Almehaidib is one of the founders of the Saudi Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and he serves as an elected Board member since it was established. He was the ex-chairman of the Scientific committee and the communication and marketing committee and currently he is the chairman of the Continuous Development Committee at SASPGHAN. Dr Almehaidib has 45 publications in peer revied journals and >200 presentations at national, regional and international conferences.

Amal Kenanah

Lecturer | Prince Sultan University

- A professional Clinical Dietitian, holding a Master Degree in Sports and Nutrition with many years of distinctive experience in this field. - Lecturer in Prince Sultan University in Riyadh. - Managed nutrition departments in many hospitals, presenting in many scientific seminars and conferences national and international, also spreading awareness of individuals and society about health and lifestyle. - Was a broadcaster in many TV programs. And now acting as an Influencer in social media. - Recently did a research with Prince Noura bint Abdulrahman University and was published - Board member in; Chairman & CEO in Kayl Association for fighting obesity Saudi Society for Clinical Nutrition Autism Families Association"

Amani Alshawabkeh

Head of the Total Parenteral Nutrition | RMS Hospitals

Amani Daoud Alshawabkeh is the Head of the Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Unit at RMS hospitals and a Captain Clinical Pharmacist holding a master’s degree in Clinical Pharmacy. She has extensive clinical and leadership experience in neonatal, pediatric, and adult parenteral nutrition, particularly in critical care settings. Her professional interests include evidence-based nutritional support, intravenous protein therapies such as human albumin, and the development of novel clinical protocols and a novel predictive model for the assessment and management of severe edema. She is actively engaged in advancing standardized, safe, and high-quality practices in parenteral nutrition and critical care pharmacotherapy at both institutional and professional levels.

Amjad Jarrar

Lecturer | UAE University

UAE University Amjad Jarrar is currently working as Lecturer at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Health since 2003. He has a PhD in Human and Sport Nutrition from Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Oxford Brookes University, UK. His professional experience includes 26 years as University Instructor for three Universities and more than 10 years as sport nutrition consultants. His research interest in Sport Nutrition, Nutrition Awareness, Assessment of salt intakes, Glycaemic index of foods, Obesity, Nutritional interventions against metabolic syndrome and dietary managements for Noncommunicable diseases. He has published 29 articles in Peer Reviewed Journals with h-index Scopus 14

Carla Daou

Clinical Dietitian | Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Carla Daou, with over ten years experience in clinical nutrition, is a Clinical Dietitian at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. She specializes in nutrition support for surgical patients, particularly patients with gut failure, short bowel syndrome, transplant and complex bariatric patients requiring long-term nutrition support. She contributed to the launch of the first Home Parenteral Nutrition service in the UAE and has led the service over the past 7 years. She completed her Masters in Public Health at the Pennsylvania State University, USA, where she also worked as a research fellow at the division of epidemiology and is currently a PhD candidate at Lancaster University, UK. Her research interests include the interface between nutrition and public health, health inequalities, and nutrition support in gastrointestinal surgical oncology.

Carla Prado

PhD, RD, Professor; Dietician | University of Alberta

Dr. Carla Prado is a Professor at the University of Alberta in Canada and a Campus Alberta Innovates (CAIP) Chair in Nutrition, Food and Health. She is the Director of the Human Nutrition Research Unit, a state-of-the-art research and training facility. Dr. Prado is an expert in assessing nutritional status through the precise measurement of body composition and energy metabolism. Her research has shown for the first time the prevalence and clinical implications of sarcopenic obesity (concurrent appearance of low muscle and high fat) in cancer, and has provided evidence of the independent effect of body composition on cancer recurrence, treatment and survival. The focus of her current research program is to develop targeted nutrition interventions for the prevention and treatment of low muscle mass in patients with cancer. She is currently the Principal Investigator of three randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of nutrition intervention on body composition and health. Dr. Prado holds a dietitian title from both Canada and Brazil. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, Canada, and has completed further training at the Cross Cancer Institute (Canada), the National Institutes of Health (USA) and Newcastle University (UK). She is currently a member of the GLIM Body Composition Working Group, and the Sarcopenic Obesity Consensus Group (ESPEN/EASO). She is an Associate Editor of Clinical Nutrition and the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. Dr. Prado is a recipient of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, a prestigious award that celebrates exceptional young Canadian leaders of all sectors.

Cosette Fakih

Public Health and Nutrition Consultant & Researcher | .

Cosette Fakih El Khoury holds an MS in Human Nutrition from the American University of Beirut and a Ph.D. in Health Services Research from Maastricht University. She has worked as a clinical dietitian for over 15 years and held faculty, preceptorship, and internship coordination roles across multiple regional universities and hospitals. Her research focuses on the prevention and management of NCDs, including malnutrition assessment and management. Currently, she consults for the World Health Organization in the Eastern Mediterranean on nutrition and noncommunicable disease prevention. She is also an associate editorial board member of the Journal of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition (JPEN).

Dalia Haroun

Associate Professor | Zayed University

Dr. Dalia Haroun is an Associate Professor of Nutrition in the Department of Health Sciences. She holds a PhD in Child Health Nutrition from University College London, UK, and previously worked at the UCL Institute of Child Health/Great Ormond Street Hospital, where she contributed to national body composition data and research on the effects of disease on nutrition and growth. Her research focuses on body composition, metabolism, obesity, and dietary assessment in Emirati populations, with the goal of improving nutrition-related health outcomes

Doaa Genena

Associate Professor | Alexandria University

Associate Professor and Clinical Nutrition Consultant - Medical Research Institute (MRI)- Alexandria University, Egypt. Director of the Training Program (internship) for the graduates of nutrition department (Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Pharos University in Alexandria). Formerly, Assistant Prof & Head of Nutrition and dietetics dep. Faculty of Health sciences Beirut Arab University (BAU), Beirut Lebanon, and Lecturer, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Pharos University in Alexandria (PUA), Egypt). President of the Alexandria Physician Nutrition Association.

Farah Naja

Professor | University of Sharjah

Dr Farah Naja is a professor in Nutrition Epidemiology, at the University of Sharjah. She earned her doctoral degree from University of Toronto, Canada. Winner of the 2023 Abdul Hameed Shoman Award, Dr Naja is leading an active research portfolio, with over 150 publications. Her research focus is to explore innovative approaches to study dietary intake, with a focus on the Mediterranean diet, its health, and environmental impacts. Together with her team, she has launched the first mother and child nutrition cohort in the Middle East in Lebanon (MINA) in Qatar and Lebanon. In addition, Dr Naja holds an active portfolio in Complementary and Alternative Medicine research, its safe and effective use.

Faten Al-Awaysheh

Senior Consultant Neonatologist | Queen Rania Pediatric Hospital

Dr. Faten Al-Awaysheh is a Senior Consultant Neonatologist and Head of the Neonatal and Pediatric Specialty at Queen Rania Pediatric Hospital. A leader in neonatal care in Jordan, she has mentored and instructed numerous programs including the Neonatal Resuscitation Program approved by the American Heart Association, advanced post-resuscitation training, and neonatal cooling for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Dr. Al-Awaysheh is widely recognized for her contributions to improving neonatal outcomes, education and research in pediatric and neonatal medicine.

Faten Maaytah

Consultant Pediatrician | Private Clinic

Consultant Paediatrician and new borns IBCLC. International lactation consultant. Member of the Executive Committee of Jordanian Society. Member in scientific committee in many conferences

Fatima Sadek

Registered Dietitian | Primary Health Care Corporation

Fatima Sadek, MPH, RD, LD, CDE is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 20 years of international experience in clinical nutrition, public health, and governance. She has led high-impact initiatives across Canada, the UAE, Lebanon, and Qatar, specializing in evidence-based nutrition programs, clinical governance, and patient-centered care. Fatima has served as a subject matter expert, senior clinical dietitian, lecturer, and public health leader, contributing to policy development, quality improvement, and workforce training. A frequent conference speaker and media contributor, she is passionate about advancing nutrition education, diabetes care, and innovative health promotion strategies worldwide.

Fawaz Al Refaee

Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterologist | Al Adan Hospital

Dr. Fawaz finished medical school at Faculty of Medicine ,Kuwait University (MBBS) then went to Canada to obtain residency in Pediatrics at Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada, then Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and nutrition fellowship at University of Alberta, Canada. Furthermore, Dr.AlRefaee he is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) and the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).He is having special interest in celiac disease, nutrition, functional GI diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dr. AlRefaee is a member of many national and international societies like north American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition( NASPGHAN).

Fiji Antony

Chief Clinical Dietitian & HOD Dietetics Department | NMC Specialty Hospital

Dr. Fiji Antony has been with NMC Specialty Hospital Dubai as the Chief Clinical Dietician for more than 21 years. Earlier she has worked with Ministry of Health Muscat, Sultanate of Oman and also in India. She is practicing as a Clinical Dietitian for more than 25 years. European ESPEN Diploma in Clinical nutrition and metabolism from European society for clinical nutrition and metabolism (ESPEN) is her latest achievement in the year 2016. She has earned her Doctor of Medicine in the year 2005 in Food and Nutrition. Post Graduation in the year 1999 with First Rank in Food & Nutrition and an ICAR fellow. She has been actively following her profession in three different countries (India, Sultanate of Oman and United Arab Emirates). She is an active professional in the United Arab Emirates in public media giving radio shows and TV shows, giving guidance to the listeners and viewers. She also conducts workshops and seminars for people in various sectors of the life stream on Nutrition and Dietetics. She does write articles in various publications in addition to her various nutrition-based publications. She is guest speaker at University of Sharjah, delivers CME lectures and invited speaker at various international conferences. She is a manuscript reviewer of journals too. She is very well versed in the field of Enteral Tube feeds, Oral nutrition; Weight Management, DM, Diet during Various life stages, Malnutrition, Food allergy and intolerance, supplementary weaning foods, Special needs children, Renal nutrition and Diet for various Cardiac diseases and gastrointestinal disease conditions. She is a member of: ESPEN, AOADA, ASN and Life Member of IDA, IAPEN.

Hadia Radwan

Associate Professor | University of Sharjah

Dr. Hadia Radwan has earned her BSc. and MSc. from the American University of Beirut in Nutrition and Dietetics and her Ph.D. from Teesside University –UK. She is currently working as an Associate Professor and chair of the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at the College of Health Sciences, the University of Sharjah, since September 2013. She had worked previously in several hospitals as a dietitian and nutrition training specialist, and organized many nutrition and dietetic training programs and workshops for the dietitians. She had many publications in the area of nutrition and dietetics. Her areas of research include Maternal and child nutrition. She is the PI for several research project grants: Al Jalila Foundation Grant: Mother and Infant Cohort Research (MISC), as well as another grant from Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences: Examining Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, Infant Feeding Method, and Postnatal Mental Health among Women in the United Arab Emirates: A Cohort Study.

Haleama Al Sabbah

Professor of Public Health Nutrition | Abu Dhabi University

Prof. Haleama Al Sabbah is a Professor of Public Health Nutrition at Abu Dhabi University, UAE, with over 20 years of experience in academia, research, and public health and nutrition program management. She earned her Ph.D. in Medical Sciences (Public Health Nutrition) from Gent University, Belgium, supported by a Belgian Technical Cooperation scholarship. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Tufts University, USA, as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar. Prof. Al Sabbah has taught various undergraduate and graduate courses in public health and nutrition and supervised numerous master’s and Ph.D. theses. Her research encompasses obesity, diabetes, maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, nutrition epidemiology, refugee health, and other research related to public health nutrition with over 80peer-reviewed publications, out of which 61 publications are SCOPUS indexed. An active mentor and international keynote speaker, Prof. Al Sabbah has contributed to strategic health initiatives and served as a consultant for organizations such as UNICEF, WHO, and MOHAP. She is dedicated to advancing public health education and policy in the MENA region.

Haydar Hasan

Assistant Professor | University of Sharjah

Dr. Hayder Hasan is an Assistant Professor at the College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE. His specialized research and teaching focus on Human Physiology and Adipose Tissue Function, with a particular interest in Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, Adipokines, and Vitamin D. Dr. Hasan holds an MD, M.Sc., Ph.D. He is a prolific researcher with more than 100 publications, receiving the UOS Annual Faculty Incentive Award for Scientific Research (2022-2023) and serving as Principal Investigator on multiple grants. He has supervised over 60 undergraduate and 12 postgraduate students. He actively contributes to the scientific community, reviewing for prestigious international journals.

Hilda Allam

Lecturer and Clinical Coordinator | University of Sharjah

Hilda Allam is a Lecturer and Clinical Coordinator in the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, UAE. She was recently awarded a PhD in Biochemistry (Biomedicine) and holds an MSc in Physiology (Cancer Biology). With 20 years of clinical and academic experience, including leadership roles at Rashid Hospital and the Dubai Health Authority, her work spans laboratory quality management, clinical training, and health sciences education. She received the University of Sharjah Community Service Award in 2023 for her contributions to student training and healthcare education. Her research focuses on bone-related biomarkers, inflammation, and metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes.

Ismail Halahleh

Clinical Nutrition Consultant | Palestine Polytechnic University

Mr. Ismail M. Halahleh has received his MSc. Degree from the University of Jordan in 1992 in the field of nutrition science. He was graduated in 1988 from the Jordan University of Science and Technology, faculty of medicine, in the field of Public Health with specialization in nutrition. Mr. Halahleh started his work as a clinical dietitian Makassed Hospital in Jerusalem. He was then promoted to Head of Nutrition and Dietetics Department and acted as clinical nutrition instructor and clinical trainer for nutrition specialization students from different Palestinian Universities. Currently, he is a nutrition instructor at Palestine polytechnic University and Head of Medical Professions Department, the Faculty of Medicine and Health professions. During the last years Mr. Halahleh acted as a Nutrition consultant for WHO and Flagship projects in Palestine that responsible for Palestinian Health Sector Reform and Development. Mr. Halahleh participating in formulation the Nutrition profession National Law responsible for Dietitians Licensure in Palestine. Then he was elected as the president of Palestinian Dietitians Syndicate.

Jessy El Hayek

Associate Professor | Notre Dame University Louaize

Dr. El Hayek, PhD in Human Nutrition from McGill University, is Dean of the Faculty of Nursing & Health Sciences and Associate Professor of Nutrition at Notre Dame University Louaize, where she has been shaping minds since 2012. A passionate educator, she teaches courses spanning lifecycle and community nutrition. Her research focuses on vitamin D and its role in skeletal health, chronic disease prevention, and beyond, with numerous publications in leading journals. Dedicated to advancing global health, she has fostered international collaborations, particularly in maternal and child nutrition, merging science, teaching, and impact into a remarkable academic journey.

Khaled Sewify

Consultant Intensivist & Head of Adult ICU | King Fahd Military Medical Complex - Dhahran

Khaled Sewify is the Head of ICU/Consultant Intensivist at Military Hospital Dhahran. He is also the Director of EN/PN Committees, American Board certified in Clinical Nutrition, Director of International Critical Care Nutrition course, and Editor on 8 international journals

Khurshid Khan

Consultant Pediatrician | Al Qassimi Women and Children Hospital

Dr. Khurshid Khan is currently serving as a Consultant Pediatrician at Al Qassimi Women and Children Hospital, a tertiary care center under Emirates Health Services in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. As Head of the Emergency Department, he oversees pediatric emergency services while also covering general pediatrics as third on call. With over 20 years of experience in pediatrics and neonatology, he integrates his passion for clinical practice, teaching, and quality improvement into every aspect of his work. He has held an academic appointment as Assistant Professor at the University of Sharjah College of Medicine, where he has mentored residents and medical students and served as an examiner for third- and final-year assessments. He is also an Examiner for the Emirati Board in Pediatrics and MRCPCH Clinical Examinations. In addition to his clinical and academic roles, he is an active member of the Mortality and Morbidity Committee, Baby-friendly hospital initiative and a core member of the Pediatric Residency Program Clinical Committee. He is also fellow of the royal college of paediatrics and an examiner. He serves as faculty and examiner of the national institute of health services United Arab Emirates. As an approved clinician, he conducts weekly outpatient clinics. His academic interests include Children Nutrition, pediatric emergency care, medical education, and quality improvement, and he has delivered keynote presentations at international conferences and published research in pediatric medicine.

Krystel Ouaijan

Assistant Professor | American University of Beirut

Dr. Krystel Ouaijan, an Assistant Professor in Public Health Nutrition at the American University of Beirut, possesses a rich tapestry of expertise in nutrition and global health, refined over a decade. With a PhD in Global Health, her focus gravitates towards food security, malnutrition, and the economic nuances of health policies. From a solid foundation as a Clinical Dietitian providing tailored nutritional care, Krystel was the chief dietitian of Saint George Hospital Dietitian leading the nutrition support team in the critical care units. Ascending in her career, she has spearheaded consultancy initiatives, crafting health policies to battle malnutrition more expansively. Her contributions are evident in pioneering national studies on malnutrition and the economic ramifications of nutrition screening. Esteemed within governmental technical committees, she plays a vital role in framing emergency nutrition and health strategies. Beyond clinical research and policy-making, Krystel is engaged in multiple public service initiatives, serving as a founding member and General Secretary of the Lebanese Order of Dietitians and as nutrition expert in the technical committees of the Lebanese Standard Institution.

Lina Doumani

Clinical Dietitian | Clemenceau Hospital Mediccal Center

Lina Doumani has over twenty years of in-depth experience in the field of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics. Her experience spans a wide array of services related to Diet and Disease Therapy including Diabetes, Heart Disease, Weight management, eating disorders and Psychology of eating. Lina holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition and Dietetics from King’s College, University of London, United Kingdom. She also trained in New England Deaconess Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, with a stay at Joslin Diabetic Center. She further trained at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, United Kingdom, in Food Service Management and production of Therapeutic Diets. Lina has worked as an Instructor in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at the American University of Beirut. She also headed Dietary Departments in several hospitals. After gaining experience in outpatient nutrition consulting services Lina found her passion in treating individuals suffering from eating disorders. She is a trained eating disorders practitioner and an active member of the Academy of Eating Disorders in the US.

Maisam Tobeh

Clinical Pharmacist | Al Qassimi Women & Children's Hospital

Maisam Toba is an experienced IV and Sterile Preparation Specialist Pharmacist with over 10 years of practice at Al Qassimi, Al Qassimi Women’s and Children Hospitals / Sharjah. She holds Board Certifications in Nutrition Support (BCNSP) , Sterile Compounding Preparations(BCSCP) and master in clinical Pharmacy. Her expertise includes TPN monitoring, IV admixtures, aseptic compounding, and compliance with USP 797 and JCI standards. Maisam conducted several studies in clinical nutrition as well as in other areas of pharmacy topics.

Mansi Patil

Clinical Nutrition Specialist | IAPEN

Dr. Mansi Patil is a public health academic and clinical nutrition specialist with over 17 years of experience in hypertension and cardiometabolic disease management. She has extensive clinical experience working with hypertensive, cardiac, and high-risk metabolic patients across hospital and outpatient settings. Her work integrates evidence-based dietary strategies, sodium reduction, weight management, and lifestyle modification into routine clinical care. Dr. Patil has contributed to international hypertension position papers, led large-scale blood pressure screening initiatives, and developed structured training programs on lifestyle management for healthcare professionals. With more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, her research bridges clinical practice and population-level prevention, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. She is actively involved in global hypertension networks and cardiovascular prevention initiatives. She serves as the Co-Chair for the Disparities in Cardiovascular Diseases working group with the American Society for Preventive Cardiology and a member of the Regional Advisory Group for South and Central Asia at the International Society of Hypertension. She is also a committee member with the Malaysia Society for World Action on Salt, Sugar and Health

Marlain Swaiss

Consultant Clinical Dietitian | Trizara Nutrition

- Marlain Odeh Swaiss is Consultant clinical dietitian - Holds her Bsc degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from Jordan University - Certified international professional trainer. CIPT Certification from university of London - Certified Teacher from European Society of Clinical Nutrition & Metabolism on Lifelong learning Program - Certification in life coaching from Ithraa Center under Higher Educational Ministry - 2 years’ experience as head of Nutritional department in Luzmilla Hospital - 16 years of experience as Business Unit Manager in Abbott Nutrition international - 5 years’ experience in Nutritional Educational & Training field under MOH approved center - Founder of Trizara Nutrition Center - Member of ESPEN European society for clinical nutrition & metabolism & American society of Nutrition

Marleine Moukarzel

Pharmacy Director | SSMC

Dr. Marleine is the pharmacy department Director at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City since February 2020. She has 30 years Hospital experience. Graduated in 1994 from Saint Joseph University, Beirut Lebanon as Doctor in pharmacy. She received the Board Certification in Nutrition Support (BCNSP) in 2007 and the Board Certification in Pharmacology (BCPS) in 2009 from the American Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties, then she had the, certified practitioner in Health Quality (CPHQ) in 2011 and she became certified in medical Quality from the American board of Medical quality in 2019. She is leading a team of more than 100 pharmacy staff in a 600 bed destination medical centre where the pharmacy is fully automated with Robots and Automatic dispensing cabinets and the medication management and use processes hospital wide are the responsibility of the pharmacy department. Throughout her career she established a pharmacist-based preparation of sterile Parenteral Nutrition solutions following ASPEN (American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) guidelines and a pharmacist-based preparation of chemotherapy following OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) guidelines, CIVA (centralized IV admixture) service and unit dose distribution service at Mafraq Hospital. Dr Moukarzel believes in multidisciplinary approach to patient care and patient safety where pharmacist role is to assure medication safety at every step of medication distribution from procurement till administration and monitoring. She is also an advocate of the importance of communication among health care providers to assure continuity of care and also proper education and training at every step of care delivery. She was a speaker in the first ADPHAC, DUPHAT, medication safety conference, Al Noor hospital conference and Burjeel hospital conference, she presents to the IV PN network and she is the chair of Mena pharmacy conference 2022, 2023 and 2024 and SSMC pharmacy symposium 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Maya Bassil

Head of Human Nutrition Department | Qatar University

Dr. Maya Bassil has more than 12 years of experience in the academic field of Nutrition & Dietetics. She earned her PhD in Human Nutrition from McGill University, Canada, in 2011. Currently, she holds the position of Associate Professor and serves as the head of the Human Nutrition Department in the College of Health Sciences at Qatar University (QU). Dr. Bassil is a licensed dietitian, having completed her BS in Nutrition & Dietetics in 2003 and her MS in Human Nutrition in 2005 from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. Throughout her career, Dr. Bassil has been actively involved in designing and instructing various undergraduate and graduate Nutrition courses. She brings extensive expertise in accrediting Academic Nutrition programs, by the prestigious Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the American Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND). Dr. Bassil is also an active researcher with particular research interest addressing Nutrition in obesity and diabetes as part of the inter-professional disease management. Dr. Bassil has published in several top tier reputable journals; she is a recipient of several awards and research funds (including grants from the National Institute of Health NIH). She has participated and been invited to various local, regional and international conference and serves as an editorial board member and an ad hoc reviewer for various peer-reviewed journals.

Mona Hashim

Assistant Professor | University of Sharjah

Currently, Dr. Mona works as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics/University of Sharjah with eighteen years of academic experience. Her research interest is in early nutrition and adulthood obesity, as well as pro-inflammatory effects of dietary patterns and chronic diseases. Dr. Mona participated in many local and regional conferences and workshops in the areas of nutrition and dietetics. She is currently a co-investigator in many research groups in University of Sharjah. She is Chairperson of the scientific committee of UAE society for eparenteral & Enteral Nutrition (UAESPEN), a member of Emirates Nutrition Society, and the Lebanese Order of Dietetics (LOD).

Ohoud Alhammadi

Head of Nutrition Department | Al Qassimi Hospital

Ohoud Alhammadi is a clinical Dietician with a passion on focusing and working on critical care nutrition. She finished college at UAE University in Al Ain, and finished her Master Degree in Clinical Nutrition in Alexandria, Egypt. She started working in Khalba Hospital as the Head of Nutrition Department. On the same profession as the Head of Nutrition Department, she then worked in Preventive Medicine Medical Center in Khorfakkan, Khorfakkan Hospital and Now she is working as head of Nutrition dept. at Al Qassimi Hospital Sharjah. Clinical dietitian of critical care units in Al Qassimi hospital. Member of wound management committee in Al Qassimi hospital. Member of stroke management in Al Qassimi hospital. She member of many programs of excellences (STEMI, AV, Bariatric) in alqassimi hospital. Member of CCPC programs in Alqassimi Hospital. Member of Burn management committee in Al Qassimi hospital. Also, Member of Diabetic Keto Acidosis management committee in Al Qassimi hospital. Member of Tube feeding formula committee in EHS. She has GCP certification. She is a member in ASPEN. She participates in many TV programs related nutrition. She has the certificate of fundamental course of enteral and parenteral from ASPEN. Her interest in providing nutrition to critically ill patients led her to understand more about tube feeding and motivate her to help Doctors and Nurses understand more by conducting lectures and trainings about the role of dietitian and the nutrition care in pt care. She’s also focusing in educating the Dietician on “Value of Nutrition Care” and their role in giving proper diet. Also With her passion in giving critically ill patients a proper nutrition, she is now ongoing on PHD, and make Nutrition not only part of nourishing the patients, but also part of curing the patients.

P. C. Vijayakumar

Chief Anesthesiologist & Intensivist | Sooriya Hospital

An astute clinician with over 30 years of experience in Critical Care, Pain Management, Palliative Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, and Bronchoscopy. 🔹 Expert in Difficult Airway Management – in both adults and paediatrics. 🔹 Performs Percutaneous and Bronchoscopic-Guided Tracheostomy with special expertise. 🔹 Skilled in Diagnostic & Therapeutic Bronchoscopic Procedures. 🔹 Authority in Clinical Nutrition – including enteral, parenteral, home TPN, and immunonutrition. He is the Past President & Director of IAPEN INDIA ( Indian Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition ) 🔹 Perioperative Physician practicing ERAS protocols for enhanced recovery. 🔹 Teacher in LLL–ESPEN, shaping international standards in clinical nutrition education. 🔹 Served as Honorary Physician to His Excellency, the Governor of Tamil Nadu

Rana Ghassan Rizk

Assistant Professor | Lebanese American University

Dr. Rana Rizk is an Assistant Professor of Nutrition and the Chairperson of the Nutrition and Food Science Department at the Lebanese American University. She earned a PhD in Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences from Maastricht University, The Netherlands, an MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the Lebanese University, an MS in Clinical Nutrition and a BS in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik. Her research focuses on the burden of chronic diseases and on the potential of nutritional interventions in improving outcomes and decreasing costs, leading to change in health policy and clinical practice.

Rana Sultan

Lead Clinical Dietitian | GluCare

Rana Sultan is the Lead Clinical Dietitian at GluCare.Health, with nearly 25 years of experience in clinical counselling, nutrition education, and program development. She specializes in diabetes and metabolic disease management, with advanced expertise in Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), data analysis, advanced carb counting and medicated weight-loss protocols, including GLP-1 agonists, focusing on muscle preservation and sustainable outcomes. With over 15 years of academic teaching at the American University of Beirut and Saint Joseph University, she has developed courses, curricula, manuals, educational materials and trains both future and junior dietitians, contributing to the advancement of nutrition education and practice.

Roaa Malas

Clinical Dietician | Al Qassimi Women's and Children's Hospital

Roaa Malas is a dedicated pediatric clinical dietitian with a Bachelor's in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Petra. With five years of experience, she works at Al Qassimi Women's and Children's Hospital as a clinical dietitian and holding the Health Education coordination. Roaa is actively involved in the Events and Initiatives Committee, the Friends of Kidney Patients Society, and volunteers at the UAE Red Crescent. Her expertise in pediatric clinical nutrition demonstrates her commitment to improving children's nutritional health.

Shabib AlKalbani

Head of Nutrition Services | Ministry of Health

"Dr. Shabib is working now as the head of nutrition services, under the department of comprehensive healthcare, directorate general of health services and programs, ministry of health Oman. Scope of practice includes all dietetics/nutrition matters across all healthcare levels (health centers, polyclinics, hospitals and specialized centers) Holding a BSc Human nutrition and dietetics from Sultan Qaboos University, Oman 2006 Holding an MSc Clinical Nutrition from Roehampton University, United Kingdom 2013 Current position involves supervision of dietetics services across all healthcare levels, establishing related policies and standards, and connecting with concerned bodies for technical and administrative related services "

Shilpa Varma

Clinical Nutritionist | IAPEN

Dr. Shilpa Varma is a nationally and internationally respected Clinical Nutritionist and academic leader, with extensive expertise in parenteral and enteral nutrition, metabolic disorders, and diabetes care. She serves on key committees of IAPEN India, SAPEN, and ASPEN, and is an ESPEN Teacher for Life. A mentor under the G20 Women Mentorship Program supported by NITI Aayog, Government of India, she is deeply engaged in education, research, and policy advocacy. An MNI award-winning author, editor, and researcher, Dr. Varma contributes extensively to high-impact journals, books, and global nutrition initiatives, advancing evidence-based clinical nutrition practice.

Shireen Marzouk

Pediatrician | Circle Care Clinic

Dr. Shireen Marzouk is a Canadian Pediatrician specializing in the field of Allergy. She completed her undergraduate degree in Behavioral Neuroscience, followed by her Medical Doctorate degree at Memorial University in her hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. This was followed by her Pediatric Residency with a focus in allergic diseases at Western University in London, Ontario. She has also completed a Master of Science at the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto. Dr. Marzouk is an adjunct Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Toronto where she was also a clinical researcher at the Hospital for Sick Children in the Department of Allergy & Clinical Immunology working primarily in oral Immunotherapy. She has published articles in the efficacy of low dose oral immunotherapy in the pediatric population. She is currently working at Circle Care Clinic in Dubai.

Sondos Harfil

Lecturer | University of Sharjah

Dr Sondos Harfil is a Lecturer at the Department of Medical Laboratories Sciences, at the College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah. Served at many higher education institutes and presented at many international conferences. PhD in Biochemistry from Universiti Sains Malaysia (2022). Current research is focused on studying obesity, gut microbiota and intervention with probiotics.

Souheir Alia

Clinical Dietitian | Dubai Health

Dr. Souheir Alia is a clinical dietitian and nutrition researcher based in Dubai, UAE. She holds a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences and an M.Sc. in Food Science from UAE University. Her research focuses on clinical and public health nutrition, including post-bariatric dietary behaviors and a pioneering randomized controlled trial on nutrition education for people living with HIV in the UAE. With over a decade of clinical experience, she has worked within Dubai’s healthcare sector and contributed to improving nutrition knowledge, counseling, and lifestyle interventions. Her work bridges clinical practice and research, advancing evidence-based nutrition education in the MENA region.

Suhail Al-Amad

Professor of Oral Medicine | University of Sharjah

Professor Suhail is a Professor of Oral Medicine at the University of Sharjah (UAE), and a Consultant in Oral Medicine at University Hospital Sharjah. He received his Bachelor degree in Dentistry from the University of Jordan, and his Clinical Doctorate from the University of Melbourne in Australia. Later, he obtained her Graduate Certificate in Research Ethics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in the United States. Professor Suhail is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in Oral Medicine, and holds the Australian Dental Board Certificates in both Oral Medicine and General Dentistry.

Suzan Haidar

Associate Professor | Lebanese International University

Dr. Suzan Haidar’s academic journey started at the University of Western Ontario, in Canada, where she graduated with double degrees in Biology (medical sciences) and an honors degree Nutrition and Dietetics. She later pursued a master’s degree in human nutrition from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon and then a PhD in Health Promotion from Maastricht University, Netherlands. Dr. Haidar is a licensed dietitian who has gained extensive clinical experience from working in several hospitals in Lebanon. Her research interests focus mainly on lifestyle habits as related to cardiometabolic risk. She is currently an associate professor and internship coordinator at the Lebanese International University. Dr. Haidar currently serves as an elected member of the first board for the Order of Dietitians, in Lebanon, and is a member of the European Society for Enteral and Parenteral nutrition where she is a certified LLL instructor.

Tariq Dandis

Head of Medical Marketing – Middle East | Nutricia Specialized Nutrition

Tariq Dandis is the Head of Medical Nutrition category in NUTRICIA Specialized Nutrition in Middle East & North Africa region (MENA). With his medical background, Tariq is very passionate to work with HCPs in the region to build Therapeutic Nutrition as an integral part of the disease management. Tariq leads the regional Medical Nutrition strategies and works closely with global as well as regional medical, R&D and marketing teams to establish Nutritional Therapy as an integral part of the disease management He has over a 22 years’ experience in both Pharma and Medical Nutrition industries and spent the last 17 years of his career working with HCPs and Clinical Dieticians on raising the awareness about role of therapeutic nutrition in different diseases. Tariq is extremely interested in Health Economics, and he believes that Medical Nutrition represents a very important cost saving/ Cost effective intervention to the health care system in various diseases and therapeutic areas. In 2014 Tariq has launched 2 major educational initiatives in the Middle East in partnership with a lot of Oncologists, Intensivists and Clinical Dieticians with a mission of making nutritional therapy an integral part of disease management.

Tariq AlMusawi

Associate Professor | Ireland-Medical University

Dr. Tariq AlMusawi is an American-trained and American Board-certified consultant physician specializing in internal medicine, infectious diseases, and critical care medicine. He currently serves as Chief of chiefs of Critical Care at Saudi German Hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In addition to his clinical leadership, Dr. AlMusawi holds an academic appointment as Associate Professor of Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI-MUB), where he contributes to the education and training of future healthcare professionals. Dr. AlMusawi is a respected speaker and educator, having presented at numerous local, regional, and international conferences. His areas of clinical and research interest include multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections, invasive fungal infections, and antimicrobial stewardship in intensive care settings. He also serves as an instructor for various critical care training programs. Recognized for his contributions to the field, Dr. AlMusawi has received multiple awards and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals in the domains of infectious diseases and critical care medicine.

Wafaa Faysal

Consultant Pediatrician and Head of Department | Emirates Hospitals Group, Dubai

Consultant Pediatrician and Head of Department at Emirates Hospitals Group, Dubai Previously worked as Consultant Pediatrician, HOD at Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital and Medcare Medical Centers President of Global Pediatric Congress DHA examiner Adjunct Clinical Assisstant Professor at Sharjah University, School of Medicine Assistant professor at Beirut Arab University Medical College and Lebanese University, Faculty of Health Sciences Speaker at many local and regional pediatric conferences Member of many scientific committees at local and regional conferences Member of Lebanese Order of Physicians Member of Lebanese Pediatric Society Member of Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health Graduated from the American University of Beirut Hold a Certificate in Children Nutrition from Boston School of Medicine DHA license

Wajeeh Al-Dekhail

Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition | King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center

Wajeeh Aldekhail is a Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. He is an associate professor at the College of Medicine in Alfaisal University Dr. Aldekhail is the Chairman of the Scientific committee of the Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology fellowship program at the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties in Saudi Arabia

Yanal Salam

Consultant & HOD Internal Medicine | Emirates Hospital Jumeirah

Dr. Yanal Salam is a Consultant in Internal Medicine and Head of the Department of Internal Medicine with extensive experience in clinical practice, leadership, and medical education. He holds MRCP (UK) and FRCP, in addition to multiple UK postgraduate diplomas across various subspecialties of Internal Medicine. He is a tutor at the University of South Wales, UK, and an internationally active speaker who has delivered over 300 educational lectures, conferences, and health-promotion activities. Dr. Salam also has extensive experience in medical education through social media platforms, reaching wide professional and public audiences with evidence-based content.

Yvan Vandeplas

Professor Emeritus | KidZ Health Castle

Yvan did his medical studies at the ”Vrije Universiteit Brussel” (Free University of Brussels) and trained in pediatrics (1981‑1986) at the same University. He became Head of the Unit for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition in 1987 and created the Pediatric Hospital, the KidZ Health Castle, at the University Hospital Brussels (UZ Brussel) of the same university, where he had the Chair of Pediatrics since 1994 up to 2021. He is now Prof. Emeritus and consultant at the same hospital. He has over 500 publications listed in Medline among which many papers on infant nutrition. He is associate editor of Nutrients.