Scientific Committee
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Conference Chair and Co-Chair
Dr. Taoufik Alsaadi
Dr. Taoufik Alsaadi is the Chief Medical Officer and Chair of the Department of Neurology at the American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN). He is a board-certified neurologist with additional certifications in Clinical Epilepsy from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology.
Dr. Alsaadi completed his fellowship training in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he also served as a research fellow in epilepsy. His distinguished career includes significant leadership roles prior to joining ACPN, most notably as Chief of the Neurology Department at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City for over a decade. He has also held academic appointments as Associate Professor of Neurology and Director of the Adult Epilepsy Program at the University of California, Davis, and as Adjunct Professor of Neurology at Khalifa University.
A dedicated clinician-researcher, Dr. Alsaadi has focused on pioneering clinical trials of new antiseizure medications, improving quality of life for patients with epileptic and non-epileptic disorders, and managing migraine, multiple sclerosis, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. His recent investigative efforts center on novel CGRP-based therapies for migraine. He is actively involved in education, guideline development, and advancing neurological care in the MENA region.
Dr. Alsaadi is a prominent leader in national and international neurology societies. He currently serves as President of the Emirati League Against Epilepsy and is past Chair of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Commission on Epilepsy in the Elderly. His previous leadership roles include President of the Western Clinical Neurophysiology Society (USA), Vice President of the ILAE Commission for Eastern Mediterranean Affairs, and member of the Guideline Development Group (GDG) for the World Health Organization (WHO). He has also served on the Advisory Board of the Northern California Epilepsy Foundation and the Membership Committee of the American Epilepsy Society.
His scholarly contributions include authoring or co-authoring more than 95 scientific papers and book chapters. He serves on the editorial boards of BMC Neurology and Neurosciences Journal and has acted as a peer reviewer for over 15 scientific journals. Dr. Alsaadi has received several prestigious awards in recognition of his contributions to the field of neurology.
Dr. Taoufik Alsaadi
Conference Chair, Consultant Neurologist, Chief Medical Officer, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)
Mrs. Carine El Khazen
Mrs. Carine El Khazen is a Clinical Psychologist in Dubai with over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health. When she arrived in Dubai in 2004, she was one of the very few licensed clinical psychologists in the UAE. Since then, she has played a pioneering role in shaping both the mental health landscape and specialized eating disorder care in the region. Her contributions include expanding access to evidence-based treatments, mentoring a new generation of clinicians, and advocating for structured, multidisciplinary approaches to care.
Carine holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical and Psychopathological Psychology from Saint Joseph University (Lebanon), a postgraduate degree (DESS) from the University of Paris V – Sorbonne, and a diploma in Profound Studies (DEA) in Clinical Psychopathology from the University of Paris VI – Jussieu. She trained in reputable psychiatric and general healthcare settings in the UK (The Maudsley Hospital), France (Sainte-Anne Hospital), and Lebanon (St. George University Hospital).
Her clinical expertise spans a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, sleep disorders, personality disorders, and interpersonal difficulties. She integrates multiple therapeutic modalities in her practice, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), psychodynamic therapy, and CBT for insomnia (CBT-I). Before joining the American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology- Dubai branch, Carine worked for eight years at the General Medical Center in Dubai and served as a school psychologist in international schools and nurseries.
Since 2011, she has been part of ACPN, where she currently serves as the Clinical Lead for Psychology Services across the Dubai and Sharjah branches, leading a team of over 30 clinical psychologists. In addition to this role, Carine is internationally recognized for her pioneering work in the treatment of eating disorders in the Arab region. She founded and leads the region’s first multidisciplinary outpatient Eating and Weight Disorders Program, accredited as a CBT-E Center of Excellence. The program provides specialized care across all age groups for conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, ARFID, picky eating, and distress related to weight and body image. Committed to a non-stigmatizing, evidence-based approach, the team supports individuals in improving their physical and emotional well-being—regardless of body size—without promoting restrictive or appearance-focused practices. The program is fully multidisciplinary, bringing together clinical psychologists, dietitians, and medical doctors to ensure comprehensive and compassionate care.
A certified CBT-E therapist, trainer, and supervisor, Carine co-authored Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Young People: A Parent’s Guide (Routledge, 2021) with Dr. Riccardo Dalle Grave. She is a Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) and has contributed to the development of global AED standards, including the Core Curriculum and Minimum Standards of Care.
Committed to capacity-building, Carine has delivered professional trainings across the Middle East for clinical psychologists, dietitians, and medical doctors. Her most recent initiative is an online CBT-E training program tailored to the cultural needs of the region, offered in collaboration with Oxford University’s CREDO.
She has also organized five international eating disorder conferences in the UAE, in partnership with the AED, bringing together global experts like Prof. Daniel Le Grange, Janet Treasure, and Ulrike Schmidt.
Previously the Vice-President of the Middle East Eating Disorders Association (MEEDA), she is now in the process of establishing a new regional organization: the Arab Eating Disorders Association (AEDA), dedicated to raising awareness, promoting evidence-based care, and expanding access to treatment throughout the Arab world.
Mrs. Carine El Khazen
Conference Co-chair, Clinical Psychologist, Director of Eating and Weight Disorders Program, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)
Scientific Committee
Mrs. Hala Abu Taha
Ms. Abu Taha graduated in 2004 from Hashemite University in Zarqa, Jordan, with a Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics. She then went on to train in post-obesity surgery in Leeds, United Kingdom. In 2006, Ms. Abu Taha attended a training program for Diabetes Education Specialists in Amman, Jordan.
Ms. Hala has been working in UAE for the past several of years counseling individuals with eating disorders to implement the proper nutritional interventions within a specialized multi-disciplinary team. She obtained her knowledge and confidence to work with eating disorders patients after getting supervision sessions with international leaders in the eating disorders world such as Marcia Herrin and Dr. Riccardo Dalleh Grave (CBT-E). Hala has completed her CREDO webcentred training on CBT-E for Eating Disorders. She works with patients with BED, Bulimia nervosa, Anorexia nervosa and ARFID confidently. Along with her one-on-one counseling, she has conducted multiple training sessions in the UAE and Lebanon to multidisciplinary teams. Hala also took part twice as a speaker in the international conference for eating disorders (ICED) that was conducted in Prague in June 2017 in New York in 2019. In addition to her work with eating disorders patients she works on weight loss (CBT-OB), diabetes, pregnancy, nutritional intervention in after pre and post bariatric surgeries, childhood obesity among other health-related conditions.
Ms. Abu Taha works closely with her clients, building solid and trusting relationships, helping them achieve long-term dietary habits, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. In addition to pre- and post-surgery support, she works with homecare patients to assess and tailor the unique nutritional plans required for different cases. Beyond her one-on-one counseling services, Ms. Abu Taha has an active media presence, appearing regularly on televisions shows and radio stations as a dietitian to highlight the importance of nutrition on overall health and well-being.
Mrs. Hala Abu Taha
Clinical Dietitian, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)
Dr. Mohammad Saidam
Dr. Mohammad Saidam is a Consultant Neurologist at ACPN. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (M.B.CH.B) from Al-Basra University in Iraq in 2003 and completed his Doctorate in Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology at Jordan University of Science and Technology in 2010. He underwent neurology residency and fellowship at King Abdullah University Hospital in Amman, Jordan. Dr. Saidam holds the Jordanian Board Certification in Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology (FAAN). He is a licensed consultant with DoH, Abu Dhabi.
With over two decades of clinical experience across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, Dr. Saidam led neurology departments at Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital and NMC Specialty Hospital Abu Dhabi playing a key role in establishing neurophysiology labs and multidisciplinary clinics. He is highly experienced in managing epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and neuromuscular disorders, alongside conducting advanced EEG/EMG diagnostics. He is also a former Assistant Professor and Research Doctor at King Abdullah University’s Faculty of Medicine. His leadership includes mentoring junior physicians, aligning clinical practices with global standards, and advising pharmaceutical boards.
Dr. Saidam’s areas of expertise include clinical neurophysiology, movement disorders, and headache medicine. He runs specialized clinics for migraine and chronic headaches using IV infusions and Botox therapy. He is also a recognized expert in treating movement disorders like cervical dystonia and hemifacial spasm with botulinum toxin, operating a dedicated Botox clinic. Dr. Saidam combines evidence-based protocols with patient-centered care to optimize long-term neurological outcomes.
Dr. Mohammad Saidam
Consultant Neurologist, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)
Dr. Sherif Hassan
Dr. Sherif Hassan Sherif is a Consultant Psychiatrist at ACPN. Dr. Sherif’s educational journey saw him graduate from Alexandria University in Egypt, commencing his psychiatric training in the United Kingdom in 2005. In 2013, he became a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK.
Committed to continuous learning, he gained his MSc degree in psychiatric practice from Hertfordshire University in 2014, focusing on community services development. Dr. Sherif completed his Higher Specialty Training in Old Age Psychiatry in Health Education East of England, Cambridge, earning the Certificate of Completion of Training in the UK in 2016. He holds medical licensures in both the UK and the UAE, providing psychiatric care with the highest standards of professionalism.
Dr. Sherif’s career in psychiatry spans over sixteen years, reflecting a journey of growth and impact. He joined ACPN in 2023 from Al Ain Hospital (SEHA), bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to this esteemed institution. Before moving from the UK to the UAE in 2020 to join SEHA, he worked for four years as a Consultant Psychiatrist for the old age in the Greater Manchester region, making significant contributions in both hospital and community services. Notably, he led a memory assessment service, enhancing diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Sherif’s academic pursuits led to an Adjunct Assistant Professorship at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences of the United Arab Emirates University. In recognition of his teaching excellence, he received the Clinical Teaching Excellence Award for the academic year 2021-22. Dr. Sherif’s commitment to service development is underpinned by a holistic and culturally sensitive approach leaving a lasting impact on the organizations and communities he continues to serve.
Dr. Sherif’s professional interests encompass a wide range of functional and neurodegenerative psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety, phobias, obsessivecompulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and dementia. Dr. Sherif’s journey is marked by a commitment to improving mental health outcomes for his patients and communities, founded on collaboration, trust, and medical excellence in the field of psychiatry.
Dr. Sherif Hassan
Consultant Psychiatrist (Geriatric), American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)
Dr. Tamer Rizk
Dr. Tamer Rizk is a Consultant Pediatric Neurologist at ACPN. He holds qualifications from the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology with a focus on Pediatric EEG in 2023 and earned his specialist registration (CESR) in Pediatric Neurology in the UK in 2016. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (FRCPCH, UK) since 2012 and completed his medical degree at Alexandria University, Egypt in 1996. Dr. Rizk is a registered pediatric neurologist in USA, UK, Canada, KSA, Egypt, as well as the DoH, Abu Dhabi.
Bringing two decades of expertise in pediatric neurology, Dr. Rizk’s international career spans a comprehensive range of roles. His recent roles included academic and clinical responsibilities including teaching positions as Assistant Professor of Pediatric Neurology at Memorial University, and Dalhousie University in Canada for seven years before going on to join ACPN in 2024. His clinical roles have seen him work as a Consultant Pediatric Neurologist managing various neurological disorders in outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care in the UK and Saudi Arabia. Dr. Rizk is a major contributor to medical research and has more than 50 publications in pediatric neurology literature, authoring multiple books on epilepsy, dystonia, and spasticity.
Dr. Rizk’s expertise is in treating a wide range of pediatric neurological disorders, including epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, neonatal neurological disorders, structural cerebral malformations, genetic disorders, dysmorphic syndromes, neuro-metabolic disorders, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, neuro-psychiatric & neuro-behavioral disorders (ADHD, autistic spectrum disorders, ODD), headache, movement disorders and autoimmune neurological disorders. He offers comprehensive management and personalized care to his young patients, aiming to enhance their quality of life and developmental outcomes.
Dr. Tamer Rizk
Consultant Pediatric Neurologist, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)
Dr. Tarek Shahrour
Dr. Tarek Shahrour is a Consultant Psychiatrist at ACPN. Dr. Shahrour graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Damascus University in 1993. Before his journey in the field of psychiatry, he completed an internship gaining two years of experience in internal medicine in Ireland. He joined the Psychiatry Training Scheme of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, becoming a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK and a Member of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland. Dr. Shahrour completed his training as a Consultant in Rehabilitation Psychiatry at St. Brendan’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. He is a licensed psychiatrist in Abu Dhabi.
With a distinguished career spanning over 13 years at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Dr. Shahrour served as a General Adult-Liaison Psychiatrist, Program Director of Psychiatry Residency Training Program, and Chair of the Department. His early career in Ireland saw him in the role of leading the psychiatric team, in caring for the homeless in inner-city northern Dublin. Dr. Shahrour’s international experience extended to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2005, where he established and managed psychiatric services in the National Guards Health Affairs in the Saudi Eastern Region for five years. His journey eventually led him to Abu Dhabi’s SKMC in 2010, where he held his most recent post. With a multifaceted role in academics and clinical practice, Dr. Shahrour also held teaching positions at prominent universities including Khalifa University, Gulf Medical University, and University of Dublin. Dr. Shahrour’s clinical focus centers on treating general adult psychiatry cases, with expertise in managing conditions such as psychosomatic disorders, migraines, psychogenic vomiting, and eating disorders. He has a profound interest in various aspects of psychiatry, including addressing the stigma associated with the field, psychosomatic disorders, the intersection of psychiatry and philosophy, and the use of cognitive analytic psychotherapy. Dr. Shahrour is an active participant as a member of the Review Committee of the ACGME. He currently serves as a member of the Accreditation Committee for the Psychiatry Training Program in the Arab Board. With a career of leadership, education, and a dedication to addressing complex psychiatric conditions, Dr. Tarek Shahrour continues to make a significant impact in the field of psychiatry.
Dr. Tarek Shahrour
Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinical Lead - Psychiatry Services, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)
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