Scientific Committee
Dr. Taoufik Alsaadi
Consultant Neurologist, Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Taoufik Alsaadi
Dr. Alsaadi is a Chief Medical officer and the Chair of the Neurology Department at the American Center of Psychiatry & Neurology (ACPN). He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Neurology at Khalifa University. He was trained in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology at the University of California San Francisco and was a research fellow in Epilepsy there. He is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and by the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology and the American Board of Neurology in Clinical Epilepsy.
Before joining ACPN, Dr. Alsaadi was the Chief of the Neurology Department at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City for 11 years. He previously held a position as an Associate Professor of Neurology and the Director of the Adult Epilepsy Program and the Clinical Research Program at the University of California Davis. His research has focused on conducting drug study trials for new antiepileptic drugs for patients with epilepsy, quality of life in patients with epileptic and non-epileptic disorders, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Dr. Alsaadi has been honored with several prestigious awards for his work in the field of epilepsy. He has served on the Advisory Board of the Northern California Epilepsy Foundation and the membership committee of the American Epilepsy Society. He has previously served as the President of the Western Clinical Neurophysiology Society in the United States and as the Vice President of CEMA (Commission of the Eastern Mediterranean Affairs). He is currently the President of the Emirati League against epilepsy and the Chair of the ILAE Commission for epilepsy in the elderly. He serves as a member of the Guideline Development Group (GDG) for the WHO. He also serves on the Editorial Board for BMC Journal of Neurology and Journal of Neurosciences. He has authored and co-authored more than 80 papers and book chapters and has served as a peer-reviewer for more than 15 scientific journals.
Dr. Tarek Shahrour – Chairman
Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinical Lead - Abu Dhabi Psychiatry Team
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. Nasser El Hindy
Consultant Psychiatrist, Director of Clinical Services, Psychiatry Clinical Lead (Dubai)
Dr. Nasser El Hindy
Dr. Nasser El Hindy is an experienced General Adult Consultant Psychiatrist. He is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych). He had completed his higher training in general adult psychiatry and awarded his (CCT) in General Adult Psychiatry from the UK. He was also awarded a diploma in Clinical Psychiatry (DCP) from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin. Dr. Nasser had also obtained a diploma in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (Dip. CBT) from Oxford College in 2012. He obtained his Master’s Degree (MSc) in Leadership and Management in Health Services with Commendation from Kingston University in the UK.Dr. Nasser has completed basic and higher training in Psychiatry in the UK and later he practiced as a consultant at the National Health Services, he managed to gain great experience at his clinical and academic education. Dr. Nasser was an approved Medical Educational Supervisor for higher trainees in General Adult Psychiatry in London, and was a clinical tutor and OSCE examiner for medical students at Bart’s and the London School of Medicine. He also participated in several research studies and gave numerous lectures on common topics in psychiatry.
Dr. Nasser has a great deal of experience in managing common mental illnesses, neurodevelopmental disorders and severe and enduring mental illnesses including Bipolar Affective Disorder, Depression, Perinatal Psychiatry, Anxiety Disorders, and Psychotic illnesses. He has a special interest in Liaison Psychiatry, which involves assessing and managing patients with co-existing psychological and mental health conditions, Eating Disorders and Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Dr. Salwa Alhosani
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Clinical Lead - Child and Family Services
Dr. Salwa Alhosani
Dr. Salwa Salem Khalaf AlHosani is a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at ACPN. Dr. AlHosani holds a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree and a B.Sc. in Basic Medical Sciences from Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain in 2006 and 2004 respectively. She also holds the Arab Board
(AB) in General Adult Psychiatry, a Clinical Diploma in Applied Psychological Skills & Competencies from UAEU which she attained in 2013 and 2014. She subsequently completed a Saudi Board-accredited fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. AlHosani is certified
in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic InterviewRevised (ADI-R).
Dr. AlHosani has over 18 years of experience in psychiatry, with a focus on child and adolescent mental health for the past 11 years. As a pioneer in the field, she is the first UAE national to hold this distinguished position contributing extensively to mental health care on clinical governance, and research fronts. Her expertise spans a variety of caseloads, including inpatient, consultationliaison, and outpatient care. She has held several leadership positions at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City -SEHA (SKMC), including Division Head of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Head of the Child Protection Committee. In 2023, she was appointed Acting Medical Director of Sakina in the Abu Dhabi Region. Throughout her career, Dr. AlHosani worked on collaborative and multidisciplinary teams, leading initiatives such as the first ABA clinic in Seha and the Autism Spectrum Disorder Early Intervention Program at SKMC.
Dr. AlHosani’s clinical expertise covers a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders (Autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, and learning disorders), trauma, anxiety disorders, depressive and mood disorders, and early-onset psychosis as well as medication management. She has a strong interest in early intervention and evidence based care. Her skills include developing individualized treatment plans, play therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and a holistic approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors. Dr. AlHosani takes a collaborative approach to care, working closely with families, schools, and other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity and comprehensive support.
Dr. Yahya Takriti
Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinical Lead - Al Ain Psychiatry Team
Dr. Yahya Takriti
Dr. Yahya Takriti is Consultant Psychiatrist at ACPN. He earned his medical degree MBBCh from the University of Bologna, Italy in 1989. Dr. Takriti was elected to membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK in 2002. He had completed his higher specialized training (CCT) in Old Age Psychiatry from the UK in 2005. He trained in Family Therapy at the University of Leeds, UK in 2004 and has a Diploma in Psychological Medicine from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2000. He is also accredited by the Jordan Board of Psychiatrists and is a registered practitioner with the General Medical Council in the UK.
Dr. Takriti brings over two decades of experience in the field of psychiatry. His prior appointment was Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and lead clinician for Al Ain Hospital’s outpatient psychiatric services. He also held the position of Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).
Before moving to the UAE in 2010, Dr. Takriti held the post of Consultant Psychiatrist in Leeds, UK for a period of five years. He was also Honorary Senior Lecturer and OSCE examiner for medical students at the University of Leeds. Dr. Takriti worked in various settings within the National Health Service in the UK since 1995. He is active in research and publishes and presents at conferences in the UAE and internationally.
Dr. Takriti has extensive experience treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to mood disorders including depression, anxiety, and phobias; bipolar affective disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and dementia. Dr. Takriti is experienced in working with patients of all ages while also upholding clinical governance and excellence roles in behavior sciences.
Dr. Adel Karrani
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Adel Karrani
Dr. Adel Karrani is Consultant Psychiatrist at ACPN. Completing his specialization in medical sciences from University of Wales, UK, he is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He is registered consultant with the MOH in Sharjah and Northern Emirates.
With over a decade of practice in psychiatry, Dr. Karrani served in various tertiary and secondary care rehab centers in directorial roles guiding clinical administration, training and residency programs, while also managing direct patient care. He served as CEO at the Amal Psychiatric Hospital in Dubai since 2018 prior to joining ACPN in 2023. Working extensively in hospital settings, Dr. Karrani managed outpatient and inpatient units in Kuwait Hospital and Rashid Hospital. He directed the training and residency program at Rashid Hospital helping graduate trainees along their educational journey. His care towards patients is focused on treatments for adults and children with affective disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, panic and phobias, as well as rendering services in aviation psychiatry. He works in close liaison with multi-disciplinary teams ensuring patients achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
Dr. Karrani is a renowned thought leader in the field of psychiatry in the UAE and the Gulf region. His contribution to the field of psychiatry in UAE involved setting up and managing clinical operations at long term rehabilitation centers, while also ensuring a steady stream of medical graduates in psychiatry from the Arab Board of Medical Specializations.
Dr. Rami Alshihabi
Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Lead - Psychology Services, Deputy CMO
Dr. Rami Alshihabi
Dr. Rami Alshihabi is a Senior Clinical Psychologist at ACPN. Prior to joining ACPN, he was Director of Counseling and Senior Wellness Counselor at New York University, Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) health and wellness center. Dr. Alshihabi received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2004 from the Alliant International University – California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles and remains a licensed clinical psychologist in the USA.
His role prior to joining NYUAD was at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi where he worked as Senior Clinical Psychologist after his relocation from the US in 2007. He then was assigned as Head of Psychology Department at the Behavioral Science Pavilion (BSP) at SKMC in 2013 which he held for three years prior to joining NYUAD. Dr. Alshihabi has over 20 years of experience in assessing and treating all forms of mental health and social problems in adults, older adults, children, adolescents, families and couples. In addition to working with students at NYUAD and clients in the Abu Dhabi community, Dr. Alshihabi is a senior DOH License Examiner for all psychologists seeking DOH licensure in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Alshihabi has also been active in the psychological assessments of potential bariatric surgery and transplant patients at SKMC. Dr. Alshihabi is active on the academic front and developed a Work-Related Stress Management Program and has lectured on many subjects including psychological testing, trauma intervention/diffusion, time and anger management, and more. Plus, he has and continues to chair many mental health sessions within the community.
Mrs. Carine El Khazen
Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Lead – Dubai & Sharjah Psychology Team, Director of Eating and Weight Disorders Program
Mrs. Carine El Khazen
Mrs. Carine El Khazen is a Clinical Psychologist. She has a Masters’ Degree in Clinical and Psychopathological Psychology (University of Saint Joseph, Lebanon, 2000), post-graduate degree (DESS) in Clinical and Psychopathological Psychology (University of Sorbonne, Paris V, France, 2002), and a diploma in Profound Studies (DEA) in Clinical Psychopathology (University of Jussieu, Paris VI, France, 2004). She trained in a variety of reputable general health care and psychiatric facilities in the UK (Institute of Psychiatry, The Maudsley Hospital), France (Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris) and Lebanon (St Georges University Hospital). Prior to joining the American Center, she worked as a clinical psychologist at the General Medical Center (Dubai, UAE) for eight years and as a school psychologist in two international schools and nurseries for nine years.
Carine joined the American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology in Dubai in 2011 as an Eating and Weight Disorders specialist, and as a CBT-E therapist, trainer and supervisor, she has set up and is the director of a CBT-E accredited specialized multi-disciplinary out-patient Eating and Weight Disorders program (center for CBT-E excellence). Along with her team they have successfully helped children, adolescents and adults recover from their eating disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge-eating, ARFID, picky eating, etc.). She has also co-authored with Dr Riccardo Dalle Grave the first and only CBT-E guide for parents of adolescents receiving CBT-E treatment. The book entitled: “Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Young People, a parent’s guide” that was published by Routledge Press in December 2021. Carine also serves as the clinical lead for the psychology services of the American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology- Dubai branch. In addition to her core education in psychodynamic psychotherapy, Carine is also trained in Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), CBT, the third wave behavioral therapies Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She is also an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist, which is an extensively researched leading-edge psychotherapy for the treatment of trauma. She integrates all these different psychotherapies to provide a holistic approach in treatment of all mental health disorders ranging from depression, anxiety, addictions, borderline personality disorder to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The services she provides include, but are not limited to: specialized Eating Disorders psychotherapy (CBT-E, FBT) integrative psychotherapies (psychodynamic, ACT, DBT, EMDR), grief and trauma counseling. Carine is a fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorder. She is the Vice-President and head representative for the UAE of the non-profit association MEEDA (the Middle East Eating Disorders Association) which is the chapter for the Middle-East of the Academy of Eating Disorders (AED).
She is MEEDA’s representative member at the P.C.A.C. (Partner, Chapters and Affiliate Committee for the Academy of Eating Disorders). She oversees and runs all of MEEDA’s daily operations that is dedicated to raising awareness, supporting sufferers and training the general public and professionals on the subject of Eating and Weight Disorders. As part of this mission, Carine has given multiple professional trainings on the latest evidence-based treatments for eating disorders in the UAE and Lebanon to clinical psychologists, dieticians and medical doctors.
Ruby Sawaya
Psychologist
Ruby Sawaya
Ms. Ruby Sawaya is a Psychologist at ACPN. She completed her Master’s degree in Psychology in 2014 from the Notre Dame University, Lebanon and a Diploma in Psychotherapy from the “Ecole Française D’Analyze Psycho-Organique”, France in 2014. In 2020, she graduated from the American University of Beirut with an Executive MBA to bridge psychology and business administration.
Ms. Sawaya gained over ten years of experience as a psychologist in Lebanon through center-based as well as private practice. Her early role in 2010 was in professional education as Trainer and Administrator at SABIS Education Services for four years. With an ongoing private practice as psychologist in 2012, she offered psychological interventions for adults and children. With insights into psychological interventions and business administrative functions, she took on the role of Psychologist at the Counseling Center at the American University of Beirut in 2014 for seven years.
Her role involved oversight of a diverse clientele from different age groups, nationalities, and walks of life. Her eventual role as Interim Director at AUB’s Counseling Center had her working on policy administration, statistical reports, external liaison with NGOs and corporate entities for mental health awareness, and supervision of psychotherapy programs.
Ms. Sawaya works with individuals on major depressive, anxiety, and personality disorders; and other behavioral modifications. Ms. Sawaya follows an eclectic approach to therapy to best cater to all needs presented.
Dr. Sherif Hassan
Consultant Psychiatrist (Geriatric), 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.
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