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Speakers
Committee
- Scientific Committee
- Organizing Committee
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Contact

Speakers

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Dr. Aisha Alsalami

Dr. Aisha Mohamed Ahmed Al Salami is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi and Vice President of the Emirates Oncology & Radiotherapy Association (EORA). Practicing oncology since 2011, she has a particular clinical interest in breast cancer, supportive and palliative care, and the psychological well-being of patients throughout the cancer journey. Her work emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach that addresses not only cancer treatment but also the emotional, social, and quality-of-life challenges experienced by women living with cancer. She has pursued additional training in palliative care and psychology and is actively involved in professional education, patient-support initiatives, and community programs in the UAE, with a strong interest in integrating psychological support and compassionate communication into routine cancer care.

Dr. Aisha Al Salami

Consultant Medical Oncologist, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) and Vice President of the Emirates Oncology & Radiotherapy Association (EORA)

Dr. Alaa Haweel

Dr. Alaa Haweel joined ACPN as a Consultant Psychiatrist moving from one of the most reputable hospitals in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC). Dr. Haweel has been on the Specialist Register in the UK since 2009 where he had obtained a certificate that is equivalent to CCT from the Post Graduate Medical Education Board. In 2000, Dr. Haweel had acquired Diploma in Psychological Medicine from The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He was elected as a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK in 2002. Dr. Haweel earned his MBBCH degree from Assuit University in Egypt in 1982 and had completed a Diploma in Neurology and Psychiatry from Alexandria, Egypt in 1988.

Dr. Alaa Haweel has more than 35 years of experience in Psychiatry out of which 12 years was in the UK, prior to moving to the UAE. Dr. Haweel worked as a Locum Consultant Psychiatrist in the National Health Service in the UK from 2003-2007, prior to this, he had worked at St. Andrews Hospital in Northampton, the largest tertiary referral hospital in the UK as an Associate Specialist Psychiatrist. In Abu Dhabi, Dr. Haweel worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist and was the Chair of Forensic Psychiatry Board as well as the Associate Director of Residency Program since 2007 till May 2021, at SKMC. He served as an expert witness for Abu Dhabi Judicial System for more than 12 years.

Dr. Haweel has extensive experience in General Adult Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, and Psychiatry of Learning disabilities, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He has presented at numerous national and international conferences, in addition to being involved in undergraduate and post graduate medical education.

Dr. Haweel’s wide areas of interests include, but not limited to, mood disorders, treatment resistant depression, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety, phobia, obsessive compulsive disorders.

Dr. Alaa Haweel

Consultant Psychiatrist, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)

Dr. Asma Ben Houidi

Dr. Asma Ben Houidi is a Consultant Psychiatrist at ACPN. She began her medical career with a 2009 graduation from the Faculte de Medicine de Tunis, Tunisia. She furthered her academic pursuits by completing a comprehensive Psychiatry residency program at Al Razi Hospital, Tunisia, and Le Vinatier Hospital, France. Her quest for knowledge led her to earn a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychiatry in 2011, along with diplomas in Perinatal Psychiatry, Child Development, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy from The Faculte de Medicine de Tunis, Tunisia, each year successively until 2013. In 2017, she obtained a diploma in Addictology from Paris- Sud University in France. Dr. Ben Houidi has been a licensed psychiatrist in the UAE since 2016.

With a decade of international medical experience in the diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders, Dr. Ben Houidi brings a global perspective to her practice. Her extensive training and roles in renowned hospitals in Tunisia, France, and the UAE equip her with the skills to serve patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Notable points in her UAE career include over three years at Mediclinic until 2023 and a prior role with the behavioral sciences department at Medical Services Directorate in Abu Dhabi for four years until 2020.

Dr. Ben Houidi specializes in the management of a broad range of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, and sleep disorders. Her dedication extends beyond clinical proficiency to encompass teaching, internship programs, and research, with publications in international medical journals. She actively contributes to various medical societies by delivering lectures and volunteering at events aimed at raising awareness about mental health in the region. Dr. Ben Houidi adopts a patient-centered approach, utilizing a blend of psychopharmacology, psychotherapies, and social interventions to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.

Dr. Asma Ben Houidi

Consultant Psychiatrist, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)

Dr. Charles Yacoub

Dr. Charles Yacoub is a consultant psychiatrist at ACPN. In 2008 he completed higher training in adult psychiatry from St. Joseph University and Paris Diderot faculty of medicine (France). He also specialized in Addiction medicine in Paris Descartes Faculty of medicine, France. He has a diploma in Cognitive Behavioral therapy.

Dr. Charles’ experience spans over a decade of specialized care in psychiatry in Lebanon, France, Saudi Arabia, and currently in the UAE. In 2009, he joined the psychiatry and behavioral department at Bellevue Medical Center, Lebanon, with outpatient and inpatient privileges as well as liaison psychiatry, where he continued to practice until his move to UAE in 2021. He also held posts as a lecturer in medical universities including the Lebanese University for twelve years since 2008, as well as training sharing clinical expertise and best practice at NGOs such as Doctors Without Borders and MENHARA.

In 2017, Dr. Charles started up multi-disciplinary home-based treatments of addictive disorders and mental disorders as Medical Director of Reset Clinics, an outpatient treatment and rehab center for dual diagnosis of Addiction/psychiatry. He was the psychiatrist of the bariatric and eating disorder department at Middle East Institute of Health University Hospital, Lebanon for 10 years since 2010.

Dr. Charles has long-standing experience in managing psychiatric illnesses such as PTSD, panic disorder, OCD, Chronic anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, psychosis, sexual disorders, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and addictions. Experienced in psychiatric care in both inpatient and outpatient settings, he has a special interest in treating co-morbid Neuro-psychiatric conditions and psychiatric dual diagnoses.

Dr. Charles Yacoub

Consultant Psychiatrist, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)

Prof. Elias Chedid

Prof. Elias Chedid is Consultant Psychiatrist at ACPN, with over 27 years of clinical and academic, experience. He earned his MD from Saint Joseph University of Beirut in 1993 and specialized in adult psychiatry at Paris Descartes Faculty of Medicine in 1997. Formerly Head of Psychiatry at Saint Charles Hospital, he also served as Professor and Head of Psychiatry at Lebanese University. His expertise spans mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and substance use, catering to both adults and children.

Prof. Elias Chedid

Consultant Psychiatrist, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)

Dr. Katty Khalil

Will update soon.

Dr. Katty Khalil

Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, First IVF Fertility Center

Ms. Natalie Awad

Nathalie Elias Awad is Physiotherapist at ACPN. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from the Fatima College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi in 2019. She is a DOH licensed Physiotherapist in Abu Dhabi.

Starting her career in physiotherapy and rehabilitation in 2019, she worked as physiotherapist for the inpatient and long-term care unit at Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi and at Danat Al Emarat Hospital for their inpatient and outpatient clinics seeing patients of all ages. She carried out her clinical training at prestigious healthcare institutions including Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and Healthpoint Hospital Abu Dhabi. She is well-versed in musculoskeletal, neurological, ICU, post-operative rehabilitation for orthopedic as well as obstetrics & gynecology patients, as well as rehabilitation for children and newborns. With a passion for voluntary service, she dedicated her time as a fitness screener at the Special Olympics World Games for People of Determination for the 2017 & 2018 seasons.

Her areas of interest include women’s health for outpatient and inpatient, virtual prenatal services, NICU along with post discharge neonatal services including follow-ups and parent education about premature complications, and early interventions. Her approach to treatment follows evidence-based care plans that are updated with the latest interventions. Working with a multitude of age groups, Ms. Awad works with children with developmental delays, adults having pelvic floor rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, pain management and musculoskeletal cases.

Ms. Nathalie Awad

Physiotherapist, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)

Dr. Rami Al Shihabi

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.

Dr. Rami Al Shihabi

Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Lead - Psychology Services, Deputy CMO, American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)

Dr. Rashad Haddad

Will update soon.

Dr. Rashad Haddad

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

Ms. 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.

Ms. Ruby Sawaya

Psychologist, Team Leader - Adult Psychology Team (Abu Dhabi), 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. Tamara AlKheileh

Dr. Tamara AlKheileh is a Consultant-level General Surgeon with more than 14 years of independent surgical experience across Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Expertise in breast surgery, minimally invasive surgery, acute care surgery, and comprehensive general surgical practice. Experienced conference speaker, educator, mentor, and clinical leader with a strong interest in breast surgical oncology, multidisciplinary cancer care, quality improvement, and medical education.

Dr. Tamara AlKheileh

Consultant General And Laparoscopic Surgeon Oncoplastic Breast Surgery, Mediclinic

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)

For more information, please contact:

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