Under the patronage of H.E the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Rakan Nasser El-Deen, represented by Dr. Samar El Hajj, the Faculty of Medicine at Beirut Arab University organized its international conference titled "Updates in Medicine: Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Practice." The event spanned two days and featured 38 speakers and 18 moderators managing scientific sessions. Participants hailed from several countries Lebanon, the Arab Republic of Egypt, France, and Germany representing the following universities and hospitals: Beirut Arab University, Alexandria University, American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanese University, Lebanese American University (LAU), University of Balamand, and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) in Germany, Al Makassed Hospital, Sahel General Hospital, Beirut Arab University Medical Center, American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), Al Najjar Hospital, Clemenceau Medical Center (CMC), Mazloum Hospital, Al Monla Hospital, and Hammoud Hospital University Medical Center.
Additionally, 6 workshops were held on the sidelines of the conference, attended by many internship students and specialist physicians. These workshops covered the following topics:
Intercostal Tube (Chest Tube) Insertion (1)
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (2)
Emergency Trauma Life Support (1)
Cast Application (1)
Basics of Laparoscopic Surgery (1)
The opening ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bir W Ihsan Establishment and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Beirut Arab University Dr. Ammar Houry, the President of the University Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam, representatives from hospitals and medical centers, faculty deans and a large gathering of doctors and students.
To begin, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Dr. Mohammad Houri stated: "The Faculty of Medicine at Beirut Arab University always aims to remain a living pulse that touches our society's issues and responds to current challenges. Our mission in this conference goes beyond merely presenting research and results; we seek directly to bridge the gap between scientific theory and clinical practice, ensuring the provision of the highest levels of care for our patients and all of humanity."
The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Professor Wafaa El Sehly noted: "Our conference today is not just an academic occasion, but an opportunity to highlight the amazing development across various medical specialties and the latest updates in diagnostics, in reference to modern technology such as Artificial Intelligence and advanced imaging. These tools enable doctors to detect diseases in their early stages, increasing the chances of treatment and recovery."
El Sehly continued: "There is also development in innovative treatments, from robotic surgery to stem cell and gene therapy. Recently, digital medicine including health applications and smart monitoring devices has made tracking human health easier and more effective."
In turn, the University President Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam said: "In a world where medical development is accelerating at an incredible pace, the university's role is no longer limited to transferring knowledge. It now centers on reducing the gap between scientific theory and clinical application. Our conference slogan is not just a title, but a commitment that the Faculty of Medicine at BAU remains a source of creativity, where research published in the world's most prestigious journals is transformed into treatment protocols that serve patients and save lives."
Abdel Salam added: "Thanks to the efforts of its academic and administrative staff, our university has maintained its leading position, achieving advanced rankings in the 2026 global rankings. This places a double responsibility on us to provide a scientific environment that fosters innovation in the fields of Medical Artificial Intelligence, which the conference will discuss today."
Then, Dr. Samar El Hajj representing Lebanon's Minister of Health, Dr. Rakan Nasser El-Deen, pointed out: "In Lebanon, these developments take on special importance. Despite ongoing challenges, the health sector still shows a remarkable ability for resilience, adaptation, and scientific excellence. The Ministry of Public Health remains committed to enhancing this progress; we have expanded the network of primary healthcare centers, strengthened hospital-level coverage, and increased the availability of medications nearly fourfold. The Ministry is also investing in a comprehensive reform of the health system and driving digital transformation to improve efficiency, transparency, and the application of best practices based on evidence and data."
The conference addressed the following topics:
Bariatric Surgery
Anti-aging Medicine
New developments in Dermatology
Latest updates in all types of surgery (General, Orthopedic, Urology, Neurosurgery, Plastic, Thoracic, and Cardiovascular)
Innovations in Reproductive Medicine and Pediatrics
Sessions on Ophthalmology and Internal Medicine
In conclusion, University President Professor Abdel Salam presented the University’s Honorary Shield to Dr. Samar El Hajj.
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