The Lebanese Physicians' Podcast

Food and Water in Lebanon: Can We Still Trust Them?الأكل والمَيّ بلبنان: فينا نوسق فين بعد؟

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, Dr. Khalil Diab speaks with Christelle Bachi, food safety expert and founder of Yes You Can Clinic, about the alarming state of food and water contamination in Lebanon.

Where is the pollution coming from — water, storage, farming, or lack of restaurant hygiene? How has the economic crisis affected public health oversight, and what can individuals do to stay safe?

A candid discussion about what’s really happening behind Lebanon’s food safety crisis — and what urgent steps are needed to rebuild trust.

 Hosted by: Khalil Diab

 Guest: Christelle Bachi

#Lebanon #FoodSafety #WaterPollution #PublicHealth #TheLebanesePhysiciansPodcast

Clinic، عن أزمة التلوّث بلبنان — من المَيّ اللي منشربها، للأكل اللي مناكله، ولغياب الرقابة يلي زاد مع الأزمة الاقتصادية.

من وين جاي التلوّث؟ وشو فينا نعمل لنحمي حالنا وعيلتنا؟

حديث صريح وواقعي عن وضع سلامة الأكل والمَيّ اليوم، وعن الخطوات اللي لازم تنعمل فوراً لتصحيح المسار.

 

 إعداد وتقديم: د. خليل دياب

 ضيفة الحلقة: كريستيل باشي

#لبنان #سلامة_الغذاء #تلوّث #TheLebanesePhysiciansPodcast #صحة

 

Unraveling the Causes of Autism: Genetics, Environment, and Beyond with Dr. Rose Mary Boustany

In this thought-provoking episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Rose Mary Boustany, Professor of Pediatrics and Biochemistry at the American University of Beirut, and a pioneering figure in neurogenetics and autism research.

Together, we explore the complex roots of autism from genetic and epigenetic influences to environmental and neurobiological factors and discuss how these discoveries are transforming both research and care.

Dr. Boustany reflects on her decades-long journey in pediatric neurology, the evolution of autism understanding worldwide, and the pressing need for global collaboration to bridge scientific gaps. The conversation also tackles common myths about autism’s causes, and how deeper scientific insights can enhance early diagnosis, intervention, and compassionate care for families.

Join us as we go beyond the headlines to unpack the science, the challenges, and the promise of future breakthroughs in autism research

 

#AutismResearch #Neurogenetics #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #GeneticsAndEnvironment #Epigenetics #PediatricNeurology #AutismAwareness #GlobalHealth #Neuroscience #MedicalInnovation #LebanesePhysicians #HealthPodcast

Available on all podcast apps and on YouTube

Beyond Minoxidil: Exploring Alternative Therapies for Hair Loss with Dr. William Abou Shahla

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, I speak with Dr. William Abou Shahla, a resident in dermatology, about emerging and alternative therapies for hair loss that go beyond traditional treatments like minoxidil and finasteride.

Together, they dive into the evidence behind stem cell–based therapies, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and natural oils and plant-derived compounds—while also debunking common myths and misconceptions surrounding these increasingly popular treatments. The discussion separates scientific facts from marketing hype, explores the real risks and benefits of these therapies, and offers practical guidance for patients seeking effective, evidence-based solutions.

Dr. Abou Shahla also shares his vision for the future of regenerative medicine and technology in hair restoration, and how innovation is reshaping the field. If you’re curious about what truly works and what doesn’t in the evolving world of hair loss treatments, this episode offers clarity, science, and insight.

#HairLoss #HairRestoration #Alopecia #StemCellTherapy #RegenerativeMedicine #Dermatology #LLLT #LaserTherapy #MedicalInnovation #HealthTech #IntegrativeMedicine #Trichology #ScalpHealth #Wellness #Minoxidil #AlternativeMedicine #FutureOfMedicine #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #WilliamAbouShahla #KhalilDiab #HealthPodcast #HairGrowth #MedicalResearch #ClinicalDermatology #ScienceAndHealth #BeyondMinoxidil

Health Leadership in Times of Turmoil: A Conversation with Dr. Firass Abiad

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Firass Abiad, Lebanon’s Minister of Public Health and author of Standing Firm During the Storm, for a candid discussion on leading through crisis.

Dr. Abiad reflects on his journey navigating Lebanon’s most turbulent years from managing the COVID-19 pandemic as CEO of Rafik Hariri University Hospital to steering the Ministry of Health through economic collapse, political paralysis, and systemic strain.

We explore the personal and professional challenges of crisis leadership, lessons learned from the pandemic, creative solutions to sustain healthcare delivery under immense pressure, and the pivotal role of the Lebanese diaspora and international organizations in maintaining hope and functionality during this unprecedented strain.

Finally, Dr. Abiad shares insights from his new book written in Arabic to directly speak to the Lebanese public and offers his vision for rebuilding a resilient, equitable health system grounded in integrity and trust.

🎙️ Key Themes:

• Health leadership under crisis

• COVID-19 response and lessons learned

• Resilience and innovation in Lebanon’s health system

• Public trust, communication, and transparency

• The human side of decision-making in times of turmoil

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms.

#TheLebanesePhysiciansPodcast #HealthLeadership #PublicHealth #ResilientHealthSystems #LeadershipInCrisis #Lebanon #HealthcareInnovation #StandingFirmDuringTheStorm #Resilience #CrisisManagement #GlobalHealth #MedicalLeadership #LebaneseDoctors #Inspiration #HealthcareRefor

القيادة الصحية في زمن الأزمات: حوار مع الدكتور فراس الأبيض

من قيادة مستشفى رفيق الحريري خلال جائحة كورونا إلى تولّي وزارة الصحة في خضم الانهيار الاقتصادي والاضطراب السياسي، واجه الدكتور فراس الأبيض تحديات غير مسبوقة في تاريخ لبنان الحديث.

في هذه الحلقة من بودكاست الأطباء اللبنانيين، يتحدث الدكتور الأبيض بصراحة عن أصعب القرارات التي اتخذها، والدروس التي تعلمها حول القيادة، التواصل، والصلابة في وجه الانهيار. كما يناقش كتابه الجديد «الثبات في وجه العاصفة» الذي كتبَه باللغة العربية ليخاطب اللبنانيين مباشرة بلغتهم وتجربتهم.

حلقة ملهمة حول القيادة، الصمود، والأمل في بناء نظام صحي أكثر عدلاً وثقة في لبنان.

🎧 استمعوا الآن على YouTube، Spotify، وApple Podcasts.

#لبنان #القيادة_الصحية #الصحة_العامة #القيادة_في_الأزمات #الصمود #الأطباء_اللبنانيون #الثبات_في_وجه_العاصفة #بودكاست_الأطباء_اللبنانيين #النظام_الصحي #الصحة #الأمل #الابتكار_الصحي #قيادة_ملهمة

 

From Plans to Attempts: Understanding Adolescent Suicide Risks in Adolescents

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, I speak with Dr. Michelle Cherro, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at Mass General in Boston and lead author of the 2025 PLOS One study, “Predictors of suicide attempts among adolescents with suicidal ideations and a plan.” Dr. Cherro discusses the motivations behind her team’s work with co-authors Dr. Hala Itani, Dr. Elie Ghossoub, and Dr. Fadi Maalouf at the American University of Beirut, exploring what drives some adolescents from suicidal thoughts and planning to an actual suicide attempt.

 

We unpack the study’s key findings, that female adolescents, antisocial behaviors, and substance use strongly predict attempts, and discuss how these insights can inform prevention efforts in Lebanon where the rates are not higher than elsewhere despite the unstable economic and political situation.

 

Tune in for a compelling conversation bridging U.S.-based data with Lebanese mental-health realities, and for practical reflections on what clinicians, schools, and families can do to protect at-risk youth.

 

📖 Reference: Cherro M, Itani H, Ghossoub E, Maalouf F. Predictors of suicide attempts among adolescents with suicidal ideations and a plan: Results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). PLOS One. 2025 Aug 28; 20(8):e0331261. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331261.

#AdolescentMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Lebanon #GlobalHealth #Psychiatry #BehavioralHealth #PublicHealth #YouthWellbeing #mentalhealthawareness

Raising the Bar: LAU Internal Medicine’s ACGME-I Designation and Its Impact on Residents

In this episode, we explore a milestone achievement for the Lebanese American University (LAU) Internal Medicine Residency Program: earning the prestigious ACGME-International (ACGME-I) accreditation. We break down what ACGME-I is, why LAU pursued it, and what it means for residents, patients, and the future of graduate medical education in Lebanon and the region.

Our discussion covers the rigorous process of accreditation, the challenges faced, and the transformative impact on training, patient safety, and international opportunities for residents and faculty. We also explore how this recognition positions LAU as a leader in shaping regional standards for medical education.

Whether you’re a medical student, resident, faculty member, or healthcare leader, this episode offers valuable insights into how ACGME-I accreditation is redefining professional growth and healthcare excellence in Lebanon.

 

#MedicalEducation #GraduateMedicalEducation #ACGMEI #InternalMedicine #ResidencyTraining #LebaneseAmericanUniversity #HealthcareLeadership #AcademicMedicine #ProfessionalDevelopment #GlobalHealth

Shaping the Future of Health AI: Insights from AUB’s Global Health Institute with Nadine Sabra

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, Drs. Khalil Diab and MohammadAli Jardaly speak with Nadine Sabra, digital health lead at the American University of Beirut’s Global Health Institute and member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Health AI Conference.
We discuss:

• Nadine’s journey into digital health and AI

• The most promising applications of AI in healthcare today

• The ethical and regulatory challenges in integrating AI into practice

• How AI can shape patient care and health systems in the next decade

• AUB’s initiatives to prepare the next generation of leaders in digital health

This is a forward-looking conversation about how the Middle East and the world can harness AI responsibly to build more equitable, innovative, and resilient health systems.

 

#HealthAI #DigitalHealth #GlobalHealth #MedicalInnovation #FutureOfHealthcare #AUB #Lebanon #AIInMedicine #EquityInHealth #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast

 

This episode can be found on all podcast apps

Ancestors and Identity: Unraveling the Genetics of the Levant with Dr. Pierre Zalloua

What do our genes really reveal about who we are? In this episode, Dr. Pierre Zalloua, geneticist and author of Ancestors, takes us deep into the DNA of the Levant. We explore how personal experience, history, and science intersect to shape identity. From Phoenician expansion to the Crusades, from consumer genetic testing to cultural memory, Dr. Zalloua shows how ancestry is far more complex and more unifying than we might think.

We discuss surprising genetic signatures in the Levant, the dangers of oversimplifying identity, and the balance between biology and lived experience. Whether you’re curious about your own heritage or the shared human story, this episode offers a profound look at how genetics can illuminate and complicate our understanding of ourselves.

#Genetics #Identity #Lebanon #Heritage #Levant #HumanStory #Podcast

Flipping the Table: When the Hosts Become the Guests

In a special edition of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast recorded in Beirut at the Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui, the mic gets turned around!

 

Cynthia Abi Khalil, Director of Nursing at Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui, and Antoine Saab, Healthcare Quality expert at the same institution, take over the hosting duties and flip the table on us. This time, MohammadAli Jardaly and I are in the hot seat answering the questions.

 

From the story of how it all began three years ago, to the behind-the-scenes challenges, funniest recording moments, lessons learned, and the future vision for the podcast, nothing is off limits.

 

Expect candid reflections, laughter, and some surprising confessions as we explore what it really means to build a podcast that connects healthcare professionals across borders. 

 

If you’ve ever wondered what inspires us, what keeps us going, and which episodes we secretly wish got more love ,  this one’s for you. 

• • #Podcast #MedicalPodcast #HealthcarePodcast #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #MedicalEducation #PhysicianGrowth #DoctorLife #MedicalMentorship #GlobalMedicine #LebaneseDoctors #DiasporaDoctors #GlobalHealth #AIinHealthcare #MedicalInnovation #FutureOfMedicine #HealthcareCommunity #DoctorsOfInstagram #MedTwitter #MedInspo #PhysicianWellbeing

Resilient Health Systems: Lessons from Lebanon’s Crisis Response with Bouchra Abou Abbas

How can a nation’s health system withstand the compounded pressures of a pandemic, a severe economic crisis, and the impact of various wars? In this episode, we speak with Bouchra Abou Abbas, a healthcare consultant in Lebanon, about the country’s journey through COVID-19 and the road ahead. We explore the systemic weaknesses these crises laid bare, the unexpected strengths that emerged, and the community innovations shaping recovery. From local solutions to global partnerships, this conversation offers valuable lessons for developing countries striving for stronger, more equitable, and crisis-ready healthcare systems.

#HealthSystems #ResilientHealthcare #LebanonHealth #PublicHealth #HealthResilience #GlobalHealth #PandemicResponse #EconomicCrisis #HealthcareInnovation #HealthEquity #COVID19Lessons #CrisisPreparedness #HealthcareLeadership #MiddleEastHealth #BouchraAbouAbbas #HealthcareConsultant #DevelopingCountries #CommunityHealth #GlobalCollaboration #HealthPolicy