The Lebanese Physicians' Podcast

On April 8, 2026, intense Israeli airstrikes on the middle of day in Beirut led to around 250 dead people and more than 1100 wounded with a lot of people still missing under the rubble. In this powerful episode of the Lebanese Physicians Podcast, we take you inside the devastating events of April 8, 2026. With dozens reported dead and hundreds injured, hospitals across the city rapidly activated emergency protocols to manage the overwhelming surge of trauma patients. I was joined by frontline leaders Dr. Toufic Chaaban (ICU physician and Program Director of Internal Medicine at Lebanese American University Medical Center) and Dr. Cynthia Abi Khalil Jammal (Head of Nursing) at The Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui. They shared firsthand accounts of what it means to respond under extreme pressure. This episode explores: - How hospitals mobilized within minutes for a mass casualty response - Real-time ICU and ER decision-making during crisis - Lessons learned since the Beirut Port Explosion - The emotional toll on physicians, nurses, and trainees - The resilience and unwavering commitment of Lebanese healthcare workers Beyond protocols and preparedness, this is a deeply human story of courage, sacrifice, and the extraordinary strength of a healthcare system repeatedly tested, yet still standing. A must-listen for clinicians, healthcare leaders, and anyone seeking to understand medicine under crisis. #Lebanon #Beirut #Healthcare #MassCasualty #EmergencyMedicine #CriticalCare #MedicalPodcast #Resilience #GlobalHealth #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #subscribe On YouTube @thelebanesephysicianspodcast , on all podcasts apps Website: https://thelebanesephysicianspodcast.podbean.com

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, I sit down with Christophe Zoghby, founder of ZAKA AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is moving beyond hype and into real-world impact across the MENA region. From launching in the Beirut AI community to building one of the region’s leading AI education and implementation platforms, Christophe shares his journey of turning passion into purpose, bridging the gap between AI awareness and practical adoption. We dive into: 🚀 How AI is transforming careers and creating new opportunities in MENA 🧠 The concept of “democratizing AI” and why it matters 🏥 Real-world applications of AI in healthcare and beyond 🌍 How talent in Lebanon and the region can compete globally ⚡ Why upskilling not fear is the key to thriving in the AI era This conversation is a must-listen for clinicians, entrepreneurs, students, and anyone curious about how AI is reshaping the future of work, innovation, and healthcare. 💡 Key takeaway: AI isn’t replacing you it’s amplifying you. Learn it, leverage it, and lead with it. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations at the intersection of medicine, innovation, and global impact. 🔥 Hashtags #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #MENA #HealthcareInnovation #FutureOfWork #MedicalPodcast #LebanesePhysicians #DigitalHealth #AIinHealthcare #Entrepreneurship #TechInMedicine #Innovation #MiddleEast #CareerGrowth #Upskilling #subscribe On YouTube: @thelebanesephysicianspodcast @ChristopheZoghbi On all podcast apps Website: https://thelebanesephysicianspodcast.podbean.com

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, we explore the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health—and ask a critical question: Can AI truly support emotional well-being safely and effectively? I sit down with Srishti Srivastava, the founder of Healo, an innovative mental health AI based platform now active in over 165 countries, to discuss how AI is transforming access to care across both high-income and low-resource settings. From personal struggle with anxiety to building a global AI mental health companion, this conversation dives into the real-world challenges of mental health access, affordability, and stigma, and how technology may help bridge these gaps. 💡 In this episode, we discuss: The origin story behind Healo and its mission How AI can act as a first step in mental health care The concept of an AI mental health companion Risks like AI hallucinations, AI psychosis, and safety concerns How platforms ensure privacy, HIPAA compliance, and ethical AI use Why AI should augment not replace therapists The future of mental health care in low- and middle-income countries Real-world impact: improving access, reducing wait times, and empowering patients 🌍 As mental health needs rise globally, this episode offers a powerful look at how technology, when used responsibly, can expand access and empower patients while keeping human care at the center. 👉 Whether you're a clinician, innovator, or simply curious about the future of healthcare, this episode is a must-watch. #MentalHealth #AIinHealthcare #DigitalHealth #Psychiatry #HealthcareInnovation #GlobalHealth #MedicalPodcast #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #FutureOfMedicine #AI #Telehealth #HealthTech #MindHealth #Doctors #Subscribe Website: https://healo.infiheal.com/ The podcast is on YouTube @thelebanesephysicianspodcast and on all podcast apps Podcast website: https://thelebanesephysicianspodcast.podbean.com/

In this episode of the podcast, I speak with Dr. Shereen Nabhani-Gebara, Professor of Oncology and Pharmacy at Kingston University and a leader in the EU-funded MULTIPULM project. We discuss how digital health innovations have the potential to transform the care of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The conversation explores the challenges of delayed diagnosis, fragmented healthcare systems, and the rising burden of multimorbidity. Dr. Nabhani-Gebara shares how integrated digital ecosystems, including AI-powered monitoring tools, remote care platforms, and patient-centered education, have the capacity to enable earlier detection, proactive management, and improved outcomes. The episode also examines the role of global collaboration, the importance of adapting solutions to local contexts, and how these innovations could be applied in regions like the Middle East. A must-listen for anyone interested in digital health, global medicine, and the future of patient-centered care. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support the podcast! #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #Pulmonology #COPD #Asthma #DigitalHealth #AIinHealthcare #GlobalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #Telemedicine #MedicalEducation #ChronicDisease #PublicHealth #Subscribe #MULTIPULM Website: https://thelebanesephysicianspodcast.podbean.com/ YouTube: @thelebanesephysicianspodcast On all Podcast Apps

n this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, I speak with Dr. Aline Charabaty about her journey from Lebanon to becoming a leader in gastroenterology, inflammatory bowel disease, and women’s leadership in medicine. She shares insights on building IBD programs, the mission of Scrubs & Heels, mentorship and sponsorship, social media in education, and how women physicians can thrive while leading with purpose, authenticity, and resilience. #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #AlineCharabaty #WomenInMedicine #WomenInGI #Gastroenterology #IBD #InflammatoryBowelDisease #LeadershipInMedicine #MedicalLeadership #ScrubsAndHeels #Mentorship #Sponsorship #PatientCenteredCare #MedicalEducation #MondayNightIBD #PhysicianLeadership #WomenLeaders #LebaneseDoctors #HealthcareLeadership #PhysicianWellness #WorkLifeIntegration #Subscribe On all podcast apps. Website: https://thelebanesephysicianspodcast.podbean.com/ On YouTube @thelebanesephysicianspodcast

In this powerful episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, we sit down with entrepreneur and consultant Zina Malas, Founder & CEO of Tawlé Consultancy, to discuss migration, identity, ambition, and the difficult choices many Lebanese professionals face. ⚠️ Important context: This conversation was recorded two weeks before the war began in Lebanon, which gives the discussion an even deeper meaning today. As we listen back, many of the themes belonging, uncertainty, resilience, and the idea of “home” feel even more powerful and relevant. Zina shares her journey of leaving Lebanon for Canada during one of the country’s most difficult periods, building a life abroad, and then making the bold and controversial decision to return to Lebanon despite many people telling her she was making a mistake. In this episode, we explore: • The emotional realities of migration beyond logistics • The myths vs. truths about building a life abroad • How identity evolves when living outside your home country • Why returning home can sometimes be the bravest decision • The lessons she learned abroad that shaped her consulting philosophy After returning to Lebanon, Zina founded Tawlé Consultancy, where she helps businesses rethink strategy, growth, and leadership in complex environments. We also discuss questions that resonate with many in the Lebanese diaspora today: Who should leave—and who should stay? What do people misunderstand about success abroad? Is belonging a place or a mindset? And if Lebanon were stable tomorrow, would people return? This is a thoughtful and honest conversation about risk, resilience, and redefining success in uncertain times. 🎙️ The Lebanese Physicians Podcast #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #ZinaMalas #LebanonDiaspora #MigrationStories #Lebanon #Entrepreneurship #LebaneseEntrepreneurs #IdentityAndBelonging #Leadership #Consulting #GlobalLebanese #CareerJourney #PodcastInterview #Resilience #Subscribe #subscribenow On YouTube: ‪@thelebanesephysicianspodcast‬ ‪@tawleconsultancy‬ and on all podcast apps. Website: https://thelebanesephysicianspodcast.podbean.com/

Can something as simple as walking or running rival antidepressants? In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Farid Talih, American board–certified psychiatrist, sleep medicine and addiction specialist, to explore the powerful science behind exercise as a treatment for depression and anxiety. We dive into: How exercise reshapes the brain through BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) Why movement works differently than SSRIs and psychotherapy The role of lactate, cortisol, endorphins, and the “runner’s high” Exercise vs medication: when to use one, the other, or both Group exercise, loneliness, and mental health Practical, realistic ways to “prescribe” movement in real-world settings Cultural, socioeconomic, and access barriers to exercise Exercise in pregnancy, postpartum depression, aging, and addiction recovery Why mental health care must stay individualized, humane, and holistic This episode challenges the idea that mental health treatment is only about prescriptions and reminds us that movement, connection, and context matter. 🎙️ Whether you’re a physician, trainee, mental health professional, or someone looking for practical, evidence-based ways to improve mood and well-being, this conversation is for you. #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #MentalHealth #Psychiatry #ExerciseMedicine #Depression #Anxiety #BrainHealth #BDNF #LifestyleMedicine #SleepMedicine #AddictionMedicine #Neuroscience #Wellness #HealthcareInnovation #PhysicianPodcast #MindBodyConnection #PublicHealth #Subscribe #subscribenow On YouTube: @thelebanesephysicianspodcast @faridtalih2071 https://thelebanesephysicianspodcast.podbean.com and on all podcast apps

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, we sit down with Nabila Rahhal, former LinkedIn MENA Insider, journalist, and content strategist, to explore the powerful intersection between algorithm and authenticity. Nabila shares her journey from education to journalism, her years at Executive Magazine, and her transition to LinkedIn’s news and content ecosystem before reinventing herself once again as an independent consultant in executive positioning and thought leadership. Together, we discuss: Career pivots and reinvention after layoffs How professionals misuse (and can better use) LinkedIn The balance between AI tools and authentic human voice Personal branding beyond social media Why storytelling beats perfection How leaders, founders, and professionals can build authority and trust through content This conversation is a must-listen for physicians, professionals, founders, and leaders navigating visibility, credibility, and opportunity in today’s digital world. 🎧 Listen, learn, and rethink how you show up online. #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #ContentStrategy #ThoughtLeadership #PersonalBranding #CareerReinvention #LinkedInTips #DigitalStorytelling #ExecutivePositioning #AIAndHumanity #ProfessionalGrowth #PhysiciansOnLinkedIn #CreatorsEconomy #LeadershipDevelopment #PodcastInterview #Subscribe On YouTube @thelebanesephysicianspodcast and on all podcast apps Website: https://thelebanesephysicianspodcast.podbean.com

In this powerful episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Rana Hajjeh, a global public health leader whose career has spanned over three decades at the heart of epidemic response, vaccine policy, and global health diplomacy. From her early training as an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officer at the CDC to leading outbreak responses to meningitis, Ebola, MERS, and COVID-19, Dr. Hajjeh reflects on what it truly means to work at the frontlines when science, uncertainty, and urgency collide. She shares behind-the-scenes insights into global vaccine introduction, lessons on equity and trust, and why global coordination through organizations like the WHO remains indispensable in a world without borders. This conversation goes beyond titles and institutions exploring leadership, resilience, and the human side of public health decision-making. Whether you’re a physician, public health professional, policymaker, or simply curious about how global health works in real life, this episode offers rare perspective, hard-earned wisdom, and enduring hope for the future. 🎧 Tune in for an honest, timely, and inspiring discussion on leadership, epidemics, and the future of global health. #GlobalHealth #PublicHealth #EpidemicResponse #InfectiousDiseases #VaccineEquity #HealthLeadership #GlobalHealthDiplomacy #WHO #CDC #PublicHealthCareers #MedicineBeyondBorders #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #HealthcareLeadership #HealthPolicy #PandemicLessons #subscribe On YouTube @thelebanesephysicianspodcast and on all podcast apps

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, we sit down again with Christelle Bashi, clinical dietitian and founder of Yes You Can Clinic in Lebanon, for an honest and practical conversation about New Year’s resolutions, nutrition, and long-term lifestyle change. Why do 80% of people abandon their health goals within weeks? How do stress, economic pressure, culture, and unrealistic expectations sabotage progress? And what actually works when it comes to weight loss, nutrition, and habit change? We discuss: 1. Why New Year’s resolutions often fail 2. The difference between motivation and sustainability 3. SMART goals for real-life nutrition 4. Weight loss vs fat loss 5. The impact of stress, sleep, and lifestyle 6. Affordable and traditional Lebanese healthy meals 7. Supplements: when they help and when they harm 8. Small, realistic changes that actually last This episode is about building a healthier lifestyle without guilt, extremes, or burnout — one step at a time. #NewYearGoals #SustainableHealth #NutritionScience #WeightLossJourney #HealthyLifestyle #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #YesYouCanClinic #MindsetMatters #FatLossNotWeightLoss #WellnessWithoutBurnout #HealthEducation #LifestyleMedicine yesyoucanclinic.com or on social media Links Linktreelinktr.ee/yesyoucanclinic Facebookfacebook.com/YesYouCanClinic Instagraminstagram.com/yes.you.can.clinic Tiktoktiktok.com/ @yes.you.can.clinic ⁨@yesyoucanclinic⁩

What happens when a carefully built academic career no longer feels aligned with who you are becoming? In this episode, we sit down with Pamela Abi Khalil Maalouf, who made the bold leap from a successful career in research and grant administration at AUBMC to founding Bites on Boards—a creative, passion-driven business built from courage, curiosity, and reinvention. With an MSc and MBA, Pamela once envisioned a traditional path of stability and growth. Instead, she chose uncertainty, creativity, and purpose. We talk honestly about the fears behind leaving a secure job, the unglamorous realities of entrepreneurship, early mistakes, slow seasons, and the resilience required to start from scratch. This conversation is about redefining success, trusting your instincts, and building a life and business that actually feels like yours. Whether you’re dreaming quietly of a change or standing at the edge of a big leap, this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in, reflect, and maybe just maybe give yourself permission to imagine a different version of success. #FromGrantsToGrazingBoards #ReinventingSuccess #CareerPivot #EntrepreneurshipJourney #WomenInBusiness #LeavingTheComfortZone #PurposeDrivenWork #CreativeEntrepreneur #SmallBusinessStory #RedefiningSuccess #FearAndGrowth #StartWhereYouAre #TheLebanesePhysiciansPodcast #BuildYourOwnPath #TakeTheLeap #Subscribe 🎧

في هذه الحلقة العميقة والصريحة، نناقش الرحلة الكاملة للانتقال من العمل داخل شركة عالمية بحجم سامسونج إلى عالم ريادة الأعمال وبناء الشركات من الصفر. نتحدث عن: لحظة اتخاذ القرار وكم كان الخوف والشك جزءًا منها الفرق الحقيقي بين ثقافة الشركات العالمية وشركات العائلة كيف تنتقل من بيئة منظمة إلى حرية ومسؤولية العمل لحسابك اختيار الفرصة الصحيحة، بناء الفريق الأول، والتعامل مع المخاطر التمويل، القرارات الصعبة، والتوسع في أسواق جديدة كيف تحافظ على الابتكار، القيم، وصحتك النفسية كرائد أعمال حلقة مليئة بالدروس العملية لأي شخص يفكر في ترك وظيفة كبيرة، أو يبدأ مشروعه الخاص، أو يبني شركة تريد أن تنافس عالميًا. #ريادة_الأعمال #من_الشركات_العالمية_للبيزنس #StartupLife #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessCulture #ترك_الوظيفة #بناء_الشركات #قرارات_مصيرية #العمل_الحر #الشركات_العائلية #GlobalCompanies #ArabEntrepreneurs #Mindset #StartFromZero #PodcastArabic #Subscr

From the classrooms of Lebanese American University to hospital leadership in the United States, Mazen Samadishares an honest, insightful journey across healthcare systems. In this episode, we explore what it takes to transition from Lebanon to the U.S., how the role of pharmacists has evolved into clinical and leadership domains, and where American healthcare is headed—from AI and value-based care to burnout and access. A must-listen for students, pharmacists, physicians, and healthcare professionals navigating global careers—and for anyone thinking about the future of healthcare in Lebanon and beyond. 🎧 Tune in, reflect, and join the conversation. #BridgingHealthcareWorlds #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #HealthcareLeadership #PharmacyLeadership #GlobalHealth #LebaneseDiaspora #HealthcareCareers #USHealthcare #HealthcareInnovation #Pharmacists #MedicalEducation #FromLebanonToUSA #FutureOfHealthcare #Subscribe #Podcast #HealthcarePodcast #MedEd

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, we speak with Rola Naaman Doughan, a public health specialist whose career led her from the CDC to launching her own health coaching practice — Healthier with Rola. Rola opens up about burnout, purpose, and what pushed her to shift from public health analytics to empowering individuals to take charge of their own wellbeing. Through Healthier with Rola, she helps clients cultivate healthier habits, reclaim balance, and live with intention — one sustainable step at a time. 🌿 Learn more at https://www.healthierwithrola.com/ Follow her on Instagram: @rolanaaman 🎧 Tune in — and don’t forget to #Subscribe! Hashtags #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #HealthierWithRola #FromCDCtoCoaching #PublicHealth #HealthCoaching #WellnessJourney #BurnoutPrevention #WorkLifeBalance #LifestyleMedicineMindset #CareerPivot #WomenInPublicHealth #LebanonDiaspora #Subscribe The episode is also available on our YouTube Channel

In this landmark episode, we sit down with Dr. Ramy Bou Khalil and Dr. Joseph El Khoury to explore the vision, urgency, and meaning behind the launch of the Lebanese Journal of Mental Health (LJMH). Drawing on journeys that span academia, clinical care, leadership, and the diaspora, our guests reflect on how Lebanese psychiatry has endured war, economic collapse, political instability, and mass physician emigration yet continues to produce rigorous, compassionate, and globally relevant work. From the formative academic environments of American University of Beirut and Université Saint-Joseph, to leadership within the Lebanese Psychiatric Society, this conversation traces how institutional memory, resilience, and responsibility converged to make LJMH not just aspirational—but necessary. We discuss: Why now is the right moment for a national mental health journal How LJMH supports clinicians and researchers working in resource-limited settings The importance of honoring pioneers while mentoring the next generation Turning brain drain into brain circulation through meaningful diaspora engagement Redefining “impact” beyond metrics—toward relevance, voice, and continuity This episode is a reflection on legacy and a blueprint for the future of mental health scholarship in Lebanon and the region. 👉 Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations at the intersection of medicine, leadership, and global health—and follow us so you never miss an episode. Hashtags #LebaneseJournalOfMentalHealth #LJMH #Psychiatry #MentalHealth #LebanesePsychiatry #AcademicMedicine #MedicalPublishing #GlobalMentalHealth #PhysicianLeadership #MedicalDiaspora #BrainCirculation #ResilienceInHealthcare #Subscribe #Podcast #MedicineAndSociety

How does a physician go from building a genetics startup in Beirut to practicing medicine hundreds of miles offshore? In this episode, we explore the world of maritime medicine, a little-known field at the crossroads of clinical care, emergency decision-making, prevention, and global regulation. Our guest breaks down what maritime medicine really is, how it differs from emergency, occupational, and family medicine, and what a “workday” looks like when patients are on ships, in ports, or connected by satellite from the open ocean. We discuss the most common medical cases at sea, the ones that keep physicians up at night, and the unique clinical and logistical challenges of caring for patients when evacuation isn’t an option. We also dive into fitness-for-duty decisions, prevention, and why joining the American Board of Maritime Medicine marks an important step for the specialty. Finally, we look ahead at where maritime medicine is headed with telemedicine, AI, and a rapidly evolving global shipping industry, and whether this unconventional path could be a fit for burned-out physicians seeking something different. #MaritimeMedicine #PhysicianCareers #NonTraditionalMedicine #Telemedicine #GlobalHealth #MedicineAtSea #CareerPivot #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast