ILMA USA 2026 National CME Conference
A Milestone for ILMA USA
Healthcare Without Borders: Innovation, Policy & Global Leadership
The ILMA USA 2026 National CME Conference brought together physicians, healthcare leaders, innovators, educators, and members of the Lebanese medical diaspora for a remarkable day of education, collaboration, and connection in Washington, DC.
Through four dynamic scientific sessions and a distinguished Presidential Keynote, the conference explored healthcare policy and system transformation, artificial intelligence and innovation in medicine, global health and access to care, and the role of the medical diaspora in strengthening healthcare and academic partnerships in Lebanon.
Conference Highlights
A look back at a memorable day of learning, meaningful dialogue, and professional collaboration at the ILMA USA 2026 National CME Conference, led by Conference Chair Victor Yazbeck, MD, MS, and ILMA USA President Georgina Aoun Nouaime, MD, MBA, MPH, with Eliane Abou Jaoude, MD, serving as Master of Ceremonies and guiding attendees throughout the day’s program.
Scientific Program
Session I – Healthcare Policy & System Transformation
The opening session explored healthcare reform, policy innovation, physician leadership, and strategies shaping stronger and more sustainable health systems. Moderated by Khalil Diab, MD, the session featured Béchara Choucair, MD, presenting The Future of Healthcare Policy, and George E. Kikano, MD, CPE, FAAFP, presenting Value-Based Care.
Session II – Innovation & AI in Medicine
The session explored the growing role of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and digital innovation in transforming healthcare delivery and patient care. Moderated by Ibrahim G. Eid, MD, FACS, the session featured Cyril Zakka, MD, presenting Agentic AI at the Point of Care, and Leila Mureebe, MD, MPH, MMCi, FACS, DFSVS, FAMIA, presenting AI-Powered Health Systems.
Presidential Keynote – Personal Perspectives on Leadership and Medicine: An Oath to Apollo
The conference featured a distinguished Presidential Keynote by Fadlo R. Khuri, MD, President of the American University of Beirut, who shared personal perspectives on leadership, medicine, academic service, and institutional responsibility. The keynote was followed by a Leadership Conversation and Audience Q&A moderated by Conference Chair Victor Yazbeck, MD, MS.
Session III – Global Health & Access to Care
The session highlighted sustainable healthcare models, international partnerships, humanitarian initiatives, and diaspora-driven strategies to expand access to quality care and strengthen health systems worldwide. Moderated by Fadi W. Abdul-Karim, MD, MEd, the session featured Usama Hamdan, MD, FICS, presenting Designing Sustainable Health Programs in LMICs: The Role of Public–Private Partnerships; Beyhan Annan, MPH, presenting Building Trust Across Borders: Sustainable Healthcare Networks Through Care, Education, & Partnership; Basim A. Dubaybo, MD, presenting Advancing Global Health Through Collaborative Institutional Models; and Elie Bou Younes, PharmD, presenting Policy and Diaspora-Driven Recovery Strategies.
Session IV – Medical Diaspora to Impact Healthcare in Lebanon
The final scientific session explored partnerships with the Lebanese healthcare sector and academic institutions and the role of the medical diaspora in contributing expertise, innovation, education, and collaboration to strengthen healthcare in Lebanon. Moderated by Samer Eldika, MD, FASGE, the session featured Alissar Rady, MD, MSc, MPH, presenting Bridging Crisis Recovery and Long-Term Transformation of the Health System in Lebanon: Diaspora’s Role; Marc Ayoub, MD, MBA, presenting Telemedicine & Cross-Border Care Models; and a joint presentation, Academic Bridges for Lebanese Medical Students and Residents, by Chady Sarraf, MD, MHCL, SFHM, highlighting The ILMA Experience, and Fadi W. Abdul-Karim, MD, MEd, highlighting The University of Balamand Experience.
CME Trainee Poster Session
The CME Trainee Poster Session, coordinated by Lama Nazzal, MD, and Ahmad Kassem, MD, and moderated at the conference by Nayef Chahine, MD, provided trainees with an opportunity to present their research. Abstract Contest Awards were presented to Franshesca Hayek for Clinical Research, Hasan Slika for Basic Science/Translational Research, and Rawan Diab for Clinical Vignette.
Closing Remarks & Lifetime Achievement Award
The ILMA USA 2026 National CME Conference concluded with closing remarks from ILMA USA President Georgina Aoun Nouaime, MD, MBA, MPH, marking the close of a day dedicated to education, innovation, collaboration, and professional connection. The closing also featured the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Paul Hassoun, MD, presented by Conference Chair Victor Yazbeck, MD, MS, in recognition of his distinguished contributions.
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
We extend our sincere appreciation to the organizations, institutions, and partners whose generous support helped make the ILMA USA 2026 National CME Conference possible.
Thank You for Making This Day a Success
ILMA USA extends its heartfelt thanks to our members, physicians, speakers, moderators, leaders, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees for making the 2026 National CME Conference a remarkable success.