- The day began with a beautiful live performance by:
- Professor Nadey Hakim – world-renowned transplant surgeon, author, and gifted musician whose artistry is as remarkable as his surgical expertise.
- Maestro Bassam Challita – accomplished conductor and pianist, whose music has inspired audiences worldwide.
Distinguished guests included senior government ministers, members of parliament, and leaders from Lebanon’s healthcare and academic sectors. The opening remarks welcomed participants from around the globe, emphasizing the conference theme: “Strengthening Lebanon’s Healthcare Together: A Global Commitment.”
The ceremony celebrated unity across disciplines, borders, and generations — highlighting that every voice, from seasoned physicians to medical students, plays a vital role in shaping Lebanon’s healthcare future.
A key highlight was the ILMA Excellence Awards, honoring six exceptional individuals whose contributions to medicine, education, and the Lebanese diaspora have made a lasting global impact:
- Prof. Roland Asmar – for advancing clinical research and vascular health
- Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay – for championing education, healthcare, and the Lebanese diaspora
- Dr. Riad N. Younes – for his leadership in thoracic oncology and international collaboration
- Prof. Gebrine El Khoury – for pioneering heart valve repair and saving countless lives
- Dr. Pascal Jabbour – for global impact in neurosurgery and innovation in care
- Dr. Said Baroudi – for excellence in dentistry and mentoring future professionals
The Opening Ceremony not only marked the beginning of the conference but also reaffirmed ILMA’s mission to connect, innovate, and inspire for the advancement of healthcare in Lebanon.
