Kamal Hirbli, MD

Dr. Kamal Hirbli received his Medical Degree from the French Faculty of Medicine in Beirut. He received his certification in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases from Pierre and Marie Curie University in Paris. He served as assistant professor at Saint-Joseph University in Beirut for 12 years, professor and head of the Endocrinology Division at the Lebanese University for more than 20 years, and seven years as head of the Endocrinology Division at Rafic Hariri University Hospital. He is currently associate professor and head of the Endocrinology Division at LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital. Dr. Hirbli is a member of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.

Abstract: Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Obesity: Endocrine Causes of Obesity
Obesity is a chronic disease that is increasing in both prevalence and severity. It is a complex disease influenced by genetics, epigenetics, and environmental and behavioral factors. The pathophysiology involves neuroendocrine factors in the regulation of appetite and energy balance.

Jocelyne Fares, MD

Dr. Jocelyn Eid Fares is specialized in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. She graduated in 2002 from the American University of Beirut-Medical Center (AUBMC). She headed the Endocrinology Division for 14 years at the Middle East institute of Health – Bsalim. She is currently assistant clinical professor at the LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital.

Abstract: Complications of Obesity and Implications on Cardiovascular System
The mortality and morbidity associated with obesity is well known. Evidence is growing concerning the complications related to obesity. Among these are cardiovascular disease, and respiratory, musculoskeletal as well as reproductive & urinary abnormalities, and cancer risk.

Zelia Francis, MD

Dr. Zelia Francis graduated in Internal Medecine and Endocrinology from the Lebanese University in Beirut. She subsequently did her residency at St Joseph Hospital and St Antoine University Hospital in Paris where she obtained a Diploma in Endocrinology from the  Collège de Médecine des Hôpitaux de Paris.

Dr. Francis went on to complete another residency in Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology at the Institut Gustave Roussy In Villejuif, France.

Dr. Francis is clinical assistant professor of medicine at LAU. She is the head of the Endocrinology Division at Clinique du Levant and is a lecturer at the Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences.

Abstract: Management of Obesity and Guidelines
Obesity management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Diet, exercise, and behavior modification are key components of treatment. Pharmacotherapy can help patients to maintain compliance and ameliorate obesity-related health risks, whereas surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity in terms of long-term weight loss.

Nadine Zeeni, PhD

Dr. Nadine Zeeni in an associate professor of nutrition and the coordinator of the Nutrition Program at LAU. She joined LAU in 2009 as the first nutrition faculty member. She holds a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics from the American University of Beirut (2004), an MS in Human Nutrition from McGill University, Canada (2006), and a PhD in Human Nutrition from AgroParisTech, France (2009). Dr. Zeeni has strong research interests in the areas of satiety/hunger regulation, the relationship between dietary intake and stress parameters as well as the determinants of disordered eating.

Abstract: Losing Weight in an Obesogenic Environment
It is difficult to make behavior changes in an environment that increasingly promotes high- energy intake and a sedentary lifestyle. Moreover, many claims about nutrition and weight loss stem from small, short-term studies, and incorrect interpretation or distortion of evidence.  The present talk aims to provide an overview of general evidence-based principles of a healthy weight-loss diet and to briefly review the side effects of some popular diets.

Rita Nemr, MD

Rita Nemr is Associate Professor of endocrinology at the Lebanese American University and Past President of the Lebanese Society of Endocrinology Diabetes and Lipids 2010-2012. She is member of the Endocrine Society, the American Diabetes Association and the European Society of Endocrinology. Dr. Nemr received her medical education at the French Faculty of Medicine in Beirut and postgraduate training in Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, Beirut, with a special training in lipidology at Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital-Paris.

She is an invited speaker in many local and regional congresses, and  has many publications in the field of genetics of type 2 diabetes in Lebanon.

Abstract:  Liraglutide 3 mg in the Treatment of Obesity
Obesity is a chronic challenging disease. Five to10 percent weight loss improves comorbidities and quality of life. Long-term success of lifestyle intervention is extremely disappointing. Bariatric procedures are successful, but have contra-indications and are not available for millions of obese individuals. Liraglutide 3mg is a new medical option with proven efficacy in a wide range of patients (obese, prediabetic, diabetic, sleep apnea).

Georges El Khoury, MD

Dr. Georges El-Khoury is a clinical assistant professor at LAU. After graduating from the Lebanese university in Beirut, he did his residency training at Hôpital Claude-Bernard, Lyon, and Paul-Sabatier in Toulouse where he obtained a diploma AFS in minimal invasive surgery. He went on to complete advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery at the University of Strasbourg.

Abstract: Bariatric Surgeries
Discuss surgical options, their strengths and weaknesses & provide a framework of evidence that enables a logical treatment approach to obesity & obesity-related healthcare complications. Get familiar with common weight-loss surgery options including: Gastric bypass surgery, Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch & Gastric sleeve.  

Myriam Malhame, PhD

Dr. Myriam El Khoury-Malhame received her PhD in Neurosciences and Clinical Psychology from the Aix-Marseille II University, France, in 2011. She is a licensed clinical psychologist with certifications in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) by the French EMDR Association and in CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by the Lebanese CBT Association. She has taught in different Lebanese universities and held a private practice for six years. She is currently an assistant professor of psychology in the department of Social Sciences at LAU.

Abstract: Emotions and Obesity
Though obesity, in itself, is not a mental illness, it is closely related to emotional distress. Whether it is a byproduct of past trauma and unresolved conflict or a mere metabolic complication, it is often associated with high levels of stress and personal suffering. As such, optimal treatment, support and prevention would integrate both its medical and psychological aspects.

Bassem Safadi, MD, FACS

Dr. Safadi is Professor & Chair of the Department of Surgery at the Lebanese American University. He graduated from the School of Medicine at the American University of Beirut in 1992 & completed his surgical training in the United States. In 1999, he joined Stanford University, Palo Alto, California as an Assistant Professor of Surgery & Minimally Invasive Surgery fellowship director. In 2005, he returned to the American University of Beirut (AUB) & progressively went up the rank to Professor of Clinical Surgery. Dr. Safadi is a key figure in metabolic and bariatric surgery and has authored numerous papers in this field. He has contributed to the training and education of a large number of surgeons in Lebanon, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Dr. Safadi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and a member of several international organizations such as the American College of Surgeons (ACS), American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO). He is currently the President Elect of the IFSO-Lebanon Chapter and the Chair of the Scientific and Research committee of IFSO-MENA Chapter.

Abstract: Obesity Management Program
Obesity is a complex disease and its management requires a multi-disciplinary collaborative effort. A comprehensive obesity management program should include qualified physicians and surgeons, nutritionists, mental health professionals and fitness experts. Patients should be evaluated thoroughly and a followed up closely to ensure optimal outcomes.