Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
I am an MD and board-certified intensivist with a Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) from Xavier Bichat Medical School, University Paris VII. My extensive clinical and research experience spans critical care and the health impacts of extreme heat, with significant contributions recognized globally. My career began in Paris, where I served as an intensivist in university hospitals for eight years. In 1986, I joined King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, serving in leadership roles such as Head of the Intensive Care Unit, Senior Scientist, and Chair of the Comparative Medicine Department. Since 2010, I've held the position of Chair of the Experimental Medicine Department and Consultant Intensivist at King Abdullah International Medical Research Center. Over the years, my research has focused extensively on heat-related illnesses, particularly heat exhaustion and heatstroke, capitalizing on unique clinical experiences from managing thousands of cases during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca's extreme desert climate. I've authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications specifically on heatstroke, including landmark reviews published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2002) and Nature Reviews Disease Primers (2022). My research has consistently been recognized for its impact, placing me in Stanford University's top 2% most-cited researchers in 2021. I'm also an inventor with two patents granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office: the "Artificial Hypothalamus for Body Temperature Regulation" (2017) and a "Method of Regulating Body Temperature." My expertise has been sought internationally, including by the WHO European Center for Environment and Health (Euro-Heat Project, 2005), where I chaired the work package for developing evidence-based health interventions during heatwaves. Additionally, I contributed as an expert to the WHO's "Global Research Priorities to Protect Health from Climate Change" initiative (Madrid, 2008). Currently, I'm the Principal Investigator of a funded megaproject employing advanced systems biology, genomics, and epigenetics to develop: Diagnostic signatures for heatstroke. Identification of genetic determinants influencing susceptibility to heatstroke. Epigenetic and gene-environment interactions to enhance individual risk assessment under extreme heat conditions. I remain dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations aimed at protecting public health in the face of climate change and extreme heat.
In my role as Chairman, I lead strategic initiatives and interdisciplinary research programs in experimental medicine, focusing particularly on heat-related illnesses and climate-health interactions. Key Achievements: Directed major research projects resulting in over 40 peer-reviewed publications on heatstroke, significantly impacting global understanding of climate-related health risks. Established a translational research megaproject using advanced systems biology, genomics, and epigenetics to identify biomarkers, genetic determinants, and therapeutic strategies for heatstroke. Invented two patented innovations, including the "Artificial Hypothalamus for Body Temperature Regulation" (US Patent, 2017) and a novel "Method of Regulating Body Temperature." Recognized among Stanford University's top 2% most-cited scientists globally for research impact. Collaborated extensively with international health bodies, notably co-authoring foundational WHO guidelines on heatwaves (Euro-Heat Project, 2005) and contributing as an expert to the "Global Research Priorities to Protect Health from Climate Change" initiative (WHO, Madrid, 2008).