By Sherouq Sadeqi
WASHINGTON, Feb 24 (KUNA) -- In a proud moment for Kuwait and a model of Kuwaiti nationals excelling in their field of work, a Kuwaiti chief surgeon at Georgetown University Hospital was promoted as regional chief of Surgical Oncology and vice chair for Research, being the first Arab ever to occupy such a leading post at the hospital.
Dr. Waddah Al-Refaie is recognized for creating numerous collaborative opportunities for advancing in the profession, such as founding the MedStar Georgetown Surgical Outcomes Research Center and starting the MedStar Surgery Resident Research Program.
Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Al-Refaie augmented the gastric, soft tissue sarcoma and melanoma cancer lines at the hospital, where in partnership with international services at the hospital, he also plays a "significant role in growing this important service line." In a joint statement, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Joy Drass and Regional Chair Thomas Watson noted that Dr. Al-Refaie's "track record of clinical research leadership make him the ideal individual to serve in these two important capacities within the integrated surgery department." In his new role, Dr. Al-Refaie will have the responsibility for "directing the regional surgical oncology program, as well as research activities of surgical services in the Washington area.
"The development of these positions and (Dr. Al-Refaie's) appointment to them, reflect MedStar's commitment to the service line integration and development, as well as the patients we care for and their surgical outcomes," the statement affirmed.
For his part, Dr. Al-Refaie told KUNA "this is a distinct honor and privilege that is bestowed upon me." He added that he is "grateful for this great opportunity that enables me to serve our patients and the community overall by expanding our surgical oncology program across the region." Dr. Al-Refaie also expressed gratitude to his "clinical, administrative and research teams for their unwavering help and support.
"I dedicate this honor to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Kuwait people, to patients with cancer and their families and to my family," he remarked. (end) si.hb