In 2008, I graduated with distinction in Nutrition and Dietetics from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. While serving as a nutritionist and dietician full-time, I continued my studies and graduated “with high distinction” earning a Masters’ degree in Human Nutrition in 2014.

 

For six years, I served at the American University of Beirut Medical Centre, a 350-bed JCI- and Magnet-accredited medical institute. There, I gained extensive experience in the management of obesity, diabetes type 1 and type 2, gestational diabetes, oncology, neurology, enteral and parenteral nutrition, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, eating disorders, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. I was also a key member of the team who established the Obesity and Bariatric Surgery Clinic at the hospital.

 

In 2016, I became Head of Clinical Dietetics at Al Zahra Hospital in Sharjah, UAE. At Al Zahra, I am responsible for nutrition management of patients in ICU (enteral and parenteral nutrition), as well as overseeing the nutrition for medical patients in the cardiovascular, diabetes, and oncology departments, all surgical units, and nutrition services for the hemodialysis and obstetrics/gynecology units. Beyond these responsibilities, I provide nutritional counselling for wide range of outpatient clinics. I also supervise three dietitians to ensure compliance with Joint Commission International (JCI) standards while hiring and training staff, and so much more.

 

I am passionate about my career and strongly adhere to fundamental nutrition and diet principles, but also believe we are constantly learning new ways these interact with our bodies and health. To that end, I endeavor always to further my professional education by frequently taking courses that constantly grow my knowledge. Primary focuses for me include nutrition for oncology and cancer patients, those facing gastrectomy, and sports nutrition for high-performance athletes.

 

I also continuously develop my communications and interpersonal skills by working in multidisciplinary teams, presenting at leading conferences, providing group counselling sessions, and regularly training interns on medical nutrition therapy.

 

I’m fluent in both English and Arabic, and am learning French.