LAU Medical Center- Rizk Hospital is proud to announce that Dr. Zeina Tannous, the chair of the dermatology department, was chosen to be the keynote speaker at the American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

The seminar is recognized as the largest scientific organization dedicated to promoting research, education, and high standards of clinical care in the field of medical laser applications.  As part of Dr. Tannous’s intervention, she retraced her journey and the challenges she faces every day with the collapse of the country. She shared with the attendees how Lebanon suffered concomitantly from a multitude of disastrous events which have negatively impacted the health-care system and how, despite all that, she remained determined to weather the storm and offer her expertise, care, and services to the community.

Dr. Tannous declared: “As a physician and leader in the medical community in Lebanon, this situation has impacted me immensely at the professional level as well. Patients were unable to receive appropriate medical coverage by third-party payers because of the ongoing crisis and

many private payers were not able to access their bank accounts preventing their access

to proper medical care. In addition, the healthcare sector continues to suffer from scarcity

of medications and medical equipment –mostly imported from abroad – leaving doctors

with no choice but to resort to less efficacious alternatives. These circumstances,

combined with insecurity and instability, led many qualified physicians to immigrate in

search for better opportunities and a safer environment for them and their families. Despite the extreme limitations in funds in Lebanon, I remain committed to contributing to my society and helping the needy in every possible way both in the fields of vascular lesions and scars requiring laser treatments. I am determined to use the training and education I was so fortunate to have to move forward my philanthropic work in these and other potential areas.”

At the end of her speech, Dr. Zeina Tannous received a standing ovation and brought tears to the eyes of most, if not all, the attendees. A frequent comment from many attendees was that “it was the most inspirational speech they have ever heard”.

In line with the medical center’s mission and motto to heal with compassion, Dr. Tannous has made it her top priority to secure proper laser therapy solutions to provide adequate care to both Lebanese and Syrian refugees in need. She receives hundreds of patients annually with birthmarks and believes that no patient should be denied medical care because of their financial status. As an expert in lasers, Dr. Tannous has worked closely with international NGOs and donors to help fund laser scar treatments. She has offered laser treatment sessions and follow-ups to provide the best possible cosmetic outcome.

Apart from her philanthropic work using lasers, Dr. Tannous was a great part of the recovery mission following the devastating Beirut Port Explosion. The thousands of people who survived were left with disfiguring scars, a constant and eternal reminder of that dreadful and terrifying event. Dr. Tannous played a vital role in alleviating the suffering of the survivors within all her capabilities.

Dr. Tannous represented Lebanon and LAU Medical Center- Rizk Hospital in the best possible way.