MAKKAH: Renowned Saudi surgeon Dr. Hani Najm has been honored as the first recipient of the Great Arab Minds award in the field of medicine. The prestigious award, initiated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, recognizes outstanding contributions to society across various categories, including engineering, technology, economics, architecture, natural sciences, literature, and arts.
Dr. Hani Najm’s remarkable achievements in pediatric and adult cardiac surgery, along with his innovations in treating congenital heart diseases, played a pivotal role in securing this accolade. Notably, he was acknowledged for his groundbreaking work in designing a flexible, growth-compatible heart valve tailored for children, eliminating the need for multiple surgical procedures.
Graduating from the College of Medicine at King Saud University in 1985, Dr. Najm has an extensive background in general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and pediatric congenital heart surgery, with training in Canada. Over his career, he has led over 10,000 surgical operations, demonstrating expertise in managing complex cases involving heart diseases in newborns, children, and adults.
Dr. Najm served as the head of the Children’s Heart Center at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh for 17 years, contributing significantly to the advancement of cardiac surgery in Saudi Arabia. He also played a key role in performing one of the first artificial heart transplants in the country.
Valuable Contributions of Saudi Surgeon to Medical Field
Currently, as the Chair of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery at Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Najm continues to make valuable contributions to the field. His commitment to excellence and dedication to being an ambassador for his country have earned him widespread recognition.
In response to receiving the Great Arab Minds award, Dr. Najm expressed his gratitude to his homeland, emphasizing the significant role Saudi Arabia played in providing him with educational opportunities and a solid foundation for success. He extended his appreciation to his family for their unwavering support during his extensive journey in the field of heart surgery.
Dedicating the award to Saudi doctors, Dr. Najm encouraged them, saying, “You have a high level of professionalism, just like all the doctors in the world. The root of my distinction is the education I got from King Saud University, on which I built my scientific and practical experiences. You are the seeds of success, and you can get global recognition, especially in light of the great support provided by our country.”
