Combining academic work with the practice of child psychiatry requires many interests and competencies, possessed in large number by Assistant Professor Fadi Maalouf, who is “doubly happy” about having joined the Department of Psychiatry at AUBMC in September 2009. “It is good professionally and important for my two children to connect with their extended family here,” said Maalouf. 

High-school fascination with the science of biology motivated Maalouf to become a medical student, and interaction with younger teenagers as a summer camp counselor and later as a biology teacher while still a student himself, directed Maalouf to specialize in psychiatry for that age-group.

“Adolescent years provide a great window of risk and opportunity for intervention; teenagers have capabilities but lag behind adults in cognitive controls over their brains. Especially when struggling with belonging and identity and in the absence of adequate family support, depression-induced behavior can lead to negative long-term consequences,” explained Maalouf.

In addition to practicing, teaching, and supervising, Maalouf is conducting research on brain functions of depressed Lebanese adolescents, including those with suicidal thoughts. He will be analyzing responses to currently available treatment.  

Noting US findings that “by the end of adolescence, one-in-five [teens] will have experienced a depressive incident,” Maalouf mentioned being “struck by the protective factors against suicidal attempts among depressed teens in Lebanon: namely family support and religious mindfulness.”

To unwind, Maalouf enjoys spending time with his family, playing soccer with his son, and going on long road trips to rediscover Lebanon. He listens to jazz and main-stream music, and reads Amin Maalouf, but only on plane trips.