Dr. Faysal El Kak, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) and associate professor of public health and sexuality at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at the American University of Beirut (AUB), has been awarded the title of Fellow Honoris Causa by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This prestigious recognition honors Dr. El-Kak's commitment to advancing women's healthcare and sexual and reproductive health globally, and particularly in the Arab world. His work has been instrumental in shaping inclusive, rights-based approaches to care and policy and in elevating regional voices in global health discourse.
El-Kak joined a distinguished network of professionals dedicated to improving women's health worldwide. In a letter from the president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) Dr. Ranee Thakar, the Royal College celebrated El-Kak's achievements and extended an invitation to formally accept the fellowship at an upcoming admission ceremony in the United Kingdom. The RCOG expressed its hope that El-Kak will continue to support its mission and amplify its work through his extensive academic and professional networks.
Dr. Faysal El-Kak currently serves as president of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), becoming the first scholar from the Global South to hold this position. He also leads the Women Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) Program at AUBMC. Additionally, Dr. El-Kak chairs the Arab Woman Health Group under the Federation of Arab Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FAGOS), and he is a member of the WHO Strategic Technical Advisory Group (STAGE). He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Guttmacher Institute.
His recognition by RCOG further highlights FHS's leadership in public health and its commitment to equity in healthcare.