Nathalie Khoueiry Zgheib, MD.
Dr. Nathalie Khoueiry Zgheib is a Tenured Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine (AUBFM). She earned her medical degree from AUB and subsequently specialized in Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Zgheib is also a trained Family Physician, bringing a comprehensive perspective to her medical and research endeavors.
In 2007, Dr. Zgheib established and has since directed the Pharmacogenetics Laboratory at AUBFM. Her research primarily focuses on the pharmacogenetics and pharmacoepigenetics of non-communicable diseases, with a particular emphasis on cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Her work involves investigating genetic polymorphisms related to drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters, aiming to understand their impact on treatment outcomes for various cancers, including childhood leukemias, breast cancer, and bladder cancer. Initially adopting a candidate gene approach, her research has evolved to incorporate high-throughput analyses, extensive genotyping, and the development of research registries for comprehensive patient follow-up. Dr. Zgheib has also been leading a series of scholarly efforts in knowledge translation with the aim to better understand the distinct challenges and opportunities for the clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics in the MENA region. Her laboratory is also engaged in toxicology projects exploring the mechanisms by which environmental toxins contribute to cancer development.
Dr. Zgheib's dedication to advancing pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine has been recognized through various grants and awards. Notably, in 2020, she received the prestigious Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers in Pharmacogenetics. Her laboratory's research is supported by both intramural and extramural funding, enabling projects that delve into the genetic and epigenetic factors influencing drug response and disease susceptibility.
Throughout her career, Dr. Zgheib has authored numerous publications, contributing significantly to the fields of pharmacogenomics, toxicology, and medical education. Her work is widely cited, underscoring her influence and the impact of her research on the scientific community. Dr. Zgheib's multifaceted expertise and unwavering commitment to research and education continue to advance the understanding of pharmacogenomics and its application in personalized medicine, ultimately aiming to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.