On January 23, 2025, the Healthcare Professional Development Center (HPDC) at the Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut celebrated Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day, honoring the contributions of those advancing healthcare education. Organized by the HPDC, formerly known as the Continuing Medical Education (CME) Office, the event highlighted the center's essential role in offering accredited educational programs for healthcare professionals across Lebanon and the region.
The celebration began with opening remarks by Ms. Dalya Salem Nehme, HPDC projects and events manager, stating, "We gather today to honor the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of those who have committed their careers to advancing healthcare through continuous learning."
The HPDC, which received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME®) in 2020, offers high-quality, evidence-based education to healthcare professionals in various fields, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health.
Dr. Maya Romani, director of medical programs at the HPDC, reflected on the center's growth and impact, saying, “With over 15 years of experience, we have firmly established ourselves as a leading provider of Continuing Medical Education (CME), Continuing Nursing Education (CNE), and Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) in Lebanon and the region. From our humble beginnings with a single annual activity—the Middle East Medical Assembly (MEMA)—we now organize approximately 70 programs every year, reflecting remarkable growth and dedication to excellence.” She presented a brief history of the center, its accreditation journey, and its growing impact in the region.
Dr. Ali Taher, associate vice president for academic centers, development, and external affairs, delivered an inspiring message about the future of healthcare professional development. He expressed his pride in the work accomplished, noting, “Today is not just a celebration of accomplishments, but a powerful affirmation of the relentless dedication, expertise, and passion that each of you brings to this field. Your tireless work is not only enhancing professional knowledge but is directly transforming patient outcomes, changing lives, and uplifting the healthcare professionals who are the heart of patient care.”
Tokens of appreciation were presented to key individuals, faculty members, and organizations whose contributions have been pivotal to the HPDC’s success. Recognition was given to dedicated supporters and collaborators, including USAID, WHO, Boston Scientific, Roche, and others, whose ongoing support has been essential to the center’s growth.
"Lebanon has consistently advanced the standards of medical, nursing, and healthcare. To sustain this progress, we must keep investing, and the Healthcare Professional Development Center serves as an outstanding platform to support and benefit the people." AUB President Fadlo R. Khuri remarked.
As the HPDC continues to expand and innovate, it remains persistent in its commitment to improving healthcare outcomes by empowering healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their fields.
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt thank you to all attendees and the HPDC team for their tireless dedication to healthcare education. The event served not only as a celebration of achievements but as an endorsement of the HPDC’s mission to continue shaping the future of healthcare.