MESSAGE FROM
THE DEAN

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Dr. Huda Abu-Saad Huijer
RN, PhD, FEANS, FAAN
Dean Faculty of Health Sciences



On January 15, 2021, I was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Balamand. I consider it a true privilege to serve this prestigious University in Lebanon and a true honor to contribute to its continued development as the second best university in Lebanon based on the QS ranking of universities. I am also delighted to be involved in the day-to-day preparation for the opening of the new FHS home at the Dekwaneh, Alba campus. I am confident it will be a microcosm of the main UOB Al Kurah Campus.

To launch the FHS website, I am happy to share with you some information on the current programs and my vision for FHS 2025. The Faculty of Health Sciences currently has five departments/programs: Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nursing, Nutritional Sciences, Public Health, and Community Engagement. The Faculty has distinguished itself by its competitive academic programs offered on three campuses sites (Al Kurah, Beirut, and Souk El Gharb), vibrant student body of approximately 680 students, an accomplished cadre of faculty members, dedicated staff, and state-of-the-art community projects serving the population of Lebanon. This year, we launched the first annual FHS Summer Institute with 5 one-credit courses, which meet the needs of our graduate students and are relevant to the community at large.

Our vision for FHS is to become a world-class Faculty of Health Sciences, transforming health education and health care, and being responsive to the needs of the population. Our goal is to be a Center of Excellence in health sciences that is locally relevant and globally competitive; to educate health professionals in different health fields; and to undertake research relevant to the needs of the society. To achieve these goals, we aim to provide inter-professional education in preparing health care providers of the future, to engage in scientific research of relevance to the population, to provide compassionate and culturally proficient health care, to engage the community in our academic programs, and to impact national policy. As such, we believe in leveraging our educational offerings to be responsive to the professional market place and in establishing partnerships with national and international universities and organizations. These steps would allow us to enhance training and to facilitate student and faculty exchange and collaboration.

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