Throughout the decades NAAMA has provided a strong support system for the next generation of Arab American health professionals, but even more important, its members are continuing to set an example for future generations of young people in the community who plan on pursing careers in the medical field.

 Dr. Sam Fawaz, NAAMA Michigan 2013 chapter president, and physician at Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital says one of the main missions during his term as president was to recruit and mobilize the next generation of Arab American health care professionals.

 “My goal was to connect the vast network of physicians, dentists, nurses, chiropractors, physical therapists, to each other in hopes of creating a dynamic entity in Michigan that is united and influential… I would argue that today more than ever, the need for unambiguous and unconditional unity amongst the Arab American population is a must to ensure the well being of our future generation,” said Dr.Fawaz, who is also an assistant professor of medicine at Oakland University Beaumont School of Medicine and Wayne State University School of Medicine.

This year NAAMA Michigan started a scholarship program for students enrolled in a health care graduate program. The program’s first scholarship recipient was Zeinab Zaghir, a medical student at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Zaghir, a Lebanese American was born and raised in Dearborn and graduated from Fordson High School.

Members of NAAMA Michigan’s Board of Directors stand with this year’s scholarship recipient. L-R: Dr. Ayman Soubani, Dr. Marwan Kazimi, Dr. Basim Dubaybo, scholarship recipient Zeinab Zaghir, Dr. Rayan Hourani and Dr. Sam Fawaz. PHOTO: Nafeh AbuNab

Thanking NAAMA and its board of directors Zaghir said that in many ways the organization has given her more than a scholarship.

 “You have set an example that has helped pave a path for young Arab Americans who wish to become health professionals. You know the importance of our presence and are helping us contribute to the great fabric of the American health care experience…Finally, I wish to highlight the fact that NAAMA is setting an example, and setting the bar higher for future generations of Arab American medical professionals. Certainly we will never forget where we came from and the community who has supported us, and allowed us to pursue the career of our dreams,” Zaghir said.

 Dr. Yahya M. Basha, M.D. was the recipient of this year’s “Healthcare Professional of the Year Award.” Basha is the founder and president of Basha Diagnostics.

Over the years Basha Diagnostics has expanded to serve three of the largest counties in Michigan through locations in Dearborn, Royal Oak and Sterling Heights. Each of the three centers offers the latest technology in diagnostic imaging.

Basha noted the important role his family has played in his professional career as a physician. 

“I think all of you guys deserve much more…I think we work day and night. Without the family support it is so difficult…Without it, no one can do it,” Dr. Basha said.

There are thousands of Arab American physicians, dentists, pharmacists and other licensed health professionals across the country. The 26 NAAMA chapters nationwide help facilitate professional networking and local medical education.

 The newest and smallest chapter of NAAMA located in San Diego had an event that included 170 people the following day of the Michigan chapter’s gala which was attended by over 500 guests. NAAMA’s Illinois chapter had its masquerade dinner Nov. 9.

Two of NAAMA’s overriding missions include focusing on humanitarian efforts globally, and continuing medical education. 

Renee Ahee, NAAMA Michigan’s Executive Director highlighted the impact of NAAMA’s most recent work.  

 The Arab Spring Uprisings that first started in 2011 have created great divisions in many Arab countries. Ahee says just in the course of the last four years NAAMA has donated over half a million dollars to non-profit organizations in countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and in the United States.

“In terms of Syria our hearts are broken over the violence going on for years,” Ahee said. NAAMA has donated $20,000 in support of its volunteer physicians and non-medical volunteers helping victims of the Syrian crisis. 

Nearly 140 U.S. based volunteers and 90 Jordanian based volunteers have treated more than 10 thousand Syrians in and outside refugee camps.  

NAAMA also donated more than 50,000 to the International Medical Corp. for medical aide inside Syria, and it purchased two new fully equipped ambulances for use inside the country.

Another humanitarian mission to help the Syrian refugees in Lebanon is planned for Jan. 14-20 and then again to Jordan from Mar. 21-28.

 Just last month NAAMA was there for the opening of the Palestine Diabetes Institute, and supported it. The group also gave money to help Hurricane Sandy victims, and sent needed dialysis machines to Somalia.  “These were the first dialysis machines to reach war torn Somalia,” Ahee said.

The group has donated $20,000 to help Iraqi refugee physicians take the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam, and gave $40,000 to the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services to treat the mental health needs of Iraqi refugees in Michigan.  “I couldn’t be more proud of our organization,” Ahee said.

 This year NAAMA Michigan’s gala was sponsored by almost every major hospital system and medical school in the state including Henry Ford Health System, Beaumont Healthcare System, Wayne State University Physician Group, Detroit Medical Center and St. John Providence Hospital.  

 The hospital systems’ support for NAAMA shows they know the importance and value of Arab American medical professionals in the state, and are trying to reach out to them through the group. 

“Your presence here tonight is a testament of your support, and your support is  what allows us to achieve our mission and fulfill our vision,” said Dr. Fawaz, who was also presented with an award at the ceremony for his work as this year’s chapter president.

The 2014 president elect of NAAMA is Dr. Ghassan Saed, who is the director of ovarian cancer biology research in departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, cell biology and anatomy and physiology at Wayne State School of Medicine. Dr. Saed says he wants to work on continuing the group’s humanitarian and charitable efforts in addition to increasing its membership.

 Dr. Fawaz gave a special tribute to his wife, and four children who were all present at the gala. He also spoke about the influence his father, Colonel Talal Fawaz has had on his life. 

Dr. Fawaz’s father was his idol as a child and somebody he aspired to become as an adult. Colonel Fawaz served his homeland of Lebanon with honor and distinction for 26 years before immigrating to the United States to pursue bigger dreams and opportunities.

The evening also included entertainment by Dean Obeidallah, an award winning nationally known comedian who is the son of a Palestinian father and a Sicilian mother.  Obeidallah has performed comedy in the U.S. and around the Arab World.