Recognized for his internationally renowned expertise, Professor Ismat Ghanem, Head of the Orthopedic Surgery Department at Hôtel-Dieu de France and its affiliated hospital network, as well as Head of the Orthopedic Surgery Department at Saint Joseph University, has been elected as the future President of the French Society of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery (SOFOP). This marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first non-French individual to hold this prestigious position. This appointment highlights the global recognition of his exceptional career and adds yet another reason for our beloved Lebanon to hope for a brighter future.

Professor Ghanem has dedicated his career to orthopedic surgery, particularly in the treatment of complex pediatric pathologies and deformities. His commitment to innovation, research, and the training of young surgeons has earned him unanimous recognition within both the national and international medical communities.

Founded in France 48 years ago, SOFOP brings together specialists from all corners of the world and aims to promote excellence in the care of children with orthopedic issues. Under Professor Ghanem's leadership, the organization is now embracing new international perspectives, further strengthening its global exchanges and partnerships.

The medical and paramedical community at Hôtel-Dieu de France and its hospital network, as well as Saint Joseph University, are delighted with this appointment and wish Professor Ghanem the best of luck in his new role.

As an academic medical center, Hôtel-Dieu de France places great emphasis on the continuous education of its teams and the development of their professional skills. In this context, Miss Rita Nasrany completed an internship at the Paul-Brousse Hospital of AP-HP, under the supervision of Dr. Carine Verdier, a specialist in tobacco addiction.

This internship allowed her to refine her skills in smoking cessation, particularly in mastering protocols, managing symptoms, evaluating the effectiveness of treatments, and improving cognitive-behavioral communication with patients. She also participated in various prevention initiatives and had the opportunity to explore the complementary roles of the different professionals involved.

This experience strengthens Hôtel-Dieu de France’s expertise in smoking cessation and raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco. The Tobacco Cessation Center (CST) continues to play a key role in the fight against smoking and the improvement of care provided.

As part of her professional development, Miss Rita Nasrany also took part in the national “Interception” program, established by the Gustave Roussy Institute. This program, focused on personalized cancer prevention, aims to reduce the incidence of advanced cancers.

Hôtel-Dieu de France remains firmly committed to innovation and continuous learning in order to better serve its patients.

The National Academy of Medicine in France awarded Dr. Philippe Kfouri Prize at a prestigious ceremony held in Paris, attended by the Kfouri family, ambassadors, Mr. Nassib Nasr, Director General of the USJ-HDF Hospital Network, Professor Elie Nemr, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at USJ, and Professor Georges Dabar, Director of Medical Affairs at Hôtel-Dieu de France. This prize honors the legacy of Dr. Philippe Kfouri and was presented to Dr. Hampig Kourie, an eminent hematologist-oncologist at Hôtel-Dieu de France, for his innovative research in biology and medicine. His work, carried out within the framework of Franco-Lebanese scientific collaboration, focuses on liquid biopsies in metastatic colon cancers as part of his research project "NEORAS."

This prize underscores the importance of scientific cooperation between France and Lebanon in the medical field and highlights Dr. Kourie's groundbreaking advancements, which embody the spirit of innovation and solidarity. Following the ceremony, a cocktail reception was held at the Cercle Interallié in Paris, bringing together members of the Academy, researchers, and representatives of the Franco-Lebanese medical community.

Dr. Philippe Kfouri, whose legacy was commemorated during the ceremony, remains an iconic figure in both Lebanese and French medicine. His pioneering work on tuberculosis in the early 20th century led to the development of the Tuberculin Skin Test, a monumental scientific achievement that has enabled generations worldwide to benefit from improved diagnosis and prevention of this disease. This major breakthrough is now a fundamental tool in the fight against tuberculosis.

The Dr. Philippe Kfouri Prize honors Dr. Kourie's exceptional contribution to medicine and encourages similar research projects aimed at improving the treatment of serious diseases. Dr. Kourie's work, like Dr. Kfouri's, demonstrates that medicine, beyond borders, is a field where exchange, innovation, and collective research can truly make a difference in the lives of patients.

Once again, Hôtel-Dieu de France affirms its role as a leader in the scientific field, demonstrating remarkable expertise and innovation that resonate on an international level.

On Monday, December 23rd, Hôtel-Dieu de France held a memorable ceremony in honor of the Christmas holidays, under the presidency of Reverend Father Salim Daccache, Rector of Saint Joseph University and Chairman of the Hospital’s Board of Directors. The Christmas Mass took place at the H. and N. Obegi Auditorium at 12:00 PM, attended by a large delegation from the HDF family, collaborators, as well as representatives from Saint Joseph University.

During the ceremony, Father Daccache delivered a profound homily, reaffirming the humanitarian mission and commitment of Hôtel-Dieu de France to its patients. With conviction, he proclaimed, “Christ is born,” repeating this truth three times to affirm our faith. He explained that the exclamation "Christ is born, Hallelujah!" symbolizes a new beginning, the birth of a transformed human life, full of hope and renewal.

He also emphasized that Christmas is based on three essential concepts: first, realized hope and fulfilled promise; secondly, communion between heaven and earth, embodied in the birth of Christ; and finally, the responsibility that each of us bears to follow Christ’s teachings in our lives.

Despite the trials and wars we have endured, he reminded the audience that divine providence watches over us. “We renew our faith and hope, for God is with us,” he stated. “If God is with us, who shall we fear?” He underscored God’s constant presence, even in the darkest moments.

The Mass was followed by a ceremony dedicated to the retirement of 19 hospital employees, who retired after years of faithful service. Warm speeches were delivered in their honor by Mr. Fadi Andréa, President of the Employees' Union, Mr. Nassib Nasr, General Director of Hôtel-Dieu de France, and Professor Salim Daccache. All praised the involvement and dedication of these employees, who have been the true pillars of the hospital’s daily operations.

Mr. Fadi Andréa, President of the Employees' Union, began the speeches by declaring, “First and foremost, we thank God for protecting us and allowing our country to go through this war in peace and safety. We will forever hold in our hearts the memory of those we lost, and we pray that their souls rest in peace. A huge thank you to Father Salim Daccache for his constant presence by our side, for his unwavering support, and for the spiritual light he represents. As long as we nurture hope and bear responsibility, we will remain resilient, and nothing will stop us. Thank you to each of you for your commitment, solidarity, and unity, which are our greatest strength. Together, we will continue to lead, as we always have. Inshallah, the future will be brighter and filled with realized hopes. May this new year be marked by progress, prosperity, and peace for all of you and for our beloved country.”

Professor Salim Daccache, Rector of Saint Joseph University, concluded the speeches with determination, stating: “150 years ago, Saint Joseph University was born, and 104 years after the foundation of Hôtel-Dieu de France. We come from parents and brothers who established these institutions in Lebanon and the Middle East. It is thanks to you, who have contributed to continuing their mission, that this work endures and flourishes. May God give you strength and protect you in the spirit of service and responsibility. May this year be one of joy, and may your dreams and aspirations come true.”

To close this emotional event, a ceremony of commemorative trophy presentations took place to recognize the impact of years of service. A wine reception accompanied by Yule logs was served in the Bamboo Garden, where guests shared a convivial and warm moment, marked by the spirit of fraternity that defines Hôtel-Dieu de France.

This event not only celebrated Christmas but also paid tribute to those who, through their work and daily commitment, contribute to the greatness of the institution. Reverend Father Daccache once again reminded everyone that the values of the Hospital—humanism, solidarity, and respect—remain the foundation of its actions in service to patients.

True to its mission of excellence, Hôtel-Dieu de France continues its path, cultivating the spirit of sharing and hope, while affirming its mission of actively contributing to the well-being of the Lebanese people, no matter the time of year.