Dr. Ziyad M. Hijazi Appointed Clinical Chief for Pediatrics at Sidra Medical and Research Center

DOHA, Qatar, November 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Sidra Medical and Research Center, a specialty women's and children's hospital in Qatar, today announced that Dr. Ziyad M. Hijazi has been appointed Clinical Chief for Pediatrics. In this role, the pioneering clinician will drive the strategic direction of the Department of Pediatrics and integrate research and education priorities into a program of excellent clinical service delivery. He will also hold the position of Chair of Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Sidra's partner for medical education.  

"Sidra will be a beacon of excellence for pediatric care in Qatar and the Middle East so this is a key appointment for us," said Sidra's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Edward S. Ogata. "Dr. Hijazi's wide-ranging clinical and academic expertise in both pediatrics and cardiology, and his passion for research of the highest quality - evident from his exceptional record of publications - perfectly complement our vision for Sidra. I am particularly pleased that he will be here when Sidra hosts the Excellence in Pediatrics Conference 4-7 December, the first time this major conference has been held here in the Middle East."

Dr. Hijazi attended the Yale University School of Medicine where he completed a Master of Public Health degree, a residency in Pediatrics and a fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology. He spent eight years on the faculty at Tufts University School of Medicine and another eight years at the University of Chicago. In 2007 he was appointed Professor, Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Director, Rush Center for Congenital and Structural Heart Disease, Section Chief, Pediatric Cardiology at Rush University Medical Center.

Dr. Hijazi specializes in treating congenital and structural heart disease in both children and adults. He is a pioneer in the non-surgical repair of congenital and structural heart defects and a Past President of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI).

"It's an honor to join Sidra and its prestigious leadership team. I'm optimistic that my work with transcatheter septal defect closure in children, which will be the focus of my presentation at EiP, is helping find alternatives to the invasive open heart surgery which is especially traumatic for pediatric patients and I look forward to bringing these techniques to Sidra," said Dr. Hijazi.

For further information, please contact:

Sidra Medial and Research Center
Noor Al Kobaisi
nalkobaisi@sidra.org