Under the patronage of President General Joseph Aoun and in the presence of First Lady Nehmat Aoun, the Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui, in collaboration with the Faculty of Medical Sciences, launched the “University Diploma in Robotic Surgery,” in a move aimed at advancing specialized medical education and keeping pace with the latest innovations in the field of surgery, as part of the “School of Citizenship” project founded by the First Lady.

The ceremony was attended by the President of the Lebanese University, Dr. Bassam Badran; the Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dr. Saada Alame; the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui, Sister Marie Antoinette Saadeh; the President of the Syndicate of Hospital Owners in Lebanon, Dr. Pierre Yared; as well as representatives from the health sector, insurance companies, and figures from labor unions, industry, and religious circles.

The ceremony was also attended by contributors who believe in Lebanon, the future of its youth, and its national university, led by Mr. Philippe Helou and Professors Georges Boutros, Maroun Edde, Antoine Kareh, Nabil Bustros, and representatives of Nahas family.

The ceremony opened with remarks from the administration of Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui, delivered by Sister Hadia Abi Chebli and Dr. Yared, who emphasized the importance of advancing specialized medical education and strengthening investment in clinical training and modern surgical techniques.

The Geitaoui administration emphasized that the launch of the university diploma in robotic surgery reflects the hospital’s commitment to keeping pace with medical advancements and providing an advanced training environment that contributes to the development of doctors’ and surgeons’ skills. They stressed that the main objective of this project is to make these advanced technologies accessible to everyone, especially those with limited income.

For his part, Mr. Philippe Helou, one of the major shareholders, highlighted the importance of cooperation between healthcare and academic institutions in developing the health sector, noting that scientific and training partnerships are a fundamental pillar for keeping pace with technological transformations in medicine.

Dean Alame emphasized the importance of developing academic programs that combine medical knowledge with clinical practice, in line with scientific and technological advancements in the field of surgery.

She noted that cooperation with the Geitaoui Hospital paves the way for enhancing specialized training and developing medical expertise, thereby supporting the Lebanese University’s role in preparing doctors qualified to meet the demands of modern medical practice.

President Badran then spoke, emphasizing the importance of continuing to develop university education and strengthening partnerships with healthcare institutions, thereby helping to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application.

He highlighted the Lebanese University’s role in preparing national talent and developing specialized academic programs that keep pace with scientific and technological advancements and support the progress of Lebanon’s healthcare sector.

President Badran said: “We appreciate His Excellency the President of the Republic’s patronage of this event, and we see it as an affirmation of the place that science occupies in the nation-building project, and that investing in the Lebanese people and in their scientific and medical expertise is the surest path to restoring the nation’s well-being, role, and presence.”

He added: “The launch of this diploma program is not merely a new academic addition to the Lebanese University’s offerings; rather, it represents a qualitative step toward integrating the latest technological advancements into medical education and clinical training.”

President Badran addressed the doctors enrolled in this diploma program, saying:

“Today, you are not merely entering a training program; you are stepping into a new realm of responsibility. You will be entrusted with highly precise techniques, but their true value will remain tied to the knowledge, integrity, and compassion you embody. Let every skill you acquire be a means to alleviate suffering, every new piece of knowledge a path to serving the patient, and every personal achievement a contribution to medicine in Lebanon and to the humanitarian mission you have chosen to uphold. Let us continue this journey together, placing the human being at the heart of technology, ethics at the heart of medical practice, and Lebanon at the heart of every achievement.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, a tribute was held to honor the participating dignitaries for their support and contributions to advancing medical education and developing the health sector in Lebanon. Those honored included the President of the Republic, represented by First Lady Nehmat Aoun; the President of the Lebanese University, Dr. Bassam Badran; and Dean Alame; Mr. Philippe Helou and his wife, Mrs. Isabelle Helou; Professor Georges Boutros; Professor Maroun Edde; Professor Antoine Kareh; Professor Nabil Bustros; and the Nahas family were also honored.

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