Professor and chairman of the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Dr. Miguel R. Abboud received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA). This award is presented to a leader whose hard work and dedication to the sickle cell community is immeasurable and helps to advance the understanding, education, and awareness of sickle cell disease nationwide. This is one of the few times this award is given to a leader who works outside the United States. The award was presented on Friday, October 13 during the SCDAA annual convention dinner in Washington DC. The award comes as recognition of Dr. Abboud's contributions to both the advancement of care for patients with sickle cell disease, and advocacy for those suffering with the disease. He led numerous initiatives in the US, including efforts in stroke prevention awareness. In Lebanon, he established the sickle cell program and fund at AUB and has led awareness campaigns to sensitize the public and decision makers about SCD. These include the “shed the light" campaign, lighting College Hall red during a ceremony on June 19th which is World Sickle Cell Day.
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America is a leading organization that promotes and advances initiatives focused on people affected by sickle cell conditions worldwide. Its mission is to advocate for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empower community-based organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure.
Dr. Abboud has been at the forefront globally in advancing care for people living with sickle cell disease (SCD). He is a leader in clinical research in this area and led several landmark clinical trials. Dr. Abboud serves on the Medical and Research Advisory Committee (MARAC) of the SCDAA. MARAC's purpose is to advise SCDAA on questions of policy and programs concerning the scientific, medical, and research activities of the association and is composed of influential leaders of many sickle cell groups. Dr. Abboud was invited to join MARAC not only based on his significant expertise, but also his deep concern and advocacy for individuals living with sickle cell disease. MARAC has over 25 members and Dr. Abboud is one of five members from outside the United States. Dr Abboud also recently co-authored the Lancet Haematology commission report on SCD. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology International Members Committee and heads a group on hemoglobinopathies. In 2022, he was appointed to head the Lebanese National Committee on Sickle Disease by Minister of Health, Dr. Firas Abiad.