The Salim El-Hoss Bioethics and Professionalism Program (SHBPP) at the American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine (AUB FM) and Medical Center (AUBMC) held its awards ceremony on June 14, 2021, in celebration of its annual AUB FM-SHBPP Humanism and Professionalism Award and the AUBMC-SHBPP Abdul Wahhab Itani Moral Courage Award to honor exemplary role models at AUBFM and AUBMC who have shown particular dedication and exceptional qualities of integrity and care in their clinical practice during this past year of tribulations and challenges.
In his recorded keynote address, Dr. Hugo Slim, Senior Research Fellow at the Blavatnik School of Government of the University of Oxford, highlighted the importance of moral courage, “Courage is famous in ethics as the foundational virtue. When we are brave and courageous, then we can do good things, then we have the courage and the power to do good. So, courage makes us kind. Courage makes us fair and just. Courage makes us patient, and courage makes us hopeful. And courage makes us wise and decisive. So courage is the motor and the power which allows us to step forward and keep moving up the path of goodness". He also congratulated the winner of the Abdul Wahhab Itani Moral Courage Award noting “I feel sure that there are so many courageous and good people in Lebanon today. And with this award you represent them. So thank you, for taking a stand, for walking up the right path, and for setting us all an example".
The Abdul Wahab Itani Moral Courage Award, was presented by Interim Dean Dr. Ghazi Zaatari and SHBPP Founding Director Dr. Thalia Arawi to this year's winner, fourth year medical student Mr. Bashar Hassan.
Named after one of our patients, the late Mr. Abdul Wahhab Itani, the Annual AUBMC-SHBPP Abdul Wahhab Itani Moral Courage Award was established by SHBPP in 2018, offered to encourage and medical students at AUBMC who have shown moral courage at the AUBMC, stood up for patients and what is right regardless of the consequences. The award is aligned with AUBMC's Vision which gives precedence to patient-centered care and emphasizes the value of doing the right thing even in the most challenging situations and even when no one is looking. It is granted to the candidate who exemplifies qualities of moral courage and shows integrity and consistency of thought and action. He/she must demonstrate the willingness to question, speak up, and be courageous in a world filled with inequities deserves to be a priority in the work setting. The award consists of a medal, pin, and a check in the amount of $1000 awarded by the wife of the late Mr. Itani, Mrs. Diala Itani.
Invited guest, Dr. Firas Abiad. General Manager and Chairman of the Rafik Hariri University Hospital, also gave a keynote address in which he shared insightful reflections on his journey through the COVID-19 pandemic and it challenges, stating, “In a culture that glorifies winning and celebrates achievement, we often concentrate on the destination, and overlook the journey. The past has taught me that, especially in times of crisis, we should do it the other way around. We should follow our moral compass, knowing that we do not control the winds that face us. If, against all odds, we reach the intended destination, we should be grateful. If, however, we do not, then we should not despair. It is ok. We have done our best in a good cause, and that is more than many can say".
Interim Dean Dr. Ghazi Zaatari congratulated the winners of the awards and expressed his support and recognition of SHBPP's work, for “championing and carrying the baton of professionalism" in the faculty of Medicine, and highlighted that moral courage is embedded in the practice of medicine.
The AUB FM-SHBPP Humanism and Professionalism Physician Award was presented to the winner for 2021 Dr. Jana Al Hashash, gastroenterologist and Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at AUBMC and AUBFM, followed by the Resident Award to Dr. Layal Al Mahmassani, post-graduate year IV in the Department of Internal Medicine at AUBMC.
The AUB FM-SHBPP Humanism and Professionalism Award, the first of its kind in the Arab world, honors qualities of compassionate care and selfless dedication to excellence. The recipient of the award is also a remarkable role model, self-reflective about his/her own continuing development. It is granted to the physician and resident who exemplifies the humane and professional aspects of medicine and who is exceptionally proficient, compassionate, kind, responsible and concerned about the welfare of patients, colleagues, staff and students.