Professor of Medicine and the Director of the Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute (NKBCI) at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) Ali Taher has been announced as this year's winner of the European Hematology Association (EHA) Education and Mentoring Award 2022. The award recognizes Professor Taher's outstanding efforts towards educating and mentoring hematologists worldwide.
Professor Taher is highly recognized for his pioneering work in benign hemoglobinopathies, in particular the prevention and management of thalassemia patients. His major contribution to benign hematology is not only reflected by his extensive publication record, but also by a high number of awards for his contribution to research and education. For many years Professor Taher has been actively involved in education and mentoring. He has always shared his broad knowledge with young colleagues and became a highly valuable mentor for many young physicians.
Professor Taher said, “Mentorship is not about creating replicas of who you are. On the contrary, it is about recognizing that there is strength in diversity, and in creating space for people to thrive. Being a mentor is about enjoying other people's growth, even hoping that they will outgrow us. That is the true legacy a mentor hopes to achieve. I would like to accept this award going back to the responsibility it bears. The European Hematology Association has selected a non-European for its Education and Mentoring Award, truly showing that science and education has no geographical boundaries. Finally, to all my “mentees" in this room or attending virtually, it is through you that I touch the future of everything that I dedicated my past for."
Ali Taher is a professor of medicine, associate vice president for medical advancement and communications, and the director of the Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute (NKBCI) at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). He currently occupies the position of the vice-chair for research at the Department of Internal Medicine, AUBMC. He was also the founding director for the Fellowship and Residents Research Program (FRRP), Faculty of Medicine. Nationally, Professor Taher is an integral member of a team of consultants at the Thalassemia Department of the Chronic Care Center (CCC) located in Hazmieh, Lebanon where he has contributed to state-of-the-art programs for prevention and management of thalassemia patients in the country. In 2011, he was granted the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP) in appreciation of his dedication to advancing knowledge and research, as well as being awarded in 2012 a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) from Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) for his ground-breaking work on thalassemia intermedia which unraveled morbidity behind the disease.