Reflecting on his recent gift to AUB to name the Dr. Basim M. Uthman Conference Room in the Department of Neurology at the AUB Medical Center, Dr. Basim M. Uthman (MD '84) explained, “I am forever indebted to AUB and my teachers who paved the way for my future. I am a proud graduate of the Class of 1984 and am especially appreciative of the support my classmates gave me during the hard times of the civil war. Giving to my AUB makes me feel forever content and happy." His gift is also providing important support for the AUB Medical Center during an especially critical time.
Dr. Samir Atweh, the Chairman of Neurology at AUBMC remembers Dr. Uthman as a student and later as a colleague." After graduating from AUB, Bassem had an illustrious career in Neurology. He was one of the first neurologists in the world to use Vagal Nerve stimulation for the management of difficult cases in Epilepsy; a form of treatment that was widely accepted in the field. Throughout his career, Dr. Uthman never forgot his Alma Matter. He was a frequent visitor to our department where he volunteered his time to teach residents and students and to collaborate with his colleagues in the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at AUBMC".
The Dr. Bassem Uthman room will be the Command Center of the Neurology-Neurosurgery floor at the Medical Center. It is the place where morning clinical-teaching rounds are conducted and where residents and students review their cases and attend conferences and lectures. It is now equipped with up-to-date communication and audio-visual gadgets that puts all the relevant knowledge at the disposal of the neurology team.
After completing a residency in adult neurology and then a fellowship in clinical neurophysiology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Uthman did a fellowship in electroencephalography at the University of Florida College of Medicine where he spent 18 years. In 2008, he joined Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar where he was a professor of clinical neurology, professor of clinical neuroscience, and vice chair of neurology. Uthman is currently a professor of neurology, vice chair for VA affairs, and chief, neurology service at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine.
Throughout his career, Uthman has maintained strong ties to his alma mater. “No matter where I live and the academic environment where I am working, the American University of Beirut and its Medical Center community have always, and will always be, my 'tribe,'" he explains. “Giving to support excellent learning environments for future doctors is purposeful and most meaningful to me."