In times of crisis, it’s often the leaders who rise to the occasion, guiding their teams and institutions through uncertainty with constant dedication and vision. For Lebanon, a country facing innumerable challenges, such leadership has come from Professor Youssef Fares. As CEO and Chairman of Al-Zahraa Hospital University Medical Center (ZHUMC) Prof. Fares reveals a leadership vision that surpasses traditional medical achievement goals. His professional experience spanning neurosurgery and academia enables him to develop work that merges healthcare practice with educational investment for the future of both disciplines. The actions of Prof. Fares as ZHUMC leader transformed the institution into a vital part of Lebanon’s medical sector and made his neuroscience work a respected element in both local and international settings.
The human nervous system intrigued Prof. Youssef Fares in the beginning of his studies while neurosurgical breakthroughs continued to be his key professional focus during his entire medical career. Following his MD and PhD completion in Spain he dedicated himself to advanced medical training throughout Europe. His homecoming to Lebanon launched a sequence of important initiatives that expanded beyond healthcare service improvements to encompass better medical teaching and research programs in the area. The future of healthcare in Lebanon relies on his leadership to develop Al-Zahraa Hospital into a preeminent academic medical center which combines resilience with innovation.
In his academic and neurosurgical roles Prof. Youssef Fares demonstrates extensive expertise that shapes every part of his professional activities. Through his work at ZHUMC and institutional building and his advocacy for healthcare technology integration he is helping shape future medical practice in Lebanon and internationally. His educational and professional work manifests his twofold dedication to push health services forward while cultivating future medical practitioners and leaders. Through combining his clinical expertise with his forward-thinking leadership approach Prof. Fares creates an enduring impact on medical professionals along with their patients while affecting the healthcare industry on a large scale.
Let’s learn how Prof. Fares is redefining medical excellence through innovation and leadership at ZHUMC!
A Journey of Discovery and Dedication
The foundation of Prof. Youssef Fares’ remarkable career in healthcare lies in his early fascination with the human nervous system. “From the moment I began my medical training, I was captivated by the intricate complexity of the nervous system, its neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and the precision required to intervene surgically,” he recalls. This curiosity and respect for the human body’s complexity led him to the field of neurosurgery, a discipline that, at the time, offered both a challenge and a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in patients’ lives. He believes that “the ability to directly improve a patient’s life through meticulous intervention was both humbling and inspiring,” and this vision continues to drive his work to this day.
After completing his MD along with PhD in Spain Prof. Youssef Fares trained throughout Europe to enhance his abilities while deepening his knowledge base in the field. His journey reached pivotal importance when he returned to Lebanon. The single goal that directed him when he returned was to establish both clinical care services and medical educational programs for the next generation of doctors. His role as a faculty member followed by his position as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Lebanese University allowed him to unite his love for neurosurgery with his dedication to developing young talent who would shape medicine throughout Lebanon.
“I have worked to elevate Al-Zahraa Hospital into a leading academic medical center where patient care, education, and research converge,” he explains. The healthcare system at ZHUMC demonstrates his wider goal toward developing a clinical and educational framework which unifies medical education with outstanding patient care. He led the foundation of the Neuroscience Research Center (NRC) to advance neuroscience research and develop future scientists while leading institutional change at ZHUMC. Through its evolution the NRC established itself as the leading academic institution of innovation and excellence across Lebanon and worldwide.
Visionary Leadership Amidst Challenges
As the CEO and Chairman of Al-Zahraa Hospital, Prof. Youssef Fares faces a set of unique challenges that few healthcare leaders in the world have had to confront. Lebanon’s healthcare system, already strained under the pressures of political and economic instability, has had to navigate an even more tumultuous landscape in recent years. Despite these challenges, he remains resolutely committed to ensuring that ZHUMC not only survives but thrives.
“My primary goal is to ensure the institution’s resilience amid the ongoing challenges facing Lebanon and the region,” he explains. The financial instability in Lebanon, coupled with increasing operational costs and shortages in essential medical supplies, presents a daily challenge for healthcare providers. “Sustaining financial stability while preserving the highest standards of patient care is essential,” he asserts. “This requires both a strategic approach to managing resources and a commitment to innovation and adaptability.”
One of the key strategies that ZHUMC has employed under Prof. Youssef Fares’ leadership is a focus on academic opportunities and research initiatives, which he believes are critical to both attracting and retaining top medical talent. “A major priority is reversing the brain drain by creating an environment that retains and attracts top medical talent,” he notes. His vision includes not only elevating ZHUMC’s status as an academic medical center but also embracing new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve hospital operations and patient outcomes.
“Embracing artificial intelligence and working to enhance AI literacy among our workforce is central to our efforts,” he elaborates. “AI-driven solutions will help streamline hospital operations, optimize patient care, and improve decision-making.” The integration of AI into the hospital’s operations is part of a larger strategy to ensure that ZHUMC remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation in Lebanon.
Transformative Initiatives to Enhance Patient Care
Under Prof. Youssef Fares’ leadership, ZHUMC has made significant strides in enhancing patient care and medical education. The hospital has undergone substantial expansion, including the addition of a new floor dedicated to intensive specialized care. With a focus on state-of-the-art surgical technology, ZHUMC has upgraded its facilities, including the renovation of operating rooms and the expansion of its ICU capacity to 45 beds, making it one of the largest critical care units in the country.
“Increasing our ICU capacity and building advanced operating rooms equipped with cutting-edge surgical technology are part of our commitment to providing high-quality care for even the most complex cases,” says Prof. Youssef Fares. In addition to infrastructure advancements, ZHUMC has also installed a helipad to facilitate the rapid transfer of critical patients from various regions across Lebanon, ensuring timely access to life-saving interventions.
These advancements reflect not only a commitment to infrastructure and patient care but also to scientific innovation and integrity. This dedication was internationally recognized when the Neuroscience Research Center at ZHUMC received the International World Quality Commitment Award 2017 in the GOLD Category in Paris, underscoring the Center’s vital role in shaping the future of neuroscience research.
Beyond physical expansion, ZHUMC has established medical centers of excellence across various specialties, including cancer care, neurological sciences, bariatric surgery, and urological care. The hospital continues to develop specialized initiatives that offer patients personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs. Notably, advanced laparoscopic procedures are now widely employed across multiple surgical specialties—such as urology, bariatric surgery, and gynecology—enhancing surgical precision, reducing recovery times, and improving patient outcomes.
But his vision for ZHUMC extends far beyond patient care. He has also focused on elevating medical education at the institution. “We have recruited highly trained physicians and surgeons from leading academic institutions,” he notes. “Our tumor boards, which bring together experts from various subspecialties, foster a multidisciplinary approach to complex cases, ensuring that patient care is evidence-based and collaborative.”
The hospital demonstrates its educational commitment through its teaching hospital designation with Lebanese University. Through this collaborative partnership medical students gain practical expertise and participate in research endeavors and professional programs. To promote skills exchange among healthcare experts ZHUMC organizes different medical congresses alongside workshops and training opportunities.
Navigating the Healthcare Challenges of Lebanon
Lebanon’s healthcare sector faces numerous obstacles, but Prof. Youssef Fares remains optimistic about the ability of healthcare institutions to navigate these challenges. One of the greatest difficulties is the ongoing shortage of medical supplies, exacerbated by financial instability. As he explains, “The financial strain is particularly acute, as rising operational costs, exacerbated by the need to secure fuel for electricity, are met with an increasing number of patients unable to afford care.” Additionally, the emigration of skilled professionals has placed further strain on hospitals already struggling to maintain a stable workforce.
Nevertheless, Prof. Youssef Fares remains resolute in his belief that healthcare institutions can overcome these challenges. “Our approach has been one of adaptation and long-term resilience,” he explains. “By maintaining a strong supply chain strategy and focusing on workforce retention, we continue to ensure that patients receive the care they need.” ZHUMC’s emphasis on disaster preparedness and its ability to provide essential care during times of crisis have been instrumental in ensuring the hospital’s continued success despite the instability affecting the country.
Technology’s Role in Transforming Healthcare
The integration of technology into healthcare is a key priority for Prof. Youssef Fares, especially as Lebanon’s healthcare system seeks to modernize. AI, telehealth, and robotics are just a few of the technologies that are poised to reshape healthcare delivery in Lebanon. “Artificial intelligence is already reshaping diagnostics, treatment planning, and hospital operations,” he observes. “AI-driven imaging analysis and predictive analytics for patient outcomes offer the potential to revolutionize clinical decision-making.”
However, there are barriers to widespread technology adoption in Lebanon, including infrastructure challenges and inconsistent regulatory policies. “For AI to reach its full potential, there must be investments in digital health literacy and improvements in infrastructure,” he advises. Likewise, telemedicine, while a promising solution for expanding access to care, has faced obstacles related to internet connectivity and reimbursement policies.
Despite these challenges, Prof. Youssef Fares remains hopeful that the future of healthcare in Lebanon will be shaped by technological advancements. “A national strategy that prioritizes healthcare technology will be essential,” he says.
Shaping the Future Through Mentorship and Leadership
For Prof. Youssef Fares, mentorship has always been at the core of his work. “Seeing students, residents, and young professionals grow into leaders in their own right has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career,” he shares. Through his leadership at ZHUMC and his work at the Lebanese University, Prof. Youssef Fares has mentored countless students and young doctors, instilling in them a sense of purpose and dedication to the field.
A key initiative in his commitment to education and collaboration is the Lebanese Academy, founded with the spirit of uniting experts from diverse disciplines to drive knowledge and innovation forward. This institution fosters interdisciplinary research, training, and academic exchange, ensuring that Lebanon remains a hub for medical and scientific advancement.
Looking ahead, Prof. Youssef Fares hopes to leave a lasting legacy in the healthcare sector. “Institutions, research programs, and academic frameworks should not be tied to one person but should evolve with each new generation that builds upon them,” he says. For him, the true measure of success lies not in personal accomplishments but in the impact made on future generations. Through his work at ZHUMC and the Neuroscience Research Center, Prof. Youssef Fares continues to create opportunities for young professionals, ensuring that his legacy will endure long after his tenure.
Prof. Youssef Fares serves as a guiding light for leadership because modern healthcare requires both innovative solutions and resilient determination and exceptional dedication. Through his dual roles as neurosurgeon and healthcare executive he remains instrumental in determining the medical practices of the future in Lebanon as well as wider global healthcare.
