ESEM Conference 2026 Abu Dhabi | ESEM26

Dr. Muneer is an Emergency Medicine Consultant from the United Arab Emirates. He completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine at Tawam Hospital in 2017. He is a former attending physician and educator at both Tawam Hospital and Sheikh Tahnoon Medical City (STMC).

Over the years, he has actively participated in the Emergency Medicine residency program at Tawam Hospital, advancing from chief resident to faculty member, Associate Program Director, and ultimately Program Director, a position he held until February 2025. His contributions have been crucial in training and graduating more than 60 Emergency Medicine Physicians, who are now board-certified and practice locally in the United Arab Emirates, across the wider region, and internationally. His main interests include undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, peer development, emergency medicine resuscitation and critical care, simulation, and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS).

Additionally, Dr. Muneer has organized, participated in, and lectured at seminars and workshops both locally and across the MENA region, targeting medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals. These include the Basic Ultrasound and POCUS Workshop, Airway Workshop, ENT Workshop, Suturing Workshop, and Chief Resident Leadership Program.

Furthermore, he has extensive experience as a life support instructor. He serves as a faculty member at Tawam Hospital and STMC Life Support Training Centers, where he teaches various life support courses, including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS). In recognition of his efforts, he received the Emirates Society of Emergency Medicine (ESEM) Faculty of the Year Award in 2019, along with numerous other honors. Currently, he is a member of the Emergency Medicine Examination Subcommittee at the National Institute of Health Specialties (Emirati Board). Since 2023, he has been appointed as an Emirati Board Examiner.

Dr. Osama Mousa Salama, Emirate, Arab Board (EM), Jordanian Board (EM), European board of Emergency medicne, MRCEM, and MBA, is a Senior Emergency Medicine Consultant and Head of the Emergency Department at Al-Qassimi Hospital, Emirates Health Services (EHS), Sharjah. He is Regional Faculty for the American Heart Association (BLS, ACLS, PALS, PEARS) and Course Director with the European Resuscitation Council (ETC/ALS/NLS). He is an active speaker, educator, and researcher with special interests in resuscitation, trauma, and emergency systems improvement.

Dr. Mariam Ahmed Aljneibi is an Emergency Medicine and Sports Medicine physician, currently serving as the Quality Improvement Lead and Associate Program Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Zayed Military Hospital.

She completed her Emergency Medicine training and a Sports Medicine Fellowship at McGill University, and she holds a Master of Health Administration from George Washington University.

Dr. Aljneibi is a board member with the Emirates Medical Association for Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation and is actively involved in national and international conferences, contributing to education, quality improvement, and the advancement of sports-related emergency care.

Consultant emergency medicine

Head of urgent care centre in primary health care centre Al Ain with a deep passion for medical education and simulation-based training and certified Training of Trainers (TOT) professional with a distinguished passion for medical education and simulation-based learning. A published author of three books, she is dedicated to advancing clinical education, leadership, and professional development.

Anzal Rehman graduated from Avalon University School of Medicine and completed training in the U.S., Seychelles, and Philippines. He did his Emergency Medicine residency at Zayed Military Hospital, served as Chief Resident, and has published peer-reviewed articles. He is the Founder and President of ECREM, host of the 'ECREM|talks' podcast, and holds several editorial roles

Emergency medicine Consultant Currently Working as Senior Specialist Emergency Physician at Rashid hospital. Master of Science in Hospital Management from Hamdan Bin Mohammad Smart University in 2021. Worked as Emergency medicine specialist at Tawam Hospital From 2018-2021 Arab board Certified.

Completed Residency training in Emergency medicine accredited by the Arab board and the Accreditation Council for Graduate medical Education-international ACGME-I in 2017 UAE university Graduate 2012 in MBBS.

Currently Senior Specialist Emergency Physician at Rashid hospital.Master of Science in Hospital Management From Hamdan Bin Mohammad Smart University in 2021. Worked as Emergency medicine specialist at Tawam Hospital From 2018-2021

Dr. Al Reesi is an emergency medicine physician with expertise in clinical research and AI applications in healthcare. He completed his MD in Oman and emergency medicine residency in Ottawa, Canada (2007), followed by a clinical research fellowship. He received the Young Investigators Research Award from ACEP in 2011.

Previously, he served as Chair of Emergency Medicine at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (2015–2018) and Deputy Director of the Medical Research Center at Sultan Qaboos University, and he led the emergency medicine residency research committee and mentored residents in clinical research. He has published multiple research studies and continues to advance emergency medicine through clinical research and healthcare innovation.

Senior Emergency Medicine Consultant and Medical Toxicologist with over 13 years' experience in high-acuity emergency medicine. Arab Board-certified in Emergency Medicine with fellowship training from Emory University and an Executive Master's in Healthcare Administration. Core faculty member of the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at SKMC and Co-Chair of the National Toxicology Committee at NIHS, while actively serving as an AHLS Instructor delivering specialized training across the UAE and the wider region.

Dr. Ahmed AlSakha is a Consultant Emergency Physician at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, UAE and a consultant medical toxicologist at the Atlantic Canada Poison Centre in Halifax, NS. He obtained his medical degree from King Faisal University in Dammam, Saudi Arabia and completed his residency in Emergency medicine at McGill University in Montreal, QC. He practiced Emergency medicine in Canada for six years before starting his fellowship in Medical Toxicology at the Upstate Medical University and the Upstate NY Poison Center in Syracuse, NY. He holds board certification in Emergency medicine by the Canadian and American boards and in Medical Toxicology by the American board. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, and the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Pediatric Emergency Consultant at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC) Vice presidents of the Saudi Society for Simulation in Healthcare SSSH since June Chairperson of the bylaws at the Saudi Society for Simulation in Healthcare SSSH since June 2024 Former Chairperson of the Life Support Department and anatomy lab at Center for Research Education and Simulation Enhanced Training (CRESENT) in KFMC

Former Chairperson of the Advertising and Publicity at the Saudi Society for Simulation in Healthcare SSSH Simulation Pediatric emergency fellowship director from March 2018 to 2021 speaker in several conferences regionally and internationally, part of the scientific and organising committee in a couple of national conferences and international conferences focusing on Simulation and Pediatric emergency.

Dr Al Hatali is the head of the poison control section, Environmental and Occupational Health Department, at the Ministry of Health in Sultanate of Oman. She also serves as the Middle East and North Africa Association of Medical Toxicology (MENATOX) President. She is a consultant in the Emergency Medicine Department at Royal Hospital and the Emergency Medicine Program Director at Oman Medical Specialty Board. She graduated from Oman Medical Specialty Board in 2012 as well as certified by the Arab Emergency Medicine Board. She finished her Post Doctoral Fellowship in medical toxicology at Emory University and the Georgia Poison Center  in Atlanta, GA USA in 2014. She has lectured in countries around the world and has numerous awards to her credit. Dr Al Hatali has a true passion for Toxicology and field development in the Region

Brandon Friedman is a Global Emergency Medicine Fellow in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Emory School of Medicine. His career interests include strengthening acute care systems in resource-limited settings, developing community-driven programs that deliver high-value care to underserved populations, and leveraging surveillance systems to improve the detection, monitoring, and control of infectious diseases. He has a particular interest in high-consequence infectious diseases and special pathogens, including viral hemorrhagic fevers, and in advancing preparedness and response strategies for emerging infectious disease threats. His work focuses on integrating emergency care, public health, and implementation science to enhance health system resilience and improve outcomes during outbreaks and other public health emergencies.

Dr. Danish Salim is also known for creating practical innovations such as Kerala's first bike ambulance, India's first Railway Emergency Room, emergency medicine kits, and an app connecting 1,800+ ambulances. His team developed the ASAP accident alert system long before modern SOS tools, along with versions for ambulances and elderly home care. He has won many awards, including the SEHA Hero Award, Best Innovator Award, State Best Emergency Medicine Physician Award, National Achiever Award, and IMA Excellence Award. His work in public health education continues to help millions worldwide.

MBBS, FRCS(Ed) FRCEM

David is currently an associate professor of medicine at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, and a consultant in Emergency Medicine at Sheikh Tahnoon Medical City, Al Ain, UAE.

He obtained his MBBS from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1987. After initial training in general surgery in Leeds and Newcastle upon Tyne, he undertook higher specialist training in emergency medicine in the South West of England. He was a consultant in emergency medicine at the University Hospitals Plymouth, UK, for 16 years before relocating to the United Arab Emirates in 2018. David is a member of several professional organizations, including the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine UK. He is also a member of non-profit organizations, including CMIPD and the Medical Association of Nigerian Specialists and General Practitioners (MANSAG).

His research interests span medical education and trauma systems, and he has published several scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Elhaitham Ahmed is a triple board-certified Emergency Medicine physician (NIHS-EM, ABHS-EM, JMC-A&EM) currently practicing at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi. He is a core founding member of the Disaster Medicine Committee under ESEM, contributing to the development of national disaster preparedness and multidisciplinary collaboration. With a strong passion for bedside teaching, medical education, and community awareness.

Hamid Aizaz Chatha (MRCS, MRCEM, FRCEM, MSc (UCL), MD) is a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Tawam Hospital and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at UAE University. CCT-trained in Manchester, he serves as a fellowship examiner for the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and the Abu Dhabi EM Specialty Exam, is an ATLS/ACLS/PALS instructor, and is core faculty for the Tawam ER Residency.

Dr Chatha has been consultant in EM since 2015. During his training he worked in three Major Trauma centers in Manchester. He also completed MRCS from Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh and MSc in Musculoskeletal Sciences from the university college London, UK. His interests include trauma, sports injuries, and medical education.

Dr. Hasan Qayyum is an Emergency Medicine Consultant at SKMC in Abu Dhabi, known for staying calm in situations that make most people Google symptoms. He brings sharp clinical judgement to the ED — and the same determination to restoring stubborn Toyota Land Cruisers. Proudly rooted in the UAE, he believes there’s no better place for both medicine and desert adventures. Colleagues trust his leadership; mechanics fear his questions. Hasan remains convinced that a good Land Cruiser and a great team can handle almost anything.

Dr Hassan Al Balushi is an Emergency Medicine Consultant and Medical Toxicologist at Suhar Hospital, Oman. He currently serves as the Head of the Crisis and Emergencies Department at the Directorate General of Health Services in North Al Batinah, Oman. Dr Al Balushi is the President-Elect of the Middle East and North Africa Medical Toxicology Association (MENATOX) and the General Secretary of the Oman Society of Emergency Medicine (OSEM). In addition, he holds the position of Associate Programme Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency Programme at the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB).

Dr. Lara Abumuaileq is the Secretary General, ESEM Toxicology Committee. She holds a PgDip in Medical Toxicology from Cardiff University, UK, and a Professional Diploma in Health Leadership and Innovation from RIT Dubai. She serves as Core Faculty/Clinical Instructor at MBRU and Adjunct Faculty at Dubai Medical University (DMU). Dr. Abumuaileq is also the In-Charge of the Toxicology Rotation for the Emergency Medicine Residency at MBRU and works as an Emergency Medicine Consultant with the Toxicology Consultation Service at Rashid Hospital Trauma Center (RHTC), Dubai Health.

Dr.Jufaili works at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital & College of Medicine as Senior consultant Emergency Physicians and the current HOD of the emergency department, completed Med school at SQU in 1997, Residency and Fellowship in sports medicine from McGill University 2008. Enrolled in Master program of Med education at Maastricht University. Previous program director of EM program at Oman Medical Specialty Board , Director of Education department. The former HOD of Royal Hospital Emergency Department. Holds the position of chairman of the Sports medicine committee of Oman Olympic committee & the team physician for the Oman national football team. FFSEM fellow at the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine, RCPI & RCSI, had several publications in local and international journals and worked as reviewer for several journals. Presented at a number of local and international conferences.

MBBS, FCPS (Pak)

FACEM (Australia)

Pg. Dip. In Medical Toxicology Cardiff University, UK.

Currently working as Assistant Professor Emergency Medicine CMHS, UAEU.

Previously worked as a Consultant in Emergency Medicine in Canberra, Australia, and Doha, Qatar.

Ex-Clinical lecturer Australian National University (ANU), Australia.

Ex-Honorary Senior Lecturer in MSc Resuscitation at Queen Mary University London, UK.

Special interests include Resuscitation Medicine, Toxicology, Trauma, Professionalism, and Medical Education.

Research interests include clinical Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest, Trauma, and Medical Education.

In medical education, special interest in teaching Professionalism, Leadership skills, Emotional Intelligence, and Human factors.

M.B.B.S European Board Certified in Emergency Medicine (EBCEM) MSc Disaster Medicine EMDM Board Certified in Medical Quality Board Certified in Disaster Medicine MBA Manchester Metropolitan University Fellowship in Performance Management Oxford

Dr Omar Ghazanfar has been working in the UAE as an Emergency Medicine Physician since 2015. He is triple board-certified with Board Certification in Emergency Medicine, Medical Quality, and Disaster Medicine. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management and has completed an MBA from the Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK. He currently works as an Emergency Physician and Medical Director for HIMS at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Dr Ghazanfar has presented widely in international conferences and served as a faculty member of various forums, including ESEM. He is also a member of several IFEM committees as well section member of the EUSEM Disaster Medicine and Care of the elderly special interest group. He sits on the peer review committee for Medtigo, Cureus, and the Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine

Dr. Osama Kentab is a pioneer in establishing Emergency medicine and pediatric Emergency medicine across the middle east in addition of being a board member of SASEM and the arab resusitation counicil a contributer to the resusitation science in addition a reviewer in multipe international journal held the postion of CEO in multiple feild hospitals and multiple postions of chairman in Emergency medicine

Peter Damian S. Akpunonu, MD, is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology at the University of Kentucky. He is board certified in Emergency Medicine, Medical Toxicology, and Addiction Medicine and serves in several clinical and public health leadership roles, including Medical Director of the Kentucky Poison Center and the University of Kentucky Toxicology Consultation Service. He also leads programs in undersea and hyperbaric medicine and serves as the University of Kentucky site director for the Radiation Injury Treatment Network. Dr. Akpunonu's academic and professional interests include clinical toxicology, emergency preparedness, radiation injury, chemical weapons, and CBRNE response. He contributes to international education and humanitarian response initiatives through his work with MedGlobal and is committed to advancing collaborative, practical, and evidence-based approaches to toxicologic and emergency care.

Dr. Rizwan Riyaz is an Emergency Medicine Consultant at the University Hospital of Derby and Burton, UK, and a Medical Toxicologist. He is the Immediate Past Chair of the Toxicology Specialty Interest Group at the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), UK. Dr. Riyaz is an alumnus of Emory University and completed an EX Fellowship in Medical Toxicology at the Georgia Poison Center, USA.

Dr. Sarah Abdul-Nabi is an Emergency Medicine physician from Lebanon working at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), where she also serves as the Clinical Research Unit Coordinator for the Department of Emergency Medicine. She graduated from the EM residency program in 2023 and is completing her master’s degree in Health Research at AUB. Dr. Abdul-Nabi is an ATLS instructor and an active mentor to residents and research fellows. Through her clinical, academic, and coordination roles, she works to advance high-quality emergency care and support the development of meaningful and practical research within her department and the region.

Dr. Shahan Waheed is a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Aga Khan University, Pakistan. He is an active clinical researcher with over 60 peer-reviewed publications, recipient of both intramural and extramural research grants, and author of multiple book chapters and a clinical manual. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) and recipient of the ALiEM Faculty Incubator Award. Dr. Waheed holds a PhD in Clinical Sciences, with expertise in airway management in the emergency department, medical education, resuscitation, and emergency medicine leadership.

Dr. Shaza Karrar is a Board-Certified Consultant Emergency Medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Her executive focus is on high-reliability clinical operations, applying data-driven process optimization, systematic translational simulation, and team training to elevate patient safety and service quality. As a proven educational leader, Dr. Karrar founded NEEMRA to connect Emergency Medicine residents and faculty across the UAE and launched EMSPACECAST, the region’s first EM podcast with focus in Toxicology and Disaster Medicine. Recognized with multiple institutional and national awards, she is now pursuing an Executive MBA to amplify her impact on system-level performance and patient care.

Dr. Venkat Kotamraju is a senior Consultant in Emergency Medicine, East Midlands Regional Chair of RCEM, Vice Chair of the IFEM Quality & Safety SIG, and Emergency Medicine Training Programme Director for Health Education East Midlands. With over 20 years of experience, he is widely recognised for his leadership in Emergency Medicine, Clinical Toxicology, Medical Education, and Patient Safety.

At the Royal Derby Hospital, he serves as CESR Programme Director and Teaching Lead, shaping the development of future emergency physicians. He is a Senior RCEM CESR Portfolio Assessor, MRCEM/FRCEM Examiner, and ATLS Course Director, delivering high-impact training courses across the UK, UAE, and India.

A respected Clinical Toxicologist and active RCEM Toxicology SIG member, he is also a sought-after international speaker on toxicology, resuscitation, human factors, and safety, presenting at major conferences worldwide.

Dr. Kotamraju’s work reflects a sustained commitment to advancing Emergency Medicine through education, quality, and global collaboration.

Dr. Ziad Kazzi is a Professor at the department of Emergency Medicine and the Director of the International Medical Toxicology Fellowship Program at Emory University. He is also the Assistant Medical Director of the Georgia Poison Center and a Guest Researcher at the CDC National Center of Environmental Health. As an emergency physician and toxicologist, Dr. Kazzi specializes in the recognition, triage and management of poisonings and holds a deep interest in the areas of Radiation and International Toxicology.

Dr, Kazzi is cirrently serving at Board President of the American College of Medical Toxicology (2025 - 2027.) He is also Past-President of the Middle East & North Africa Clinical Toxicology Association (MENATOX), whose mission is to advance the care of poisoned patients and prevent poisonings in the MENA region. As an internationally renowned expert in radiation emergencies, he serves on the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, the Executive Committee of the Radiation Injury Treatment Network, and Associate Medical Director of the Southern Regional Disaster Response System.