Prof. Said Ismail 

Acting President and Chief Scientific & Operations Officer

Qatar Precision Health Institute

Vision & Mission - Sharing the Experience: Empowering Precision Health & Predictive Genomics

Abstract:

Precision medicine and genomics represent a transformative approach to healthcare, emphasizing tailored treatments based on individual genetic profiles and environmental factors, a task that is best done by each nation for its own people. This paradigm shift promises enhanced therapeutic efficacy, reduced adverse effects, and improved patient outcomes. However, the successful implementation of precision medicine relies heavily on a well-crafted strategic framework. Key components of this strategy include the integration of genomic data into clinical practice, strong bioinformatics infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement. Each country having a strategic approach is essential for overcoming existing challenges, ensuring equitable access, and realizing the promise of precision medicine in improving health outcomes on a global scale.

Biography

Prof. Said Ismail is Acting President and Chief Scientific and Operations Officer of the QPHI. His expertise and research lie in the fields of molecular biology and genetics, with a focus on cancer genetics, precision medicine, and the screening and characterization of disease-related mutations in the Arab population.
Ismail has work experience across various fields, including research, education, and consultancy. He served as a consultant to several regional and international pharma and biotech companies. He headed the Jordan University Hospital molecular diagnostics reference laboratory, and was a board member of the local advisory board of the International Consortium for the American Society for Clinical Pathology International (ASCPI).He is the first president and co-founder of the International Society on Aptamers and is also an editorial board member of multiple international journals.
Ismail has a special interest in promoting research among young students. He launched one of the largest efforts to enhance the Arabic medical content on the internet, The “Bel-Arabi” or “In-Arabic” initiative:
"ﺑﺎﻟﻌﺮﺑﻲ". He is also a board member of the Phi Science Institute aiming to encourage young student to pursue careers in research. He won the Said Foundation prize for young Arab researchers in the UK, and the Shoman award for Arab researchers in biomedical sciences in 2013. Dr Ismail holds a Ph.D. from the University of Oxford.