In this episode with Dr. Cybel Mehawej of the Lebanese American University Human Genetics Department, and co-hosted with MohammadAli Jardaly, we explore the gene discovery process at the intersection of genetics and immunology. Dr. Mehawej, along with the team at the LAU Medical Center (Dr. Andre Megarbane, Dr. Eliane Choueiri) have discovered 2 genes related to immunodeficiency over the past year. We discuss the process of gene discovery and its eventual impact on monitoring and treatment of these rare diseases. Whether you are a scientist, student, or simply curious about how genetics impacts health and disease, this podcast offers a rich resource and a window into the field of immunogenetics.

#immunogenetics #genediscovery #rarediseases

This episode can also be found on YouTube and on all podcast apps

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/d1TsHFthS_s

In this episode, we discuss with Dr. Mohamad Khalife and Dr. Anna Farra (two infectious diseases physicians with Doctors without Borders) their recent published article in Open Forum Infect Dis: " Posttraumatic Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Osteomyelitis in Mosul and Gaza: A Retrospective Cohort Study, 2018 - 2022. "

This is a timely episode that relates to the latest conflicts in the region including Iraq, Gaza, and Lebanon. We discuss the role of NGOs and local hospitals in acute care and the subsequent major role of surgeons and quality microbiology labs in preventing multidrug resistant infections, preventing amputations, and treating bone infections and other wounds appropriately.

Tune in to listen to the great work that is being done by the staff of MSF and by Dr. Khalife and Farra in these area.

#doctorswithoutborders #osteomyelitis #warzones #conflict #microbiology

This episode can be found on all podcast apps and on YouTube at:

https://youtu.be/AvNI4P-_3gw

In this episode, MohammadAli Jardaly and I discuss with Dr. Karine Abou Khaled their latest paper titled: "Impact of the socioeconomic crisis in Lebanon on people with epilepsy" published in Epilepsia Open.

Dr. Abou Khaled is an epilepsy specialist at Hotel Dieu De France and had returned to Lebanon years ago after completing her residency at Drexel University and Columbia University in the US.

This paper highlights the impact of the economic crisis on access to epilepsy medications. This leads us to gain a deeper understanding of how socioeconomic factors shape health outcomes and access. The decreased access to epilepsy medications and the increased stress levels from the economic crisis and the current war is leading to increased seizure activity among the patients affected and a poor quality of life.

Tune in to learn about these issues and to learn essential mitigation strategies.

#epilepsy #economiccrisis #stressandhealth

This episode is available on all podcast apps and on YouTube at:

https://youtu.be/dIMEPkrjeD4