NAAMA President

Dr. Mahmoud Aqel currently holds the esteemed position of  President at the National Arab American Medical  Association (NAAMA) for the year 2024. His dedicated service extends beyond this role marked by a significant  comittment with NAAMA, having previously served as National Vice President in 2023 and 2014, National Secretary in 2022, 2021 and 2013, and as President of the  NAAMA-NJ chapter twice. 

As a dedicated primary care physician based in Paterson, NJ,  Dr. Aqel brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his practice. He earned his  medical degree from the University of Jordan School of Medicine and a Ph.D. in  Anatomy from the University of Iowa. Notably, during his tenure at the University of  Jordan School of Medicine, he served as an Associate Professor of Anatomy from 1986 to 1994 and as Assistant Dean from 1990 to 1992. Dr. Aqel is also a prolific author,  having published over 30 articles, authored the textbook “Essentials of Human Anatomy”  in Arabic widely used in schools in the Middle East, and served as an Editorial Member  for the International Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 

Dr. Aqel came to the U.S. in 1996 and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at St.  Joseph’s Hospital and pursued a fellowship in Vascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic  Foundation. Additionally, he obtained an MBA in Healthcare from George Washington  University. Driven by a passion for educating future physicians, he served as a Teaching  Attending for Internal Medicine Residents at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, NJ, and as  a Clinical Assistant Professor at Mt. Sinai Medical School.  

Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Vascular Medicine, and Undersea & Hyperbaric  Medicine, Dr. Aqel is also a certified Wound Specialist. His expertise extends to the  treatment of patients with wounds and providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy at his private  practices in Paterson and Clifton, New Jersey. 

Dr. Aqel’s leadership has been instrumental in various healthcare institutions. He served  as the Medical Director of the Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center at Barnert Hospital  located in Paterson, NJ from 200 to 2007. Additionally, he has held various positions on  the medical board and other committees at St. Joseph’s Hospital. His contributions  extended to the role of Commissioner and Manager Board Member at Preakness Health  System from 2004 to 2011. Dr. Aqel’s leadership expanded as Chairman of the  International Medical Convention in Amman, Jordan in 2011 and of the National Medical  Convention in NJ in 2016 and 2022. 

Continuing his dedication to community and state service, Dr. Aqel served as a member  of the NJ State Board of Medical Examiners from 2017 to 2022. He chaired the NJ State Credential Committee and as chair of the North Jersey Preliminary Evaluation Committee.  

Dr. Aqel’s multifaceted career and unwavering dedication highlight his significant impact  on healthcare, education, and community service.