President letter

August 5, 2024

Dear Member/supporter

I am honored to address you as the newly elected President of the National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA). It is both a privilege and a responsibility to serve this remarkable organization, and I am deeply grateful for your trust and support.

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our outgoing president, Dr. Mahmoud Aqel, for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and the milestones achieved during his tenure. I also extend my thanks to all past presidents for their wisdom and guidance, which have laid the strong foundation upon which NAAMA continues to thrive.

To each of you, our valued members, I am deeply thankful for your confidence in me. I look forward to engaging with you, hearing your thoughts, and collaborating to achieve our shared vision for NAAMA’s future.

With the invaluable support of our Board of Directors, the NAAMA Foundation Board of Trustees, and our local chapters, here are the priorities we aim to focus on in the coming year

  • Unity and Representation: Strengthen NAAMA’s role as the unifying voice for Arab American healthcare professionals, especially in these challenging times when solidarity is vital.
  • Membership Growth: Expand our membership by welcoming healthcare professionals across diverse fields to build a stronger, more inclusive community.
  • Excellence in Medical Education: Enhance educational opportunities for our members by ensuring access to cutting-edge knowledge, skills, and resources to advance their professional development.
  • Empowering the Next Generation: Prepare young healthcare students and early-career professionals for active involvement and leadership roles in NAAMA, ensuring the long-term vitality of our organization.
  • Empowering Women in Healthcare: Actively support and empower Arab American women in healthcare by providing resources, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. We are committed to amplifying their voices and contributions, fostering a culture where they thrive as professionals and leaders.
  • Advocacy for Equity in Healthcare: Advocate for healthcare equity across the United States, promoting fair treatment and access to care for all communities, particularly those underserved.
  • Supporting Our People in the Arab World: Continue our humanitarian efforts during these especially difficult times in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and other regions. This includes disaster relief, educational support for future healthcare professionals, and rebuilding essential healthcare infrastructure.

Looking ahead, I am eager to connect with many of you at our upcoming events, particularly the International Convention in Dublin, Ireland, this July and the National Convention in Washington, D.C., in October 2025. Your enthusiastic participation will play a vital role in advancing NAAMA’s mission.

Thank you once again for the honor of serving as your President. Together, I am confident we can make 2025 a year of growth, unity, and progress for all.

Warm regards,

Raed Al-Naser, MD, FCCP
NAAMA National President 2025

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