October 14, 2026
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We at NAAMA have been busy this fall. As promised at the beginning of the year, we are on an upward swing and a growth trajectory, aiming to become the lifelong companion for Arab-American health care professionals. We start with our two very successful conventions, the National 48th Convention, held in Houston, Texas, and the NAAMA NextGen 7th Annual Summit, held in Michigan.
48th National Medical Convention Success
A huge thank you to the Convention Committee and attendees for making this year's event a tremendous success. We surpassed our typical attendance across all scientific tracks and social events! Highlights included:
A high-caliber medical track and our first-ever Dental track.
The Healthcare Professional Development Program, offering leadership and networking for students & trainees.
Memorable social events, including a Texas-themed Welcome Reception, a companion NASA trip, a 400-guest Gala & Ben Qurrah Awards, and an Arab Culture and Music Night at Houston’s Arab-American Cultural Center.
View the Houston convention photos.
NAAMA NextGen 7th Summit
NextGen held its annual summit on October 3 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Summit boasts over 200 attendees, 20 speakers, and 70 research posters. Visit NAAMA NextGen for news and updates.
2027 & 2028 Conventions
During the convention, delegates voted on future destinations. Detailed information will be announced next year for the following lineup:
2027 National Convention: Michigan (Labor Day Weekend).
2027 International Convention: Jordan (4th of July Weekend).
2028 International Convention: Tunisia (Details early 2028).
New Strategic Partnerships
We teamed up with the Network of Arab American Surgeons (NAAS) for their Inaugural Reception on September 27 during the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress in Washington, D.C. Visit the NAAS website to learn about their membership and upcoming events. The future relationship between NAAMA & NAAS will be modeled on the relationship between the AMA and American College of Surgeons, with the goal of joint membership in the near future. Stay tuned for further details.
NAAMA Mentorship Program
Our team has been hard at work developing the mentorship program, under the leadership of Dr. Dana Al-Khaled, our Mentorship Initiative Lead. The mentorship initiative will connect international medical graduates, residents and fellows with mentors in respective fields of interest and over the next few years will morph into NAAMA Residents. The membership program will be hosted on Circle, an app designed for this type of interaction. This platform exists to help you find the right match; someone who understands not just the challenges of a career in medicine, but the unique perspectives and experiences that come with being part of NAAMA. Whether you’re applying for residency or fellowship, reviewing a contract, looking for early career advice, or seeking guidance as an international medical graduate navigating the U.S. system, there’s a mentor here who’s walked that path before you. Contact NAAMA about joining the mentorship program.
NAAMA & Al-Risaleh Foundation
We have partnered with the Al Risaleh Foundation to support humanitarian medical work in underserved regions. We recently solicited volunteers for the Gaza Telemedicine Program and medical missions to Lebanon, Jordan, and later to Gaza. We are proud to report 32 responders so far who are being onboarded as the first cohort. Visit Al Risaleh Foundation website to learn about their mission and programs. Contact NAAMA about volunteering.
Our New Digital Home
We have officially launched our redesigned website! It features a modernized aesthetic, a refreshed logo, and streamlined navigation. We have also simplified our membership into 6 main categories with flexible enrollment: Lifetime Membership: A permanent, one-time payment option. Auto-Renewal: Hassle-free automatic yearly renewals. Annual Reminders: Digital notifications if you prefer manual payments. 12-Month Rolling Cycles: Join or renew any day of the year for a full 12 months of benefits. Renew or become a member Check out our online store, with the inaugural product, “The Missing Curriculum” by Dr. Omar Lattouf. This book is a roadmap for physicians who aspire not merely to survive an increasingly complex healthcare environment, but to lead with purpose, integrity, resilience, and impact. A handbook for serious physicians committed to excellence.
NAAMA Chapters
The next newsletter will focus on the many outstanding activities the chapters have been doing in their respective communities. Explore the NAAMA chapter directory.
Leadership & Upcoming Elections
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the Executive Committee and Foundation Board. Active members will receive voting instructions shortly, and final results will be announced at the end of October. Your involvement drives our organization forward. Please take a moment to renew your membership today to stay connected and support our mission of leadership, education, and philanthropy.
Best regards,
Nidal Moukaddam, MD, PhD
President, National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA)