DR STAMBOULI’s interview with The Algerian Chronicle.

"MY HEART IS WITH EVERY ALGERIAN IN NEED OF CARE, AND IT'S THIS DEEP CONNECTION THAT FUELS MY MISSION TO TRANSFORM OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM."

 Before our insightful interview, I had the opportunity to engage in a meaningful WhatsApp conversation with Dr. Stambouli. In this exchange, he shared his passionate views and deep-seated commitment to Algerian healthcare system. His words resonated with a profound sense of duty and a heartfelt connection to the well-being of his compatriots. This preliminary discussion set the stage for a more in-depth exploration of his vision and the challenges he faces in his admirable journey bring about substantial. improvements in Algeria. l now leave you with this engaging interview, hoping you'll find it enlightening and inspiring as I did. Enjoy the read!

“Hello, I'm Dr. Stambouli. My medical journey began in Algeria, where I graduated in 1986, followed by radiology specialization in France, focusing on compassionate care until 1994. | then transitioned to international healthcare, serving as the Senior Medical Advisor in Washington DC for the UAE Medical office, where I honed my global collaboration skills. Moving to the United States, I was a Business Development Manager at Duke University Medical Center, contributing to strategic advancement My career further evolved as Program Director at Unispital Zurich, Switzerland, enhancing international medical programs. A key role was as Chief Medical Officer at Patient Care International, partnering with the Mayo Clinic. This led to my position as Division President of Africa with Global Medical Services, improving healthcare focusing on across continent. Currently, as CEO of the Global Health International, I lead global health initiatives, emphasizing innovation and collaboration, aiming to make a lasting impact in healthcare worldwide.

 In my tenure at Medea Hospital and with the AAAGW association in Washington DC, I significantly contributed to medical advancements, particularly for Spina Bifida treatment in Algeria. In 2008, a case involving patient Mounib at the Mayo Clinic highlighted the need for specialized care in Algeria. After extensive negotiations, we gained approval in 2016 to train four young Neurosurgeons at Medea Hospital. A team of 12 US Specialists, including top Neurosurgeons, joined our effort under the Maghreb American Health Foundation (www.Mahealthfoundation.org), performing successful surgeries on 45 children. We introduced advanced surgical techniques and trained anesthesiologists for newborn care. l also pioneered telemedicine at Medea Hospital, connecting with US medical institutions, though it was later discontinued due to resource constraints. Now, over 1000 children have been successfully treated by Algerian doctors Medea Hospital, demonstrating the success of our knowledge transfer and the commitment to improving local healthcare.

Recently, we formed the Worldwide Algerian Healthcare Alliance (WAHA), uniting global associations to aid Algerian healthcare, detailed at https://www.waha-alliance.org/. Our main goal is financing doctor training abroad and supporting local healthcare. A key project is the Amine Lymphedema Center for elephantiasis patients, inspired by Amine Rabi Yarahmous case. After collaboration with a German facility, we're building a clinic in Algeria and have sent an Algerian therapist to Germany for training. The clinic is under construction, and while seeking funds, we've treated 27 patients in a temporary space in Medea. This will be Algeria's first such center and the second in Africa, following the one in Egypt. However, our technology and expertise transfer efforts face bureaucratic challenges. For example, during a visit by a bone deformity expert, despite preparing all documents, we couldn't perform surgeries due to delayed authorizations. Instead, we managed consultations for 60 patients at the AeChiffa Association center, not in the hospital.

In my commitment to helping children receive medical treatment abroad, one of the most memorable experiences was with Mounib. After seeing a heart-wrenching video of him in a coma, our community in England, led by Elias Filali, raised $150,000 through a global fundraising effort. This enabled us to transfer Mounib via Air Ambulance to the Mayo Clinic in the USA. where his life was saved. Today, he is prospering in a US high school. Another significant case was that of Aisha, who faced possible leg amputation due to a bone deformity. Our efforts helped secure her treatment in India with Dr. Ratnav, allowing her to walk again and enjoy life. Establishing the Maghreb American Health Foundation in 2012 has been pivotal in aiding such cases, though funding challenges persist. I hope to increase awareness and support for the Foundation (www.Mahealthfoundation.org) to continue assisting children in need."

On a personal level, what keeps me inspired to forge ahead in my career and humanitarian efforts is the profound impact we can make on people's lives. Witnessing positive transformations in patients, especially children, fuels my determination. Knowing that our initiatives contribute to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality, both in Algeria and globally, is a powerful motivator. Balancing professional responsibilities in  the USA with ongoing commitments in Algeria is undoubtedly a juggling act. Technology has been a game-changer in this regard. Leveraging digital platforms allows me to stay connected, coordinate efforts, and manage projects remotely. Regular communication with my teams, both in the USA and Algeria, is key to ensuring that initiatives progress smoothly on both fronts. Additionally, having a dedicated and capable team on the ground in Algeria facilitates the execution of projects in my absence, providing a continuity and reliability humanitarian endeavors.

As an involved member of the Algerian community, I'm deeply motivated to help develop our healthcare system. It's frustrating to face limitations in aiding compatriots with medical issues that could be resolved within Algeria, knowing that significant healthcare advancements are achievable. The world's increasing interconnectedness highlights the need for urgent improvements in our healthcare sector. My drive for change reflects the potential of collaboration and knowledge sharing to transform Algeria's healthcare landscape. I hope for more attentive and responsive leadership, advocating for a collective approach to innovative solutions for medical challenges faced by Algerians. This is a call for harnessing our community's resources, expertise, and willingness to enact positive change. The goal is not just to address immediate concerns but to build a robust, sustainable healthcare system catering to the population's evolving needs. This message reflects my deep commitment to my fellow Algerians and the pursuit of collaborative efforts to improve our healthcare.”