Prof. Lihadh Al-Gazali Iraqi Pioneer in Clinical Genetics, UNESCO-L'Oréal Laureate, and Pediatrician

Prof. Lihadh Al-Gazali Iraqi Pioneer in Clinical Genetics, UNESCO-L'Oréal Laureate, and Pediatrician

Professor Lihadh Al-Gazali was born in Amarah, Iraq, in November 1950, and was raised in Baghdad. Her early life, influenced by highly educated parents—her mother was an educationalist and her father a judge in the Iraqi armed forces—emphasized the importance of perseverance and academic rigor.

Her foundational medical journey began in Iraq, where she obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the prestigious Baghdad University Medical College in 1973. Following her graduation and initial training in pediatrics, she moved to the United Kingdom to specialize further in the pioneering field of Clinical Genetics. She completed her specialized training at institutions including the University of Edinburgh and Leeds University, earning fellowships from the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health.

Career and Achievements Prof. Lihadh Al-Gazali

Prof. Lihadh Al-Gazali is renowned as a leading figure in Clinical Genetics and Dysmorphology in the Middle East. Her career is distinguished by establishing foundational medical services and pioneering research focusing on inherited disorders prevalent in Arab populations:

• Pioneering Services in the UAE: After moving to the United Arab Emirates in 1990, she joined the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). She was instrumental in establishing the first comprehensive Clinical Genetics Service for the entire UAE population, supported by cytogenetic and DNA laboratories.

• Gene Registry: Prof. Al-Gazali successfully established the first gene registry for birth defects in an Arab country, which subsequently became a member of the International Clearinghouse of Birth Defects.

• Academic Leadership: She holds the position of Professor and Senior Consultant in Clinical Genetics and Pediatrics at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at UAEU, where she has inspired and mentored a generation of regional geneticists.

Research and Contributions

Professor Lihadh Al-Gazali's research has resulted in over 280 publications in esteemed international journals (such as The Lancet and various PubMed-indexed journals). Her focus is on delineating the clinical and molecular basis of autosomal recessive disorders, common in communities with high rates of consanguineous marriage:

• Identification of New Syndromes: Her most notable breakthrough is the identification and characterization of several new inherited disorders. In recognition of this pioneering work, one of these complex genetic diseases was officially named the Al-Gazali Syndrome.

• Molecular Genetics: Her work involves deep molecular analysis, leading to the identification of several recessive genes and the mapping of seven new genes, often in collaboration with major international research institutions.

• Public Awareness: For over 17 years, she has dedicated herself to public awareness campaigns in the Middle East regarding the link between consanguinity and the prevalence of genetic diseases, advocating for genetic screening and premarital counseling.

Awards and Recognitions

The international medical and scientific communities have recognized Prof. Lihadh Al-Gazali's profound impact with numerous awards:

• L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science (2008): She was honored as the Laureate for Africa and Arab States for her fundamental work in identifying new inherited diseases.

• The Lancet Profile: In March 2006, the prestigious medical journal The Lancet profiled her, highlighting her significant contribution to Clinical Genetics and research in the Middle East, cementing her status as a global authority.

• Regional Honors: Her accolades include the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for scientific distinction (2019), the Abu Dhabi Award (2015) for genetic services, the Sheikh Hamdan Award for Medical Sciences (2007), and a Takreem Award (2014) for Arab achievers.

Humanitarian Work and Social Impact

Prof. Al-Gazali's work is inherently humanitarian, centered on preventing and managing debilitating diseases:

• Family Counseling: By establishing the genetics services and registry, she provided thousands of families affected by genetic diseases with counseling, support, and specialized diagnostic services previously unavailable in the region.

• Education and Prevention: Her vigorous public awareness campaigns directly address preventable factors contributing to genetic disorders, making her work a critical public health intervention with lasting social impact.

FAQs

What is the significance of "Al-Gazali Syndrome"?

It is a complex genetic disorder that was identified and characterized by Professor Al-Gazali and her team, named in recognition of her pioneering work.

What award did she receive for her research?

She received the prestigious L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science (2008) for the Africa and Arab States region.

Where did Professor Al-Gazali establish major genetic health services?

She established the first comprehensive Clinical Genetics Service and gene registry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

What is her core research focus?

Identifying and characterizing autosomal recessive disorders and genetic diseases prevalent in Arab populations.