I am a professor of pediatrics and infectious diseases. I spent the first six years of my life in the US, where my father was studying for a doctorate in economics.
After the family returned to Saudi Arabia, I grew up in Jeddah with a passion for sports and outdoor activities.
After graduating from King Abdul Aziz University, I followed in the footsteps of my two older siblings and became a physician. I then went back to the US and pursued a specialization in pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital, and then infectious diseases at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Case Western Reserve University.
Over the past 20 years, I have helped to establish and lead many programs in my field at national and regional levels. As a result, the World Health Organization, the UN and several other international bodies have recognized me as an expert in my field and sought my opinions, inviting me to serve on a variety of committees.
I am very much inspired by the younger generation and take pride in my mentorship roles, which I take very seriously. I have always believed that as a society, we are capable of reaching the stars.
I believe in the importance of a strong K12 education in the growth and evolution of civilizations.
My biggest worry is the education system. There are skills that are still not being taught at the school level, and that weakens the ability for our students to compete.
Our role is to pave the road for the next generation. When I returned from my training we had a lot of gaps that needed to be filled, but we want fresh graduates to hit the road running. They need to start from where we ended.
My biggest concern is the education system. There are skills that are still not being taught at the school level, and that weakens the ability of our students to compete.
I hope one day, soon, to see the education system totally revamped. I believe in the importance of a strong K12 education in the growth and evolution of civilizations.
I love nature and never pass up a chance to spend time outdoors. If I had more free time, I would also be busy with interior design, mixing and matching all sorts of fabrics, and surprising myself with what I am capable of.
Follow Dr. Hanan Balkhy
Twitter: @HananBalkhy
Linkedin: @hanan-balkhy