Independent Consultant – Health systems & WHO projects
January 2020 – present
- Health systems consultant for WHO-Iraq on designing, implementing and documenting the pilot Primary Healthcare-oriented Model of Care in Basra, Karbala and Baghdad governorates. (December 2025 – ongoing)
- Principal investigator for the assessment of national capacity for ICD-11 implementation in Lebanon at the St. Joseph University of Beirut, funded by WHO-Lebanon. (October – December 2025)
- Advocacy and Policy Lead consultant on Non-Communicable Diseases on a collaboration between Magenta Consulting and WHO-Lebanon. (November – December 2025)
- Health systems consultant for WHO-Tunisia on leading the development of a national strategy for the hospital sector in Tunisia. (Nov. 2023 – Jan. 2025)
- Health systems consultant for WHO-Kuwait on updating the Kuwaiti Health Financing Matrix, evaluating cost-effectiveness of national insurance and informing national policies. (since Jul. 2024)
- Health systems consultant for the WHO-Tunisia on the assessment of Emergency Units of 16 hospitals in Tunisia. (Jun. 2024 – Feb. 2025)
- Member of WHO Expert Panel on Purchasing Arrangements for Chronic Illnesses in LMICs. (2023 – 2024)
- Health systems consultant for the WHO-Lebanon on healthcare rationalization in Lebanon, including casemix and cost-based analysis. (Apr-Jun. 2022)
- Health systems consultant for WHO-Lebanon on the development of a Health Sector Strategy for Lebanon-Vision 2030, with a central role in engaging more than 25 stakeholders and experienced health professionals. (Sep. 2021 – Aug. 2022)
Independent Consultant – Research, advocacy & advisory
January 2020 – present
- Health systems and epidemiology advisor for Clinical Care, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (CCHO) across several health-sector projects. (since June 2025)
- Leading impact evaluations of hospital pay-for-performance reforms using interrupted time series analysis on case complexity and on readmissions. (since Jan. 2020)
- Research Associate at the St. Joseph University of Beirut, Lebanon. (since July 2024)
- Educational leadership in Value-Based Healthcare (VBH), developing a course module on VBH for DrPH candidates at the Saint Joseph University of Beirut, and providing guidance for theses as supervisor/advisor. (since 2021)
- Consultant Researcher for the Impact Evaluation of Long-Term Primary Care Center Subsidization Protocol program (REBAHS II) for International Medical Corps and the American University of Beirut. (2023 – 2024)
- Public health advisor for the Triangle-Agence Française de Développement study on gender-related barriers to accessing health care services in Tripoli, Lebanon (2022), Provision of Services for the Analysis of the contextual risks anticipated to impact the implementation of NCD programmes in Lebanon (2021), Mid-Term and Endline Evaluation of the Strengthening Access to a Quality, Inclusive and Resilient Healthcare system (SAQIRH) project. (2023)
- Provided strategic counsel for Lebanese health authorities on their operational and strategic response to the COVID-19 outbreak. (Feb. – May 2020)
- Chair of the Independent Lebanese Committee for the Elimination of COVID-19, providing scientific leadership for national advocacy and response effort that engaged policymakers, authorities and the public. (2020 – 2022)
Researcher & Project Coordinator
February 2016 – December 2020
Collaborative project between the American University of Beirut, Lund University and the Ministry of Public Health, Lebanon
- Secured and led a highly competitive international grant from the UK Health Systems Research Initiative (MRC, Wellcome Trust/DFID/ESRC), designed a hospital pay-for-performance project and led a multi-institutional team of researchers and practitioners, involving the American University of Beirut, Lund University (Sweden) and the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).
- Led the development and implementation of hospital pay-for-performance, between 146 hospitals and the MoPH, including the development of the 2014 and 2019 model interventions.
- Managed a five-year project on hospital performance-based contracting: patient outcomes, equity and efficiency.
- Developed advanced automated algorithms for calculating hospital casemix index/complexity, as well case-definitions and algorithms for hospital readmissions across 10 medical/surgical conditions, and for analyzing cost and utilization indicators.
- Innovatively designed a composite scoring model to evaluated hospital performance, which was used by the Ministry for setting reimbursement tiers for 146 hospitals.
- Adapted interrupted time-series analysis techniques for the evaluation of the impact of hospital pay-for-performance.
- Led qualitative and quantitative data collection efforts and analyses on patient perspectives.
- Played a pivotal role in policy analysis, conducting reviews of healthcare services utilization and evaluation of health system interventions and policies, such as patient co-payment and service utilization among poor citizens.
- Successfully managed and leveraged a dataset of 2.3 million records, covering the period from 2011-2019.
- Functioned directly with the Ministry Director-General, on Health Systems and Policies, providing expertise and guidance that influenced high-level decisions and strategies.
Evaluation Consultant on Primary Healthcare
November 2016 – December 2019
World Bank project at the Ministry of Public Health, Lebanon
- Took charge of conducting rigorous annual external evaluations for the Emergency Primary Healthcare Restoration Project (EPHRP), a significant endeavor funded by the World Bank and implemented at the Ministry of Public Health.
- Verified quality and quantity of services at Primary Healthcare Centers (PHC) throughout Lebanon, involving on-site field visits to 80 PHCs and meticulous analysis of primary healthcare database extracts.
- Played a key role in enhancing the project’s performance framework by meticulously revising progress values. This enhancement facilitated a more accurate assessment of project milestones and accomplishments.
- Compiled detailed annual reports that not only encapsulated project progress but also provided evidence-informed recommendations for improvements. These reports were invaluable in informing project stakeholders and decision-makers.
- Authored an Implementation Completion and Results Report, a culmination of the project’s achievements, lessons learned, and stakeholder activities.
Hospital Performance and Utilization Review Consultant
September 2014 – January 2016
World Bank project at the Ministry of Public Health, Lebanon
- Spearheaded the ongoing development and calculation of hospital performance metrics, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and the implementation of a national case-mix index system. These metrics were integral in driving continuous improvement in hospital performance, which was documented by subsequent research.
- Innovatively introduced the first-of-its-kind hybrid hospital performance model, fostering collaboration between the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and over 130 hospitals.
- Designed a comprehensive indicators system aimed at detecting potential cases of medical abuse and misuse. This system played a major role in safeguarding the integrity of healthcare services.
- Regularly conducted comprehensive reviews of healthcare services utilization, ensuring efficiency and quality in the delivery of care. These reviews contributed to data-driven improvements in healthcare service delivery.
- Provided direct support to MoPH Director-General in in shaping policies and activities related to healthcare services.
Consultant, NCD Country Capacity & Response Survey for the Eastern Mediterranean Region
July 2015 – September 2015
World Health Organization
- Authored a the report titled ‘Assessing National Capacity for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases: Report of the 2015 Country Capacity Survey in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.’ This comprehensive report provided critical insights into the region’s capacity for NCD prevention and control (Link: http://applications.emro.who.int/dsaf/EMROPUB_2016_EN_19168.pdf).
- Meticulously validated collected data by conducting in-depth reviews of national policies and other country documents in alignment with the commitment areas of the regional framework.
- Developed a data repository for all 22 EMR Member States to integrate with ongoing efforts at the regional headquarters
- Leveraged analytical expertise to analyze the collected EMR regional data.
Utilization Review Coordinator
September 2009 – August 2014
World Bank project at the Ministry of Public Health, Lebanon
- Architect of the National Casemix Index system, establishing a robust and evidence-informed foundation for contracting agreements between the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and over 130 hospitals, transforming the relationship between stakeholders.
- Spearheaded the development of 40 clinical admission guidelines, collaborating with physicians to ensure the highest standards of care. Additionally, organized and conducted training programs for physicians, enhancing their clinical expertise.
- Coordinated three committees comprising physicians, public health and IT professionals. These committees focused on Utilization Review, Clinical Management, and Performance Contracting, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and driving improvements in healthcare practices.
- Developed hospital Key Performance Indicators for assessing hospital performance, which was used for setting hospital reimbursement tiers.
- Conducted regular, in-depth reviews of healthcare services utilization, ensuring both efficiency and quality in healthcare service delivery.
- Collaborated closely with the MoPH Director-General in crafting work-plans, which provided a roadmap for achieving healthcare objectives and aligning resources effectively.
Researcher-Epidemiologist
May 2009 – May 2018, pro-bono 2014-2018
National Tobacco Control Program, funded by The Bloomberg Initiative
- Played a central and pivotal role in the development, advocacy, and successful implementation of tobacco control Law #174.
- Designed and coordinated research and analysis efforts, overseeing three national surveys. These surveys provided critical data for evidence-based decision-making in tobacco control.
- Provided invaluable scientific support in monitoring tobacco use and the implementation of key tobacco control measures, including taxation policies, smoking bans, warning labels, smoking cessation programs, legislative efforts, and countering industry influence.
- Actively championed tobacco control efforts by advocating to policymakers for the adoption and enforcement of tobacco control laws and policies.
- Provided technical support and guidance for NGO capacity-building initiatives, such as strategic planning, workshops and policy-briefs.
- Coordinated a national situational analysis for FCTC article 14 (cessation)
- Developed a national smoking cessation strategy and a two-year National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) strategy.
- Crafted a proposal for increased tobacco taxation, including a simulation of its health and economic impact.
- Mentored and supervised two graduate students during their internships.
- Actively engaged in national, regional, and international conferences and workshops.
Project Coordinator
February 2013 – July 2014
Lebanese Union for Consumer Protection
- Coordinated litigation against tobacco industry, and capacity building for the judicial system and NGOs.
- Acted as lead consultant in a comprehensive review of Legislation and Policies regarding the Elderly in Lebanon, conducted for the Ministry of Social Affairs in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Lecturer
February 2013 – March 2013
Balamand University
- Designed and delivered an engaging and informative tobacco control module tailored for senior-year public health students. This module equipped the next generation of public health professionals with crucial knowledge and skills in tobacco control.
Project Medical Director
May 2012 – October 2012
The Monitor Group
- Offered invaluable medical and public health expertise to shape policy recommendations and strategic planning, notably contributing to the development of a comprehensive national preventive health strategy.
- Collaborated with a diverse project team to assess and develop multi-year strategies for 37 national public health programs for a Gulf Country’s Ministry of Health.
- Took the lead in evaluating and charting the course for national Non-Communicable Diseases programs, including those addressing Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes, Tobacco Control, Cancer Prevention, Asthma, Injuries, and Newborn screening.
Support member, Utilization Review Committee
June 2008 – December 2008
World Bank project at the Ministry of Public Health, Lebanon
- Played a supportive role within the Utilization Review Committee, actively contributing to the review processes for cholecystectomy and cardiac catheterization procedures.
Research Fellow, the Genographic Project
October 2006 – January 2008
National Geographic project at the American University of Beirut
- National Geographic Project. Engaged in multifaceted research activities, including data analysis, publication drafting, DNA extraction, phlebotomy, and participant recruitment.
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