About ALMA
WHat WE AREEstablished in 2012, the Australian Lebanese Medical Association is comprised of Australian health professionals of a Lebanese background. ALMA is a not for profit association. At ALMA we endeavour to provide a forum for professional and social exchange amongst our members, whilst also promoting the pursuit of charitable endeavors and social projects within the Australian broader community.
As a health led institution, ALMA looks to promote and conduct community educational forums and support for the Australian and Lebanese communities and promote and foster linkages among other medical associations in Australia and Internationally.
Our Values
What we embodyFostering Relationships
Promoting Healthier Communities
Charitable Community Outreach
Positive Health Outcomes
National Board
President
Dr. Walid Ahmar
BSc(Hons) PhD MBBS FRACP FCSANZ FACCIs an interventional and consultant cardiologist. He is a in cardiology research with over 30 papers published in medical journals and books internationally. He works as a cardiologist at MonashHeart and St Vincents Private Hospital. He is involved in teaching cardiology registrars and fellows. He is the founder and national president Australian Lebanese Medical Association and the founder and president of the International Lebanese Medical Association. He is the Chairperson of the ALMA Student Education Foundation. He enjoys educating the community in Health areas and along with the Heart Foundation, QUIT Australia and the Anti-cancer council successful led to the parliamentary change of the Tabacco ACT in Victoria to include waterpipe smoking. He is the recipient of the Heart Foundations Presidents Award in 2017. He is active in medical donations to Lebanon both from Australia and Internationally. He is on the Medical Advisory committee of the Brunswick Private Hospital.
Dr Ghassan Charbel
Member
NSW State ALMA Vice President
Dr Ghassan Charbel, MBBS FRACP, is an accomplished adult cardiologist.
He is the director and founder of the Heart Care Institute, Specialist Cardiologist and General Medicine Physician at Canterbury Hospital and Honorary VMO at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. After completing his Higher School Education at Sydney Boys High School, Dr Charbel earned his medical degree at the University of Sydney.
He completed his adult internal medicine training at St George Hospital and underwent extensive cardiology training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, including a Fellowship in Echocardiography.
Dr Charbel specializes in CT Coronary Angiography and holds a special interest in heart failure management, hypertension management and preventative care.
Dr Walid Rostom
Member
Victorian State ALMA President
Dr Walid is the current president of ALMA Victoria. He was born in Melbourne Australia. His parents were both born in Lebanon. He studied medicine at the University of Newcastle in NSW and completed his internship at John Hunter Hospital before moving back to Melbourne to work at the Northern Hospital. He is now a fully qualified General Practitioner practising in Niddrie, Victoria, with an interest in all fields of medicine.
Walid has visited Lebanon frequently and is always looking for ways to help Lebanon in any way he can.
Dr Cathy Soufan
Member
Victoria State ALMA Vice President
Dr Soufan is a GP registrar who has a background is in plastic and reconstructive surgery and general surgery. She has just completed a Master of Surgery and has a special interest in skin cancer, cosmetic medicine and other minor surgical procedures.
Dr Philip Wuth
Member
Queensland ALMA
Phillip obtained his medical degree from the University of Queensland and since graduation has completed a Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, as well as a Masters in Clinical Science in the field of Lifestyle Medicine.
As well as normal general practice; prevention and long term lifestyle modification form a major focus of his practice, with the ultimate aim of making “healthy” people even healthier. He believes that it is essential that patients take an active role in their health, as this dynamic participation allows the best health outcomes.
Complementing the concept of keeping your internal body healthy and vital is the aesthetic component of Phillip’s practice. Through the use of cosmetic injectables and other anti-wrinkle treatments, people are able to revitalise their external appearance. This aesthetic element complements the concept of optimal internal wellness, resulting in a more holistic approach to healthier, prevention focussed ageing
Dr Elie Kharma
Member
Queensland ALMA
Dr Elie Karma is our head chiropractor – with an extensive medical background he provides our customers with a wealth of knowledge and experience at every adjustment.
Dr Christiane Melki
Member
NSW ALMA State President
Christiane Melki was Born in North Lebanon
After Completing a degree in biomedical sciences at the American University of Beirut, she moved to Australia in 2011.
Christiane achieved a Masters degree in public health at the University of Sydney in 2012, before working as a researcher in cardiovascular disease at RPAH for 3 years.
She then graduated from Notre Dame University with a medical degree in 2018, and is currently specialising in Emergency Medicine.
She has been an Australian Lebanese Medical Association (ALMA NSW) member since 2013 and is currently the ALMA NSW president
Dr Karim Kantar
Member
South Australia ALMA
Dr Karim Kantar is an Orthopaedic Surgeon Sub-Specialising in Adult & Paediatric Spinal Surgery
Born & raised in Beirut, he attended school at the Mission Laique Francaise and attained a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the American University of Beirut in 2007.
He moved to Australia in 2008 and completed a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at Flinders Medical School in 2011.
Dr Kantar obtained his Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons & the Australian Orthopaedic Association in 2022 through the South Australian/Northern Territory program.
In his free time Karim enjoys travelling, photography & the great outdoors.
“As an Australian of Lebanese background, I feel privileged to live in such a multicultural country & proud to share the rich heritage of my upbringing"