About ALMA NSW
Established 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.
Committee
Dr Christiane Melki
PresidentChristiane 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 Ghassan Charbel
Vice PresidentDr 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 Elie Matar
TreasurerDr Elie Matar is a neurology trainee, NHMRC PhD scholar and Emerging Leadership Fellow based at the Brain and Mind Centre in the University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred / Concord Hospitals. His subspecialty interests include movement disorders, cognitive neurology and sleep medicine. He was born in Beirut, Lebanon and lived his early childhood in the town of Ghadir in Jounieh.
Dr Josephine Adattini
SecretaryDr Josephine Touma Adattini (BPharm Hons, PhD) is a pharmacist working at the Cancer Institute NSW and at Royal North Shore Hospital. Her research and clinical expertise is in optimising use of anticancer agents through consideration of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic predictors of response. She is currently working with eviQ and the Cancer Institute in developing the International Consensus Guidelines for Anticancer Drug Dosing in Kidney Dysfunction (ADDIKD). Josephine also has a strong interest in education and professional development of health professionals, and is an academic tutor at The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy.
Dr Serge Geara
Social Media & Public Relations OfficerDr Serge Geara is a Basic Physician trainee at Western Sydney Local Health District. He Graduated from University of Sydney with an MBBS in 2015 and is Currently an MPhil Candidate in research. He has in interest in Neurology and Immunology and is an Advanced Trainee in Neurology at Blacktown. He Comes from a background of attachment to Lebanon with a yearn for openness and understanding.
His Undergraduate degree is in Psychology and Neuroscience from the American University of Beirut.
He enjoys basketball, music fusion, jazz, and learning languages and cultures. He can speak 5.5 languages fluently.
Dr Soraya Alami
General CommitteeDr Soraya Alami graduated from Sydney University. She has over 30 years’ experience in working with CALD communities& manages her boutique Solo practice in Lakemba, Sydney NSW with a specific focus on women & children, counselling, antenatal care & family planning. ( Picture attached)
She is passionate about providing quality holistic care for her patients & community & strives to build cross cultural bridges of understanding & communication to improve the health & well-being of our community.
Soraya has represented GP’s & CALD communities on numerous boards over many years in her endeavor to assist & serve our community.
Her favourite mantras are Live Life in Loving Kindness & Let go & Let God.
Sarah Kammoun
General CommitteeSarah Kammoun is a dedicated Women’s Health & Emergency Physiotherapist. She is very passionate about educating, empowering and helping people. Sarah joined the Australian Lebanese Medical Association (ALMA NSW) in 2021 and is currently a general committee member.
Dr George Akiki
General CommitteeGeorge Akiki has completed a Bachelors in Exercise and Sports Science and a Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney. He then completed his medical degree at the Unversity of Notre Dame Australia, graduating with a Doctor of Medicine in 2018. He is currently a general committee member with ALMA..
Dr Khalil Bazzi
General CommitteeDr Khalil Bazzi is an anaesthetic registrar at St George Hospital in Kogarah. He previously worked as a community pharmacist and has a strong passion for improving health outcomes and health literacy within the Australian-Lebanese community.