BEIRUT, February 12, 2025 – The Faculty of Medicine (FM), the Higher Institute of Public Health (ISSP), and the Doctoral School of Health and Science (EDSS) at the Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) are proud to announce the official licensing of their PhD in Public Health by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education. To celebrate this achievement, a ceremony was held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Faculty of Medicine, in the presence of Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, Rector of the University, Prof. Salah Abou Jaoude, SJ, Vice-Rector, as well as Vice-Rectors for Academic Affairs, Prof. Toufic Rizk, for Administration, Prof. Fady Geara, for Research, Prof. Richard Maroun, for International Relations, Prof. Carla Edde, the University’s Secretary-General, Prof. Nadine Riachi Haddad, the Dean of FM, Prof. Elie Nemr, the Director of ISSP, Prof. Michèle Kosermelli Asmar, the Director of EDSS, Prof. Nassim Fares, the Director of the program, Prof. Walid Ammar, as well as faculty members, dissertation directors, and ISSP staff.

The ceremony started with a welcome address by Prof. Asmar who emphasized the significance of the event and the achievement. She then gave the floor to Prof. Ammar, Prof. Nemr, and Prof. Daccache, who each spoke about this important milestone.

Prof. Ammar described the structure of the new program, highlighting that it targets professionals from various sectors, including ministries, healthcare institutions, non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry. The program prioritizes evidence-based decision-making and applied public health practices. It focuses on developing leadership skills in strategic analysis, negotiation, alliance-building, and resource mobilization. In line with the accreditation criteria of the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH), the curriculum integrates foundational competencies, hands-on learning, practical projects, and peer collaboration. Candidates will also engage in applied practice experiences, contributing to initiatives such as the Mediterranean Academy for Learning Health Systems (MEDALS), and participating in international forums such as WHO’s World Health Assembly.

The program reflects USJ’s commitment to shaping future public health leaders who prioritize the well-being of individuals and are dedicated to advancing public health on all levels. Prof. Nemr echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the program aligns with the Faculty’s mission of addressing people’s needs, namely their health needs. He emphasized that health extends beyond healthcare to include national and regional policy considerations. Prof. Nemr also commended the ongoing collaboration between the Faculty and ISSP, one of its affiliated institutions, which places USJ at the forefront of public health education.

Prof. Daccache started his word by alluding to the growing value of ISSP within the University, recalling the extensive planning and effort that led to its establishment in 2016. The Rector thanked Dr. Abbas Halabi, former Minister of Education and Higher Education, as well as Dr. Mazen El Khatib, Director General of Higher Education at the Ministry, for their support during the licensing process. He also highlighted ISSP’s important role in education, research, evidence and data production, and the shaping of future public health leaders. The Rector concluded by praising Prof. Asmar’s leadership and her dedication to fostering collaboration with both internal and external entities, extending his best wishes to the entire team for this milestone.

Following the speakers’ interventions, a testimonial video was presented, featuring PhD candidates who shared their experiences with the program. Ms. Zeina Mneimneh spoke about the positive atmosphere within the program and the University, praising the collaborative spirit, the quality teaching, and the high expertise of faculty members. As for Ms. Bassima Hazimeh, she described her journey as both professionally and personally rewarding, and credited the program for the robustness of its curriculum, which blends theoretical and practical aspects, and for all the connections she made with other professionals and researchers in the field.

The ceremony was followed by a cocktail reception.

For more information about the PhD in Public Health program, please contact us at drph.issp@usj.edu.lb.

View the photo album