Dr. Vanda Abi Raad, clinical professor of anesthesiology and associate dean for Faculty Affairs and Development at the Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, has been elected to the Council of the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA) for the 2026–2028 term, representing Africa and the Middle East.

Dr. Abi Raad’s election helps to enhance LAU’s growing international impact by placing the university at the forefront of discussions shaping the future of anesthesiology education and practice.

Comprising more than 140 national societies of anesthesiologists worldwide, the WFSA works to improve anesthesia care through education, patient safety, workforce development, and advocacy. As a member of its Council, Dr. Abi Raad will help guide the federation’s priorities and initiatives, contributing to decisions that influence the profession across regions and healthcare systems.

Dr. Abi Raad’s election follows years of service on the WFSA Education Committee, where she played a key role in developing international training programs, reviewing fellowship applications, strengthening faculty development initiatives, and advancing capacity-building projects in underserved regions.

That sustained commitment earned the confidence of delegates from national anesthesiology societies, who elected her during the WFSA General Assembly. Upon ratification by the Federation’s General Assembly, she officially joined the Council.

At LAU, Dr. Abi Raad has been instrumental in advancing anesthesiology education and faculty development. She chairs the Department of Anesthesiology at the Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine while serving as associate dean for Faculty Affairs and Development, helping shape academic programs and support faculty excellence across the school.

Her leadership also extends across the region and internationally. She is a past president of the Lebanese Society of Anesthesiologists, a board member of the Pan Arab Federation of Societies of Anesthesia, and chair of its Continuous Professional Development Committee. She is also an associate member of France’s National Academy of Surgery, a testament to her contributions to the field and her growing influence in the global anesthesiology community.