Dr. David ATALLAH

Faculty of Medicine

Professor

(+961) 1 421 000 ext david.atallah@usj.edu.lb

Throughout the past twenty years, his unwavering dedication has been committed to serving diverse communities, institutions, regions, and the global sphere, resulting in tangible and impactful outcomes. Below, are the key highlights of his service contributions. Clinical Services He has developed numerous techniques and introduced new technologies in the country over the past two decades, helping women with various gynecologic and obstetrical conditions receive prompt treatment with the highest standards of care. In Obstetrics, he developed surgical techniques for abnormal placentation, a morbid condition affecting many women in Lebanon due to the high rate of cesarean sections. He published on this topic and was the first worldwide to report the retroperitoneal and posterior-first approach, significantly reducing morbidity and blood loss. In Breast Surgery, he introduced the minimally invasive technique 21 years ago, being the first Lebanese to publish on it. He also introduced oncoplastic surgery, becoming the first to present a series at breast congresses and publishing a paper on the outcomes. In Gynecologic Oncology, he pioneered extensive surgical management for ovarian neoplasms and achieved accreditation for his center by the European Society of Gynecologic Oncology as a reference center for advanced ovarian cancer surgery. He was the first in Lebanon to introduce ultra-staging in endometrial cancer and to use Indo Cyanine Green for sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial cancer. He developed pelvic sidewall surgery for cervical cancer recurrences and locally advanced disease, being the only one in Lebanon to do so. He introduced total mesometrial resection for cervical cancer, achieving zero known recurrences in operable cervical cancer patients since 2013. In Urogynecology, he was the first to introduce tension-free vaginal tape in Lebanon during his fellowship in France and developed minimally invasive surgery for genital prolapse (laparoscopic sacral colpopexy), also a first in Lebanon. With over 700 procedures performed annually (excluding deliveries), he is currently appointed as the Director of the Women’s Cancer Institute. University and Departmental Services Throughout his career, he has held diverse professional roles across multiple domains, contributing significantly to their advancement: He serves as the Dean’s representative for research at Saint Joseph University, School of Medicine. He is the President of the steering committee for a minimally invasive training center, the Center of Excellence in Ankara, Turkey. Since 2022, he has served as the Chairman of the Gynecology Department and Abnormal Placentation. He has held the position of Editor-in-Chief for the Lebanese Medical Journal since November 2018. He was the Chairman of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital from 2018 to 2022, where he also led the Gynecologic Oncology and Breast Cancer Unit. His leadership extends to professional societies, including: President-elect of the Lebanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology Vice President of the Lebanese Gynecologic Oncologic Group Member of the IGCS Board of Directors, where he chairs the Middle East and Africa committee. In academia, he has been a Full Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Saint Joseph University since 2015. He has also served as a reviewer and editorial board member for various scholarly journals. Additionally, he has taught at Salpêtrière University, School of Nursing, and The Lebanese University, School of Physiotherapy, from 1998 to 1999 and 1993 to 1997, respectively. His multifaceted professional background reflects his dedication to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and shaping future generations of medical professionals.

Highest degree : Medical Doctor (MD) - Saint Joseph University of Beirut