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Prof. Awad Al-Omari is a visionary leader in healthcare innovation, merging cutting-edge technology with a strong focus on patient safety, operational excellence, and accessibility. His leadership at Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group (HMG) has introduced pioneering projects, many of which were novel for both the organization and the regional market. His initiatives in critical care, telemedicine, AI, and patient safety have revolutionized healthcare delivery and set new industry benchmarks, earning multiple prestigious awards.
1. Tele-ICU Program:
Prof. Al-Omari's Tele-ICU program transformed critical care across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Under his leadership, HMG launched the world’s largest Tele-ICU command center, which earned a Guinness World Record. This system provided 24/7 expert ICU monitoring and consultation, improving accessibility, especially in remote areas. The program achieved a 19% reduction in ICU mortality and a 23% drop in readmissions.
During the COVID-19 crisis, his foresight in establishing the Tele-ICU was instrumental in supporting Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals. The system helped manage over 4,000 critical COVID-19 patients, showcasing his ability to anticipate challenges and implement scalable solutions.
2. Tele-Stroke Program:
Prof. Al-Omari’s Tele-Stroke program, using AI and telemedicine, revolutionized stroke care by drastically reducing door-to-needle time. This initiative earned the prestigious Adaa Health Award from the Minister of Health, standing out among 10,000 global projects. The program improved patient outcomes by increasing consultations by 43% and imaging procedures by 32%.
3. Tele-Cardiology (NABD-24) Program:
Prof. Al-Omari's NABD-24 Tele-Cardiology program facilitated rapid diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks. The initiative consistently achieved a door-to-balloon time of under 90 minutes, outperforming international benchmarks and significantly improving cardiac care outcomes.
4. Artificial Intelligence in Radiology – A First in the Private Sector:
Prof. Al-Omari introduced AI to HMG’s radiology department, a first in the private sector, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. AI solutions now assist with various modalities, improving radiologists' productivity by 25% and significantly boosting diagnostic accuracy. AI integration has also reduced turnaround times in emergency settings.
5. National Patient Safety Awards:
Prof. Al-Omari's commitment to patient safety led to HMG receiving two National Patient Safety Awards. His “Improving Safety Standards for Intensive Care Patients” project introduced protocols that enhanced patient safety, while his initiative on “Regulating Antibiotics” addressed global antibiotic resistance. He also received recognition for the TAMKEEN project, which focused on operational excellence in surgical inpatients, significantly reducing OR cancellation rates.
6. Global Recognition for Medical Transformation:
Prof. Al-Omari was awarded the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Award, recognizing HMG as one of the top medical transformation teams globally. This honor reflects his exceptional leadership in driving impactful innovations in healthcare delivery.
7. Operational Excellence Initiatives:
Prof. Al-Omari’s TAMKEEN program, focused on inpatient surgical departments, significantly reduced operating room cancellations, while his ER-45 initiative shortened emergency department stays by 32%. These improvements have optimized both patient experience and resource utilization.
8. Thought Leadership and Media Contributions:
In addition to his clinical achievements, Prof. Al-Omari is a recognized thought leader in healthcare. His appearances on major platforms like Al Arabiya and Rotana, and his extensive publications on telemedicine, digital health, and AI, have helped drive the adoption of innovative healthcare solutions across the region.
In conclusion, Prof. Awad Al-Omari's leadership has introduced innovations previously unseen within HMG and the region. His visionary projects in telemedicine, patient safety, operational efficiency, and AI have transformed care delivery and set new industry standards. His ability to foresee healthcare challenges, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his commitment to healthcare transformation, exemplified by the EFQM Award, make him a deserving nominee for Innovative Leader of the Year.