Dr. Samer Makhoul, Consultant Psychiatrist

16/07/2025

At Reem Neuroscience Centre we believe that contributing to medical literature is an essential part of advancing both clinical knowledge and professional development.

Our recent work on looking at the safety of long term use of Esketamine , co-authored by myself and my colleague Dr. Nawfel Ayad , exemplifies this commitment. This case series that we are going to present as a poster at the coming European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) in Amsterdam on the 12th of October 2025 is a part of wider reserach we are conducting alongside our colleagues at United Arab Emirates University, with Dr. Karim Ghazi.

Education and research are central pillars of our mission at Reem Neuroscience Centre . We actively support our doctors in their pursuit of academic growth and scientific contribution, recognizing that these efforts drive innovation and improve mental health services in the region and internationally.

If you are attending the ECNP, please come and say hi.

09/07/2025

At Reem Neuroscience Centre we believe that contributing to medical literature is an essential part of advancing both clinical knowledge and professional development.

Our recent collaboration on a rare case of serotonin syndrome, co-authored by myself and my colleague Dr. Nawfel Ayad , exemplifies this commitment. The case highlights a complex and often under-recognized condition, emphasizing the need for heightened clinical awareness and timely intervention. Publishing this report not only adds valuable insight to the psychiatric field but also contributes to improving patient care by informing practitioners about atypical presentations and outcomes.

Education and research are central pillars of our mission at Reem Neuroscience Centre . We actively support our doctors in their pursuit of academic growth and scientific contribution, recognizing that these efforts drive innovation and improve mental health services.

We are especially proud that our serotonin syndrome case study has been selected for publication in the inaugural edition of The Lebanese Journal of Mental Health . It is a proud moment for all Lebanese psychiatrists and the Arab world to have this journal. Thanks to the current editor in chief Dr. Rami Bou Khalil, Deputy editor Dr. Joseph R. El-Khoury and the rest of the team at the Journal for giving us the opportunity to publish in this first and special edition.

This milestone reflects our dedication to clinical excellence, regional academic leadership, and the advancement of psychiatry across the Arab world.

link for first edition

https://journals.lww.com/ljmh/pages/currenttoc.aspx

30/06/2025

Highlight video from the Dialogues in Mental Health in its 4th edition on June 14th at the prestigious Conrad Hotel in Dubai 🇦🇪

We are grateful to our sponsors, excellent faculty and the wonderful amazing challenging debates, and practical clinical tips we received from an international panel of experts. Most gratful for the audience who made it again a resounding success.

The 5th edition is loading 🪫

25/06/2025

A strong start to this year’s Integrated Mental Health Upskilling Program in Abu Dhabi, organized by Sakina.

What began in 2021 as an online training initiative has grown each year, thanks to the ongoing support ofDepartment of Health Abu Dhabi and SEHA - Abu Dhabi Health Services Co. and many valuable partners.

The program remains focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of frontline medical professionals, particularly general practitioners. This progress would not have been possible without the vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication of Dr. Dr. Nahida Nayaz Ahmed, who has elevated the program year after year.

I’ve had the privilege of being involved with this initiative since its inception, and it was an honor to contribute once again to the first session of this year’s program, which focused on depression and anxiety, alongside an outstanding group of GPs.

23/06/2025

20/06/2025

Another meeting focusing on the 5 years of using Esketamine in Dubai .
With great friends and colleagues Joseph R. El-Khoury , Amer Saadeddin

19/06/2025

We take immense pride in being one of the pioneers who started using a groundbreaking treatment that offers hope to numerous patients, particularly those with Treatment-Resistant Depression, and celeberating its 5th birthday and very proud of our state-of-the-art facility at Reem Neuroscience Centre. which is the first approved esketamine COE.

The utilization of Esketamine nasal spray for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) represents a novel and innovative approach to addressing mental health challenges. With its rapid onset, high efficacy, and minimal side effects, Esketamine has been a cornerstone of our treatment approach for nearly four years.

Our work does not considered by being complete without adding our share of starting research in this area to share our vast experience and thanks to our dear expert Dr. Nawfel Ayad is leading a very important work that soon we are hoping to get published.

Thanks to team at Johnson & Johnson for their continuous support on all levels including the amazing patient support initiative that helps to reach the wider community of patients in need , Zeinab Ahmed Mohamed Emam Selda Bulbul Mohamed Hossam Ahmed Samir and the rest of the team.

17/06/2025

An amazing day at the Dialogues in Mental Health in its 4th edition.

excellent faculty and amazing challenging debates, and practical clinical tips from an international panel of experts.

07/06/2025

"No Health without mental health “
We are proud to continue our commitment to supporting mental health.

What an incredible second day raising mental health awareness with Dr. Tamer Metwally , Dr. Ahmed Al Uzair alongside Dr. Nawfel Ayad , NIda Abusaid, Karam Hanna and the Reem Neuroscience Centre team at the Galleria mall in partnership with Sakina, Department of Health Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Public Health Center - مركز أبوظبي للصحة العامة and engaging with visitors and addressing their questions.

Since launching this annual initiative 2 years, it has been incredibly rewarding to emphasise the critical role of mental well-being in overall health. Together, we are reinforcing the message that there is ‘No Health without Mental Health.’ Let’s continue to break the stigma and foster a community that prioritises mental wellness.

Special thanks to Dr. Nahida Nayaz Ahmed for her unwavering support and collaboration in promoting the importance of mental health through various initiatives.

06/06/2025

“No Health without mental health “

We are back for the 3rd year in our awareness campaign at the Galleria Mall , in Abu Dhabi .

This year , the partnership with Sakina, Department of Health Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Public Health Center - مركز أبوظبي للصحة العامة , only strengthen the call for less stigma and more reach to the people in need.

What an amazing first day in our Mental health awareness campaign . Thank you for all the people who came to our booth and helped to make this day a success. with the focus today around child mental health, It was great team from Sakina led by Khaled Kadry and from Reem Neuroscience Centre, led by our new star Emad Farrag and supported by the team Rana Abounakad, Adrian Campos Chacon, Nael Hasan, CHARMAINE Traylor.

Mental health is the cornerstone of our overall well-being and the foundation upon which the success of our society and community is built. It influences how we think, feel, and act, affecting our ability to handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions.

When mental health is prioritized, individuals are more productive, creative, and resilient, contributing to a healthier, more cohesive community. Investing in mental health care and education fosters an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reducing the burden of mental illness and enhancing quality of life.

By recognizing and supporting mental health as a crucial element of our well-being, we lay the groundwork for a more prosperous, empathetic, and sustainable society.

So please take a part and join us at Galleria Mall for day 2 of our Special Mental Health Awareness Campaign!

🗓️ **Dates:** June 17th 2025

📍 **Location:** Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi

05/06/2025