A new innovative milestone has been achieved within the Pediatric Surgery Department at Hôtel-Dieu de France with the successful performance of a retroperitoneoscopic excision of an adrenal tumor in a child. This highly specialized procedure provides direct access to the adrenal gland without the need for an abdominal incision.

This delicate operation was successfully carried out by Dr. Marianne Alam under the supervision of Prof Nabil Diab, thanks to specialized surgical expertise and a multidisciplinary approach tailored to the specific requirements of pediatric surgery.

This advanced surgical technique offers several benefits for pediatric patients, including reduced postoperative pain, faster functional recovery, minimal scarring, and a shorter hospital stay, with discharge possible within 48 hours following this major procedure.

This achievement reflects the ongoing commitment of Hôtel-Dieu de France to surgical innovation, the advancement of minimally invasive techniques, and the continuous improvement of the quality of care provided to pediatric patients, in accordance with the highest international standards.

Hôtel-Dieu de France continues to expand its prevention and specialized care activities with the recent launch of its Hypertension Unit. On the occasion of the global awareness and screening campaign under the theme “May Measurement Month,” the unit, in collaboration with several medical departments, organized a week-long awareness campaign in the hospital’s main hall.

Supported by the French Society of Hypertension, this initiative is part of an international campaign aimed at promoting early detection of hypertension and raising public awareness about its risks and prevention.

Throughout the campaign, visitors, patients, and staff benefited from free blood pressure screenings, nutritional counseling, recommendations for adopting a healthy lifestyle, as well as educational sessions led by specialists from various departments, including cardiology, endocrinology, internal medicine, nephrology, neurology, ophthalmology, and emergency medicine, in addition to the Family Medicine Center, the Smoking Cessation Center, and the Dietetics Department.

With 350 individuals screened and counseled, this initiative highlights the central role of the new Hypertension Unit, the first specialized hypertension structure in Lebanon.

The unit provides comprehensive care for all forms of hypertension, including specialized consultations and diagnostic tests, One-Day Care hospitalization, conventional hospitalization, follow-up for hypertensive patients, as well as therapeutic education and prevention programs.

Hôtel-Dieu Hospital has announced a major medical breakthrough in its Cardiology Department with the successful performance of the first atrial fibrillation treatment in Lebanon using Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) technology with the PulseSelect catheter.

This procedure was carried out by a specialized medical and nursing team under the supervision of Dr. Jad Skaff, as part of the ongoing development of the hospital’s Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, which aims to introduce the latest global technologies for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.

PFA technology is considered one of the most innovative techniques in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. It enables precise and safer pulmonary vein isolation while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes and accelerating patient recovery.

Hôtel-Dieu reaffirms its continued medical leadership, with the upcoming introduction of a new atrial fibrillation treatment technology, expected to be a first in the Middle East.

On March 19, 2026, Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) celebrated its annual patronal feast at Saint Joseph Church of the Jesuit Fathers, on Saint Joseph University Street, Monnot, Ashrafieh. The event brought together distinguished members from the University’s community, as well as prominent political, diplomatic, and academic figures.

The celebration opened with a Mass presided over by Reverend Father Michael Zammit, SJ, Provincial of the Society of Jesus in the Near East and Maghreb. Prof. François Boëdec, SJ, Rector of USJ, then delivered an address entitled “The University in the Face of the Risks of a Dehumanizing World.”

In a moment marked by deep national and global uncertainty, Prof. Boëdec reflected on the crises confronting Lebanon today and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to support its community while calling for an approach that goes beyond emergency responses, aiming for lasting and meaningful impact.

Following a longstanding tradition, he framed the patronal feast as an opportunity for collective reflection, capturing both the aspirations and concerns of the University and, at times, those of the nation.

He focused on the major transformations affecting the contemporary world: climate crises, conflicts, technological upheavals, and the fragility of democracies. Amid these uncertainties, he warned against a major risk: the gradual dehumanization of society, in which humans are reduced to mere instruments of economic or technical utility.

Addressing these pressing issues, he underscored the University’s core responsibility: to form men and women capable of thoughtful reflection, sound judgment, and responsible action. USJ seeks not only academic excellence but also to nurture a deep understanding of humanity and society.

Prof. Boëdec proposed five fundamental attitudes to guide the University’s educational mission:

Rootedness, Interiority, and Depth. “To form men and women who are rooted,” he said, enabling them to stand firm amid the turbulence of the world. In a world marked by fragmentation and uncertainty, he emphasized that “the challenge is to develop roots and foundations that allow us to stand firm rather than becoming like straw carried away by every wave and every current.”

Not to Have an Accustomed Soul. Resisting indifference and passivity is essential. “One of the risks is that we become accustomed to what is happening around us,” he warned, calling for vigilance in “keeping our personal and national consciences alive,” and a constant commitment to truth and justice.

Cultivating a Broad Vision. “Accepting a broad vision that can see far into the distance,” he explained, enables one to go beyond fragmented approaches and connect different realities for a deeper understanding.

Learning How to Listen and How to Speak. “Listening is never a sign of weakness,” he affirmed. Respectful dialogue and debate, he noted, are crucial for fostering democratic and civic life.

Concern for Others. “The knowledge and skills that are acquired should not be kept only for personal advantage,” he reminded. The University must “form men and women for others,” instilling a sense of responsibility toward society and the broader community.

Paying tribute to USJ’s history, Prof. Boëdec recalled the sacrifice of figures such as Father Alban de Jerphanion, assassinated in 1976, whose life exemplified a steadfast commitment to Lebanon. “Our task now is to continue,” he urged, calling on all to embrace this mission with determination.

In conclusion, he delivered a message of hope and collective responsibility: “We must remain standing and support one another so that together we may continue to care for this precious and fragile humanity.” He emphasized that “it is through this commitment that Saint Joseph University will fully accomplish its mission” and continue to distinguish itself as an institution devoted to humanity and society.