Dr. Bakri Kaakeh is a highly experienced thoracic and cardiac surgeon based in Saginaw, Michigan, affiliated with Covenant Healthcare-Saginaw. With more than 20 years of surgical experience, Dr. Kaakeh is recognized for his expertise in complex cardiothoracic procedures and his commitment to advancing patient care.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Aleppo Faculty of Medicine before pursuing specialized training in thoracic and cardiac surgery.

Dr. Kaakeh’s clinical expertise covers a wide range of advanced procedures, including:

• Heart bypass surgery

   

• Heart valve surgery

   

• Adult cardiac surgery

   

• Minimally invasive thoracic surgery

   

• Thoracic surgical oncology

   

• Cardiovascular surgery

   

As a cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Kaakeh specializes in treating conditions affecting the heart, lungs, chest, and esophagus, with particular focus on minimally invasive techniques and oncology-related interventions.

He is dedicated to providing high-quality care tailored to each patient and accepts a wide range of insurance providers, including Medicare, Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross, and United Healthcare.

With a reputation for clinical excellence and compassionate care, Dr. Bakri Kaakeh brings a wealth of knowledge and surgical expertise, making him a trusted voice in the field of cardiothoracic surgery

From the heart of Deir Ezzor, Syria, to leading medical initiatives in the United States, Dr. Muhammad Alsayid’s path is one of purpose, perseverance, and passion for service.

After graduating from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Aleppo in 2009, Dr. Alsayid pursued residency in internal medicine at the University of Miami (Atlantis, FL), followed by a fellowship in gastroenterology at Rush University in Chicago. Today, he practices as a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at the Centers for Digestive Health in Indiana.

But beyond the clinic, Dr. Alsayid is a devoted humanitarian and educator. For more than 12 years, he has been an active member of SAMS, serving in several leadership roles that reflect his commitment to uplifting others. As Chair of the Education Committee, a board member of the SAMS Institute, Editor at the Avicenna Journal of Medicine, and Program Director of the Gastroenterology Fellowship at Idlib Hospital, his influence spans continents and touches countless lives.

In 2025, Dr. Alsayid was elected to serve on the SAMS Society Board of Directors — a recognition of his deep-rooted dedication to advancing medical education and support for Syrian physicians.

He shares life with his wife, Reem Alsamman, and their 12-year-old son, enjoying time outdoors through swimming, hiking, and traveling. But perhaps his greatest joy lies in giving back.

“SAMS feels like family. I joined to give back — because I know firsthand how life-changing the support of the Education Committee can be. Every time I collaborate with SAMS members, I feel like I’m working alongside some of the most extraordinary people in the world.”

We are proud to spotlight Dr. Muhammad Alsayid — a physician, mentor, and changemaker, helping shape a better future for Syrian healthcare, one life at a time.

Dr. Sawsan Rashdan is a highly accomplished medical professional with a diverse educational background. She was born in Damascus, Syria, and completed her medical degree at the Faculty of Medicine in Damascus in 2007. Following her graduation, she pursued further training in the United States.

Dr. Abrar Qureshi, MD, MPH

Professor and Chair of Dermatology, Brown University
Professor of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health

Dr. Abrar Qureshi is a distinguished dermatologist, educator, and researcher, currently serving as Professor and Chair of Dermatology at Rhode Island Hospital, affiliated with Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School. He is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and licensed to practice in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Clinical Expertise

• Leads a multidisciplinary clinic that integrates dermatology and rheumatology to care for adults and children with complex autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases.
  
  
• Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis, autoimmune skin disorders, and other inflammatory conditions.
  
  

Research & Academic Focus

• Teledermatology – advancing access to dermatologic care through digital health.
  
  
• Skin Cancer & Vector-Borne Illnesses – investigating causes, prevention, and treatment strategies.
  
  
• Psoriasis & Autoimmune Disease – clinical and translational research to improve patient outcomes.
  
  
• Molecular Epidemiology – bridging clinical research with basic science through human studies.
  
  

Leadership & Public Health

• As Chair of Dermatology, Dr. Qureshi manages departmental operations, fiscal planning, clinical services, research initiatives, and educational programs.
  
  
• Works closely with a physician-led faculty practice plan and three hospital systems to expand and improve dermatologic care.
  
  
• Serves as Professor of Epidemiology at the Brown School of Public Health, underscoring his commitment to integrating dermatology with broader public health efforts.

Dr. Rifai is a distinguished ophthalmologist. Born in Southampton, England, he graduated from Aleppo University’s Faculty of Medicine in 1989. He furthered his education with an internship at the University of Tennessee, a residency in ophthalmology at George Washington University, and a fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at Louisiana State University.

As the owner and principal surgeon at the Retina Center of Pensacola in Florida, Dr. Rifai has established himself as a leading expert. He has built a fulfilling personal life, marked by 35 years of marriage to Rasha Rifai, and is a proud father of four children. His eldest son, Faysal, is an internist at Advent Health in Orlando, Florida. He is married to Sara Rifai, a dentist, and they have two sons: Aref Adam and Rami Zayd. His second son, Fareed, is completing his retina fellowship in Kentucky and will be joining the Retina Center of Pensacola. He is married to Maela Hyder, who is finishing her ophthalmology residency at Cornell University in New York City. His daughter, Noor, is an engineer based in Chicago and is preparing to begin her MBA studies this fall. His youngest son, Fares, is graduating from Florida State University in Tallahassee and is on the pre-med track.

Beyond his profession, Dr. Rifai enjoys reading, traveling, and family time. His commitment to service is evident through his involvement with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), which he joined in 2007. Since 2017, he has held key leadership roles, including chairing the Jordan committee, serving on the society board, and serving as Treasurer. In April 2025, Dr. Rifai was elected President of SAMS, taking on new leadership responsibilities for the next two years.