AUB Medical Center in Beirut recently launched the Hamdan Voice Unit to provide technical and medical services and build public awareness of the importance of the voice and of early symptoms of
voice disorders.
Speaking at the launch, Chairman of the Otolaryngology Department Dr. Nabil Fuleihan noted that "the
unit constitutes a pioneering step at the regional level." He went on to add that "the idea of establishing
this unit originated in light of the increasing number of professional voice users in the region, as well as
the shortage of specialized voice centers." Vice President of Medical Affairs and Dean of the Faculty of
Medicine Dr. Mohamed Sayegh thanked Dr. Dr. Abdel Latif Hussein Hamdan for his donation noting
that "the existence of such a center at AUBMC will allow the enhancement of research activities in the
field of voice and otolaryngology." He noted that the voice unit's multidisciplinary team "will help
emphasize AUBMC's position as the destination for clinical excellence and highly specialized
services."
In his remarks, AUB President Peter Dorman focused on the "unit's role in enhancing educational
facilities, whereby it will provide a practical and training platform for University medical students
specializing in otolaryngology." Dr. Hamdan spoke of his deep pride for "this medical achievement,
which will satisfy the needs of the region in this field." He went on to add, "I am proud to have
contributed to this important project at AUB, the University where I graduated and continued to study
and specialize.
The Hamdan Voce Unit will specialize in treating people suffering from voice disorders due to
functional or organic illnesses, and will help those who rely substantially on their voices by enhancing
their vocal capacities." In addition to medical and technical services, the center will also sponsor
seminars and publications to heighten public awareness of vocal hygiene, best practices, and ways to
avoid phonotraumatic behavior.
