In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Zakia Dimassi, a leader in medical education at Khalifa University, to explore an often overlooked issue in simulation-based training: fatigue in standardized patients (SPs).

Drawing from her recent publication in Clinical Simulation in Nursing, Dr. Dimassi sheds light on how physical, cognitive, and most importantly emotional fatigue impacts SP performance, assessment accuracy, and ultimately the quality of medical education.

Together, we discuss:

Why fatigue can begin as early as 30 minutes into sessions How emotional roles (e.g., breaking bad news) take the greatest toll

The implications for OSCE reliability and high-stakes exams Real-world observations of performance lapses and scoring variability

Practical solutions: better scheduling, breaks, SP-centered design, and de-rolling techniques

The future role of AI and hybrid simulation models in reducing fatigue

💡 This conversation challenges educators to rethink how simulation programs are designed and emphasizes the need to co-create systems with standardized patients at the center. Whether you're a clinician, educator, or trainee, this episode offers critical insights into improving both training quality and learner assessment.

⏱️ Key Takeaway: Fatigue in standardized patients isn’t just a comfort issue—it’s a validity issue that can impact how future clinicians are trained and evaluated.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support the podcast!

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@thelebanesephysicianspodcast @zakia484

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On April 8, 2026, intense Israeli airstrikes on the middle of day in Beirut led to around 250 dead people and more than 1100 wounded with a lot of people still missing under the rubble.

In this powerful episode of the Lebanese Physicians Podcast, we take you inside the devastating events of April 8, 2026.

With dozens reported dead and hundreds injured, hospitals across the city rapidly activated emergency protocols to manage the overwhelming surge of trauma patients.

I was joined by frontline leaders Dr. Toufic Chaaban (ICU physician and Program Director of Internal Medicine at Lebanese American University Medical Center) and Dr. Cynthia Abi Khalil Jammal (Head of Nursing) at The Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui. They shared firsthand accounts of what it means to respond under extreme pressure.

This episode explores:

- How hospitals mobilized within minutes for a mass casualty response

- Real-time ICU and ER decision-making during crisis

- Lessons learned since the Beirut Port Explosion

- The emotional toll on physicians, nurses, and trainees

- The resilience and unwavering commitment of Lebanese healthcare workers Beyond protocols and preparedness, this is a deeply human story of courage, sacrifice, and the extraordinary strength of a healthcare system repeatedly tested, yet still standing.

A must-listen for clinicians, healthcare leaders, and anyone seeking to understand medicine under crisis.

#Lebanon #Beirut #Healthcare #MassCasualty #EmergencyMedicine #CriticalCare #MedicalPodcast #Resilience #GlobalHealth #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #subscribe

On YouTube @thelebanesephysicianspodcast , on all podcasts apps Website: https://thelebanesephysicianspodcast.podbean.com

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, I sit down with Christophe Zoghby, founder of ZAKA AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is moving beyond hype and into real-world impact across the MENA region.

From launching in the Beirut AI community to building one of the region’s leading AI education and implementation platforms, Christophe shares his journey of turning passion into purpose, bridging the gap between AI awareness and practical adoption.

We dive into:

🚀 How AI is transforming careers and creating new opportunities in MENA 🧠 The concept of “democratizing AI” and why it matters

🏥 Real-world applications of AI in healthcare and beyond

🌍 How talent in Lebanon and the region can compete globally

⚡ Why upskilling not fear is the key to thriving in the AI era

This conversation is a must-listen for clinicians, entrepreneurs, students, and anyone curious about how AI is reshaping the future of work, innovation, and healthcare.

💡 Key takeaway: AI isn’t replacing you it’s amplifying you. Learn it, leverage it, and lead with it.

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations at the intersection of medicine, innovation, and global impact.

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#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #MENA #HealthcareInnovation #FutureOfWork #MedicalPodcast #LebanesePhysicians #DigitalHealth #AIinHealthcare #Entrepreneurship #TechInMedicine #Innovation #MiddleEast #CareerGrowth #Upskilling #subscribe

On YouTube: @thelebanesephysicianspodcast @ChristopheZoghbi

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