A Visionary in Saudi Healthcare

Dr. Selwa A. F. Al-Hazzaa is a transformative figure in Saudi Arabia’s medical landscape. Over the span of four decades, she has not only shaped the field of ophthalmology but has also become a national and global symbol of excellence, leadership, and innovation.

She is recognized as the first Saudi woman to head a medical department at a leading hospital and a pioneer in integrating artificial intelligence into eye care. Her legacy continues to influence aspiring consultants, medical students, and policy-makers alike.

Leadership at King Faisal Specialist Hospital

A Groundbreaking Appointment

In 1997, Dr. Al-Hazzaa was appointed as the Head of the Ophthalmology Department at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC), marking a historic first for Saudi women in medicine. Her leadership spanned 25 years.

Transformational Impact

  • Managed over 17,000 patients annually
  • Led a team of 35 professionals across subspecialties
  • Advanced research in genetic eye diseases and retinal disorders
  • Built one of the region’s most research-active ophthalmology departments

Innovation through Artificial Intelligence

Founder and CEO of SDM

In 2019, Dr. Al-Hazzaa founded Smart Diagnostic Medicine (SDM), leveraging AI to enhance diagnostic accuracy in ophthalmology.

Key Achievements:

  • Over 25,000 free eye screenings for underserved communities
  • Deployment of AI-powered retinal imaging for early disease detection
  • Development of scalable diagnostic tools for chronic illnesses

Global Academic and Professional Engagement

International Recognition

Dr. Al-Hazzaa served as the youngest and first Middle Eastern woman on the Executive Council of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), where she was honored as the “Physician of the Five Continents.”

Academic Roles

  • Adjunct Clinical Professor, University of Southern California
  • Visiting Professor, Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute
  • Professor and Program Director, Alfaisal University

Her commitment to academic excellence has helped cultivate the next generation of ophthalmologists in Saudi Arabia.

Educational and Research Contributions

Academic Background

  • MBBS, King Saud University
  • Fellowships in Ocular Genetics, Pathology, and Medical Retina
  • Master’s in Medical Management, University of Southern California (focus on AI in Healthcare)

Dr. Al-Hazzaa’s dual focus on clinical excellence and emerging technologies sets a benchmark for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Policy, Advocacy, and National Service

Shaping Public Health Policy

Dr. Al-Hazzaa was appointed to the Saudi Shura Council in 2013, among the first cohort of 30 women to join the advisory body.

She has also served as:

  • Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Health
  • Executive Member, Committee for International Trade (Saudi Chambers of Commerce)

Her work bridges medicine and policy, advocating for healthcare reform and gender equity.

Honors and Awards

Dr. Al-Hazzaa has received numerous accolades in recognition of her achievements:

  • Arab Woman of the Year (Paris, 2005)
  • Listed among Forbes' Most Powerful Arab Women (2005, 2006)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, Arab Woman Awards
  • Honorary Doctorate in Humanities, Franklin University, Switzerland

Key Differentiators in Her Journey

A Model of Firsts

Dr. Al-Hazzaa was often the first woman and the only Arab representative in many international forums.

Early Adoption of AI in Medicine

While the broader healthcare industry was still debating AI's role, she was already building systems that combined machine learning and medical diagnostics.

Balanced Impact

Her influence spans from top academic institutions to remote rural villages, ensuring that high-quality care reaches all demographics.

Medical Diplomacy

Through initiatives like Friends of Saudi Arabia, she used medicine as a diplomatic tool to strengthen international relations.

Lessons for Emerging Consultants

Dr. Al-Hazzaa’s career offers clear guidance for those entering the field:

  1. Excellence builds trust
  2. Innovation must serve real needs
  3. Policy engagement enhances clinical impact
  4. Education multiplies leadership
  5. Integrity sustains influence

Conclusion

Dr. Selwa Al-Hazzaa’s contributions to healthcare in Saudi Arabia and beyond represent a rare blend of medical skill, visionary leadership, and enduring public service. Her journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven practice—and serves as an aspirational model for consultants and clinicians globally.

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