Dr. Al-Foudari

In an official statement, the ministry explained that Dr. A l - Foudari’s selection came in recognition of her professional and leadership role during her chairmanship of the Southwest Asia and Africa chapter, as well as her outstanding scientific and organizational contributions in the field of extracorporeal life support. She is the first Arab physician from outside the United States to join the organization’s Board of Directors. ELSO is a global, non-profit medical organization dedicated to developing and supporting extracorporeal life support technologies, particularly extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which is one of the most advanced treatment solutions for critical cases, especially severe heart or lung failure.

ELSO, founded in 1989 by American physician Robert H. Bartlett, includes around 800 specialized medical centers in 66 countries and plays a vital role in advancing medical practices and improving healthcare quality in this field. Dr. Al-Foudari’s appointment to the Board of Directors will strengthen Kuwait’s role in shaping the organization’s future policies and strategies, and will promote international cooperation and the exchange of expertise in the field of extracorporeal life support. The Southwest Asia and Africa Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (SWACELSO) elected Dr. Huda Al-Foudari as its president in February 2024, in recognition of her influential role and her chairmanship of the organization’s Training, Communication, and Simulation Committee. It is worth noting that the ECMO device, also known as the artificial heart and lung machine, available in the intensive care units of hospitals in Kuwait, is one of the most advanced treatment technologies for critical care patients with severe heart or lung failure and is a major component of modern medicine in saving complex and life-threatening cases