Excellency and dear friend, Dr. Rakan Nasereddine, Minister of Public Health,
President of the Lebanese Order of Physicians in Beirut, a dear friend and colleague, Dr. Elias Chelala,
President of the Syndicate of Private Hospitals in Lebanon, Dr. Pierre Yared,
President of the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research, Dr. Assaad Eid,
CEOs, CMOs, and representatives of our affiliated hospitals,
Members of the Board of Trustees,
Deans and Faculty Members,
Families and Friends,
And last, but certainly not least, our dear graduating residents—or should I say, our future colleagues,
Today, we gather to celebrate your achievements in a remarkable journey. Your residency training has been anything but ordinary. Over the past six years, you have witnessed events that will forever mark your generation. You trained through the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic collapse, the devastating Beirut Port explosion, and the recurring relapsing specter of war. Frankly, the only thing missing from your training experience is an asteroid striking Lebanon—then you could truly claim to have seen it all.
Yet through all these challenges, you persisted.
Definitely It has been a journey of sacrifice, resilience, sleepless nights, and difficult decisions.
Today, you are no longer physicians in training. You become independent professionals entrusted with one of humanity's most noble responsibilities: the care and preservation of human life.
Throughout your residency, I hope you have learned humility in the face of suffering, courage in moments of uncertainty, and resilience in times of exhaustion.
As physicians , Patients place in our hands something extremely precious: their trust. It is a trust that must never be betrayed.
As you know, the practice of medicine is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Artificial intelligence, precision medicine, genomics, and robotics are transforming healthcare in ways that we could never imagine.
Yet amid all these advances, one truth remains unchanged: technology may enhance medicine, but it can never replace humanity.
Be human physicians—not merely highly skilled technicians like smart medical robots mastering sophisticated technologies.
Practice with empathy. Lead with wisdom. And Care with compassion.
Never forget that while patients may admire your knowledge, they will always remember your kindness.
And above all never stop learning.
The day you believe that you have learned enough is the day your professional growth begins to fade. The pursuit of knowledge is not a choice in medicine—it is an obligation we owe to our patients and to ourselves.
There is another principle that I hope you will carry with you throughout your professional life.
Medicine must never be viewed as a simple job, a source of income, or a business venture.
Of course, Financial security is important, and there is nothing wrong with aspiring to a comfortable life. However, money should never become your primary measure of success, nor should it dictate your professional decisions.
Money should always remain the by-product of your professionalism, and never the purpose of your vocation , Otherwise we risk losing the very essence of our profession.
Always remember : Patients are not clients . They are human beings coming to us in moments of helplessness, seeking not only treatment, but also trust, reassurance, comfort, and hope.
Throughout your careers, you will encounter opportunities that promise prestige, influence, recognition, and financial reward. Yet I encourage you never to forget that the true legacy of a physician is measured not by wealth accumulated, but by the suffering relieved, the knowledge shared, and the institutions built.
The greatest physicians are remembered for what they contributed.
Always carry with you the values that define our Balamand institution: Doctrina et Integritas — Knowledge and Integrity.They are the building blocks of great nations
Our country has faced—and continues to face—many challenges rooted in ignorance and corruption. These challenges can only be overcome through knowledge, integrity, and responsible leadership.
Whether you choose to practice in Lebanon or abroad, I encourage you never to lose your connection to this land and to the communities that helped shaping you.
To your families, I extend my deepest congratulations.
Behind every resident stands a network of parents, spouses, children, mentors, and friends who shared the sacrifices, endured the challenges and the mood changes** , and provided unwavering support throughout this journey.
Today, this achievement belongs to them as much as it belongs to you.
To our faculty members , thank you for your dedication to teaching, and mentorship. Your investment in the next generation of physicians will continue to impact many lives for many years to come.
Dear graduates,
May your future be bright, your integrity Unshakable , and your impact long lasting, .
Congratulations to each and every one of you.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.