On Friday, May 16, 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at the University of Balamand (UOB) held a special event at its Dekwaneh campus to celebrate International Nurses Day and two important achievements, the 30th anniversary of the Nursing Program, and the unconditional accreditation of both the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Master of Science in Nursing, by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The event brought together the director of the Order of Nurses in Lebanon, deans, directors, students, faculty, alumni, clinical partners, and guests.
The academic part of the event focused on “Palliative Care”, a specialized area of medicine that aims to relieve pain and other symptoms in patients with serious illnesses. The symposium featured two international guest speakers who joined online. Dr. Judith A. Paice, a global expert in cancer pain management from Northwestern University in the U.S., who shared her insights based on years of experience. She was followed by Dr. Rima Saad from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, who spoke about pediatric palliative care and her work supporting children and families in difficult times.
A panel discussion followed, moderated by Dr. Rana Yamout, Director of the Palliative and Supportive Care Program at AUBMC. She was joined by Ms. Janane Hanna from AUBMC and Ms. Farah Demachkieh from SANAD. The panel explored the current and future roles of nurses in palliative care in Lebanon and the importance of collaboration across health professions.
Dr. Mathilde Azar, Director of Nursing Program at FHS, expressed her joy and gratitude on this important occasion. She spoke about the significance of International Nurses Day and the values it represents. She added: “This celebration honors all who have shaped our journey, faculty, staff, students, alumni, clinical partners, and supporters, past and present. This celebration is a tribute to those who laid the foundation, those who carried the torch forward, and those who continue to walk this path with passion and perseverance. Together, we have built a legacy of care, knowledge, and service that extends far beyond classrooms and hospital walls.”
Dr. Huda Huijer, Dean of FHS, also addressed the attendees. She thanked the directors of nursing services across Lebanon, saying, “Without you, our students would not be able to do what they are doing today.” Speaking about the focus on pain management and palliative care, she emphasized: “Pain relief and palliative care are very important for the entire healthcare system. This is something we can do best as nurses. It’s where we truly excel, where we lead with both skill and compassion, and where we can show the world the power of nursing.”
The event concluded with a symbolic gesture of appreciation to the hospitals where UOB nursing students complete their internships. It ended on an emotional note with a tribute to Jessica Bezdijian, a UOB nursing graduate who tragically lost her life while on duty in the Beirut port explosion.
This celebration of International Nurses Day was not only a tribute to the profession but also a reflection of how far UOB’s nursing program has come in 30 years. With international accreditation and a strong foundation built over decades, the Nursing Program looks forward to continuing its mission: to prepare skilled, ethical, and compassionate nurses who are ready to lead and serve both locally and globally.
