Introducing Prof. Reem Abu-Rustum: ISUOG’s 14th President

At the ISUOG World Congress 2024, ISUOG's new president, Prof. Reem Abu-Rustum, addressed the audience as she officially took on the role as the society’s 14th president, following Prof. Laurent Salomon.

Reem is honoured to be the society's third female president and its first president from the Middle East, a milestone that she believes is a testament to ISUOG's commitment to global diversity, inclusion, and representation.  

Born and raised in Lebanon, Reem’s path to this leadership role began early in life. Her father, an OBGYN, greatly influenced her career path, and at just 17 years old, she moved to the United States, where she trained at the University of Florida and was inspired by remarkable role models who helped shape and empower her. After completing her medical training, she returned to Lebanon, where her journey with ISUOG began. 

Her first ISUOG World Congress, held in Stockholm 20 years ago, marked a turning point in her professional career. From that moment, she became deeply involved in ISUOG’s outreach efforts, particularly in Lebanon. There, she co-founded SANA Medical NGO, which was dedicated to providing education and training in ultrasound in the Lebanese outreach setting, and later served as a chair of the Basic Training Sub-Committee, helping establish the curriculum that stands strong today.  

In 2018, Reem returned to the USA and her alma mater and was elected as an ISUOG trustee in 2019. Now, as president, her vision is clear: to support ISUOG in its mission and expand its global reach free from political agendas and with full transparency.  

Reem’s presidency centres on "impact"—a concept she defines through six key areas of focus:  

1. Inclusion: Reem aims to bridge gaps in disparity and inequity, making the society's offerings available to all who need them. 
2. Modernization: To continue providing high-quality education and cutting-edge research while modernizing ISUOG’s approach. 
3. People: Reem emphasises that ISUOG’s success starts with its people. She believes in uniting everyone’s efforts to advance the society’s mission. 
4. Advocacy: Reem will support initiatives that promote women's health across the lifespan, amplifying ISUOG’s advocacy efforts worldwide. 
5. Certification: To enhance ISUOG’s role as a key provider of ultrasound education and provision.  
6. Teaching: To continue the legacy set by ISUOG’s founders, ensuring that teaching remains a central pillar of the society’s work. 

Reem concluded with a powerful statement "We are united in our passion and commitment to make our world healthier, more equitable and more humane. Let us work together to serve ISUOG with impact." 

With her strong leadership, clear vision, and commitment to improving women’s healthcare, Prof. Abu-Rustum is set to lead ISUOG into a future that embraces innovation while upholding the society's core values of education, diversity, and service to global healthcare.  

Watch the full speech delivered at the 34th World Congress