The Development and Empowerment Department consists of three main divisions: Health Education, Research and Innovation, and Capacity Building

Health Education Division

The Health Education Division at the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation is dedicated to raising public awareness and educating the community about the importance of organ donation and transplantation, as well as the prevention of organ failure and related diseases. The division also works to correct misconceptions and encourage informed decision-making by delivering reliable educational content and actively participating in awareness and educational initiatives.
 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and review educational content related to organ failure, donation, and transplantation.
  • Design and implement awareness campaigns and educational programs.
  • Deliver lectures and educational sessions targeting both the public and healthcare professionals.
  • Promote health awareness among SCOT employees.

Research and Innovation Division

The Research and Innovation Division plays a central role in supporting researchers and strengthening the research ecosystem, particularly in the field of organ donation and transplantation. The division provides a comprehensive range of services, including advanced statistical analysis and specialized research consultations to support the development of scientific projects.

The division also oversees the Institutional Review Board (IRB), which is responsible for reviewing and approving research in accordance with national and international ethical standards.

In addition, it manages the Center’s scientific journals, which focus on organ donation and transplantation and aim to publish high-quality research while advancing knowledge in the field.

The division is committed to fostering a supportive and innovative research environment that contributes to the advancement of transplantation research.

Associated Journals:

  • Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation
  • Scientific Journal of Organ Failure, Donation, and Transplantation

Contact: irb@scot.goiv.sa

Capacity Building Division

The Capacity Building Division focuses on empowering and developing national capabilities in the field of organ transplantation. It is responsible for identifying training needs, designing development initiatives, and translating these needs into structured training programs and activities.

 

About Dr. Salem Ghandourah

Dr. Salem Ghandourah serves as the Director of the Development and Empowerment Department.

He earned his PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of Calgary, Canada, in 2019. He also holds two master’s degrees in Transplant Immunology and Medical Biotechnology from the same university. Dr. Salem is currently enrolled in a fellowship program with the American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics.

He is an Associate Fellow of the American Clinical Scientists (ACS), a member of the Saudi Cancer Research Society, and a member of the Institutional Review Board at the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation.

Dr. Salem has made significant academic contributions, including multiple publications in high-impact scientific journals, with a particular focus on transplant immunology and cancer immunotherapy. He has delivered numerous lectures in the field of research and participated in leading international conferences. He has also received several awards, including the Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Innovation Award.

Position
Director of Development and Empowerment Department