Dr. Nawaf Dehrab has nearly two decades of experience in emergency medicine. He currently leads the Emergency Department at Al-Adan Hospital and serves as the regional course director for Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS), helping healthcare professionals prepare for medical challenges in extreme environments. As the program director for the Kuwait Board of Emergency Medicine, he plays a key role in shaping the next generation of emergency physicians in Kuwait.
With a medical degree from Romania and an ongoing MSc in Expedition & Wilderness Medicine, Dr. Dehrab’s passion for wilderness medicine is matched by his love for outdoor activities like hiking and diving. Known for his approachability and leadership, he is dedicated to advancing wilderness medicine and sharing his expertise with others.
Dr. Ali A. Ashkanani is a highly experienced senior specialist in the Accident and Emergency Department at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital in Kuwait, with over 16 years of experience in the field. He holds a BMedSc MB BCH BAO (Hons) from University College Cork, Ireland, and has completed various advanced certifications including the MRCEM from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (UK), and the AECG-BC from the American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine.
Dr. Ashkanani is the Course Director of Advanced Wilderness Life Support in Kuwait, a program approved by the University of Utah. His extensive training and leadership roles are reflected in his participation in numerous medical conferences and courses worldwide. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Ashkanani serves as a Clinical Tutor at Kuwait University Medical School and has been actively involved with the Kuwait Board of Emergency Medicine.
He will take on a pivotal role as both a speaker and organizing committee member for the upcoming Wilderness Medicine Workshop, where he will share his extensive expertise and passion for advancing the field of emergency and wilderness medicine.
Amit – Dr. Padaki is an emergency physician with fellowship training in extreme environmental medicine. His interests include wilderness and austere medicine, remote medical command, decision-making under
uncertainty, and cognitive and performance psychology. He is currently an associate professor at the Baylor College of Medicine and is both core faculty and the research director for the Baylor Space
Medicine Fellowship. He additionally serves as a consultant for Physician HealthLine, a service that provides online medical control for fishing boats, other maritime vessels, and some corporate
warehouses and installations.
His current research involves technology readiness and the validation of medical devices for use in spaceflight and other austere medical settings. He recently completed a trial on the use of a non-
invasive optical troponin sensor and is currently beginning another on the use of cameras to non-invasively acquire vital signs
Dr. Abdulla Alhmoudi, a Consultant emergency physician at Zayed Military Hospital and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi. He completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine at George Washington University in the United States, followed by a fellowship in Extreme Environmental Medicine. Dr. Alhmoudi has special interest in military medicine, mountain medicine and diving medicine. He is an author of few book chapters related to wilderness medicine and ran many workshops and outdoor activities related to wilderness medical skills.
Dr. Lara Phillips is a clinical Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital where she works as an emergency medicine physician. She is the faculty advisor of the Wilderness and Disaster Medicine Interest Group at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at TJU. She completed a fellowship in Wilderness Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. During this fellowship, she worked at Health Aid Posts in the Annapurna Mountains through the Himalayan Rescue Association and continued to volunteer with relief efforts in Kathmandu after the Nepal earthquake in spring 2015. Currently, she is one of the directors for the Breckenridge Wilderness and Environmental Medicine Elective for senior medical students. Her experiences have also led her to help with numerous covid initiatives, serving as part of the Regional Congregate Care Assistance Teams during the pandemic. She continues to pursue an academic career by combining patient care and teaching in traditional and non-traditional emergency medicine settings.
Josh is volunteer educational faculty at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson University. He works clinically as an emergency medicine physician at a critical access hospital in New Hampshire, where he has also served as the Medical Director of Emergency Services, the Vice President of the Medical Staff, and recently as Interim co-chief Medical Officer. Josh’s adventures in medicine have their source in a decade-long career in outdoor education as a wilderness trip leader, program director, whitewater kayak instructor, raft guide, and on-again/off-again ski bum. After medical school in Maine and residency training at Thomas Jefferson, Josh stayed on to complete a fellowship in wilderness medicine education. His academic interests include leadership and performance, judgment, and resource-limited medicine. Any remaining time is happily spent with his family outside. Josh believes passionately in the power of shared outdoor experiences.
Dr. Kerry Kreidel graduated medical school in 2007 from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, interned at Yale-New Haven Hospital of Saint Raphael, and completed anesthesiology residency at the University of Arizona in 2011, where she served as Chief Resident in her final year. She spent five years on faculty at the University of Arizona, obtained board certification in Pediatric Anesthesiology, and served three years as Associate Residency Program Director. With her husband and three children, she transitioned into private practice anesthesiology when her family moved from Arizona to Texas, to start a family-run business called Armadillo Boulders, which highlights the sport of bouldering in the gym setting. She earned a Fellowship in the Academy of WIlderness Medicine (FAWM) in 2021. and has used her background in academia to be involved in wilderness medicine teaching, while continuing to work in anesthesiology. She has a deep appreciation for the world’s wild places, and the arts that its people anthologize across the globe. She is honored and humbled to accept the invitation to teach, learn, and visit among you.
Dr. Linda Sanders is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician at rural community hospitals in Colorado and New Mexico. She graduated from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton, Pennsylvania and then completed her Emergency Medicine residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. She went on to complete a Wilderness Medicine fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. She continues to practice Wilderness Medicine and has finished her Diploma in Mountain Medicine (DiMM), Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM), level I and II Swift water rescue certifications, AIARE Avalanche Rescue I and II, Search and rescue, and been medical staff for both domestic and international multi-stage ultra-marathons. She teaches Wilderness First Aid courses with the University of Colorado. And she continues to teach Wilderness Medicine to students through the Wilderness Medical Society’s Breckwild student elective and lectures at national conferences. She has led a Backcountry Ski and Ice Climbing trip through the Wilderness Medical Society as well. She has recent publications addressing the safety of participating in mountain sports during pregnancy, guidelines for tickborne illnesses, and has a study regarding the prevention of acute mountain sickness. She is a current reviewer for the Journal of Wilderness and Environmental and Medicine. In her free time Linda loves to rock climb, ice climb, ski, mountain bike, trail run and spend time outside with her daughter and husband.
Dr Mann is a Virginia native and has spent much of his life playing in the Southern Appalachians. The son of an outdoor enthusiast and mountaineering guide, he learned hiking, camping, and backwoodsmanship from an early age. He pursued his interest in medicine by attending the Medical College of Virginia followed by a four-year residency in emergency medicine, where he fell in love with providing care in more austere settings outside the walls of a hospital. This interest allowed him opportunities to serve as a flight medic, a SWAT team physician, and as a physician internationally. He focused his expertise by completing a two-year fellowship in wilderness medicine through Harvard University and the Massachusetts General Hospital. His fellowship curriculum ranged from altitude illness to zebrafish envenomation, and just about everything in between. As a fellow, he spent time in the Nepali Himalaya where he cared for climbers and locals alike.
His life in and out of medicine has taken him across North America and around the world. He has practiced medicine on every continent except for Antarctica and has lived in nearly every region of the United States and several foreign countries, but he is proud to call the Upstate of South Carolina his home. He currently practices emergency medicine at Greenville and Oconee Memorial Hospitals, in addition to holding roles in resident education and a clinical professorship at the USC School of Medicine Greenville. He is a member of Oconee County’s dive rescue and special rescue teams, and the regional EMS advisor for South Carolina’s Sumter and Francis Marion national forests. In his free time, he enjoys developing and climbing new rock routes, finding obscure singletrack bike trails, or hiking in the woods looking for rare plants and birds.
Jenan Majed Salmeen, a wilderness medicine enthusiast! After graduating from the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain in 2011, Jenan embarked on a thrilling journey as a Year 4 resident in the Kuwait Board of Emergency Medicine. But her adventures don’t end there – she’s also a major in the Ministry of Interior, adding a unique twist to her medical expertise. With a passion for toxicology and wilderness medicine, Jenan not only treats patients but also teaches others as an advanced wilderness medicine instructor, sharing her knowledge in the great outdoors.
Ali Hani Ashkanani, a 2020 graduate from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, currently serves as a Year 2 resident in the Kuwait Board of Emergency Medicine. Beyond the medical realm, Ali is an avid hiking and mountaineering enthusiast, having conquered summits like Kilimanjaro and various mountains across Europe and Latin America. His adventurous spirit led him to camp in the Amazon for a week. Additionally, he is an Advanced Wilderness Medicine instructor, blending his medical expertise with his passion for the outdoors. With this unique combination, Ali aspires to contribute significantly to the field of wilderness medicine in his future career.
Dr. Mohammad Sulaiman Esmaeil is a dynamic and dedicated medical professional renowned for his expertise in emergency medicine and his passion for wilderness medicine. Currently serving as a Registrar at the Kuwait Board of Emergency Medicine, under the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specializations, Dr. Esmaeil’s career is marked by both clinical excellence and a commitment to education.
A graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dr. Esmaeil holds numerous advanced medical certifications, including Advanced Wilderness Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, and Advanced Trauma Life Support. Notably, he is also an instructor in Advanced Wilderness Life Support, sharing his knowledge and skills with fellow healthcare professionals to better prepare them for medical challenges in extreme environments.
Dr. Esmaeil’s dedication extends beyond the hospital walls. He has been a key figure in various courses and conferences, such as the 1st Kuwait Emergency Medicine Assembly and the Trauma Symposium in Kuwait, where his presentations on topics like Methemoglobinemia and anticonvulsant toxicity have been highly regarded.
His humanitarian spirit shone brightly during his recent mission to Gaza, where he volunteered in field hospitals as part of a team from Kuwait, providing critical medical care in dire conditions. This experience underscores his commitment to global health and disaster relief.
In addition to his professional and humanitarian efforts, Dr. Esmaeil is actively involved in community service, participating in initiatives like the Hand in Hand Campaign and first aid awareness programs for high school students in Kuwait. Fluent in both Arabic and English, he possesses a unique blend of skills in team dynamics, situational awareness, and performance under pressure.
Dr. Esmaeil’s involvement as a speaker and organizing committee member for the Wilderness Medicine Conference in Kuwait highlights his ongoing dedication to advancing medical knowledge and practice in wilderness and extreme environments, making him an invaluable asset to both the medical community and the broader society.
Banan A. AL Saleh, a 2017 graduate from Malta university, currently works as a 4th year resident in the Kuwait Board of Emergency Medicine. Due to her interest in plant exposures, animal bites, & stings, she did many outside rotations around the gulf area to dig more in her passion in nature. Moreover, she combines her love of the outdoors and her medical background as an Advanced Wilderness Medicine instructor. In the future, Banan hopes to exploit this special combination to make a major contribution to the field of wilderness medicine.
Dr. Abdulaziz S. M. Sultan is a highly skilled and dedicated emergency medicine specialist known for his extensive experience and commitment to patient care. Currently an Assistant Registrar in the Emergency Department at Amiri Hospital, Dr. Sultan has played a crucial role in managing the resuscitation room, minor OT, and COVID-19 observation rooms.
Dr. Sultan’s academic journey began with an MB BCh BAO degree from Misr University for Science and Technology. His diverse medical background includes roles in radiology, orthopedics, and general surgery across various hospitals in Kuwait.
In addition to his clinical roles, Dr. Sultan has developed a strong expertise in emergency procedures, airway management, and ultrasound. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through his participation in numerous courses and workshops, including Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Point of Care Ultrasound (PoCUS). Notably, he is an instructor for Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS) and holds an instructor potential certificate for ACLS.
Dr. Sultan has actively contributed to the medical community through his involvement in multiple conferences such as the 1st Toxicology Review Conference and the Pearls in Emergency Radiology Conference. His research on severe methanol toxicity during COVID-19, supervised by Dr. Abdullatif Aloumi, highlights his dedication to advancing medical knowledge.
Volunteering is a significant aspect of Dr. Abdulaziz’s career. He worked at the Mishref Field Hospital during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential care and support. His passion for teaching and mentoring is reflected in his efforts to develop teaching methodologies and research opportunities within the field of emergency medicine.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Sultan enjoys football, traveling, and continuing his volunteer work. His involvement as a key organizer and speaker at the Wilderness Medicine Conference in Kuwait showcases his dedication to improving medical practices in extreme environments, making him a vital asset to both the medical and broader communities.
Dr. Mubarak Alghuroba is a dedicated medical professional with a Doctor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Malta, graduating in 2017. With a passion for healthcare leadership and policy-making, he has served as Co-Chief Resident for two years in the Kuwait Board of Emergency Medicine, where he gained extensive experience in emergency care and medical management.
Dr. Alghuroba has actively participated in significant medical events, including a radiation drill and providing medical services at the Olympic Clinic, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in high-pressure environments. Currently, he is an Assistant Registrar at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital’s Emergency Department, where he continues to enhance his clinical expertise and leadership skills.
Mohammad Bouhamad is a Registrar in the Kuwait Board of Emergency Medicine at the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specializations, where he also served as Chief Resident for two years. With a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from Kuwait University, Mohammad has gained extensive experience in emergency medicine, serving at various hospitals, including Mubarak Hospital and Adan Hospital. He is certified in Advanced Wilderness Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support, among others. Mohammad has also presented on numerous topics at medical conferences, including respiratory emergencies and airway management, reflecting his commitment to medical education and patient care. Beyond his professional work, Mohammad is actively involved in community outreach and has a passion for outdoor activities, photography, and volunteering.
Ala’a Husain is a dedicated medical professional currently serving as an Assistant Registrar in Emergency Medicine. She completed her Bachelor of Medical Sciences and Surgery from the University of Leicester, UK. Ala’a has a passion for continuous learning, demonstrated by her completion of numerous advanced medical courses including Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS EDE1). She is also an Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS) instructor, reflecting her deep commitment to education and wilderness medicine.
Ala’a is an advocate for the inclusion and empowerment of women in wilderness medicine. She will be sharing her insights on this topic as a speaker at the upcoming Wilderness Medicine Conference in Kuwait. With a strong dedication to teaching and a drive to inspire others, Ala’a brings expertise and enthusiasm to her role on the organizing committee of the conference.
Renita Fonseca, a seasoned executive with 25 years of leadership in nonprofit associations, is known for driving transformative change and fostering organizational excellence. As CEO of the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS), based in Austin, Texas, Renita leads a remote team of 8 staff that supports a membership of 4,200 wilderness medicine professionals across 48 nations, including Kuwait. Under her leadership, and in a short span of 6 years, the WMS has achieved significant milestones, including a 33% increase in membership, and a 177% increase in conference attendance through innovative virtual initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
