November 18, 2014 -- The American University of Beirut Medical Center inaugurated
the Rafic Anis Balaa Coronary Care Unit (CCU) conference room, a
state-of-the-art meeting room, equipped with advanced tools of digital learning
and interactive teaching, in the presence of the late Rafic Anis Balaa family
and friends on November 18, 2014.
The Rafic Anis Balaa CCU Conference Room will enhance and
foster medical education and training. Its renovation and upgrade were made
possible thanks to a generous donation of the Balaa Family in honor and memory
of their late beloved father, friend and benefactor.
The Balaa family has long been committed to supporting
social and humanitarian causes. Rafic Balaa in particular, a generous
philanthropist, was involved in numerous charitable initiatives in Beirut and
beyond. AUB and the Balaa family share a
proud history of longstanding commitment and honoring the life and legacy of
late Rafic Balaa through a naming in perpetuity at AUBMC reflects that relation.
“Your support is vital in enabling the division and
generations of students to enhance their learning and impact cardiovascular
care,” said Professor Samir Alam who spoke on behalf of the Division of
Cardiology in the Department of Internal Medicine. He lauded the family for their gracious contribution and reiterated
AUBMC’s commitment to continuous improvement of patient-centered care standards.
“Your compassionate donation and thoughtful gesture motivate us all and give
renewed hope for the fight against heart disease,” he added.
On behalf of the family, Hani Rafic Balaa delivered a
heartfelt word in which he reflected on his father’s achievements. “Rafic Balaa
was a pioneer in advocating for social deeds, sports, education and charity,”
he said. “We are inaugurating this conference room today in his name and
dedicating it to students so that they may pursue and advance in their
education,” concluded Hani Balaa.
