Iraqi Medical Sciences Association USA
IMSA USA is a non-profit organization dedicated to uniting and supporting Iraqi medical professionals through education, networking, and humanitarian efforts. We provide a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and career growth while fostering cultural and professional enrichment.
IMSA USA PRESIDENT
letter from IMSA USA President
Dear IMSA Members and Friends,
It gives me great pleasure to invite you to our next IMSA Convention, which will be held in beautiful San Diego, California, during Memorial Day Weekend 2027.
We are looking forward to another outstanding convention featuring an exceptional CME program, engaging social activities, and special opportunities to come together and celebrate our rich heritage and culture.
The Board and I look forward to welcoming you to San Diego. We are counting on your continued support and participation to make the 2027 IMSA Convention a memorable and successful event.
We look forward to seeing you in San Diego!
IMSA President
Reserve Your Stay
Exclusive Iraqi Medical Sciences Association Hotel rates
Discounted rate ( May 28th-May 31st).
Hotel Reservation
Buy Tickets Now
IMSA USA 23rd Annual Convention Program
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
May 28–31, 2027 | San Diego
Friday, May 28
Evening – Welcome Reception
Saturday, May 29
8:00 AM–1:00 PM – CME Scientific Convention
7:00 PM – Cultural Night
Sunday, May 30
9:00–11:00 AM – IMSA USA Business Meeting
7:00 PM – Gala Dinner
IMSA USA 2027 Committees
Convention Committee
- Dr. Abbas Alsaraf / Chair
- Dr. Mona Clor / Member
- Dr. Salam Alsamak / Member
CME Committee
- Dr. Sara Shihab / Chair
- Dr. Sam Bakuri/ Member
- Dr. Mohanad Hamandi / Member
- Dr. Omar Saab / Member
Meet The Board
IMSA Board of Directors 2026 and 2027
Dr. Abbas Alsaraf
President
Dr. Abbas Alsaraf
President
Dr. Abbas Al-Saraf earned his medical degree from the University of Baghdad in 1985, specializing in family medicine. Currently, a medical director at Concentra Immediate Care in an urgent care/occupational medicine setting in Chicago, Illinois.
- Email:aalsaraf60@gmail.com
Dr. Firas Karmo
Past President
Dr. Firas Karmo
Past President
Dr. Firas Karmo, MD is a Cosmetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialist in Pontiac, MI. He is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area. Dr. Firas graduated from the University of Baghdad College of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 30 years.
- Email:frkarmo@comcast.net
Dr. Sadeer Alzubaidi
President-elect
Dr. Sadeer Alzubaidi
President-elect
Dr. Sadeer Alzubaidi received his medical degree from the University of Baghdad School of Medicine in 1998. Dr. Alzubaidi did a preliminary surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, and a diagnostic radiology residency at Wayne State University. Subsequently, he did an Interventional radiology fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, specializing in vascular and interventional radiology. Currently, a Consultant in the Department of Radiology at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, and an Associate Professor of Radiology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, Arizona.
- Email:sidzubaidi@gmail.com
Dr. Sara Shihab
Secretary
Dr. Sara Shihab
Secretary
Dr. Sara Shihab is a Women’s Health internist with special interests in sexual health and menopause management in addition to midlife transition and complex care. She especially focuses on Women’s Health and all aspects of caring for women throughout their life experiences.
Dr Shihab graduated with her MD with honors from Al-Nahrain University School of Medicine in Iraq. She subsequently completed her Internal Medicine residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine where she was selected by the faculty as Intern of the Year during her first year of residency.
Outside of medicine, she is a runner, Ballroom dancer, and an aspiring Yogi and enjoys outdoor activities with her two children.
Dr. Rami Taha
Treasurer
Dr. Rami Taha
Treasurer
Dr. Rami K. Taha is a board-certified infectious disease specialist, Owner of Infectious Disease Consultants of Northern Illinois in Libertyville, Illinois, and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area. He received his medical degree from Saddam College of Medicine in 1995 and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
Dr Mohanad Hamandi
Member at large
Dr Mohanad Hamandi
Member at large
Dr. Mohanad Hamandi earned his medical degree from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, where his interest in structural cardiology first began. He went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship in structural heart disease at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital, contributing to research advancing transcatheter therapies. He then trained in internal medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he received the Holzinger Best Senior Educator Award in recognition of his commitment to teaching and mentorship.
Dr. Hamandi is now a cardiology fellow at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, with a focus on structural and interventional cardiology. He has authored and co-authored over 50 manuscripts and book chapters in high-impact journals, and continues to integrate clinical care, research, and education to improve outcomes in patients with complex valvular heart disease.
Dr. Layth Aljashaami
Member at large
Dr. Layth Aljashaami
Member at large
Dr. Layth Al-Jashaami earned his medical degree from University of Anbar, Iraq. He finished internal medicine training at Creighton University, Pheonix and gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Arizona, Pheonix, Arizona.
Dr.Al-Jashaami is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine, GI and Obesity Medicine.
Currently, an Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology at Creighton University School of Medicine, and practicing Gastroenterologist in GI Alliance, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Dr. Omar Saab
Member at large
Dr. Omar Saab
Member at large
ABIM Certified Internal Medicine Physician
Currently a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellow at the University of Arizona. Graduated from Al-Nahrain University College of Medicine 2014.
Enthusiastic to help the new generation of Iraqi physicians to succeed in the United States.
Executive Director
Executive Director
Dr. Dalia Al-Azzawi
Member at large
Dr. Dalia Al-Azzawi
Member at large
Dr. Dalia Al-Azzawi, a passionate general dentist, lives in Palm Beach, Florida. She is a graduate of Nova Southeastern Dental School. Dr. Al-Azzawi is the proud owner of Gardens Family Dentistry, a thriving dental practice renowned for its personalized approach.
In addition to her successful dental career, Dr. Dalia Al-Azzawi cherishes her role as a loving parent to three wonderful children, alongside her spouse Dr Hayder Al-Azzawi.
Beyond her professional and family life, Dr. Dalia Al-Azzawi finds solace and excitement in traveling with her family. In her leisure time, Dr. Al-Azzawi indulges in her passion for reading, particularly thoughtful books that delve into current issues.
- Email: dralazzawigfd@gmail.com
Dr. Saef Izzy
Member at large
Dr. Saef Izzy
Member at large
Dr. Saef Izzy is a National Institute of Health-funded clinician-scientist and faculty at the Divisions of Neurocritical Care and Cerebrovascular Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA. Dr. Izzy is a medical graduate of the University of Baghdad College of Medicine. He completed his neurology residency at the University of Massachusetts and fellowship in Neurocritical Care at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA. The Izzy laboratory focused on modulating the neuroinflammatory response to promote neurological recovery following acute brain injury, including traumatic brain injury and intracerebral hemorrhage, through the therapeutic manipulation of mucosal immunity. This work has led to the discovery of novel drugs that are currently in the process of translation to NeuroICU patients. Dr. Izzy is also working with the Football Players Health Study at Harvard University to investigate the long-term neurological and medical outcomes following head injury. In addition, Dr. Izzy is the lead editor of “The NeuroICU Board Review” Book and has authored over 70 publications in reputable journals, including Nature Neuroscience, Nature Communications, Lancet Neurology, Neuron, Brain, JAMA, and Circulation. Dr. Izzy is the immediate past Editor-in-Chief of Currents, Neurocritical Care Society international e-magazine, and an active member of the Neurocritical Care Foundation Board of Trustees and of the IMSA Board of Directors.