Prof. Ahmad Sami
Professor Ahmed Sami, pioneering Intervention Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
Early Education and Formation
Prof. Ahmad Sami Mohammad Saeed is one of the pioneering figures in Interventional Radiology (IR) in Egypt and the Arab world, with a distinguished professional journey spanning more than five decades at Kasr ElAiny Medical School. He graduated in 1975 with an MBBCh degree, followed by an MSc in 1978 and an MD in 1983 in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology from Cairo University.
Pioneering Vision in Interventional Radiology
From the outset of his career, Prof. Saeed demonstrated a visionary commitment to advancing minimally invasive medicine. His doctoral thesis, designed and prepared at the University of Cologne, Germany, focused on balloon angioplasty in the treatment of lower limb ischemia—one of the earliest academic contributions in Interventional Radiology at a time when the field was still emerging globally.
International Training and Expertise
To further refine his expertise, he pursued advanced training across leading European centers, including Rigshospitalet (Denmark), St. Elisabeth Hospital Eindhoven (The Netherlands), Lariboisière Hospital (France), and Caen University Hospital (France). These experiences shaped his multidisciplinary approach and positioned him at the forefront of introducing and expanding IR practices in Egypt.
Leadership and Institutional Development
Throughout his career, Prof. Saeed has been deeply committed to institutional development and medical education. He served as Head of the Radiology Department at Kasr ElAiny from 2007 to 2011, during which he strengthened both academic and clinical frameworks. He also founded and developed one of the earliest and most active Interventional Radiology units at Kasr ElAiny, which continues to train new generations of specialists.
National Contribution and Healthcare Impact
Beyond the university, he played a key national role in advancing IR services by establishing a dedicated department at Nasser Institute Hospital in 2000, following a ministerial directive. This initiative significantly contributed to expanding access to minimally invasive treatments within the public healthcare system and reinforced the role of IR as a viable alternative to conventional surgery.
Professional Leadership and Recognition
Prof. Saeed’s contributions extend to the international professional community. He has been a member of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe since 1991 and the Society of Interventional Radiology since 2013. He is also a founding member of the Mediterranean Interventional Oncology Society, the first President-elect of the Pan Arab Interventional Radiology Society, and a former President of the Egyptian Society of Interventional Radiology.
Scientific Contributions and Innovation
With more than 80 scientific presentations delivered at national and international conferences, his academic impact is substantial. He also holds a patent for an innovative drive system used in automated percutaneous discectomy, a technique he has successfully applied for over 30 years in the treatment of lumbar and cervical disc herniation.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Prof. Saeed’s career reflects the evolution of Interventional Radiology from a novel concept into a cornerstone of modern medical practice. Despite early challenges—particularly resistance to techniques that offered alternatives to traditional surgery—his perseverance, dedication, and collaborative spirit helped establish IR as a respected and indispensable specialty.
Final Advice to the Younger Generation
“Believe in what you are doing, and let your work be guided by honesty and dedication. Progress is rarely easy—there will be challenges, doubts, and moments of resistance. Do not be discouraged. Move forward step by step, learn continuously, and remain faithful to your purpose. With perseverance and integrity, what begins as a vision can grow into a meaningful and lasting contribution.”
A formal honor ceremony held in February 2025 during a major scientific event organized by the Egyptian Society for Treatment by Interventional Radiology (ESTIR). The ceremony was attended by H.E. Professor Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population, who participated in honoring a distinguished group of pioneers in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology in Egypt, among them Professor Ahmed Sami, Professor of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at Kasr Al‑Ainy Faculty of Medicine.