Arab American Heritage Month; April 2024

In an effort to acknowledge the diversity of our community, the Office of Equity and Inclusion launched a celebratory initiative to promote sharing, awareness, and learning. Here, we recognize and celebrate our faculty and staff by hearing their stories and experiences.

 

Submit a nominee for future Affinity Month Celebrations

Zoom Backgrounds

Each Affinity Month, we will unveil new Zoom backgrounds for use by affinity group members and allies during their respective affinity month. Zoom backgrounds for Arab American Heritage Month are available to download from Sharepoint with the link below. 

Affinity Month Backgrounds

As an Arab-American from Nazareth and the surrounding areas, my journey is intertwined with the resilience and heritage of my family. Months before my birth, my parents immigrated to the US, seeking education and a better life. I am grateful to an upbringing that centered our language, cuisine, and traditions at home while emphasizing a profound sense of social justice. Growing up in the US after 9/11 there was adversity but I had my family and a close network of friends for support.

Every day I am reminded of the contributions of people like me and my ancestors who contributed to medicine, mathematics, and sciences. For example, Gauze, the cloth we use to dress wounds, is named after the craftsmanship of skilled weavers from Gaza, in Palestine. Or more modern medical Arab-American pioneers such as Michael DeBakey. These examples showcase the immense potential within our community and a reminder of the enduring legacy of Arab-American innovation and artistry.

I'm grateful for institutions like Emory that began to celebrate Arab-American Heritage Month. Such opportunities showcase the richness of our culture and our contributions. One hopes they help break down barriers and combat stereotypes. Not just during this month but throughout the year.

As we commemorate Arab-American Heritage Month, it's a time to honor our past, celebrate our present, and envision a future where diversity is embraced and celebrated. Despite the challenges we face, our cultural richness remains a source of strength and pride, enriching the fabric of our shared American society.

Dr. Dhabaan  was born into the village in Haditha Iraq and grew as an innovative physicist, which is testament to his resilience of the Arab spirit. Growing up in a family of eleven, Dr. Dhabaan’s life was marked by financial challenges and hardship, inspiring him to pursue a career in
healthcare.

Dr. Dhabaan, driven by his Arab heritage, pursued education despite financial constraints in Haditha. He became a Physics Instructor at the University of Baghdad, sharing his passion. He overcame obstacles while studying in Birmingham, balancing academics with jobs like carpentry and working at FedEx, fostering a strong work ethic and adaptability.

Dr. Dhabaan earned a master's at Emory University and became a professor at the Department of Radiation Oncology. He received awards for his teaching and service, notably for his work at the Emory Proton Therapy Center. As Lead Medical Physicist, he introduced advanced technologies like TrueBeam linear accelerators, improving patient care. He's also dedicated to mentoring future medical physicists, training students and residents. As a Clinical Medical Physicist Expert Commissioning Auditor, he's been pivotal in advancing healthcare technologies and patient care.

Dr. Dhabaan's dedication to mentorship extends beyond academia, as he trains future medical physicists and contributes significantly to healthcare technology advancement. Dr. Dhabaan's commitment to embracing diverse cultures and celebrating his Arab identity transcends borders—for example, he lectured in Kocaeli, Turkey, on medical physics. Engaging in gardening activities also serves as a poignant reminder of his rural upbringing and fosters connections with Iraq. Additionally, he actively participates in Arab cultural events at Emory University and mentors students from diverse backgrounds. We proudly nominate Dr. Anees Dhabaan for Arab Heritage Month for his perseverance, resilience, and pride.