Nour Fawaz

Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection & IBD Research

Led clinical and translational projects targeting outcomes, therapeutics, and molecular studies in pancreatic cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), enhancing research relevance.

Key Projects & Roles:

• CAPS-5 (Cancer of the Pancreas Screening 5): Investigating early detection strategies for pancreatic cancer.
• Integrated molecular findings into patient management for pancreatic and peripancreatic tumors, improving clinical decision-making processes.
• Upadacitinib Research: Studied a novel high-response last-line therapy in IBD to optimize management strategies for non-responders and inform future standards of care.
• NAGIC Study: Multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial of oral N-acetylglucosamine in ileal/ileocolonic Crohn’s disease.
• Applied research findings to clinical decision-making, reinforcing evidence-based practice and enhancing patient-centered care.

Founded first student-led organization at AUBMC to support caregivers within Naef K. Basile Cancer Center Institute.

Key Roles & Achievements.

• Established AUBridge from the ground up, defining its mission, structure, and programs to support caregivers of patients.
• Recruited, trained, and supervised volunteers in psychosocial first aid, enhancing their ability to support caregivers.
• Developed workshops and support sessions addressing caregiver needs, fostering resilience and well-being.

Key Insight:

This experience taught me the importance of empathy, leadership, and designing programs that respond to the nuanced needs of patients and their families.

Managed projects and currently serve as a Board Member of Association Aïda, a France-based non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of adolescents and young adults with cancer.

Key role and achievement:

• Led the expansion of Aïda to Lebanon, establishing its presence, building local partnerships, and adapting programs to the regional context.

Key insight: This experience enhanced skills in strategic planning, cross-cultural collaboration, and translating organizational vision into tangible impact for vulnerable populations.

• Contributed to patient management and medical decision-making alongside healthcare professionals.
• Participated in neuromuscular clinics, engaging with patients facing complex respiratory conditions.
• Key Insight: Gained firsthand understanding of managing complex pediatric cases with respiratory challenges

Shadowed pediatric pulmonologists in clinic and inpatient settings, gaining insight into clinical practices.

The Lebanese Gastroenterology Interest Group is a student-led initiative connecting medical students interested in gastroenterology through education, clinical exposure, and community outreach.

Key Roles & Achievements.

• Led colon cancer awareness campaigns, resulting in increased community engagement through marathon participation and interactive inflatable colon displays.
• Designed and executed student engagement and community outreach initiatives, achieving higher participation rates and improved awareness of gastroenterology issues.
• Developed leadership, teamwork, and project management skills through active involvement in organizing and executing initiatives.

• Collaborated with Dr. Kadakkal Radhakrishnan, pediatric gastroenterologist specializing in complex and rare cases to support patient care.
• Monitored management of patients with intricate needs, focusing on PEG feeding, nutritional support, and multisystem complications.

Key insight:

During my internship, I learned how delicate it is to manage pediatric patients with complex gastroenterological needs, balancing medical interventions like PEG feeding with their psychological and developmental well-being. This experience taught me the importance of tailoring management and care strategies to each child’s individual needs.