World Medical and Health Tourism

Renée-Marie Stephano is the President of the Medical Tourism Association (MTA), USA, a globally recognized organization dedicated to advancing cross-border healthcare and patient mobility. With over two decades of leadership in healthcare globalization, Ms. Stephano has been instrumental in developing international standards and accreditation frameworks that ensure quality, safety, and ethical practices in medical tourism. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Medical Tourism Magazine and has authored several publications on international healthcare policy, hospital accreditation, and destination branding. Her expertise spans strategic consulting for governments, hospitals, and healthcare clusters worldwide, promoting collaboration and sustainability in global health systems.

Mr. Haruna Abdullahi Elbinawi is a public health researcher and healthcare policy analyst from Nigeria, with a strong interest in health systems management, leadership accountability, and healthcare financing in developing countries. His work focuses on the intersections of governance, healthcare access, and the socio-economic implications of medical tourism in Africa. Mr. Elbinawi has been involved in various health advocacy and research initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system and promoting evidence-based policy reforms. His academic and professional contributions reflect his commitment to fostering sustainable healthcare practices that benefit local communities while reducing the economic outflow associated with medical travel.

Wafa Alnakhi is a public health researcher affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA. Her research focuses on healthcare utilization patterns, patient behavior, and health system efficiency, with particular expertise in medical tourism and cross-border healthcare. Wafa has published extensively on factors influencing patient decision-making and strategies for optimizing healthcare delivery in both domestic and international contexts. She is committed to generating evidence that informs policy decisions and improves healthcare accessibility and quality for populations in the United Arab Emirates and beyond.

Ms. Cheurombo Pswarayi is the Founder and CEO of Medtours Africa, a leading organization facilitating medical tourism across the African continent. With extensive experience in healthcare management and international patient services, she has been instrumental in creating pathways that connect patients to high-quality medical care while addressing the unique challenges of cross-border healthcare. Ms. Pswarayi is recognized for her expertise in navigating regulatory, logistical, and ethical aspects of medical tourism, and she is committed to promoting safe, ethical, and accessible healthcare travel.

I. Glenn Cohen is a Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and faculty co-director of the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics. He is a leading scholar in health law, bioethics, and patient safety, with extensive research on the intersection of healthcare regulation, medical ethics, and legal protection. Professor Cohen has authored numerous articles and books addressing healthcare policy, medical liability, and the ethical dimensions of clinical practice. His work has significantly influenced both academic thought and policy development in patient safety and healthcare law.

Anita Medhekar is a leading researcher at the Center for Medical Tourism Research, India, specializing in the intersection of healthcare systems and global patient mobility. With extensive experience in analyzing the impact of medical tourism on local healthcare infrastructure, she focuses on strategies that enhance system efficiency while maintaining quality care. Her work bridges policy, operational management, and international healthcare trends, making her a recognized expert in sustainable medical tourism practices.

Daniel Amobtiwon Amoatika is a researcher and public health professional affiliated with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Durban, South Africa. His research focuses on infectious disease surveillance, epidemiology, and public health system strengthening. Daniel has contributed to studies on outbreak detection, disease prevention strategies, and health systems evaluation in both urban and rural contexts. He is committed to applying evidence-based approaches to improve disease surveillance and public health outcomes in Africa.

Ahmed El-Sayed is a healthcare analytics specialist at Cleveland Clinic, UAE, focusing on leveraging AI and data-driven solutions to optimize healthcare operations and patient services. With extensive experience in healthcare management and predictive analytics, Ahmed has been instrumental in implementing AI-based tools for patient demand forecasting, resource planning, and operational efficiency in medical travel and hospital systems. His work bridges the gap between advanced technology and patient-centric care, contributing to the development of smarter, data-informed healthcare strategies.

Hasti Talebi is a researcher at Karaj Azad University, Iran, specializing in health tourism and global healthcare accessibility. Her work focuses on analyzing the effects of political and socio-economic factors on international medical travel and developing strategies to enhance equitable access to healthcare services. Hasti has contributed to multiple publications and conferences, advocating for patient-centered approaches and the depoliticization of global health tourism.

Dr. Mei Ling Tan is a distinguished healthcare professional at the National University Hospital, Singapore, specializing in integrative medicine and wellness-focused healthcare initiatives. With extensive experience in patient-centered care, Dr. Tan has been at the forefront of promoting holistic health solutions that bridge conventional medicine with complementary wellness practices. Her work emphasizes preventive care, mental well-being, and the integration of wellness principles into everyday life. Dr. Tan is a passionate advocate for wellness tourism and has contributed significantly to research and programs that enhance the holistic healing experience for both patients and global travelers.

Anu Rai is a researcher and academician at Adamas University, India, with a focus on healthcare management and medical tourism. Her work explores the intersection of technology, patient experience, and healthcare decision-making. With a keen interest in digital platforms and their impact on the healthcare sector, she has contributed to multiple research studies on patient engagement, healthcare accessibility, and innovation in medical services. Anu is passionate about leveraging technology to improve informed decision-making in medical tourism and enhance the overall patient journey.

Ahmed El-Sayed is a leading healthcare data scientist at Cleveland Clinic, UAE, specializing in the application of Artificial Intelligence and data analytics in clinical settings. With extensive experience in patient-centered care and healthcare optimization, Ahmed focuses on leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and transform healthcare delivery. He has led multiple initiatives integrating predictive analytics and AI tools into the patient journey, enabling hospitals to provide personalized and efficient care. Ahmed is a frequent speaker at international conferences on digital health, AI in medicine, and healthcare innovation.

Lovely Ranganath is a seasoned professional at Dubai World Trade Centre Hospitality, United Arab Emirates, with extensive experience in nutrition, wellness, and hospitality management. Passionate about promoting evidence-based dietary practices, Lovely has dedicated her career to educating diverse audiences on health, wellness, and nutritional literacy. She combines practical knowledge with a deep understanding of food trends to help individuals make informed lifestyle choices.

Ananya Kapoor is a leading expert in medical and wellness tourism, affiliated with the Kerala Institute of Medical Tourism, India. With extensive experience in integrating traditional therapies like Ayurveda with modern spa and holistic care practices, Ananya has been instrumental in developing innovative medical travel programs that prioritize patient well-being and holistic healing. She is passionate about promoting Kerala as a global hub for wellness tourism and has contributed to numerous initiatives that bridge healthcare, wellness, and cultural heritage to enhance the international patient experience.

Mr. Jean-Paul Lefèvre is a distinguished representative of the French Tourism Board, specializing in health and wellness tourism. With extensive experience in promoting France as a premier destination for medical and wellness travel, Mr. Lefèvre has been instrumental in developing programs that integrate healthcare services with tourism opportunities. His expertise lies in fostering Government–Private Partnerships to advance health tourism, ensuring quality, innovation, and sustainability. Through his work, he has contributed to positioning France as a leading destination for international patients seeking world-class medical care combined with enriching travel experiences.

I. Glenn Cohen is a Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and Faculty Director of the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics. His research focuses on health law, bioethics, and the legal and policy challenges posed by emerging medical technologies. Professor Cohen has published extensively on issues including patient safety, privacy, medical malpractice, and cross-border healthcare. He is widely recognized as a leading authority on the intersection of law and global health, and his work informs policymakers, healthcare institutions, and legal scholars worldwide.

Dennis Minoru Fujita is a researcher and lecturer at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, specializing in public health policy, social healthcare systems, and healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations. His work focuses on developing strategies to improve equitable access to healthcare services, particularly for immigrant and underserved communities in emerging countries. Dr. Fujita has published multiple papers on healthcare policy, migration, and social determinants of health, contributing to both academic research and practical policy solutions. He actively collaborates with international organizations and governmental agencies to promote inclusive healthcare systems that prioritize equity and social justice.

Mr. Dilloo Mohammad Tasleem is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Overseas Medical Care Assistance (OMCA) Ltd, an internationally recognized organization dedicated to facilitating medical travel and cross-border healthcare services. With a deep passion for improving global access to quality medical care, Mr. Tasleem established OMCA to connect patients with world-class healthcare providers through a transparent and supportive process.