Hamdan Medical Awards Honour KFSHRC Achievements: Genetic Research, 3D Printing & Tele-ICU Services
These recognitions highlight KFSHRC's study which offers valuable insights that enhance the effectiveness of global undiagnosed diseases.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) has been awarded the Arab Award for Research in Healthcare at the Hamdan Medical Awards 2024. Presented by the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, this accolade acknowledges KFSHRC's groundbreaking study on challenges in diagnosing Mendelian diseases—genetic disorders caused by single-gene mutations. The research offers critical insights to enhance global undiagnosed disease programs.
KFSHRC has also been honoured with the Global Excellence Award in Technology Project Management for 2024 by the Global Project Management Forum (GPMF). The award recognizes the hospital’s pioneering 3D Printing Project, which has revolutionized healthcare delivery by enhancing diagnostic precision and surgical efficiency while reducing costs and time.
Pioneering Study on Genetic Diagnoses
The study, titled “Diagnostic Implications of Pitfalls in Causal Variant Identification”, analyzed data from 4,577 families, revealing key barriers to accurate genetic diagnoses. These challenges included phenotypic complexities, novel gene-disease associations, and unique inheritance patterns. The research highlighted that addressing non-sequencing barriers alone could improve diagnostic yield by 71%, successfully identifying causal variants in 54.5% of previously undiagnosed cases.
Advancing Global Healthcare Solutions
This research emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach beyond sequencing technologies. The findings are expected to significantly improve global programs targeting undiagnosed diseases, setting new standards in genetic research and healthcare innovation. The recognition reinforces KFSHRC’s role as a leader in healthcare innovation and scientific research. It highlights the hospital's dedication to advancing medical knowledge and delivering transformative solutions to improve patient outcomes. This commitment aligns with its mission to establish global healthcare benchmarks.
Transforming Surgical Outcomes with 3D Printing
The 3D Printing Project, developed using global best practices, provides highly accurate, customized medical models. These models enable surgeons to pre-plan procedures, resulting in a 30% reduction in surgery duration, shorter hospital stays, and minimized risks. This innovative approach delivers more predictable outcomes and significantly improves the patient experience.
Expanding the Frontiers of Medical Technology
KFSHRC plans to expand its 3D printing services and explore new applications to replace traditional methods with advanced digital technologies. This initiative aligns with the hospital’s vision of offering world-class specialized care and exceptional patient experiences.
Transforming Critical Care with Tele-ICU Services
Under the leadership of Dr. Amera Rahmatullah, KFSHRC has integrated Tele-ICU services across Saudi Arabia, revolutionizing critical care. Initially launched in 2010 to reduce patient transfers, the program expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing real-time ICU support to rural regions and ensuring nationwide access to high-quality care.
Leadership in Critical Care Medicine
Dr. Rahmatullah oversees KFSHRC’s Critical Care Medicine Department, managing specialized units for surgical, transplant, oncology, and COVID-19 patients. With a capacity of 67 beds and over 4,000 annual admissions, the department operates with 24/7 consultant coverage and a multidisciplinary team of experts.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Rahmatullah described how telemedicine’s role at KFSHRC has gone beyond the pandemic. "Our Tele-ICU initiative has transformed critical care in Saudi Arabia by bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare. This WHO-accredited program has reduced unnecessary hospital transfers, improved patient outcomes, and provided timely interventions in remote areas, offering seamless, high-quality care across the Kingdom,” she explained. This initiative is part of KFSHRC's broader nationwide strategy to expand critical care services.
Training Future Healthcare Leaders
As Director of the Critical Care Medicine Residency Program, Dr. Rahmatullah trains residents in advanced technical and leadership skills, preparing them to manage complex cases. Her efforts ensure a robust pipeline of specialists, keeping KFSHRC at the forefront of healthcare education and innovation.
Commitment to Research and Innovation
Dr. Rahmatullah’s involvement in the COVI-PRONE trial during the pandemic reflects her dedication to improving outcomes for critically ill patients. Her contributions to telemedicine, AI, and precision medicine continue to advance patient care across Saudi Arabia.
Achievements in Rankings and Brand Value
For the second consecutive year, KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centres. It was also recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East in the 2024 Brand Finance rankings. Furthermore, Newsweek included KFSHRC in its World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025, underscoring its commitment to innovation and excellence.
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