Dr. Mahmoud Aljurf Becomes First Non-US Physician To Win Weinberger Prize For Hematology And Stem Cell Research

Dr. Mahmoud Aljurf, M.D., MACP, has been honoured with the Steven E. Weinberger Award for Physician Executives/Leaders by the American College of Physicians (ACP). This recognition marks a significant achievement as Dr. Aljurf is the first recipient from outside the United States. The award highlights his global influence in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and oncology.

Dr. Aljurf's leadership at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) has been instrumental in developing one of the largest and most esteemed hematopoietic stem cell transplantation programs worldwide. His efforts have greatly enhanced treatment options for patients with blood cancers, elevating global standards in hematology and oncology.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Aljurf is renowned for his research and editorial contributions. He was the editor-in-chief of the Annals of Saudi Medicine and founding editor-in-chief of the Elsevier Journal of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy. Currently, he serves on several scientific journal editorial boards, including The Lancet Hematology's international advisory board.

Dr. Aljurf's scholarly output is impressive, with nearly 500 publications in high-impact journals. He has also edited five books focused on cancer care units and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation programs, showcasing his dedication to advancing medical knowledge in these fields.

In 2023, Dr. Aljurf was elected president of the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT), acknowledging his contributions to bone marrow and cellular therapy. He is also a founding member and scientific director of the Eastern Mediterranean Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EMBMT) Group, affiliated with WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office.

The ACP Convocation Ceremony at New Orleans' Ernest N. Morial Convention Center during ACP's Internal Medicine Meeting 2025 was where Dr. Aljurf received this prestigious award. His achievements underscore his commitment to advancing medical practices globally.

Awards and Global Impact

Dr. Aljurf has received numerous international accolades, including the Florence A. Carter Leukemia Research Award from the AMA Education and Research Foundation, CIBMTR Annual Distinguished Service Award, King Hussein Cancer Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, and RDIA Lifetime Achievement Award.

His work at KFSHRC has expanded access to innovative transplant therapies, significantly improving patient outcomes worldwide. His leadership continues to inspire advancements in hematology and oncology across different regions.

The recognition by ACP not only honours Dr. Aljurf's individual accomplishments but also highlights Saudi Arabia's growing influence in global medical research and practice standards.

With inputs from SPA