Lebanese doctor Robert Najjar was enchanted by Italy and he enchanted it with his success

Dr. Robert Najjar: A Lebanese Medical Pioneer Honored in Italy

When Robert Najjar left his hometown of Zahle, known as the “Bride of the Bekaa”, half a century ago, he had no idea that his journey would lead him to international recognition in the field of medicine. Today, Dr. Najjar stands as one of the most renowned Lebanese doctors in Rome, earning prestigious awards for his groundbreaking contributions to gynecology and infertility treatment.

A Journey from Lebanon to Italy

Dr. Najjar began his academic journey in Lebanon, completing his education at Aintoura School before leaving for France in 1969 to study medicine.

While studying in Paris, a chance encounter with a friend from Italy changed the course of his life. He visited Florence and immediately fell in love with the country’s culture, architecture, and way of life. This fascination led him to move permanently to Rome, where he completed his medical studies and specialized in gynecology.

📌 Key Milestones in His Career:
Left Lebanon in 1969 to study medicine in France.
Moved to Italy after being captivated by its charm.
Specialized in gynecology in Rome, where he settled permanently.

Pioneering Research and a Prestigious Award

As war broke out in Lebanon, returning home became increasingly difficult, leading Dr. Najjar to focus entirely on his medical career in Italy. He dedicated himself to scientific research in gynecology, particularly in the treatment of infertility, becoming a pioneer in the field.

🚀 Notable Achievements:

• Established one of Italy’s first specialized infertility centers.
• Advanced research in gynecology, particularly in reproductive medicine.
• Recognized for his contributions with the Grand Prix International in 2018—one of Italy’s highest honors for innovation and excellence.

📢 “This award is given only to those who demonstrate creativity and exceptional achievements,” said Dr. Najjar, highlighting the significance of the recognition.

A Lebanese Heart Abroad

Despite his success in Italy, Dr. Najjar has never forgotten his Lebanese roots. He visits Lebanon annually and remains deeply involved in the Lebanese diaspora community.

📌 Ways He Stays Connected to Lebanon:
✔️ Participated in Lebanon’s parliamentary elections as an expatriate voter at the Lebanese embassy in Rome.
✔️ Attended the Diaspora Energy Conference in Beirut, where he met Lebanese professionals from around the world—including a relative from Colombia he hadn’t seen in years.

📢 His message to the Lebanese diaspora:
“We must harness the incredible Lebanese talent abroad and help one another succeed.”

Hope for Lebanon’s Future

While Dr. Najjar acknowledges Lebanon’s political and economic struggles, he remains optimistic about the country’s future.

📢 “Lebanon has always been a land of life, once called the ‘Jewel of the East.’ I believe it can return to its former glory—with peace, stability, and prosperity.”

He emphasizes that Lebanese talent is not limited to any one field, as the Lebanese excel in medicine, engineering, fine arts, and business across the world.

💡 His vision for Lebanon:
A secure and stable country where young professionals can thrive.
A top destination for tourism and investment.
Improved infrastructure and traffic conditions—so that a trip from Beirut Airport to Jounieh would take the same time as a flight from Rome to Lebanon!

Lebanese Success in Italy

Dr. Najjar notes that Lebanese professionals in Italy are particularly successful in three key sectors:

🏗 Engineering – Lebanese professionals are widely respected for their technical expertise and innovation.
🎨 Fine Arts – Many Lebanese artists have made a name for themselves in Italy’s world-renowned art scene.
🏥 Medicine – Lebanese doctors, like Dr. Najjar himself, are highly regarded in Italy’s healthcare system.

📢 “Lebanese people are creative and accomplished wherever they go. If given the right opportunities, they will excel not just abroad, but also in Lebanon itself.”

Conclusion: A Role Model for Lebanese Excellence

Dr. Robert Najjar’s journey from Zahle to Rome is a testament to Lebanese resilience, ambition, and excellence. Despite the challenges of war and exile, he became a pioneer in reproductive medicine, earning global recognition for his work.

🚀 His story is an inspiration for young Lebanese everywhere, proving that success knows no borders—only determination, passion, and the will to make a difference.

🌍 While Lebanon may struggle, its people continue to shine on the world stage, proving that the spirit of Lebanon lives on in every expatriate who carries its name with pride.