Forty-two successful separations of conjoined twins from 19 countries define the surgical career of Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabiah. Born in Mecca in 1955, he established himself as a practitioner of complex pediatric procedures before transitioning into significant administrative and government roles within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he continues to oversee national humanitarian relief efforts.
Medical Education and Training
Al Rabiah pursued his medical studies at King Saud University in Riyadh, graduating with an MBBS degree in July 1979. He completed his internship at King Khalid University Hospital in 1980 and obtained his medical license the following year. Further specialization took him abroad, where he attended the University of Alberta in 1985. He subsequently completed fellowships in general and pediatric surgery at Dalhousie University and the IWK Hospital for Children in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1987.
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Since 1992, Al Rabiah has led the surgical and multidisciplinary team for the Saudi National Conjoined Twins Programme. His initial separation of female Saudi twins occurred at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in December 1990. Throughout his career, he has reviewed 99 cases and successfully separated 42 pairs. A notable milestone included the 23.5-hour procedure to separate Malaysian twins Ahmed and Mohammed in September 2002. His surgical insights are documented in his book, My Experience with Conjoined Twins, and over 100 scientific publications.
Public Service and Administration
Al Rabiah held the position of Minister of Health from February 2009 until April 2014. Following this tenure, he transitioned into roles as an advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, an organization inaugurated in May 2015 to manage global aid. His administrative portfolio has included serving as CEO of National Guard Health Affairs, President of King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, and chairing various health councils and boards.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 February 1955, Mecca
- Medical License obtained: 1981
- First twin separation: December 1990
- Minister of Health term: 2009-2014
- Education: King Saud University, University of Alberta, Dalhousie University
- Position: Supervisor General of KSrelief
- Publications: Over 100 entries in medical and scientific journals
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of the KSrelief organization?
Established in 2015, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre serves as both an aid-monitoring agency and a direct provider of humanitarian relief globally.
How many successful twin separation surgeries has Al Rabiah performed?
Since 1996, Al Rabiah and his national team have performed 42 successful separations of conjoined twins.
Achievements
- Held posts at King Saud University
