Dr. Abdulsalam Al Madani Honored with Kriser Medal
February 28, 2025
NYU College of Dentistry has awarded Dr. Abdulsalam Al Madani with the David B. Kriser Medal — the College’s highest honor — in recognition of his distinguished service to global health care, education, and humanitarian causes. Dr. Michael O’Connor, executive vice dean at NYU Dentistry and co-executive director of its Center for Oral Health Policy and Management, presented the award to Dr. Al Madani earlier this month at AEEDC Dubai, the world's largest annual scientific dental conference and exhibition.
Dr. Al Madani leads several international health care organizations and is the Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Region, working to foster diplomatic ties and cooperation within the Mediterranean region.
“Dr. Al Madani's extraordinary career embodies the highest ideals of service to humanity, combining academic excellence, organizational leadership, and an unwavering commitment to global health advancement — ideals that align completely with the aspirations of NYU College of Dentistry,” said Dr. Howard Lieb, adjunct associate professor and special assistant to Dean Charles N. Bertolami at NYU Dentistry.
Dr. Al Madani has spearheaded the creation of multiple platforms for knowledge exchange and collaboration among health care professionals. As the chair of INDEX Holding, he founded world-renowned conferences including AEEDC Dubai, Dubai Derma, and DUPHAT to create opportunities for professional development and scientific exchange in dentistry, dermatology, and pharmacy. Dr. Al Madani also chairs the UK-based International Congress for Health Specialties to advance continuing education and professional development for those worldwide working in more than 438 health care specialties and subspecialties. His advisory role with the International Hospital Federation and leadership of the Anti-Smoking International Alliance, Global Scientific Dental Alliance, and Global Family Medicine Scientific Alliance further illustrate his commitment to improving global health outcomes.
Notably, Dr. Al Madani’s leadership has been instrumental in the Waterfalls Initiative for Continuous Education, a not-for-profit program created by the United Arab Emirates government during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver free online training to health care professionals. Since the creation of Waterfalls, more than 2 million participants from 197 countries have taken part in its programming.
“NYU Dentistry honors His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Abdulsalam Al Madani not only for his past achievements but for his continuing dedication to improving global health outcomes and fostering international cooperation,” said Executive Vice Dean O’Connor.