In this edition of our Member Spotlight, the U.S.-Saudi Business Council turns its focus to its member Penn Medicine, a prominent institution within the world-renowned University of Pennsylvania. With a mission to provide cutting-edge treatments, groundbreaking research, and unparalleled patient care, Penn Medicine continues to lead the way in healthcare innovation. Learn more in our conversation below with Penn Medicine’s Moulay Larbi Alaoui, Director of International Business Development, where he explains Penn Medicine’s remarkable achievements in providing healthcare and vision for collaboration in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare landscape.
Can you provide an overview of Penn Medicine and its role within the University of Pennsylvania?
Penn Medicine is part of the world-renowned University of Pennsylvania. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, less than two hours from New York City and Washington, D.C., Penn Medicine includes acute-care hospitals and state-of-the-art outpatient facilities, cutting-edge research enterprises, and focused treatment centers.
Moulay Larbi Alaoui, Director of International Business Development
Penn Medicine is one of the world’s leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation’s first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $8.9 billion enterprise. Penn Medicine employs more than 47,000 people in six acute-care hospitals and state-of-the-art outpatient locations, including cutting-edge research facilities, in the city of Philadelphia and throughout the region.
Could you share some key achievements and recognitions that highlight Penn Medicine’s commitment to medical education and patient care?
The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top medical schools in the United States for more than 20 years. The School is consistently among the nation’s top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with more than $600 million awarded in the 2022 fiscal year.
How has Penn Medicine contributed to cutting-edge patient care and medical innovation?
In 2021, Penn Medicine opened the Pavilion, a new hospital building which expands the footprint of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), becoming a new landmark for exemplary care for the community. The Pavilion is one of the largest hospitals in the U.S. – and the largest in the Philadelphia region. The building rises 17 stories on Penn Medicine’s West Philadelphia campus as a place where Penn’s world-renowned researchers, clinicians, and faculty will continue to pioneer advanced patient care. The $1.6 billion facility houses 504 private patient rooms and 47 operating rooms.
The Pavilion, a new addition to Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Could you elaborate on Penn Medicine’s involvement in groundbreaking medical advancements, including its contributions to the development of COVID-19 vaccines?
Penn Medicine is known for delivering state-of-the-art care and discovering new treatments and cures that drive innovation in medicine. It has received 21 FDA Approvals since 2017 and is the Epicenter of Cell and Gene Therapy as well as home to the mRNA vaccine technology behind the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Penn Medicine is home to the Abramson Cancer Center – a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. As of 2023, we have had more than 305,248 outpatient visits and more than 10,230 discharges, and provided more than 81,471 chemotherapy and 66,110 radiation treatments.
Can you tell us about Penn Medicine’s dedication to clinical trials and its impact on patient care?
Penn Medicine offers patients access to clinical trials. Clinical trials help cancer survivors live longer and have a better quality of life through new ways to detect, diagnose and treat cancer. Penn Medicine has worked with medical providers from around the world in the treatment of complex cases and specializes in the clinical fields of oncology, neurosciences, otorhinolaryngology, TransOralRobotic Surgery (TORS), cardiovascular care, advanced orthopedic care, and women’s health, among other specialties.
How is Penn Medicine working to expand its reach and collaborate with potential partners in Saudi Arabia to enhance healthcare provision?
Penn Medicine seeks to expand its footprints outside the U.S. to establish collaboration and partnership with potential partners to achieve the objective of provision of exceptional healthcare to the citizens of Saudi Arabia. Collaboration could be in the form of building capacity with local hospitals and government agencies, whether through research or exchange of knowledge.
