NEW YORK: NYU College of Dentistry has awarded Dr. Abdulsalam Al Madani the prestigious David B. Kriser Medal—its highest distinction—acknowledging his unparalleled contributions to global health care, medical education, and humanitarian initiatives. The award was presented by Dr. Michael O’Connor, Executive Vice Dean at NYU Dentistry and Co-Executive Director of its Center for Oral Health Policy and Management, last month at AEEDC Dubai 2025, the world’s largest annual scientific dental conference and exhibition.
A Global Leader in Health Care and Diplomacy
Dr. Abdulsalam Al Madani is a leading figure in international health care, playing a vital role in strengthening diplomatic cooperation within the Mediterranean region as the Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) for the GCC Region. He has dedicated his career to bridging gaps between medical communities worldwide, fostering cross-border collaboration, and advancing scientific research and education.
Dr. Howard Lieb, Adjunct Associate Professor and Special Assistant to Dean Charles N. Bertolami at NYU Dentistry, lauded Dr. Al Madani’s achievements:
“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.”
Transforming Medical Education & Scientific Collaboration
Dr. Al Madani has played a pivotal role in creating global platforms for professional development, spearheading knowledge-sharing initiatives for health care professionals. As Chairman of INDEX Holding, he founded internationally acclaimed conferences, including:
These conferences enhance professional development and promote global medical collaboration, attracting thousands of experts annually. He also chairs the International Congress for Health Specialties (ICHS) in the UK, supporting continuing education across 438 health care specialties and subspecialties.
In addition, Dr. Al Madani holds leadership roles in various esteemed organizations, including:
- International Hospital Federation (IHF) – Advisory Role
- Global Scientific Dental Alliance – Chair
- Global Family Medicine Scientific Alliance – Chair
- Anti-Smoking International Alliance – Chair
- Advancing Health Care Through the Waterfalls Initiative
Dr. Al Madani’s commitment to education and public health was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he led the Waterfalls Initiative for Continuous Education—a nonprofit UAE government initiative providing free online training to health care professionals worldwide. Since its inception, the program has benefitted over 2 million participants from 197 countries, significantly strengthening global medical expertise.
A Legacy of Impact
Dr. Michael O’Connor commended Dr. Al Madani’s ongoing commitment to global health advancement, stating:
“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.”
Dr. Al Madani’s influence on health care, education, and diplomacy continues to reshape global medical standards, ensuring an enduring legacy of knowledge, collaboration, and humanitarian impact.