Senior faculty members from the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Alfaisal University, Dr. Baraa Alghalyini and Dr. Abdul Rehman Zia Zaidi, proudly represented Saudi Arabia at the Starfield Summit 2025, held at Hart House, University of Toronto from May 14–16, 2025
Hosted by the Department of Family & Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, the Starfield Summit convenes global leaders in primary health care (PHC), family medicine, health equity, and policy to advance systems-level thinking around high-quality care, population health, and the social determinants of health (SDOH). Named in honor of the late Dr. Barbara Starfield, the Summit is widely recognized as one of the most influential international forums shaping the future of PHC globally.
The 2025 summit was convened in collaboration with major global organizations, including WONCA (World Organization of Family Doctors), the World Health Organization (WHO), Health Systems Global, The George Institute for Global Health, Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), reflecting a united commitment to reimagining primary care systems that prioritize equity, prevention, and social accountability.
Dr. Baraa Alghalyini delivered a compelling presentation on Saudi Arabia’s evolving approach to Social Determinants of Health in medical education and research. Drawing from her work at Alfaisal, Dr. Alghalyini emphasized the need to embed SDOH screening tools within electronic medical records (EMRs) – not just for documentation, but as actionable, pre-appointment tools that guide clinicians toward comprehensive, context-aware care.
Her approach demonstrates real examples from Alfaisal’s medical and MPH programs, showcasing published research and experiences from Saudi Arabia. She also highlighted the impact of community education such as the Annual Alfaisal Health Promotion Project, where over 400 first-year students engage in research campaigns and science communication efforts grounded in the SDOH and other relevant themes.
The Alfaisal delegates also engaged in thematic sessions on PHC system transformation, climate-linked health risks, and multisectoral collaboration frameworks, sharing insights from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms and Alfaisal University’s grassroots efforts to build a research culture rooted in health equity.
Reflecting on the summit, Dr. Alghalyini noted, “It was inspiring to see how committed institutions worldwide are to shifting from reactive care to socially accountable systems. For Saudi Arabia, this is a pivotal moment to integrate social and environmental realities into primary care training and delivery.”
Alfaisal University’s participation at the Starfield Summit reinforces our involvement in advancing family medicine, community health, and health systems transformation in the region. By collaborating with global organizations and aligning our efforts with national and international goals, we are dedicated to improving healthcare delivery and promoting health equity. Engagements like these enhance our educational initiatives while supporting the Kingdom’s goal of fostering a healthier future for all communities.
