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Alexander Woodman

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Alexander Woodman
Professor of Preventive Medicine
and Public Health
Alma materHarvard University
University of Salford
University of Southern California, USC
Cal State Fullerton
Cal State Los Angeles
University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA
AwardsFulbright Research Fellow
DHS Biosecurity Research Fellow
UCLA Chancellor Award
California Predoctoral Fellow
Wasserman Fellow
Scientific career
FieldsPreventive medicine
Clinical research
Public health practice
Reproductive health
Medical education
Health diplomacy
Doctoral advisorDr. Margaret Coffey
Dr. Anna Mary Cooper-Ryan
Other academic advisorsDr. Aaron Hagedorn
Dr. Walter Zelman
Dr. G. Jennifer Wilson

Alexander Woodman is a professor of clinical preventive medicine and public health who has been widely recognized for his research work in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. His primary research focuses on advancing global reproductive health, medical education, clinical research methodologies, and health diplomacy.

Education

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An alumnus of Los Angeles High School, Woodman began his academic journey at Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, California, earning an Associate of Science degree with honors. He furthered his education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), obtaining both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating cum laude. Woodman's achievements at UCLA included receiving the Chancellor Gene Block's award, ranking in the top three percent of the 2011 graduating class.[1][2] Under the leadership of UCLA Honors Program Vice Provost, Dr. G. Jennifer Wilson, Alexander played a pivotal role in the UCLA Honors Program, documenting the harrowing narratives of Holocaust survivors, showcasing his commitment to societal engagement. His interviews with survivors were shared with the Plato Society of UCLA and the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. During his time at UCLA, Woodman volunteered and gained experience at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, enhancing his understanding of community service. His undergraduate research award and dedication to community service led to receiving the highly competitive Wasserman Fellowship.

Woodman's academic journey continued at the University of Southern California (USC), where he earned a Master of Science degree with distinction and worked as a research and teaching assistant.[3][4][5] He furthered his scholarly pursuits at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), where he was awarded a California Predoctoral fellowship and a Master of Public Health degree in disease prevention.[6] His academic excellence culminated in earning a doctoral degree from the University of Salford in Manchester, United Kingdom. [7] This achievement was further enhanced by his postdoctoral research conducted at both Yale University and Harvard Medical School.[8][9] Later, Woodman was invited as a summer faculty member at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.[10][11]

His expertise in preventive medicine and clinical research[12] earned him the Fulbright Research Fellowship, which supported his research at the School of Medicine at Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain.[1][2]

Career

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Woodman started his professional career at UCLA, California State University Los Angeles, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health, working as a research associate. Under the tutelage of Dr. Walter Zelman, Chair of the Public Health Department, and Dr. Howard Xu of the Department of Biological Sciences, at Cal State University, Los Angeles, Woodman honed his skills in creating advanced techniques for the rapid detection of bacterial pathogens. Woodman embarked on a mission to Southeast Asia to explore and tackle the complex barriers to infectious disease testing. Collaborating with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, his research at Chiang Mai University Medical Center[13] and the Chiang Mai Provincial Health Office was crucial in evaluating the healthcare needs of Burmese/Myanmar refugees and undocumented migrants in Thailand's Saraphi district, Chiang Mai province.

Transitioning from his foundational research and academic accomplishments in the United States, Woodman was invited to broaden his professional experience in the Middle East. At a leading university in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, he focused on clinical research and medical education. His collaborative initiatives with Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and Sadara petrochemical companies were essential in advancing preventative healthcare in the workplace.[14]

Saudi Ministry of Defense medical division

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Woodman was appointed as the Head of the Scientific Research Department at the King Fahad Military Medical Complex in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Under his leadership, the research team secured grants and earned accolades from prestigious institutions such as Al Jawhara Medical Centre for Molecular Medicine and Inherited Diseases, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and Harvard Medical School. Additionally, Woodman's expertise proved invaluable in his role as an investigative health researcher for the Medical Services Division of the Armed Forces Hospitals under the Saudi Ministry of Defense.

Preventive medicine and clinical research

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Woodman has made significant contributions to preventive medicine and clinical research through his collaborations with global institutions and researchers. His work focuses on the genetic, behavioral, and attitudinal determinants that influence the health and well-being of diverse populations. In clinical research, his contributions include: - Analyzing the TMPRSS6 gene in women with iron deficiency anemia. - Determining antigen levels in plasma and genotypes of PAI-2 in pregnancies linked to homozygous sickle cell anemia. - Investigating genetic variants in the leptin gene related to obesity. - Studying the effects of post-diagnosis exercise on depression, physical functioning, and mortality in breast cancer survivors. - Addressing bioethical challenges in modern medicine. In preventive medicine, Woodman developed an award-winning project entitled the "Keep Me Well" Health Model for the "Healthcare Transformation and Research" initiative. This project transformed the workplace into a hub for self-care and well-being. It aimed to educate, motivate, and empower both employers and employees of Saudi companies to adopt comprehensive programs that include exercise, specific nutrition and weight management habits, improved mental health, and extensive medical education.

Research

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Woodman's research encompasses global reproductive health, medical education, clinical practice, and health diplomacy. In a pioneering doctoral thesis, he was the first to explore the connection between nutritional behaviors, attitudes, and awareness of the dietary guidelines among adolescents in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.[15][16] This research revealed insights that challenged existing paradigms, leading Woodman to pursue further postdoctoral studies at Harvard Medical School in Boston Massachusetts. There, he examined the correlation between leptin gene mutations and various health indicators in obese individuals in Saudi Arabia, establishing a foundation for subsequent research throughout the Gulf states.

His collaboration with Zohair Sebai, president of the Arab Board for Family and Community Medicine,[17][18] and Islamic bioethicist Mohammed Ali Albar, who later mentored him, have been instrumental. Woodman emerged as a researcher in bioethics, systematically addressing and articulating ethical considerations.[19]

Publications

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Woodman has authored several book chapters exploring communicable and non-communicable diseases in various Middle Eastern contexts.[20][21][22][23] His scholarly work also extends to bioethics, tackling critical issues such as end-of-life care, organ donation, and transplantation ethics. In public health and clinical research, Woodman's contributions have been published by publishing houses, including Cambridge University Press, Elsevier, Oxford University Press, Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis, and Wiley.[24]

In addition to his authorship, Woodman has served on the editorial boards of journals like the Ibnosina Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the Saudi Critical Care Journal. His dedication to academic excellence was evident during his time at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he was a board member of Aleph, the university's premier journal for undergraduate research.

Book

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In his book, The Land of 'Adat, published in 2020, Woodman offers an insightful exploration of Saudi Arabia, weaving a narrative that captures its rich history and enduring traditions through a modern lens.[25] The book is a visual feast, illustrating vibrant daily life in bustling marketplaces, varied homes, and dynamic city streets. Additionally, it delves into the architectural splendor and historical and religious enigmas of the land.[26][27] A highlight includes the rock at Rephidim in the Jabal Al-Lawz mountain range, a site of profound biblical significance associated with Moses and the events described in Exodus 17:6. Central to Woodman's narrative is the intricate tapestry of Saudi identity.He explores the depths of the Saudi spirit and manners, portraying a people profoundly shaped by reverence for divine providence, familial bonds, and deeply ingrained moral values.[28] The Land of 'Adat not only showcases the physical beauty of Saudi Arabia but also eloquently articulates the profound cultural ethos and traditions that form the nation's bedrock. The book has earned a place in the collections of the British Library and Harvard University's Hollis Library.[29][30]

Public appearances

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Woodman received invitations from Gulf media outlets such as Middle East Health, Forbes Middle East, Diplomatic Quarter Publication,[31][32] Arab News, Leaders, and Foreign Policy News, DC, to initiate a series of thought-provoking discussions. Engaging with heads of states, prominent leaders, politicians, and diplomats, he explored healthcare strategies as a means to enhance global quality of life.[33][34] In 2020, Woodman was also invited to cover the G20 Riyadh Summit and Global Health conferences.[35][36]

Woodman with Polish President Lech Wałęsa and Deputy Prime Minister of Poland Prof. Leszek Balcerowicz in 2019

His discussions included interactions with notable figures such as Polish President Lech Wałęsa (serving from 1990 to 1995), Polish Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Leszek Balcerowicz (1989–1991, 1997–2001), senior British diplomat Sir Michael Arthur KCMG, formerly Her late Britannic Majesty's Ambassador to Germany, British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Simon Collis CMG, advisor to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Luca Ferrari, and Pakistani Senator Rehman Malik.[37][38][39][40] Woodman's published interviews also feature dialogues with General Raheel Sharif, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, renowned biologist Jose Sarukhan Kermez, father of the former U.S. Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan, French Judge Elisabeth Baccara, and UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan.

Woodman with Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates in 2018

He interviewed several distinguished figures including Loay Hisham Nazer,[41] Chairperson of Bupa Arabia and son of Hisham Nazer, the third Oil Minister of Saudi Arabia and Saudi Ambassador to Egypt (2005-2011); HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Talal,[42] youngest son of HRH Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Saudi Minister of Finance (1960-1961); Muhamed Hamdi Jusufspahic, President of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Community of Serbia and Deputy Grand Mufti; Ramazan Abdulatipov, former President of the Republic of Dagestan; Afghan presidential candidate Syed Jalal Karim; and George Patoulis,[43] Greek regional governor and President of the Athens Medical Association.

Woodman with His Royal Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki of Oman, His Royal Highness Shaikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah of Kuwait in 2024

In his discussions, Woodman delved into the study of diplomacy's history and development while introducing a fresh perspective on health: health diplomacy.[44][45] He engaged with prominent diplomats and ambassadors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to explore initiatives aimed at protecting population health beyond national borders.[46][47][48][49] Woodman highlighted the history and evolution of Saudi Arabia's foreign policy, emphasizing public diplomacy, dialogue-driven diplomacy, shifting perspectives, and the essential role of science and health as pillars of modern diplomatic efforts.[50][51][52][53]

Woodman with the Finnish Ambassador to Tel Aviv, Dr. Nina Nordström in 2024

Woodman has been invited to advise leading international diplomats, heads of missions on health projects and initiatives, members of royal families in the Gulf, and major philanthropic organizations.[54][55] He has consistently intertwined his research with the history of medicine, including the Holocaust, genocides, and other human atrocities. His notable interviews include discussions with Agnieszka Holland,[56] the former President of the European Film Academy; Sharon Zaga and Mily Cohen from the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia[57] in Mexico; and Leslaw Piszewski,[58] a prominent figure in Warsaw's Jewish community.

Awards and recognition

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References

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  1. ^ "Alexander Woodman '11 Passionate Educator and Advocate for Clinical Research Benefitting Global Health".
  2. ^ "UCLA Global Alexander Woodman".
  3. ^ "USC Leonard Davis Commencement 2015: Alexander Woodman". 12 May 2015.
  4. ^ "USC Leonard Davis MSG Student, Alexander Woodman, receives Academic Support Peer Achievement Award". 17 April 2014.
  5. ^ Newcomb, Beth (2024-04-29). "Master of Science in Gerontology Readies Student for Career in Global Public Health and Research". USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
  6. ^ "News Release Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars Cal State L.A."
  7. ^ "Salford PhD candidate explores food habits amongst Saudi youths as part of public health research".
  8. ^ "Salford graduate to continue 'first-of-its-kind' research at Harvard Medical School".
  9. ^ "Building Clinical Research Skills to Advance Health in Saudi Arabia - Alexander Woodman, Global Clinical Scholars Research Training, Training to Teach in Medicine". 15 September 2023.
  10. ^ Woodman, Alexander; Waheed, Khawaja Bilal; Rasheed, Mohammad; Ahmad, Shakil (2022-08-13). "Current state of ethical challenges reported in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review & bibliometric analysis from 2010 to 2021". BMC Medical Ethics. 23 (1): 82. doi:10.1186/s12910-022-00816-6. ISSN 1472-6939. PMC 9375198. PMID 35964019.
  11. ^ Woodman, Alexander; Waheed, Khawaja Bilal; Al-Ansari, Rehab Y; Ahmad, Shakil; Rehman, Tanzeel Ur; Rasheed, Mohammad; Jaoua, Nizar (2024-06-09). "Perception and behavior toward neuropsychiatric disorders in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review and quality assessment". Autism. doi:10.1177/13623613241258544. ISSN 1362-3613.
  12. ^ "Riyadh Daily". alriyadhdaily.com. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
  13. ^ https://www.med.cmu.ac.th/en/
  14. ^ Woodman, Alexander; Jaoua, Nizar; Al Zahrani, Eidan M.; Alfahad, Othman A.; Quiambao, Jenifer V.; Withers, Mellissa (1 June 2023). "Factors of Overweight and Obesity Among Employees of Petrochemical Manufacturing Companies". Journal of Community Health. 48 (3): 381–389. doi:10.1007/s10900-022-01177-2. PMID 36508062.
  15. ^ Woodman, Alexander (30 June 2023). "An Investigative Study on University Students' Knowledge and Attitudes towards the Food Dome in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia".
  16. ^ Woodman, Alexander; Coffey, Margaret; Cooper-Ryan, Anna-Mary; Jaoua, Nizar (2024-08-21). "The relationship between lifestyle habits and obesity among students in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia: using the Arab Teens Lifestyle (ATLS) questionnaire". BMC Public Health. 24 (1): 2267. doi:10.1186/s12889-024-19353-5. ISSN 1471-2458. PMC 11337773. PMID 39169283.
  17. ^ "Dr. Zohair Sebai and Alexander Woodman are discussing the history and current development of Saudi population health status".
  18. ^ "A holistic approach to health is what we should adopt in practicing medicine".
  19. ^ Woodman, Alexander; Waheed, Khawaja Bilal; Rasheed, Mohammad; Ahmad, Shakil (13 August 2022). "Current state of ethical challenges reported in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review & bibliometric analysis from 2010 to 2021". BMC Medical Ethics. 23 (1): 82. doi:10.1186/s12910-022-00816-6. PMC 9375198. PMID 35964019.
  20. ^ Woodman, Alexander (2023). "Challenges Associated with End-of-Life Care in Saudi Arabia". Palliative Care - Current Practice and Future Perspectives. Palliative Care - Current Practice and Future Perspectives. doi:10.5772/intechopen.110283. ISBN 978-0-85466-050-6.
  21. ^ Woodman, Alexander (8 December 2022). Advances in Health and Disease, "Chapter 6. The Prevalence of Overweightness and Obesity among Adolescents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" "Chapter 7. Prevalence and Key Determinants of Overweightness and Obesity among Bahraini Adolescents". Nova Science Publishers, Inc. ISBN 979-8-88697-443-0.
  22. ^ Woodman, Alexander (3 December 2021). Fields, Felipe (ed.). A Closer Look at Children's Health. "Chapter 5. Risk Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity among Emirati Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates". Nova Science Publishers, Inc. doi:10.52305/AIIY2750. ISBN 978-1-68507-407-4.
  23. ^ Woodman, Alexander (January 2020). Childhood Obesity: Prevention, Risk Factors and Management. "Chapter 2. Childhood Obesity, Its Prevalence and Health Impact on Children and Adolescents in Orange County, California, US". Nova Science Publishers, Inc. ISBN 978-1-53617-361-1.
  24. ^ Woodman, Alexander. "ORCID". orcid.org.
  25. ^ University of Salford. "Salford PhD student captures the sacred traditions and untold stories of Saudi Arabia in book and documentary duo | University of Salford". www.salford.ac.uk.
  26. ^ DQ Living (14 February 2020). "A Journey to "The Land of Adat" - Dq Living Magazine".
  27. ^ Arab News (26 August 2020). "A westerner's journey through Saudi Arabia".
  28. ^ Alchemiya Media. "The Land of Adat, Saudi Arabia".
  29. ^ Woodman, Alexander. "The Land of 'Adat". Harvard Hollis Library.
  30. ^ Woodman, Alexander. "The Land of 'Adat". British Library.
  31. ^ "DQ Living Magazine". 2017-11-21. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  32. ^ "Japan-Saudi Ties: An Interview With the Japanese Ambassador". thediplomat.com. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  33. ^ "Saudi Arabia and Japan — ancient nations looking to the future". Arab News Japan. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  34. ^ "Interview: The first Japanese female professor in Saudi Arabia". Arab News Japan. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  35. ^ Woodman, Alexander (2020-12-14). "The G20 Riyadh Summit 2020 - Dq Living Magazine". Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  36. ^ Woodman, Alexander (2021-10-20). "Riyadh Global Medical BioTechnology Summit 2021 - Dq Living Magazine". Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  37. ^ "Former Polish President Lech Wałęsa – Nobel Prize winning labor activist who changed the European history in an exclusive interview with Alexander Woodman". Foreign Policy News. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  38. ^ Woodman, Alexander (2021-10-20). "KSCDR & Boeing Launch Prince Sultan bin Salman Individuals with Disabilities Education and Awareness Program - Dq Living Magazine". Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  39. ^ Woodman, Alexanderr (2019-06-17). "Incredible Italy - Dq Living Magazine". Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  40. ^ "Conversation with former Director-General of the Federal Investigation Agency of Pakistan Senator Rehman Malik". Foreign Policy News. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  41. ^ "Interview with Loay Hisham Nazer of Bupa Arabia Health Insurance". Foreign Policy News. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  42. ^ Woodman, Alexander (2022-02-14). "Memorial Exhibition Honoring HRH Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz - Dq Living Magazine". Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  43. ^ Woodman, Alexander (2021-04-15). "Comisión Nacional Para El Conocimiento Y Uso De La Biodiversidad an Exclusive Discussion With National Coordinator of Conabio Dr. José Sarukhán Kermez". Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology: 6003–6009.
  44. ^ Woodman, Alexander (2021-06-30). "World Happiness Report 2021: KSA, Denmark Prioritize Citizens' Quality of Life - Dq Living Magazine". Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  45. ^ Woodman, Alexander (2021-10-20). "Interview with the Ambassador: Georg Pöstinger - Dq Living Magazine". Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  46. ^ "Ambassador Uemura: Education key to strengthening Saudi-Japan ties". Arab News Japan. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  47. ^ "Saudi Arabia and South Korea on the path to revitalization". Foreign Policy News. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  48. ^ Woodman, Alexander (2022-08-09). "Obesity in Saudi Arabia - Dq Living Magazine". Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  49. ^ Woodman, Alexander (2020-06-30). "A Union's Purpose - Dq Living Magazine". Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  50. ^ "Dr. Aaron Hagedorn, worldwide admired leader in the field of gerontology". Foreign Policy News. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  51. ^ "The Italian deputy and the President of Saudi-Italian Parliamentary Committee shares recent developments about women in the Kingdom". Foreign Policy News. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  52. ^ "UN Women Regional Director for the Arab States and Asia-Pacific regions Mr. Mohammad Naciri discusses the role of women in development of Saudi society". Foreign Policy News. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  53. ^ "LEADERS- FEBRUARY 2020". Leaders. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  54. ^ "Alwaleed Philanthropies - We strive for a world of equal opportunities". Alwaleed Philanthropies. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  55. ^ Woodman, Alexander (2019-12-14). "On A Mission: Her Royal Highness Princess Lamia Bint Majed Saud Al Saud - Dq Living Magazine". Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  56. ^ Woodman, Alexander (2023-09-02). "Discussion with the President of the European Film Academy, Agnieszka Holland". Studies in European Cinema. 20 (3): 254–262. doi:10.1080/17411548.2021.2004010. ISSN 1741-1548.
  57. ^ Woodman, Alexander (2023-10-02). "Promoting tolerance through historical memory A discussion with the founders of the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia, Mexico". Journal of Modern Jewish Studies. 22 (4): 400–411. doi:10.1080/14725886.2022.2058381. ISSN 1472-5886.
  58. ^ "Education works to keep Jewish identity and heritage a core value for all". Foreign Policy News. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
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