Esam Omeish

A surgeon, community leader, and humanitarian, Esam Omeish brings a wealth of leadership experience to his position on the board of Islamic Relief USA, a nonprofit focused on international relief and development in dozens of countries around the world. In addition, Esam Omeish is a leader at several other nonprofit Muslim philanthropic organizations in the U.S.

Also active in the realm of policy, Esam Omeish has extensive experience working with American NGOs and think tanks as well as the White House, National Security Council, and Department of Defense. He has participated in discussion groups and lectures hosted by Brookings Institute and Carnegie Endowment, among other organizations, and was invited to the White House for President Obama's 2011 speech on Libya. Esam Omeish was also the first Muslim-American to run for office in Virginia. He has appeared in several media outlets, including ABC News, MSNBC, CNN, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times.

A diplomat with the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Omeish serves as chairman of the Department of General Surgery at Inova Alexandria Hospital in Virginia. He has held this position since 2006 and has also led a successful private practice in the area. He has performed thousands of surgeries during his long career and is the recipient of multiple honors, including the Outstanding Physician and Surgeon Award from Consumer Reports. In addition, he served as chair of the board of a community medical center providing free care.

Dr. Omeish earned his MD from Georgetown University School of Medicine. He also earned his bachelor’s degree with a double major in government and biology from Georgetown. He is certified in advanced thoracoscopy and advanced laparoscopic bariatric surgery.