Ibrahim Qaddoumi1, Jin Ye Yeo2
1Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; 2PM Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company
Correspondence to: Jin Ye Yeo. PM Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company. Email: pm@amegroups.com
This interview can be cited as: Qaddoumi I, Yeo JY. Meeting the Associate Editor-in-Chief of PM: Dr. Ibrahim Qaddoumi. Pediatr Med. 2025. Available from: https://pm.amegroups.org/post/view/meeting-the-associate-editor-in-chief-of-pm-dr-ibrahim-qaddoumi.
Expert introduction
Dr. Ibrahim Qaddoumi (Figure 1) is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist in Germantown, Tennessee and is affiliated with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He received his medical degree from Damascus University’s Faculty of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. His research focuses primarily on low-grade gliomas (LGGs), particularly the aggressive subtypes. One facet of his research program centers on studying novel molecular-targeted therapies to avoid the many chemotherapy regimens that children with LGG require because of multiple recurrences. Another aspect of his research program focuses on improving the quality-of-life (QoL) of patients with LGG. Dr. Qaddoumi is the director of the Global Neuro-Oncology Program, Jordan Program, which aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of, and research on, children with brain and spinal cord cancers.
Figure 1 Dr. Ibrahim Qaddoumi
Interview
PM: You have had a distinguished career spanning over 20 years in pediatric hematology-oncology. What initially drew you to this specialty, and what has kept you motivated over the years?
Dr. Qaddoumi: What drew me to this specialty was the clarity of the field (you either have cancer or not), the structure of the field (everything is protocol), and most importantly, the bravery and dignity of the kids and their parents. What kept me motivated was the courage and dignity of the kids and their parents and the high cure rate.
PM: Given your background and expertise, what are some of the most profound challenges you have encountered in treating pediatric brain tumors? How have you worked to overcome them?
Dr. Qaddoumi: Some challenges that remain is that there is no cure for diffuse brain stem gliomas and glioblastoma, and the poor quality of life faced by some long-term survivors. To overcome these challenges, I work with different disciplines like rehabilitation services to improve the quality of life.
PM: Your research center investigates novel molecular-targeted therapies for low-grade gliomas (LGGs). Could you share some findings in this area that you find the most promising?
Dr. Qaddoumi: My research is on low-grade gliomas in general and not just novel targeted therapies. I think targeted therapies are promising, but they need to be used for many years. So, we need to find better solutions. I also think the number one focus for low-grade gliomas should be on improving surgical approaches as they are the best cure for these tumors.
PM: You are the director of the Global Neuro-Oncology Program, Jordan Program. Can you share what inspired this initiative and the goals you hope to achieve with this global outreach?
Dr. Qaddoumi: My work in Jordan from 2002 till 2007 at King Hussein Cancer Center as the director of neuro and ocular oncology services, in addition to the telemedicine service, allowed me to interact with St. Jude Hospital in Memphis and SickKids in Toronto as they supported our services. So, when I joined St. Jude in 2007, I wanted to pay back and support colleagues around the world. I hope we can make some impact on pediatric neuro-oncology globally.
PM: What has been the most rewarding aspect of working on the Global Neuro-Oncology Program? Could you share any success stories or milestones that have had a significant impact on children and healthcare systems?
Dr. Qaddoumi: The launching of the Virtual Pediatric Neuro-oncology Fellowship program in 2022. It is a two-year hybrid program that allows colleagues to be trained while they stay at their home country. We have 17 fellows, 3 from China, and 5 graduated this year.
PM: Looking ahead, what do you believe are the next major frontiers in pediatric neuro-oncology research, and how do you plan to contribute to those developments?
Dr. Qaddoumi: Global Pediatric Neuro-oncology, where 85% of children with brain tumors and cancers reside, is the new frontier, and I hope to make my impact there through our different initiatives, especially through the Virtual Pediatric Neuro-oncology Fellowship Program.
PM: How has your experience been as an Editorial Board Member of PM?
Dr. Qaddoumi: It has been professional, prompt, effective, and efficient.
PM: As the Associate Editor-in-Chief, what are your expectations and aspirations for PM?
Dr. Qaddoumi: I think having an impact factor and being on PubMed should be the number one priority for PM. The second priority should be promoting Pediatric Neuro-oncology in China and Asia Pacific.