Professor Alhalees Award marks a milestone in cardiac surgery history. The American College of Cardiology presented Professor Zohair Alhalees, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at King Faisal Specialist Hospital (KFSH), with its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony took place during the College’s Annual Scientific Session in New Orleans, United States, in the presence of leading cardiology experts from around the world.
A Career Spanning 48 Years in Cardiac Surgery
Professor Alhalees’ professional career spans more than 48 years. During that period, he performed over 25,000 cardiac surgeries locally and internationally. He also established the first congenital heart defects registry in the Middle East, a contribution that has shaped regional health technology standards for decades.
He played a central role in developing an integrated heart center at KFSH. The center brings together cardiac surgery, cardiology, and critical care under one roof. Moreover, he mentored and trained dozens of young surgeons throughout his career.
Professor Alhalees Award: Global Humanitarian and Academic Impact
Internationally, Professor Alhalees led more than 60 humanitarian and educational surgical missions across over 20 countries. His academic contributions include publishing more than 150 scientific papers and contributing to specialized reference textbooks in the field of cardiac surgery.
He was also elected President of the World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery. Consequently, he became the first Saudi and Arab physician to hold that position, reinforcing his standing as a global figure in the specialty.
Recognition for Heart Valve Replacement Technique
During the award ceremony, the American College of Cardiology highlighted Professor Alhalees’ contributions to heart valve replacement surgery. Specifically, the College noted a technique he developed that replaces a damaged valve with the patient’s own tissue. This approach enables patients, particularly children and adolescents, to live with a valve that adapts to natural growth.
Furthermore, the technique reduces the need for lifelong medication and improves long-term quality of life. His work in treating complex congenital heart defects in infants and children has also improved success rates, reduced complications, and enhanced recovery outcomes. These results are documented in leading international medical references.
“The award was presented in recognition of his decades-long contributions to advancing cardiac surgery and his scientific and educational impact on cardiac care both within Saudi Arabia and internationally.”
American College of Cardiology, 2026 Annual Scientific Session
KFSH Rankings and Recognition in 2025–2026
KFSH has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 12th globally among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers for 2026. The hospital was also recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East according to Brand Finance 2025.
In addition, Newsweek listed KFSH among the World’s Best Hospitals 2025, the World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026, and the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026. These rankings reflect the institution’s sustained performance across clinical and academic domains.
Future Outlook for Cardiac Surgery in Saudi Arabia
Professor Alhalees’ recognition by the American College of Cardiology draws international attention to Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global medical research and surgical training. His career demonstrates the depth of expertise developed within the Kingdom’s public hospital system over nearly five decades.
As KFSH continues to expand its academic and clinical programs, the hospital’s economic and reputational standing in the region is expected to strengthen further. The recognition of its surgeons on the world stage supports Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions in healthcare excellence under Vision 2030.
