Dr. Rima Khouri

Dr. Rima Khouri is an Endocrinologist at Damascus University Hospital, Syria's premier academic hospital, where she has practised for over 13 years. Syria has a high and growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders, exacerbated by the psychological and nutritional stresses associated with years of conflict, making endocrinology an essential specialty. Damascus University Faculty of Medicine is historically one of the Arab world's most prestigious medical schools, maintaining high educational standards even under difficult conditions. Dr. Khouri provides specialist endocrinology care in this challenging context, managing patients with complex diabetes, thyroid disease, and other hormonal conditions with the resources available within Syria's constrained healthcare system. She is involved in postgraduate training at Damascus University and contributes to diabetes education programmes for patients and healthcare workers. She consults in Arabic, English, and French, reflecting Syria's multilingual medical culture.

Dr. Rima Khouri completed her MD from Damascus University Faculty of Medicine before specialising in internal medicine and subsequently obtaining a postgraduate Diploma in Endocrinology. Syrian medical specialists traditionally receive training with strong French and Arab influence, and Dr. Khouri's training reflects this tradition. She developed expertise in the management of diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, and adrenal disease through clinical rotations and postgraduate study, with additional exposure to endocrinology practice at academic centres in Jordan and Lebanon. She participates in the Arab Society of Endocrinology and Diabetes (ASED) and attends regional diabetes and endocrinology educational meetings. Dr. Khouri contributes to endocrinology and internal medicine training at Damascus University Hospital, where she supervises internal medicine residents in endocrine case management.

Dr. Khouri's endocrinology expertise focuses on diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease, which represent the most prevalent endocrine conditions in the Syrian population. In diabetes mellitus, she manages type 1 and type 2 diabetes with insulin therapy, oral hypoglycaemic agents, and lifestyle counselling, with particular attention to complication screening and management including diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. She has experience managing the glycaemic challenges associated with chronic psychological stress — a major contributor to poor diabetes control in conflict-affected populations. In thyroid disease, she evaluates and manages hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, thyroid nodules, and post-thyroidectomy management. Her adrenal expertise encompasses Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, and adrenal incidentaloma evaluation. She also manages metabolic syndrome and osteoporosis. Her approach is adapted to the medication availability and diagnostic limitations of the Syrian healthcare system.

Damascus University Hospital serves Syrian patients and the international community resident in Damascus, including humanitarian workers and diplomatic personnel. Dr. Khouri consults in Arabic, English, and French. Syria's ongoing conflict situation means that international medical tourism is not currently viable, and overseas patients are strongly advised against travelling to Syria for elective medical care. Syrian expatriates or diaspora members who return to Syria and require endocrinology care can access Dr. Khouri's clinic by contacting the hospital's outpatient internal medicine department. For Syrian diaspora members abroad who require continuity of endocrinology management started in Syria, telemedicine consultations may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Patients should bring complete endocrinology records including HbA1c values, thyroid function tests, and current medication lists.

Dr. Rima Khouri has been recognised by Damascus University Hospital for her commitment to endocrinology care and medical training in Syria under exceptionally challenging conditions. She has received acknowledgment from the Arab Society of Endocrinology and Diabetes for her participation in regional educational activities. Her work in diabetes management and patient education in a conflict-affected setting has been acknowledged by international health organisations as an example of maintaining specialist medical services under humanitarian pressure.