Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum

 

Director of Medical Mycology at Case Western Reserve University

 

by Byron Moss, crew 1

 

 

“We have to work really hard to vaccinate our kids”, said Dr. Ghannoum, a groundbreaking doctor and a professor in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Ghannoum is developing a revolutionary antiseptic spray that has the potential to stop the spread of infectious disease. When Dr. Ghannoum was young he did not see himself as a doctor or a teacher. He always dreamed about being a pilot or a sea captain, but now today he serves a critical role in the medical community.   Born Mahmoud Ghannoum in Beirut in 1950, he recalls that he “did not grow up wealthy.” “ I come from a poor family, my father was a plumber, my mother and father did not know how to read or write (English or Arabic). But my father told me when I was young to “study study study” , because they can take everything from you but not your education”. Because of that Dr. Ghannoum has made it very far in life.

 

Dr. Ghannoum is making a huge difference in Cleveland, Ohio.  Dr. Ghannoum has developed an oral spray, called Halo. Halo is an oral spray that protects people from getting a cold and other various germs. “When you feel like you are going to get a cold, you spray halo in your mouth and it protects it so it won’t develop any further.” Also, this spray halo was not very easy to make, and it took five years.  Dr. Ghannoum and his team needed funding which they got from the National Institute of Health. It usually takes 12 years to develop a drug, even when you have it in your hand. “You need to make sure it’s not toxic.”

 

“Select a career that you love” was the wise advice spoken by Dr. Ghannoum  it’s obvious that he loves what he does and is passionate to find a cure for infectious diseases. What inspires Dr. Ghannoum to work for this organization is he loves it. He loves helping people and has a passion for his work. When asked about what motivates him in his life he responded, “I enjoy my work; I have children and love helping them.” Dr. Ghannoum is making a big difference, he loves working and helping others, that is why he is a very successful and popular man.

 

Dr. Ghannoum has a lot of future plans with his spray. He hopes he can continue to do research, advance in the field, and be a good mentor. Also this product will be big and very successful and it becomes well known worldwide. Halo will be the next be the next big thing and if it doesn’t I’m sure Dr. Ghannoum has a second plan.