Prof. Hany Mohammed Aref
By Riadh Guider and Maged Abdel Naseer
The medical and neurology communities are deeply saddened by the passing of Prof. Hany Aref, on July 26, 2023, at the age of 62 years. He made an indelible impact on neurology and stroke at the national, regional, and international levels.
He was deeply committed to serving neurology in Egypt as head of the neurology department at Ain Shams University in Cairo. He focused on brain health care, clinical education, and research to improve the treatment for patients with neurological diseases. Prof. Aref was the general secretary of the Egyptian Society of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Neurosurgery.
He was the founder of the recently inaugurated stroke unit at Ain Shams University on Sept. 5, 2023. This Center of Excellence for Comprehensive Stroke Services was Prof. Aref’s life dream. It took four years to build, and he raised 100 million Egyptian pounds for its construction. A mammoth and lasting achievement.
His commitment and efforts extended regionally through his significant role in Arab organizations. He was the treasurer of Pan Arab Union of Neurological Societies (PAUNS). He was also a member of the scientific committee of Middle East North Africa Committee for Research and Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis (MENACTRIMS).
Internationally, he served as WFN delegate of the Egyptian Society of Neurology, Psychiatry & Neurosurgery, and lately was a member of the WFN Nominating Committee.
Dedicated stroke bed at the stroke unit at Ain Shams University.
He was an exceptionally valued member of other international neurological organizations; a Fellow of American Academy of Neurology (FAAN), member of European Academy of Neurology, and member of editorial board of the European Journal of Neurology.
In the stroke field, he served as vice president of the Middle East and North Africa Stroke Organization (MENASO). He significantly contributed to the World Stroke Organization (WSO) as a member of the Future Leader Taskforce. He was also a fellow of the European Stroke Organization (FESO).
Although it is tragic to think of Prof. Aref passing so early, he left behind a lifetime of extraordinary memories. He was a great teacher and mentor to many young neurologists and researchers.
He was a kind person and a great colleague. It was a great pleasure and honor to work alongside him.
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his wife Prof. Nevine Al Nahas, his two sons, friends, and colleagues. The global neurological community will fondly remember him. •
