Radwan Kassir, MD, PhD

Research interests: digestive and bariatric surgery, surgical oncology and minimally invasive/robotic surgery

Professor Radwan Kassir is a digestive and bariatric surgeon in the Digestive, Oncology and Bariatric Surgery Department at Saint-Denis University Hospital (La Réunion, France), where he is the head of the department. He is also in charge of the north-eastern regional digestive surgery team in La Réunion and is a member of the board of the University Hospital. He also is a coordinator for the specialized diploma program (DES) in digestive surgery.

Professor Kassir was born in Tyr (Lebanon) in 1983 to a renowned family of doctors. In 2001, he left Lebanon to study medicine at the University of Saint Etienne in France, where his father (Dr. Wassef Kassir) and uncles had also studied. He embarked at an early stage on a career in university hospitals, with the backing of two eminent professors: Professor Olivier Tiffet (Saint Etienne, France) and Professor Jean Gugenheim (Nice, France). He obtained a doctorate in medicine in 2014, and a doctorate in sciences PhD [thèse de sciences] in 2016, followed by an authorization to direct research (HDR, Habilitation à Diriger la Recherche) in 2018. He obtained the title of Professor of Visceral and Digestive Surgery in 2021.

Digestive and bariatric surgery, surgical oncology and minimally invasive/robotic surgery are his areas of expertise in which he has obtained over 11 academic degrees. His basic research is related to the effects of vagus nerve stimulation on weight loss and obesity disorders. He is currently participating in numerous working groups researching bariatric surgery. His surgical talent is remarkable, and he shows great responsibility towards his patients.

Professor Radwan Kassir has been an invited faculty and guest speaker at many national and international conferences. He is an active member of multiple French and foreign surgical societies. Professor Radwan Kassir is the author of more than 11 medical books such as “Anatomy.” He is a member of the “Académie Nationale de Chirurgie” (National Academy of Surgery).

Professor Radwan Kassir is deeply involved in clinical research and is an Associate Editor of Obesity Surgery. He has published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles and multiple book chapters. He is also a member of the editorial board of several respected medical journals such as SOARD and Obesity Review. In addition, he serves on several important committees for prestigious societies. Since 2016, he has organized the WICO (International Workshop on Obesity Surgery) international conference with the participation of many renowned speakers. He organizes annual laparoscopic training courses, located at the University in Réunion. Professor Kassir has often taken the initiative of working with industry in the development of approaches useful to the field of bariatric surgery (Refill, CMI-NOV, Horus Care).

Professor Kassir regularly performs humanitarian missions in islands like Mayotte. He is the founder of several patient associations to combat obesity. As a Frenchman of Lebanese origin, he actively participates in the training of young Lebanese surgeons and is deeply involved in the voluntary sector, to support Lebanon in its current social and economic crisis. Professor Radwan Kassir has been married to Maissa for nine years. They have three wonderful children: Wassef, Bassel and Ribal. His current presence on Reunion Island is a real benefit for the population of Reunion in terms of care, research and teaching.

Editorial Board
Terms of Appointment: October 2022 - September 2024