PIONEERING INNOVATION: SAMAR NASSAR’S VISIONARY IMPACT ON HEALTHCARE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
From her early fascination with biochemistry to her groundbreaking contributions to
healthcare innovation, Samar Nassar has navigated a remarkable path, setting an
inspiring precedent for future leaders. Her journey, beginning as a pioneering female sales
representative for Johnson & Johnson MedTech in Saudi Arabia, has now led her to a
pivotal role at Accenture’s healthcare practice in the Middle East. Her career is a
testament to determination, resilience, and relentless innovation.
Breaking Boundaries: A Personal Odyssey
Born in Kuwait and raised in Saudi Arabia, Samar’s journey into healthcare began in 2005,
marked by a bold challenge to the status quo. “I remember the first day I walked into a
surgeon’s office,” she recalls, “the looks of surprise were palpable.
But I knew I was there to change minds and open doors.” At that time, the medical device
sales landscape in Saudi Arabia was male-dominated, with job postings explicitly seeking
male candidates. Yet, Samar’s application through Bayt.com was a significant leap
towards breaking these barriers and redefining the industry.
A Leader in MedTech
Samar became the first Saudi woman to work as a sales representative for Johnson &
Johnson MedTech. Facing initial skepticism with grace and determination, her role went
beyond salesmanship—it was about educating, inspiring, and transforming perceptions
in operating rooms and beyond. Samar’s pioneering spirit ignited a revolution in
healthcare access and equity, particularly for women.
Reflecting on her journey, Samar shares, “My passion for healthcare sparked early on,
driven by a deep fascination with biochemistry. However, it was the stark realization of
the disparities in healthcare access and equity in my community that truly motivated me.
Witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by women and underprivileged groups in
accessing adequate healthcare services, I felt a strong calling to be part of the solution.”
Global Perspectives and Local Impact
Driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a desire to broaden her impact, Samar
pursued an MBA in the UK on a scholarship from the British Council and HSBC. This pivotal
chapter opened doors to global opportunities and sharpened her leadership skills.
Returning to General Electric’s esteemed experienced leadership program, Samar’s
expertise and unique perspective propelled her across various global healthcare
landscapes, solidifying her presence in the industry.
“Driving the future of healthcare through innovation isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling
to improve lives,” Samar emphasizes. “As we step into the unknown, armed with AI, we’re
not just changing medical practices; we’re crafting a healthier, more equitable world for
generations to come.”
A Catalyst for Change: Vision 2030 and Beyond
The historic 2017 announcement allowing Saudi women to drive, a cornerstone of Vision
2030, resonated deeply with Samar, heralding a new era of opportunities and societal
progress.
Eager to be part of the transformative waves sweeping through her homeland, Samar
focused on healthcare access and equity, particularly for women. Her work, from research
at Imperial College London to contributions at the World Economic Forum and her
influential role at the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA), has been pivotal in
fostering innovation and driving strategic investments into healthcare.
At MISA, Samar played a crucial role in steering healthcare investments and was a board
member for the Vision 2030 Health Sector Transformation Program. Before then, Samar
launched Artery’s operations in the Middle East, pioneering AI-based diagnostic imaging
in the region.
Innovating with AI and Design
Samar is a strong advocate for integrating applied intelligence and design into healthcare
solutions. She envisions a transformative impact of these technologies on healthcare in
the Middle East: “The integration of design into healthcare is not just about technological
advancement; it’s about fundamentally rethinking our approach to health. AI offers
unprecedented precision and efficiency, from diagnostics to treatment plans and patient
monitoring it will help solve healthcare toughest challenge around workforce shortages.
Meanwhile, applying design in a healthcare context helps us empathize with and innovate
according to the actual needs of patients and limitations of providers.”
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Achievements
During her tenure at the Ministry of Investment, Samar faced the challenge of
transforming the existing healthcare framework into a more integrated, efficient, and
patient-centric system.
This required significant financial investment, legal changes, and a cultural shift towards
preventive and community-based treatment. Among her achievements, she is particularly
proud of increasing the private sector’s involvement in healthcare, enhancing healthcare
accessibility, and fostering innovations like the localization of medical technologies.
Leading with Equity
As a woman who has achieved significant success in a traditionally male-dominated
sector, Samar shares her approach to leadership: “Leadership, to me, is fundamentally
about humility and resilience. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and staying the course
despite the obstacles. In the face of professional challenges, especially those stemming
from gender biases, I’ve found that competence speaks louder than any prejudice.
I focus on building strong, results-oriented teams and aim to be a role model, proving
through action that women are by default equally capable and deserving of leadership
roles.”
Leading Health-Tech Innovation Now
Today, Samar Nassar leads Accenture’s healthcare initiatives across the Middle East,
focusing on leveraging generative AI to harness human ingenuity. Her story is not just
about professional milestones; it reflects her profound influence on healthcare
innovation, her unwavering commitment to advancing women’s roles in the field, and her
enduring impact on the healthcare landscape in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
When discussing current trends and growth potential in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare
industry, Samar highlights areas of high priority such as mental health-specific
rehabilitation centers and the localization of medical device manufacturing. She
emphasizes the importance of emerging technologies in digital health and the role of the
Ministry of Investment in navigating the healthcare sector’s transition phase.
Words of Wisdom for Future Leaders
Samar offers advice to young professionals, especially women, aspiring to make a
difference in the healthcare industry: “Cultivate a passion for lifelong learning and an
unwavering commitment to your goals. The healthcare industry is complex and ever-evolving, so staying informed and adaptable is crucial. Women, in particular, should not
shy away from challenging the status quo. Be bold, assert your ideas, and build networks
of support that propel you forward. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to
demonstrate your strength and capability.”
A Vision for the Future
As Samar continues to lead healthcare transformation and drive health-tech innovation
in the Middle East, her vision is clear: to leverage cutting-edge technologies for a patient-focused, effective and accessible healthcare. By supporting the development of a robust
digital core and enhancing data management, she aims to revolutionize healthcare in one
of the world’s most dynamic regions. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of what
is possible when vision meets courage, and change becomes the enduring spirit of one’s
endeavors.
