Featuring Dr. Lutfi Abdallat, Anesthesiologist, and Dr. Ghaliah Nsour, Ophthalmologist

For Dr. Abdallat and Dr. Nsour, joining Sault Area Hospital (SAH) is an opportunity to bring their specialized medical expertise to the community while building a life for their family in Northern Ontario.

Dr. Abdallat completed his medical degree at Misr University for Science and Technology in Giza, Egypt, in 2012. Following five years of anesthesiology training, he worked as a staff anesthesiologist in Jordan before pursuing a fellowship in Acute Pain Management and Obstetric Anesthesia at Western University in London, Ontario. He later spent two years practising as an assistant professor of anesthesia in Halifax before completing a fellowship in Interventional Chronic Pain Management in Toronto. He is also a Fellow of the World Institute of Pain in Interventional Pain Practice.

His interest in anesthesiology grew from his earlier experience as a general practitioner and air ambulance physician, where he developed an appreciation for caring for critically ill patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Over time, his interests in regional anesthesia and pain management led him to specialize in both acute and chronic pain care.

“I enjoy both fields because they allow me to help patients through surgery and acute illness while also supporting those living with chronic pain and improving their quality of life,” says Dr. Abdallat.

Through his work in interventional chronic pain management, he hopes to help patients regain function and return to the activities that matter most to them.

“For me, medicine is not just about treating a condition; it is about understanding the person behind it and making a meaningful difference in their life.”

Dr. Nsour brings expertise in ophthalmology, pediatric eye care and vision rehabilitation. She earned her medical degree from the University of Jordan Faculty of Medicine in 2014 and completed her ophthalmology residency in Jordan in 2020. She continued her subspecialty training in Halifax before completing a two-year fellowship in low vision rehabilitation in Toronto.

Her clinical interests include pediatric ophthalmology, vision rehabilitation and research, including visual biofeedback training. She plans to continue her research at SAH, contributing to the ongoing development of specialized eye care.

“What drew me to ophthalmology is that the eye is like a window into the body. You can detect many diseases and other conditions impacting your overall health just by looking into the eyes,” says Dr. Nsour.

Her arrival will expand access to specialized pediatric ophthalmology care locally, helping children and families access services closer to home.

For both physicians, the decision to move to Sault Ste. Marie was about more than professional opportunities. Having lived in larger urban centres, they were drawn to the region’s natural beauty, welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. They also saw an opportunity to put down roots in Northern Ontario and find a balance between their medical careers and family life as they raise their son.

Outside of medicine, both physicians enjoy spending time with their family and exploring the outdoors. Dr. Abdallat enjoys sports and outdoor activities, while Dr. Nsour enjoys spending time near the water, as well as crafting and baking.

As they begin this new chapter at SAH, Dr. Abdallat and Dr. Nsour look forward to sharing their expertise, building relationships with patients and contributing to the health and well-being of the community.