Saudi Arabia is boldly reinventing itself with ambitious visions and groundbreaking initiatives. At the forefront of this national transformation is its healthcare system, a story of determined progress and dedication. Dr. Yasser Aljehani, MD, SSC-Surg, MBA, is considered one of the leaders in this transformation whose innovative spirit mirrors the country’s drive.
As Corporate Chief Medical Officer of Al Salam and Al Ahsa Hospitals, Dr. Aljehani doesn’t simply manage—he inspires. His leadership is a testament to collaboration and transformative action. This dedication began long before titles and accolades, and it continues to impact patients and healthcare professionals throughout regions in Saudi Arabia. For Dr. Aljehani, the future of healthcare is a daily commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Dr. Aljehani’s Path to Healthcare Leadership
Dr. Aljehani’s path to becoming one of the most respected figures in Saudi healthcare began with a solid academic foundation. A Saudi national, he earned his medical degree from the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain. Driven by a passion for thoracic surgery, he pursued General and Thoracic Surgery Board, and then advanced training at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh and Dalhousie University in Canada. These formative years not only honed his surgical expertise but also instilled in him a broader vision of healthcare as a dynamic and collaborative field.
Subsequently, Dr. Aljehani seamlessly moved into leadership positions. He served as the Chief of the Surgery Department at KFHU and as the Medical Director at this academic university hospital. Following that, he held the position of Vice President of Healthcare and Healthcare Strategies, as well as CEO of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Medical City. Additionally, he leads Alsalam and Alahsa Hospitals, which are regarded as some of the leading hospitals in the Madinah Region. In each role, he consistently demonstrated his ability to tackle complex challenges. His expertise in healthcare transformation and crisis management proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic and afterward. Specifically, his leadership was crucial in expanding ICU capacity and managing vital resources by implementing the concept of service lines.
Al Salam and Al Ahsa Hospitals: Setting a New Standard for Care
Today, Dr. Aljehani leads Al Salam and Al Ahsa Hospitals, more than Saudi Arabia’s leading private healthcare providers in the eastern region. These facilities, covering 100,000 square meters, serve as crucial healthcare in the Eastern Province. With an average of 250 clinics offering a wide range of specialties and around-the-clock emergency services, Al Salam and Al Ahsa are deeply committed to their patients.
The hospital’s mission—to provide world-class care with compassion and exceptional service—strongly aligns with Dr. Aljehani’s values. Under his leadership, this mission is a daily practice. Every patient receives the same level of care the staff would want for their own families. This guiding principle, along with clear standards of excellence applied throughout the hospital, has made Al Salam and Al Ahsa Hospitals leaders in healthcare delivery.
Bridging Vision and Strategy in Integrated Health Systems
As healthcare in the Middle East changes, Al Salam and Al Ahsa Hospitals are leading the change, working in line with initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Dr. Aljehani’s work in integrated health systems serves as a prime example of holistic, patient-focused care.
Under his guidance, the hospital has developed and adopted innovative approaches, including Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and population health management. These methods improve efficiency while also emphasizing preventive care and long-term well-being. Dr. Aljehani believes integrated healthcare means more than just treating sickness; it means building a system that anticipates and addresses the varied needs of the community.
A Comprehensive Approach to Patient Care
Al Salam and Al Ahsa Hospital’s reputation for advanced healthcare comes from its specialized centers and wide range of services. With many departments covering almost every medical specialty, the hospital can handle many different medical needs. Specialized services focus on areas such as comprehensive stroke services, women’s wellness, child well-being, diabetes center, heart services, and IVF, ensuring patients receive personalized and effective care addressing the needs of the catchment population services.
Dr. Aljehani’s strategic leadership has been key to bringing these departments and centers together into a smooth, unified system. By using the latest technology and encouraging teamwork across specialties, he has made the hospitals a trusted healthcare destination in the region.
Leading with Vision: The Role of the Corporate CMO
As Corporate CMO, Dr. Aljehani has many responsibilities. He manages clinical quality, ensures smooth operations, and leads strategic projects to improve healthcare. He leads by working closely with others, making decisions based on data, and always looking for ways to improve medical, allied, and revising care under his leadership.
A key part of his job is making sure the hospital’s daily work supports its long-term goals. This often means using new technologies to simplify processes. Regular team meetings and training programs show his focus on building a culture of responsibility and excellence. Dr. Aljehani believes leadership isn’t about giving orders; it’s about inspiring teams to work together toward a common goal. This approach has been essential in creating high-performing teams dedicated to providing outstanding patient care.
Data-Driven Success
The numbers tell a strong story about Al Salam and Al Ahsa Hospital’s progress under Dr. Aljehani. In just one year, the hospital has significantly expanded its services:
- Emergency room visits now exceed 100 % growth in less than a year.
- More than 100% growth in patients are admitted to the hospital each quarter.
- Outpatient visits have increased by over 80 percent.
- ICU activity has more than 100% growth increase in capacity to meet the demand.
These figures show how effective Dr. Aljehani’s strategies have been, from using resources wisely to improving patient experiences. His past successes, such as cutting surgical waiting lists in half within six months, and increasing access to care in OPD, ER, and inpatient services, further demonstrate his ability to create real change.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Like all leaders, Dr. Aljehani has faced his share of challenges. One of his toughest tasks was merging three hospitals with different work cultures while he was CEO of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Medical City.
“I focused on building teamwork and getting everyone to work toward the same goals,” he explains. By stressing unity and using each organization’s strengths, he successfully managed the change.
Now, at Al Salam and Al Ahsa Hospitals, he continues to tackle challenges like managing diverse teams and adapting to the specific needs of private healthcare. His ability to turn problems into opportunities is a key part of his leadership.
Innovating for the Future
Dr. Aljehani is always looking for ways to improve healthcare. He’s especially interested in using artificial intelligence (AI) in medical practice and training and creating new ways to care for patients. He sees technology not just as a tool, but as a way to provide better care. By using AI and other advanced technologies, he plans to make the hospital run more smoothly and improve patient outcomes, keeping Al Salam Hospital at the forefront of medical progress.
Life beyond the Hospital
Even with a demanding career, Dr. Aljehani knows it’s important to have balance in his life. Outside of work, he enjoys photography and gardening—activities that help him relax and stay grounded.
“These hobbies give me a creative and peaceful escape,” he says. They show his belief that personal satisfaction is key to professional success, something he encourages others to find as well.
Dr. Aljehani’s Message to the Healthcare Community
For Dr. Aljehani, healthcare is more than just a job—it’s a mission to serve and find new ways to help people. His guiding principle, “Efficiency through teamwork,” shows how important it is to work together to achieve lasting success.
He encourages healthcare workers to embrace change, focus on patient care, and use innovation to solve problems. “Being able to adapt and work together is essential for dealing with the challenges of today’s healthcare,” he says.
Quote
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together…” – African proverb
Also Read: The 10 Most Influential CMOs in the Healthcare Industry in 2025
