Learn more about Dr. Rola Abi Saleh, Assistant Professor in the Division of Geriatrics.

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Internal Medicine Residency: Hotel Dieu de France and UMMC

Geriatrics Fellowship: UMMC

Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship: UMMC

Tell us about yourself: 

I was born and raised in Lebanon. I graduated from the Lebanese University with a Master Degree in Biological Sciences. I then started medical school at Saint Joseph University in Beirut and completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Hotel Dieu de France in Lebanon.

In 2012, I came to the United States to join my husband who was pursuing his training in Richmond, Virginia. We both moved with our first daughter to Mississippi in 2013 when my husband joined the division of Neonatology at UMMC.

I completed an Internal Medicine residency, Geriatrics fellowship, and Palliative Care fellowship at UMMC. I was fortunate to have wonderful mentors including Drs. Meeks, Windham, Harkins and Mansel.

I am the mother of three children; Antonina (7), Mariam (4), and Elias Ephrem (2). I am very blessed to have my husband, Simon, a very devoted and supportive person. We share common goals to work in an academic setting, to teach, and to continue to grow professionally.

I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, cooking Lebanese food, and traveling.

What are you most looking forward to working at UMMC? 

I have the privilege to join the division of Geriatrics at UMMC. I am fascinated by all the team under the leadership of Dr. Meeks.

I have always had great respect for the elderly. I derive pleasure from helping sick people, decreasing their suffering, supporting them in their struggle against sickness, and contributing to the better health of the community.

My clinical responsibilities are mainly in the Geriatrics inpatient and outpatient services, and in the MIND clinic where I will be evaluating and managing patients with memory loss and cognitive impairment.

I will also continue the GeriPal Clinic that I started during my Palliative Care fellowship. This clinic will be dedicated to Advance Care Planning (ACP). The goal is to support our patients in understanding and sharing their personal values, wishes, and preferences in making wise health choices.

My research interest is in dementia. I will work with the research team in the MIND Center on multiple studies with a focus on aging and dementia.