White Coats: Nour Al-Mozain on Ensuring a Safe and Adequate Blood Supply Amidst Fluctuations

Nour Al-Mozain, MD, CABP, QIA, is a hematopathologist and a transfusion medicine consultant at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Al-Mozain oversees the blood component manufacturing process, ensuring that blood products meet the quality of national and international standards. She also leads the inventory management process, always ensuring that blood requisitions meet patient blood management recommendations and local hospital policy guidelines.

In addition, Al-Mozain reviews and reports transfusion reactions and helps the blood bank scientists in dealing with pre-transfusion testing. Her role is to provide consultations for patients and help the primary teams tailor the appropriate management plan. In addition to transfusion medicine, Al-Mozain oversees apheresis and cell therapy laboratory.

She is an active AABB member and currently serves on several AABB committees, including the AABB Cellular Therapy Standards Committee. She spoke with AABB News about her career path and the operations of blood centers in the Middle East.

Who or what influenced your career path in transfusion medicine and biotherapies?

I am a wife and a full-time mom who works as a consultant in the field of transfusion medicine, and I am inspired by many local and international figures in the field. I actually feel like my career chose me, and I fell in love with it later on. I initially pursued a career in medicine, but as I learned more about transfusion medicine and biotherapies, I became increasingly interested in this field. I am amazed by the science behind it and the impact that it can have on patients’ lives. It’s an incredibly rewarding career, and I feel lucky to be able to work in this field.

What are some challenges impacting your work today?

Keeping up with the latest developments is crucial in this fast-paced field.

Can you tell us more about typical blood supply logistics in the Middle East, including the blood donation distribution process and/or blood donation trends in Saudi Arabia?

The situation regarding the operation of blood centers in the Middle East is quite variable. In Saudi Arabia, blood establishments are mainly hospitals. With a rapidly growing population and unpredictable blood donation patterns, the need for efficient and centralized blood centers has become more important than ever. As a result, a progressive shift toward a centralized operational system is currently underway.

Blood donation trends vary throughout the year and are subject to seasonal fluctuations. The most challenging season is during the holy month of Ramadan, both Eid holidays and during summer school vacation, when many are away. Additionally, every year, Saudi Arabia prepares extensively for the Hajj season when millions of Muslims visit Mecca during these holy days. The hospitals in Mecca and surrounding cities must have sufficient blood supply to support this large population for emergency surgeries, such as open-heart surgeries and thalassemia patients, etc.

Can you tell us about your center’s operations? How does it improve overall data of the blood supply and logistical issues?

At the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, we manage and oversee an extremely busy large-scale blood center, transfusion service, donor and therapeutic apheresis service, as well as a cell therapy laboratory in our 1,200-bed hospital. We receive approximately 200 blood donations every day, which are carefully tested and inspected for quality before being released. These donations are primarily used to treat patients with cancer, bone marrow and organ transplants, and other medical conditions.

How does AABB accreditation help your facility receive recognition for quality and demonstrate your facility’s commitment to quality and safety to patients and donors?

AABB accreditation is very popular in the region, and in Saudi Arabia in particular. Blood centers, transfusion services and stem cell labs throughout Saudi Arabia strive to obtain and maintain the AABB accreditation as a symbol of their commitment and dedication to providing top quality services.

What is the best decision you have made about your career?

I consider committing to transfusion medicine and biotherapies as a subspecialty to be one of the best decisions I have made in my career. Although my background is in hematopathology, I still choose to enhance my skills in both fields. I could have chosen to practice something else, but I believe that this is where my passion lies.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with AABB on social media? What are some ways early-career professionals can use social media to elevate their careers?

I find social media to be a useful tool for showcasing my professional life. It has also inspired me to pursue a balanced lifestyle, where I can excel in my career while maintaining my talents in other areas of my life. As an early-career professional, I believe social media can help break down potential barriers, allowing us to fi nd mentors, connect with experts and build meaningful connections.

At the end of a long day, I unwind by…

After a tiring day, I have a lot of responsibilities at home. Taking care of a big family with kids of different ages is a full-time job, but it’s also a source of relief. I love listening to their cute talks and stories throughout the day. Simple activities like going for a walk and baking can be very relaxing and make me happy as well.

What’s your superpower?

I consider resilience to be my superpower. I try to focus on improving it because I find myself adept at adapting to different circumstances and doing various tasks, even if I am not an expert at them or I do not like them. I always strive to learn and understand as much as possible.