Meet our Team
Meet The People Behind The Vision
Sustainable change in healthcare comes from combining diverse perspectives and deep local understanding. Our team brings together seasoned specialists from across emerging markets, guided by the strategic counsel of our Advisory Board and the rigor of partnerships with leading international health organizations. This collaborative model ensures that our solutions reflect the latest global standards and are tailored to the realities of the communities we serve
Muhammad Ali Chaudhry, MD MBA
Founder & CEO
Dr. Chaudhry is a global Physician-Executive and healthcare investor with
leadership experience across the GCC, USA, and emerging markets. He has
built high-impact partnerships with institutions like Johns Hopkins
Medicine, Saudi Aramco, and TVM Capital. His expertise spans clinical
care, strategy, and investment in both public and private sectors. Trained at
top U.S. institutions including Johns Hopkins, Weill Cornell, and UPenn, he
continues to practice clinically and holds a faculty role at Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine.
Dr. Chaudhry also serves as Operating Partner at ZT Corporate and Global
CEO of Altus Community Healthcare, further expanding his impact in
international healthcare leadership and investment.
Mehdi Attarha
Cofounder
Mehdi Attarha is a healthcare executive and co-founder of Emerging Health International, with over 30 years of experience in strategy, investment, and operations. He has held senior roles at Mubadala Investment Company and Dubai Holding, leading major healthcare initiatives, building new platforms, and driving large-scale transformations. He has also worked with Deloitte and PwC, supporting healthcare strategy and operational projects. Known for combining strategic vision with operational excellence, Mehdi specializes in launching, leading, and scaling innovative healthcare businesses globally. He holds a Master of Health Administration from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto. He is actively engaged in philanthropy and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
He holds a master’s in health administration from Penn State and a BSc in industrial engineering from the University of Toronto. Outside of work, he is dedicated to philanthropy and mentoring future leaders.
Zeina Khouri-Stevens R.N., Ph.D.
Managing Partner
Managing Partner at Emerging Health International and Global Healthcare Executive Consultant with over 25 years of experience. Zeina has led healthcare transformation projects across major institutions including Johns Hopkins Medicine, Saudi Aramco, Clemenceau Medical Center and Emirates hospital group .
A leader in advancing nursing and clinical education, she co-founded The Saeeda Akhtar Clinical Institute to strengthen training in emerging markets. She holds a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Maryland and serves as a consultant to Cedars Sinai International, Vmarsh Healthcare, and Lumio Capital.
Syed Jamal Baquar
Partner
Jamal is currently the CEO of TPL RMC, one of the largest REITs in Pakistan, and an advisor to Emerging Health International. With over 30 years of global experience in business, finance, and investment banking, Jamal has held senior roles at institutions like JPMorganChase, Samba Bank, and the National Bank of Pakistan, where he led numerous high-impact transactions and earned over 25 accolades. Known for his strategic leadership and expertise in complex financial operations, Jamal has worked across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
He holds a BSc in Civil Engineering from University College London and an MBA from Columbia Business School. A passionate traveler, he has explored over 65 countries.
Ali Alqeisi
Global Communication Manager
Ali Alqeisi is the Global Communications Manager at Emerging Health International, leading strategic content and global messaging efforts. With over 10 years of experience in journalism, diplomacy, and public relations, he excels at simplifying complex ideas and driving meaningful engagement.
He previously served as Communications Associate at EHI, freelance translator, Head of Protocol at the US Embassy in Baghdad, Protocol Officer at UK Embassy in Baghdad and correspondent for The Washington Post. He holds a BA in English Language from the University of Baghdad and an MA in Media and Public Relations from the University Leicester. Passionate about healthcare communication, he also enjoys reading, making friends, and exploring motion design.
Ammara Khan
Advisor
Ammara Khan is a global communications professional with over 20 years of experience advancing mission-driven initiatives in health, education, and sustainable development across public, private, and non-profit sectors. She specializes in influence and engagement, strategic communications, policy advocacy, and building partnerships with governments and global institutions.
Ammara currently serves as an Advisor to Emerging Health International (EHI) and works with the UNDP’s Integration team in the Global Policy Network. She previously held senior roles at Health Systems Global, Canadian Association for Global Health, and other renowned organizations. Ammara holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Toronto and is pursuing an MSc in Sustainable Development from the University of London
The Advisors
Our Advisory Board comprises a community of global leaders that bring a breadth of experience and multifaceted expertise – in strategy, policy, operations and administration, care delivery, regulatory management, investment and financial management, tech innovation, capacity building, partnerships, and advocacy – to EHI solutions, research and policy recommendations, insights, and the delivery of clinical and non-clinical training.
Sarmad Khan
Sarmad Khan is Founder and CEO of Telos Futures, where he partners with governments, international organizations, and foundations to design innovative leadership strategies for new global challenges. Over a 25-year career, he has held multiple senior positions at the United Nations, including Head of UN Office in the UAE and Global Head of Leadership Policy.
As lead author of the UN’s first Leadership Model, Sarmad transformed leadership approaches across the system, launching flagship labs and councils to drive change. A published thought leader and sought-after mentor, he continues to shape the future of leadership, policy, and transformation on a global scale.
Dr. Linda Lee
Is a board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology and a former Chief of Staff at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare. She has held faculty roles at Johns Hopkins since 1994, contributing to research, clinical care, and education. Dr. Lee spent over a decade researching liver cancer and has extensive experience managing complex gastrointestinal issues, particularly in cancer patients.
She is a Fellow of both the American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Physicians. A strong advocate for integrative medicine, Dr. Lee emphasizes improving quality of life for patients with chronic digestive disorders through a holistic approach.
Gregory F. Schaffer, LFACHE
Is a healthcare consultant and former President & CEO of Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. He also served as CEO of Tawam Hospital in the UAE under Johns Hopkins Medicine International. With a background in healthcare leadership, Schaffer held executive roles in hospitals across New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
He is a Life Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has served on multiple community and healthcare boards. Schaffer has also contributed to healthcare education as faculty at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and a preceptor at George Washington University.
Steven J. Thompson
Is a senior healthcare advisor and executive with extensive leadership experience in academic and community health systems, including Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania, and Brigham & Women’s/Harvard. He is the founder and former CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine International, where he led global healthcare consulting and service operations across 30+ countries.
Thompson specializes in strategy, health system design, M&A, and developing business models that extend academic healthcare capabilities globally. He has served on healthcare boards in countries such as India, Singapore, UAE, Turkey, and Malaysia. He holds a bachelor’s in Biological Sciences and an MBA from Loyola University.
Irfan Khan
Advisor
Irfan Khan is a visionary healthcare leader with over 25 years of experience transforming healthcare in emerging markets. As Group CEO of Evercare Healthcare Group, he champions patient-centered, sustainable systems that enhance accessibility and quality. Renowned for his empathy-driven leadership, Irfan has fostered talent development, digital innovation, and resilient healthcare solutions for underserved communities.
