Dr. Nadia Awni Sakati is a distinguished Syrian-Saudi pediatrician renowned for her contributions to medical genetics. Born in Damascus, she earned her medical degree in 1965 from Damascus University and later completed her residency in Pediatrics at the American University of Beirut and Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

She pursued a fellowship in Genetics and Metabolic Diseases at the University of California, San Diego. In 1978, Dr. Sakati joined King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Saudi Arabia, where she has held key roles, including Chairman of Pediatrics, Director of the Genetics/Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease Fellowship Program, and Distinguished Senior Consultant. Dr. Sakati’s work in genetic disorders has led to significant advancements, including co-authoring essential medical books with Dr. William Nyhan. Her research and clinical expertise have helped develop genetic diagnostics and treatments, such as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and carrier detection, benefitting numerous families.

Her remarkable contributions to medical genetics were acknowledged when King Fahd awarded her Saudi nationality in 1993. With over 40 years at KFSHRC, she has not only cared for countless children but has also been instrumental in training Saudi residents and fellows, a legacy she treasures. Dr. Sakati remains a prominent figure in medical societies, including the American Society of Human Genetics and the American Academy of Pediatrics, reflecting her enduring impact on the field of genetics and pediatrics in the region.