Dr. Ahmed Barefah

Associate Professor / Consultant Hematologist

Dr. Ahmed Salleh Barefah is a highly accomplished Saudi hematologist based in Jeddah, currently serving as the President of the Saudi Society of Hematology. He is widely recognized as a regional expert in malignant hematology, specializing in the diagnosis and management of lymphoma, leukemia, and cellular therapies.

Current Roles & Positions
• President: Leads the Saudi Society of Hematology.
• Academic Appointment: Associate Professor of Hematology at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah.
• Clinical Consultant: Practices as a Consultant in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Malignant Hematology & Lymphoma at King Abdulaziz University Hospital.
• Private Practice: Serves patients at private institutions in Jeddah, including the International Medical Center (IMC) and The First Clinic.
• Research Director: Heads the Hematology Research Unit at the King Fahd Medical Research Center.

Education & Clinical Training
• Medical Degree: Graduated with Honors from King Abdulaziz University in 2009.
• Residency & Fellowships: Completed his residency and sub-specialty fellowships at McMaster University in Canada (2011–2018), specializing in Hematology and Malignant Hematology and Lymphoma.
• Board Certifications: Holds double board certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) in both Internal Medicine and Hematology.
• Clinical Experience: Practiced independently as an adult hematologist and Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) specialist at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Canada before returning to Saudi Arabia.
Research Focus & Medical CommitteesLymphoma & Leukemia: Conducts preclinical and clinical research centered heavily on aggressive lymphomas (such as Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Burkitt Lymphoma), leukemia genomics, and advanced cellular therapies.
• Scientific Memberships: Active member of the Saudi Lymphoma Group, Saudi Myeloma Group, Saudi Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, American Society of Hematology (ASH), and European Hematology Association (EHA).