Meet the Associate Dean
Dr. Majd Zayzafoon, MD, PhD, MBA serves as the associate dean for Global Initiatives and International Medical Education at UAB Heersink School of Medicine. He is the inaugural holder of the Heersink Family Endowed Professorship in International Medical Education and a tenured Professor of Medical Education and Pathology. As a pioneer in international medical education, Dr. Zayzafoon leads initiatives to position UAB’s School of Medicine as a leader in global medical education. He oversees more than 20 international mobility programs, providing transformative educational experiences for over 500 students and graduates each year.
Dr. Zayzafoon earned his MD from Damascus University and completed his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology Fellowship in the United Kingdom. He obtained a PhD in Molecular Physiology from Michigan State University and subsequently completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Pathology at UAB. In 2013, he earned an MBA from UAB, with a focus on entrepreneurship, further enhancing his ability to lead innovative educational initiatives. Since joining the faculty in 2005, he has been instrumental in advancing internationalization efforts within the School of Medicine and across UAB, developing innovative programs that expand the institution's international presence, fostering strategic global partnerships, and enhancing the global competencies of students and faculty.
In his role, Dr. Zayzafoon collaborates closely with various academic departments, global health organizations, and international institutions to create programs that align with UAB's mission to advance medical education globally. His leadership is vital in ensuring the success of these initiatives, promoting a collaborative and inclusive environment, and maintaining the highest standards of excellence in global education.
Under his guidance, UAB’s International Medical Education program partners with institutions around the world, providing international medical graduates with essential clinical and research experiences while allowing UAB students to participate in global electives. Notable initiatives include the Recognition of Distinction in Global Health-- designed to uphold the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and aims to empower future UAB physicians to think globally, act locally, and lead boldly-- and the International Visiting Medical Student Training Program, which annually welcomes over 200 international students for clinical training at UAB.
Dr. Zayzafoon's research expertise centers on the molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer bone metastases and drug development in preclinical models, with the aim of uncovering novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.