I was one of the pioneers of endovascular surgery in Egypt and we are considered the only center practicing duplex guided endovascular intervention technique globally. From the first moment in vascular surgery career, I was dreaming of independency day when vascular surgery is separated from general department - and that dream became reality.
More than four decades of pioneering achievements in vascular surgery, from introducing endovascular techniques to Egypt in 1998, establishing the first independent vascular surgery department in 2000, to training over 30 vascular surgeons and advancing global medical practices through duplex guided endovascular interventions.
Introduced endovascular surgery to Egypt in 1998 as one of the early medical centers, training over 30 vascular surgeons and establishing the first simulator-based workshop on endovascular procedures in the country. This groundbreaking work positioned Egypt at the forefront of minimally invasive vascular procedures.
Co-founder and first Secretary General (2005-2013) then President (2013-2015) of the Vascular Society of Egypt, leading the national "Crisis of Identity" campaign for vascular surgery independence from general departments. Successfully supervised 50+ M.D. and M.S. thesis across multiple universities, shaping the next generation of vascular specialists.
Johns Hopkins University Research Fellow (1994-1995), presented at 60+ international conferences including Shanghai Endovascology, and established Egypt as the only center globally practicing duplex-guided endovascular intervention technique. This international recognition solidified Egypt's position as a pioneer in advanced vascular techniques.
Founded the independent Vascular/Endovascular Surgery Department at Al-Azhar Faculty of Medicine for Girls (2000). Established the department as an isolated unit from general surgery with a new separate building and dedicated curriculum through personal effort and charity contributions.
Pioneer of Duplex Guided Endovascular Surgery in Egypt as the only center ever to practice this novel technique in Egypt and one of few centers practicing this technique globally. Trained many generations of young vascular surgeons on this revolutionary procedure without contrast or x-ray exposure for high-risk patients.
Introduced endovascular surgery to Al-Azhar Faculty of Medicine for Girls through the Endovascular Surgery Working Group (EVS-Egypt) founded in 1997. Pioneered the first simulator-based workshop on endovascular procedures in Egypt and developed 23 specialized bi-monthly training programs, revolutionizing medical education and practical training.
A four-decade journey of surgical innovation
Born December 17, 1954, Professor Atef Abdel Galil Mohamed Allam transformed vascular surgery in Egypt and beyond. From ambitious medical student to international pioneer, his story spans four decades of relentless innovation.
Fresh from graduating with "Very Good with Honor" in 1979, young Dr. Allam began his surgical journey as a house officer at Al-Azhar University Hospitals. His passion for vascular surgery emerged during his registrar years (1981-1984), where he wrote his master's thesis on "The role of lumber sympathectomy in chronic occlusive diseases in the lower extremities." By 1989, he earned his M.D. with high marks focusing on "Surgery of the deep venous system in the management of postphlebitic limb syndrome," pioneering techniques that would define his career.
The pivotal moment came with his Johns Hopkins University Research Fellowship (1994-1995), where Professor Allam mastered cutting-edge endovascular techniques including infra- and supra-renal abdominal aneurysms, thoraco-abdominal aneurysms, carotid endarterectomies, and advanced duplex ultrasonography. Returning to Egypt, he introduced endovascular surgery to the country in 1998, establishing Al-Zahraa as one of the early medical centers practicing these revolutionary techniques. By 2000, his lifelong dream materialized: founding the independent Vascular/Endovascular Surgery Department with personal effort and charity contributions.
As Professor of Vascular Surgery (2000-2015), Professor Allam co-founded the Vascular Society of Egypt in 2004, serving as first Secretary General (2005-2013), then President (2013-2015). His "Crisis of Identity" campaign launched in 2006 sparked a national movement for vascular surgery independence from general surgery departments across all Egyptian universities. Meanwhile, he pioneered Duplex Guided Endovascular Surgery—making Egypt the only center globally practicing this technique. From 2012-2015, he served as Head of five surgery departments.
Since becoming Emeritus Professor in 2015, Professor Allam's influence continues to grow. Having supervised 50+ M.D. and M.S. theses across multiple universities, published 18 groundbreaking scientific papers, and trained over 30 vascular surgeons in endovascular techniques, his legacy is cemented in every Egyptian vascular department that now operates independently—fulfilling his dream of vascular surgery independence.
Professor Allam remains active as Emeritus Professor, continuing to mentor young surgeons and participate in examination boards. His techniques, particularly Duplex Guided Endovascular Surgery, continue to be practiced exclusively in Egypt, making it a global center of excellence for this innovative approach.
Pioneering research and clinical innovations in vascular surgery
Pioneering work documenting the early introduction of balloon angioplasty techniques for peripheral arterial disease treatment in Egypt, representing one of the first endovascular procedures performed in the country.
Innovative surgical technique for venous valve repair utilizing Dacron ring implantation for chronic venous insufficiency treatment.
Comprehensive analysis of retroperitoneal surgical approach demonstrating reduced morbidity and improved patient outcomes in elective aortic reconstruction procedures.
Comprehensive review analyzing complications and limitations of vena cava filter deployment in clinical practice, providing crucial insights for safer patient management.
Advanced minimally invasive surgical technique for treating primary hyperhidrosis of the upper limbs, demonstrating superior outcomes compared to traditional surgery.
Comparative study evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of thermography versus venography in detecting deep venous thrombosis, providing evidence for improved diagnostic approaches.
Research partnerships and professional consultations
Al-Azhar University Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
Research partnerships and professional consultations worldwide.