Local Democrat Seeks to be First Physician-Muslim in Virginia State House of Delegates

Local Democrat Seeks to be First Physician-Muslim in Virginia State House of Delegates
By Aishah Schwartz



FAIRFAX, VA (May 28, 2009) - A Northern Virginia civic and community leader, who also happens to be the Chief of General Surgery at INOVA Alexandria hospital, is seeking to make a historical political impact this June 9 on two fronts; Dr. Esam Omeish is running in the 35th district for State Delegate in the Virginia Assembly, and if elected, he will not only be the first Muslim to serve in the VA State House, but also the first physician from the Democratic Party to serve in the VA General Assembly.

"There are three lawyers and a physician in this race and that, in and of itself, is a statement," said Omeish, who has spent most of his life in Fairfax County and currently resides in Vienna.

As a delegate, Omeish is reported to have stated that his top priority would be health care reform with the goal of contributing to finding a way to provide medical care for the one million Virginians who do not currently have health insurance.

"Over the next couple of years, we are going to see a significant movement on health care reform ... I want to be part of that debate and the shaping of that part of Virginia's future," Omeish stated.

After graduating from J.E.B. Stuart High School of Falls Church, Virginia, Omeish made the Dean's List his freshman year at Georgetown University and went on to graduate with a double major in Government and Biology in 1989. He went on to earn his medical doctorate from Georgetown's School of Medicine in 1993. Upon completing his residency in General Surgery, he established a successful medical practice in Northern Virginia, where, to date, he has performed over 5,000 surgeries and treated over 7,500 patients.

Omeish was elected to serve as INOVA Alexandria's Chief of General Surgery since 2006 where he oversees the staff and programs within the department. He was also elected to serve on its Medical Executive Committee (MEC) as a member-at-large. Additionally, in 2007, he earned the prestigious "Outstanding Physician of the Year" award. He also served as a first-responder and on-call surgeon during the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

In addition to his career in medicine, Omeish has always had a passion and commitment for public service. As a community organizer, he has served as a board member for a number of non-profit organizations. Omeish has also chaired the board of a community medical clinic and provided free service to the uninsured and the needy.

Omeish has appeared on various media outlets, including CNN, MSNBC, PBS, ABC, C-SPAN and through print-media in the Washington Post. He also hosted a medical radio programs during 2000-2001.

A father of four children between the ages of 3 and 14, all attending Fairfax County public schools, Omeish has been married for the past 16-years to his wife, Badria Kafala, a scientist with a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics. She also serves her community as a Girl Scout leader in addition to being involved in various other service projects.

"I am running to serve the people of Virginia. I have much to offer, especially in the areas of health care, education, and transportation; issues I invite the public to learn more about from my website," Omeish offered, adding, "My chances of winning are excellent, but like all political candidates I need the big three to win - money, volunteers, and voters."

Omeish added, "Truly this is a peoples, grassroots campaign and I welcome everyone's support in whatever way they can contribute."

The other three candidates running in the June 9, 2009, 35th District election are Roy Baldwin (D), John Carroll (D) and Mark Keam (D).

RELATED:
Virginia Voter Eligibility/Registration Information

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