In addition to the ongoing fight against Glioblastoma and other devastating brain tumors, the Khatib channeled their talents and treasures to many other worthwhile projects. Working at community, state and federal levels, they sought ways to bring people of different backgrounds and faiths together and to enhance life-long learning. They also worked to assist in further refinement of medical practices applying both to themselves and others.
For virtually all of his professional life, Reza made the United States his adopted home. He had quickly become an U.S. citizen. His years of successful surgical practice provided the financial resources that he and Georgianna would use for projects that would reach well into their futures, and affect many lives. Their humanitarian projects outreach to others in their community continued through the couple's retirement years.
Reza and Georgie were also enablers for many coming to America, who were or became a valued part of their extended family. Reza was able to open many doors as they built successful careers in fields as diverse as computer science, education, civil engineering, architecture and structural design, transportation and urban planning, biophysics and thermodynamics.
Improving Alzheimer's Diagnostic Practices
In retirement, Reza became personally familiar with the trauma of having a loved one misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Read about his and Georgie's involvement, the research he has supported, and the Medicare Program's new policy to help improve diagnostic practices.
In 2015, Georgie (Mrs.Khatib) developed memory problems and was at first incorrectly diagnosed. She was placed on Alzheimer's medications. But Dr. Khatib was unsatisfied, and arranged a neurological consultation at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital that included a revealing Amyloid PET Scan.
The consultation and PET scan ruled out Alzheimer's Disease and led to a search for the true cause. Full cardiac testing revealed the actual problem and the correct type of treatment. A heart pacemaker for Georgie corrected her memory loss.
Dr. Khatib then initiated a study through Kane Center and University of Miami intended to provide detailed neurological examinations and PET scans to 100 patients taking Alzheimer's medications.
The study found that 31% of participants actually evaluated did not have Alzheimer's. This suggested that before prescribing medication, testing of patients should include a full neurological examination, and PET scanning.
The Kane Center: Projects & Honors
Dr. Khatib was honored by Martin County's Kane Center as their 2017 recipient of the Sage Award in Medicine. The Kane Center has supported various causes designed to improve quality of life for seniors.
Dr. Khatib also served as an Honoree Presenter for the 2024 Sage Awards presentation.
A List of Popular Kane Center Programs
Adult Day Club
Memory Enhancement Services
Care Management
The HUGS Program
Daytime Primary Care
Caregiver Resources
Kane Cuisine Program
Nutrition Counseling
Comparative Religion Studies
“We don`t get to choose the religious heritage we are born into, and we all need to get along"
– Dr. Reza Khatib
Reza and Georgianna worked tirelessly to bring people together. When Saudi Terrorists conducted the heartbreaking attack of September 11, 2001, they worked with the St. Joseph College for over 12 years and later with the University of Mary Washington to initiate the Khatib Chair of Comparative Religion.
Their philanthropic desires and their deep capacity for empathy has led to their reaching out whenever possible to encourage understanding and mutual respect among those of all cultures and faiths.
Establishing New York's Catholic Medical Center
Dr. John Miller
Dr. Richard Johnson
Dr. Fred Nobandegani
By the time of his retirement in 2000, the Catholic Medical Center had become a highly respected and requested institution.