KFSHRC and Cleveland Clinic Partner to Advance Autism and Neuroscience Research
Riyadh – May 2025: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has entered into a strategic partnership with Cleveland Clinic, one of the world’s leading non-profit academic medical centers, to accelerate advancements in autism and neuroscience. This partnership aims to leverage the combined expertise of both institutions, driving innovation and enhancing patient care.
A Strategic Alliance for Medical Excellence
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between KFSHRC and Cleveland Clinic was signed at KFSHRC’s Riyadh headquarters. The agreement was endorsed by H.E. Dr. Majid Alfayyadh, CEO of KFSHRC, and Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic, CEO and President of Cleveland Clinic.
This MOU sets the foundation for a long-term collaboration that will focus on:
- Joint Clinical Initiatives: Establishing specialized project teams to develop and implement new clinical protocols for autism and neuroscience.
- Research Collaboration: Conducting cutting-edge research to advance understanding and treatment of autism spectrum disorders and neurological conditions.
- Educational Programs: Enhancing training and education for healthcare professionals, including medical practitioners, researchers, and clinicians.
- Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of expertise and best practices between the two institutions.
Enhancing Healthcare through Innovation
This partnership is a key component of KFSHRC’s broader strategy to establish impactful global collaborations that enhance its role as a leader in specialized healthcare. It is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Program, part of Vision 2030, which aims to provide equitable access to high-quality healthcare with a strong focus on preventive care.
H.E. Dr. Majid Alfayyadh, CEO of KFSHRC, stated:
“Our partnership with Cleveland Clinic represents a significant step in advancing patient care in autism and neuroscience. By combining our expertise, we aim to drive innovation, accelerate research, and enhance medical education.”
A Global Commitment to Excellence
Cleveland Clinic’s commitment to this partnership is a reflection of its global leadership in healthcare. The institution is known for its pioneering work in neuroscience and autism treatment, making it an ideal partner for KFSHRC’s mission to achieve medical excellence.
Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic, CEO of Cleveland Clinic, emphasized:
“We are excited to partner with KFSHRC to advance autism and neuroscience research. Our shared commitment to patient care, research, and education will drive impactful outcomes for patients both in Saudi Arabia and globally.”
KFSHRC: A Global Leader in Healthcare
KFSHRC has been consistently recognized for its excellence in healthcare:
- Ranked 1st in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centres for two consecutive years.
- Recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, according to the 2025 Brand Finance rankings.
- Included in Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025, reflecting its commitment to leveraging technology for improved patient care.
A Milestone for Autism and Neuroscience in Saudi Arabia
This partnership between KFSHRC and Cleveland Clinic is expected to enhance the Kingdom’s capabilities in treating autism and neurological disorders. It also aligns with KFSHRC’s mission to provide world-class healthcare and foster a culture of continuous learning, research, and innovation.
By combining their expertise, KFSHRC and Cleveland Clinic will drive new discoveries, improve patient outcomes, and elevate the standard of care for patients with autism and neurological conditions. This collaboration is a testament to KFSHRC’s commitment to expanding its international network of partnerships and maintaining its leadership in healthcare excellence.
