Staff Highlight - Dahlia Kamel

Get to know the Penn FTD Center staff! Learn more this month from Penn FTD Center Clinical Research Program and Operations Lead and Assistant Director Dahlia Kamel, MS in the responses below!

What is your role at the Penn FTD Center and how long have you been working at the center?

I have worked at Penn for a total of 6.5 years, and in clinical research for over 10 years.  As the Clinical Research Program Lead and Assistant Director of the FTDC, I am responsible for directly overseeing and managing the operations of this research program and the management of associated CRP staff.

What has this role taught you?

Working with the patients and families at the Penn FTD Center has been the greatest part of my career so far. I am proud to lead a staff that is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and collaborative space for our patients and their families, who make altruistic contributions through research and advocacy programs, and selflessly give their time, energy, and trust to our staff each and every day. The Penn FTDC is dedicated to leading the fight against FTD with empathy, compassion, empowerment, and cultural humility. Our staff is continuously inspired by our patients’ stories and is incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to create meaningful relationships that keep them and their families coming back to our center for years. I hope to continue to grow this environment, where patients, families, clinicians, researchers, and scientists all come together, working as one to create hope for the future and bring us closer to a reality where a cure for FTD and related dementias is possible.

What is your favorite thing to do in Philly?

My friend's jokingly call me the Mayor of Philadelphia, because I love this city so much! The food scene is phenomenal, but there's also so much to do. If you don't catch me eating something tasty, you'll find me at a Philly sports game, sitting in Rittenhouse square, or in the mosh pit at concert around town!