Ahmed Elsayem, MD, MPH
Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine
About Dr. Elsayem
Dr. Ahmed Elsayem is a provider in the MD Anderson Emergency Center and a Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine. He is double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice/Palliative Care and joined MD Anderson in 2000. He also has a dual appointment in the Department of Palliative and Rehabilitation Medicine.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Professor, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
1985 | Khartoum University, Khartoum, SDN, MD, Medicine |
Postgraduate Training
2012-2013 | Course, Academic Medical Department Leadership Course, UT Schoool of Public Health, Houston, TX |
2000-2001 | Clinical Fellowship, Palliative Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX |
1997-2000 | Residency, Internal Medicine, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC |
1996-1997 | Acting Intern/Research Assistant, VA Hospital, Washington, DC |
1989-1995 | Medical Officer, Assir Region, Abha |
1987-1989 | Clinical Residency, Elshaab Teaching Hospital, Khartoum |
1986-1987 | Clinical Internship, Internal Medicine, Khartoum North Teaching Hospital, Khartoum |
Board Certifications
2003 | The American Board of Hospice and Palliative Care |
2000 | The American Board of Internal Medicine |
Experience & Service
Academic Appointments
Associate Professor, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2011 - 2017
Associate Professor, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2008 - 2011
Assistant Professor, Department of General Internal Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2004 - 2009
Assistant Professor, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2001 - 2008
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Founder and Chair, Acute Supportive Care Committee of the Emergency Medicine Department, Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2016 - Present
Director, Selection Committee for Patricia Bohan Award for Excellence in Palliative Care Nursing, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2007 - 2012
Member, Outcomes Research Think Tank Committee, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2007 - 2011
Member, Palliative Care Research Committee, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2007 - 2011
Member, Palliative Care Education Committee, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2007 - 2008
Director, Acute Palliative Care Unit Committee, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2006 - 2010
Director, Acute Palliative Care Inpatient Unit, Department of Inpatient Palliative Care Unit, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, Houston, TX, 2002 - 2010
Member, Symptom Control and Palliative Care Center Operations Committee, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2001 - 2001
Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Psychosocial, Behavioral, and Health Services Research Committee (PBHSRC), 2010 - 2013
Member, Spiritual Observance Committee, 2009 - 2012
Honors & Awards
2006 | Pillar of Support Award, Forum of African First Ladies/ Spouses Against Cervical, Breast, and Prostate Cancer |
2004 | 8th Annual Interdisciplinary Approach to Palliative Medicine in Cancer Care Poster Award, 1st Place, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Lipe DN, Viets-Upchurch J, Hanna EY, Reyes-Gibby C, Chen SR, Elsayem A, Long B.. Carotid Blowout Syndrome in the Emergency Department: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. The Journal of Emergency Medicine(10.1016):29-34, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35065858.
- Chaftari P, Lipe DN, Wattana MK, Qdaisat A, Krishnamani PP, Thomas J, Elsayem AF, Sandoval M. Outcomes of Patients Placed in an Emergency Department Observation Unit of a Comprehensive Cancer Center. JCO Oncology Practice, 2021. PMID: 34905410.
- Hue D, Hernandez F, Urbauer D, Thomas S, Lu Z, Elsayem A, Bruera E. High Flow Oxygen and High Flow Air for Dyspnea in Hospitalized Patients with Cancer: A Pilot Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial. Oncologists, 2020. PMID: 33289276.
- Lipe D, Elsayem A, Cruz-Carreras M, Thomas J, Feliciano A, Ren J, Gaeta S, Rajha E, Manasanch E, Kheder E, Brock P, Reyes-Gibby C,. Characteristics of cancer patients with COVID-19 in a cancer hospital. Ann Palliat Med, 2020. PMID: 33222454.
- Chung F, Turecamo S, Cuthel A, Grudzen C, PRIM-ER Investigators. Effectiveness and Reach of the Primary Palliative Care for Emergency Medicine (PRIM-ER) Pilot Study: a Qualitative Analysis. J Gen Intern Med, 2020. PMID: 33111240.
- Yeung S, Qdaisat A, Chaftari P, Lipe D, Merlin J, Rajha E, Wechsler A, Sandoval M, Viets J, Al-Breiki A, Shah M, Pandey R, Kamal M, Khattab O, Toale K, Wattana M , Elsayem A, Gaeta S, Brock P, Reyes-Gibby C, Alagappan K. Diagnosis and management of immune-related adverse effects. Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians:1-23, 2020. PMID: 33392573.
- Nada Fadul, Ahmed F Elsayem, Eduardo Bruera. Integration of Palliative Care into COVID-19 Pandemic Planning. BMJ Support Palliative Care. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32527790.
- El Majzoub I, Qdaisat A, Chaftari PS, Yeung SJ, Sawaya RD, Jizzini M, Carreras MTC, Abunafeesa H, Elsayem AF. Association of emergency department admission and early inpatient palliative care consultation with hospital mortality in a comprehensive cancer center. Support Care Cancer(7):2649-2655, 2019. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 30474736.
- Elsayem, A; Bruera, E; Valentine, A; Warneke,C; Yeung, S; Page, V; Wood, GL; Silvestre, J; Holmes, H; Brock, PA; Todd, KH. Delirium Frequency Among Advanced Cancer Patients Presenting to an Emergency Department: a Prospective Randomized Observational STudy. Cancer 122(18):2918 - 2924, 2016. PMID: 27455035.
- Elsayem A, Calderon BB, Camarines EM, Lopez G, Bruera E, Fadul NA. A Month in an Acute Palliative Care Unit: Clinical Interventions and Financial Outcomes. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 28(8):550-5, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21478176.
- Elsayem A, Bush SH, Munsell MF, Curry III E, Calderon B, Paraskevopoulus T, Bruera E.. Subcutaneous Olanzapine for Hyperactive or Mixed Delirium in Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Preliminary Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 40(5):774-82, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20728301.
- Hui D, Elsayem A, Li Z, DeLaCruz M, Palmer JL, Bruera E.. Antineoplastic Therapy Use in Patients with Advanced Cancer Admitted to an Acute Palliative Care Unit at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: a Simultaneous Care Model. Cancer 116(8):2036-43, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20162701.
- Hui D, Elsayem A, De La Cruz M, Berger A, Zhukovsky DS, Evans A, Fadul N, Palmer JL, Bruera E. Availability and Integration of Palliative Care at United States Cancer Centers. JAMA 303(11):1054-1061, 2010.
- Hui D, Elsayem A, Palla S, DeLaCruz M, Li Z, Yennurajalingam S, Bruera E.. Discharge Outcomes and Survival of Patients with Advanced Cancer Admitted to an Acute Palliative Care Unite at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. J Palliat Med 13(1):49-57, 2010. e-Pub 2009. PMID: 19824813.
- Fadul N, Elsayem A, Palmer JL, Del Fabbro E, Swint K, Li Z, Poulter V, Bruera E.. Supportive vs. Palliative Care: What's in a Name? A Survey of Medical Oncologists and Mid-level Providers at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Cancer 115(9):2013-21, 2009. PMID: 19235253.
- Bruera E, Bush SH, Willey J, Paraskevopoulos T, Li Z, Palmer JL, Cohen MZ, Sivesind D, Elsayem A.. The impact of delirium and recall on the level of distress in patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers. Cancer 115(9):2004-12, 2009. PMID: 19241420.
- Elsayem A, Mori M, Parsons HA, Munsell MF, Hui D, Delgado-Guay MO, Paraskevopoulos T, Fadul NA, Bruera E.. Predictors of inpatient mortality in an acute palliative care unit at a comprehensive cancer center. Support Care Cancer 18(1):67 - 76, 2009. PMID: 19350282.
- Elsayem A, Curry Iii E, Boohene J, Munsell MF, Calderon B, Hung F, Bruera E. Use of palliative sedation for intractable symptoms in the palliative care unit of a comprehensive cancer center. Support Care Cancer 17(1):53-9, 2009. e-Pub 2008. PMID: 18461370.
- Reddy SK, Parson HA, Elsayem A, Palmer JL, Bruera E.. Characteristics and correlates of dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer. Journal of Palliative Medicine 12(1):29-36, 2009. PMID: 19284260.
- Elsayem A, Bruera E. High-dose corticosteroids for the management of dyspnea in patients with tumor obstruction of the upper airway. Support Care Cancer 15(12):1437-9, 2007. PMID: 17636344.
- Fadul N, Elsayem A, Palmer JL, Zhang T, Braiteh F, Bruera E.. Predictors of access to palliative care services among patients who died at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. J Palliat Med 10(5):1146-52, 2007.
- Elsayem A, Smith M, Parmley L, Palmer JL, Jenkins R, Reddy S, Bruera E.. Impact of a palliative care service on in-hospital mortality in a comprehensive cancer center. J Palliat Med 8(4):894-902, 2006.
Editorials
- Yeung S, Elsayem A. Early Palliative Care for Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer: Opportunities in the ED. Editorial Chest, 2020. PMID: 33280746.
- Sai-Ching J. Yeung, and Ahmed Elsayem. Association of Palliative Care Use and Setting with Healthcare Utilization and Quality of Care at the End of Life Among Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer. Chest.
Abstracts
- Elsayem AF, Merriman KW, Gonzalez CE, Yeung SJ, Chaftari PS, Henderson JD, Todd KH. Intensive care unit admissions and in-hospital mortality in patients admitted through the emergency department of a comprehensive cancer center. Journal of Clinical Oncology, The proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2014. e-Pub 2014.
- Brock PA, Hall AJ, Page VD, Merriman KW, Reyes-Gibby CC, Yeung SJ, Todd KH, Elsayem AF. Neuroimaging and Outcome of Patients with Altered Mental Status in the Emergency Department of a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Society (ASCO), 2014.
- Elsayem A, Gonzalez CE, Yeung SJ, Merriman KW, Todd KH. In-hospital mortality of patients admitted through the emergency department of a comprehensive cancer center, ASCO 2012, Chicago, IL. Journal of Clincal Oncology, Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2012. e-Pub 2012.
- Hui D, Elsayem A, DeLaCruz M, Berger A, Zhukovsky DS, Evans A, Fadul N, Palmer JL. Availability and Integration of Palliative Care in Oncology: A Survey of United States Cancer Centers. 2011 Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2011.
- Hui D, Kilgore KL, Nguyen LMT, Hall S, Fajardo J, Cox-Miller T, Urbauer D, Fellman B, Rhondali W, Kang JH, Kim SH, Del Fabbro E, Zhukovsky DS, Reddy SK, Elsayem AF, Dalal S, Walker P, Dev R, Yennurajalingam S, Bruera E. Predictors of in-hospital mortality in advanced cancer patients admitted to an acute palliative care unit (APCU): A prospective study. Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2011.
- Mori M, PArsons HA, DeLaCruz M, Elsayem AF, Palla SL, Liu J, Li Z, Palmer JL, Fadul NA. Changes in symtoms and inpatient mortality among advanced cancer patients admitted to a palliative care unit in a comprehensive cancer center. Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Society (ASCO), 2010.
- Elsayem AF, Bain KT, Palmer JL, Beraden J, Fisch M. A randomized comparison of oral methadone as a first switch opioid versus opioid switching betwenn sustained-released morphine and oxycodone for oncology outpatients with pain management problems. Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Society (ASCO, 2010.
- Hui D, Bruera E, Li Z, Plamer JL, DeLaCruz M, Elsayem A. Utilization of Antineoplastic therapy (ANT) in Advanced Cancer Patients Admitted to an Acute Care Unit (APCU) at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), 2009. e-Pub 2009.
- Elsayem A. Acute Palliative Care Unit in a Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC): Financial and Clinical Outcomes. Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Society (ASCO) 2009 Annual Meeting, 2009.
- Elsayem A, Calderon B, Bruera E, Camarines E, Lopez G, Fadul N.. A Month in An Acute Palliative Care Unit. What is Acute?. MASCC/ISOO 2009 International Symposium, Rome, Italy, 2009.
- P Walker, HT See, K Basen-Engquist, JL Palmer, A Elsayem, JJ Kavanagh, E Bruera. Which Symptoms are Prevalent in Patients with Recurrent Ovarian Cancer?, 2008.
- Fadul N, Elsayem A, Palmer JL, Del Fabbro E, Swint K, Li Z, Poulter V, Bruera E. Supportive vs Palliative Care: What's in a name? A survey of medical oncologists and mid-level providers. Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), 2008.
- Elsayem A, Mori M, Parsons HA, Munsell M, Fadul NA, Hui D, Delgado-Guay MO, Paraskevopoulos T, Bruera E. Factors associated with mortality in an inpatient acute palliative care unit at a comprehensive cancer center. Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), 2008.
- Elsayem A, Fadul N, Walker P, Cox-Miller T, Mori M, Bruera E. The Acute Model of Palliative Care Unit in a Comprehensive Cancer Center - Six Years of Success. MASCC/ISOO International Symposium Supportive Care in Cancer, 2008.
- Elsayem A, Delgado-Guay M, Curry E, Munsel M, Paraskevopoulos T, Calderon B, Parson H, Bush SH, Bruera E.. Subcutaneous Olanzapine for Hyperactive or mixed delirium in a comprehensive cancer center. Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), 2008.
- Mori M, Elsayem A, Reddy S, Bruera E, Fadul N. Unrevealed Pain and Suffering in Patients with Advanced Cancer. MASCC International Symposium Supportive Care in Cancer, 2008.
- Elsayem A, Curry E, Munsell M, Paraskevopoulos T, Beale E, Poulter V, Fadul N, Bruera E.. Subcutaneous olanzapine for agitated delirium in patients receiving haloperidol. MASCC/ISOO 19th International Symposium, 2007.
- Elsayem A, Fadul N, Swint K, Gershon K, Bruera E.. Acute model of palliative care in a comprehensive cancer center. American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 2007.
- Reddy S, Elsayem A, Palmer JL, Zhang T, Kaur G, Bruera E.. Dyspnea and interference of function. 4th Research Forum of the European Association for Palliative Care, Venice, Italy, 2006.
- Elsayem A, Curry E, Boohene J, Ibrahim H, Pace E, Hung S, Bruera E.. The use of palliative sedation for intractable symptoms in palliative care unit (PCU) in a comprehensive cancer center. Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Proceedings Part I. Vol 24, No. 18S (June 20 Supplement)(18S):8577, 2006.
- Reddy S, Elsayem A, Palmer JL, Laur G, Zhang T, Bruera E.. The characteristics and correlates of dyspnea in advanced cancer patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), 2005.
- Elsayem A, Palmer JL, Zhang T, Willey J, Bruera E. Predictors of access to palliative care (APC) among patients who died at a comprehensive cancer center. MASCC/ISOO 17 International Symposium, Geneva, Switzerland, 2005, 2005.
- Elsayem, A, Swint K, Roach P, Walker P, Bruera E. Palliative Care Inpatient Service in a Comprehensive Cancer Center: Clinical and Financial Outcomes. Journal of Clinical Oncology, ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings (Post-Meeting Edition) 22((abstr 2099)), 2004.
- Elsayem A, RJenkins, LParmley, MLSmith, JLPalmer, Bruera E. The impact of a palliative care service on overall hospital mortality in a comprehensive cancer center. MASCC/ISOO 17th Annual Symposium, Geneva, Switzerland, 2004.
- Esphani N, Elsayem A. Is it Methadone? . 8th Annual Interdisciplinary Approach to Palliative Medicine in Cancer Care, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2004.
- See HT, Walker PW, Palmer JL, Basen-Engquist K, Elsayem A, DeGracia L, Sun CC, Bodurka DC, Kavanagh JJ. Palliative Care Index for Ovarian Cancer. International Gynecologic Cancer Society. Proceedings of the UGC:544, 2004.
- Elsayem A, Jenkins R, Parmley L, Smith ML, Palmer JL, Bruera E.. The Impact of a Palliative Care Service on Overall Hospital Mortality in a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2004 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings (Post-Meeting Edition) 22(14S):8034, 2004.
- Zhukovsky DS, Palmer JL, Elsayem A, Esphani N, Lange GO, Shen L, Bruera E, Fisch MJ. Racial differences in health services utilization in patients receiving opioids for cancer pain. . American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), 2003.
- Elsayem A, Walker P, Cline M, Ewert-Flannagan P, Swint K, Reddy S, Bruera E. Clinical Outcomes After the Establishment of a Palliative Care Unit in a Comprehensive Cancer Center. 14th International Congress on Care of the Terminally Ill. Montreal Quebec, 2002.
- Reddy S, Kaur G, Palmer L, Willey J, Elsayem A, Burkett A, Bruera E. Dyspnea in Advanced Cancer Patients. 14th International Congress on Care of the Terminally Ill. Montreal Quebec, 2002.
- Strasser F, Elsayem A, Bruera E. Pain the 5th vital sign: how can numbers reflect suffering?. Trainee Recognition Day and Research Exposition 2001, The University of Texas MD Anderson Associates, Houston, Texas, 2001.
Book Chapters
- Fadul N, Elsayem A. Palliative Care in the Emergency Center. In: Oncologic Emergencies. ISBN 978-1-4939-3187-3. Springer: New York, USA, 273-285, 2015.
- Zahra Alhajji, MD; Ahmed Elsayem, MD, MPH. Chapter 43: Delirium and Cancer. In: Oncologic Emergency Medicine: Principles and Practice. Second.
Grant & Contract Support
Title: | Pilot Study of Delirium Assessment in Advanced Cancer among Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department of a Comprehensive Cancer Center |
Funding Source: | University Cancer Foundation via the IRG Program at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center |
Role: | Principal Investigator |
Title: | A Randomized Comparison of Oral Methadone as a "First-Switch" Opioid versus Opioid Swithching Between Sustained-Release Morphine and Oxycodone for Oncology-Hematology Outpatients with Pain Management Problems: The "Simply Rotate" Study |
Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
Role: | Co-Investigator |