Vienna Physician Kicks Off Campaign

Vienna Physician Kicks Off Campaign
Dr. Esam Omeish pledges support for health care, transportation and education.

By Donna Manz, The Connection
Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Dr. Esam Omeish is running in the 35th District Democratic primary on June 9, and on Saturday, he kicked off his campaign in a room crowded with cheering supporters. A practicing physician and Chief of General Surgery at Inova Alexandria Hospital, Omeish promises to advocate for affordable quality health care in the General Assembly in Richmond.

"I love Virginia and I’ve been involved in community activities since I came here. My candidacy is a continuation of a lifelong passion for public and community service.

"As a physician and health care provider, I think this year health care is going to be one of the major issues we bring to the General Assembly."

Omeish, of Vienna, came to the U.S. from Tripoli, Libya, as a youngster in 1982. He graduated from Jeb Stuart High School and received his undergraduate degree at Georgetown University, majoring in biology and government. He received his medical degree from Georgetown, as well. He is married to Dr. Badria Kafala and is the father of four children.

"His mother is my friend," said Riaza Ahmed of Vienna. "All our children go to the same school. Dr. Omeish grew up here so he knows what we need."

Beyond health care issues, Omeish said he is committed to continuing the region’s excellence in education, finding sustainable transportation solutions and supporting small business and job creation.

"He’s a very logical person," said Matthew Kavosi, Vienna resident and Omeish supporter. "He’s a very patriotic American who speaks the people’s language. What he says he really means."

Mukit Hossain, president of the Virginian Muslim Political Action Committee, said that, of the more-than 5,000 surgeries Omeish has performed, many of those were done at no charge to the patient. "He [Omeish] serves people in need whether they can afford it or not."

Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville), Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova (D-At-large) and the State Sen. George Barker (D-39) stopped by to congratulate Omeish on his candidacy.

"Quite frankly, I’ve found the General Assembly to be somewhat limited by its partisan politics," Omeish said. "I think the Assembly is in need of independent, strong and fresh voices to transcend partisanship."