Female doctors should make the most of being in the UAE

Female doctors said being efficient, knowledgeable and maintaining a healthy work / life balance was integral to a woman’s success.

DUBAI // Female healthcare experts are urging female doctors and medical staff to take advantage of the opportunities that working in the UAE presents in order to excel in their careers.

Being efficient, knowledgeable and maintaining a healthy work/life balance was integral to a woman’s success.

“The UAE provides a very healthy environment for women in health care and other industries,” said Dr Reem Osman, chief executive of the Saudi German Hospitals Group in Dubai, where almost 60 per cent of the staff is female.

“Society supports all women and we don’t see this sort of healthy female-to-male ratio in other countries.

“Women’s numbers are growing in the UAE and the GCC as health care and education are the most welcoming and safe environments for women. However, it is a very competitive field in Dubai and you have to be up to date with your knowledge.”

Speaking on Monday at the Health Innovation and Investment Dubai 2014 conference at Dubai Healthcare City, Dr Osman, who was giving a speech on “Women leaders in health: How women are driving innovation in health in the Middle East”, added: “Healthcare administration is growing fast and there are as many women in it as in the medical side. It is important to know the regulatory aspects and keep up to date.”

Dr Maryam Matar, founder and chairwoman at the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, recalled her efforts to convince tribal leaders on the importance of genetic screening for couples planning to marry.

“The biggest support was from my mother,” Dr Matar said. “We needed the support of the community and every Saturday at 11am she had a gathering with women to explain the need for genetic screening. The biggest challenge was convincing tribes and tribe leaders in the Northern Emirates.”

She explained how she dressed in traditional tribal attire as a sign of respect and spoke to them about how screening would help future generations.

Dr Matar, who was the first Emirati woman under secretary of the Ministry of Health, is known for her work in reducing the prevalence of genetic disorders in the country since 2001.

She is responsible for initiatives that include UAE Free of Thalassaemia 2012.

She is also credited with pushing for the mandatory genetic screening law for all couples – Emiratis and non Emiratis – who marry in the UAE.

However, her career has not been without obstacles, often coming from the attitudes of other doctors.

“Being young, pretty and unmarried is a challenge in our community, in my experience. I used to be with male colleagues and their attitude was different. But, being a married woman is less challenging,” Dr Matar said.

Dr Osman added a women’s marital status should not undermine her qualifications.

“Your qualifications should not be dependent on your marital status. It is totally unfair to say your work has to rely on your marital status.”

Dr Ibtesam Al Bastaki, operational director at Dubai Health Authority, said women should focus on their strengths.

“Women leaders are made from inside. It is important to let your work talk for you. Don’t be shy or embarrassed that you are a woman. You have to be strong.”