Dr Maria, from the Philippines, has been in Bahrain 10 years having, like many people, only planned to stay two!
She says: “In the beginning I just intended it to be a short-term appointment, to get experience outside my home country. After two years, I extended my stay and I have been here ever since.”
Having been qualified almost 20 years, Dr Maria studied for an extra two years for her speciality, of which she says: “I chose this speciality because, when you deliver babies, it is a very happy situation. You can see the joy on patients’ faces. The best part of the job is delivery, particularly for first-time mums. I also enjoy the surgical side of maternity and I specialise in high-risk pregnancies and obstetrics.
“I wanted to help women as I am one of five sisters [and one brother] so I am aware of the importance of women’s role.”
A hands-on practitioner, Dr Maria says: “I also like to do my own ultrasounds. This is usually done by a radiologist, but if you do it yourself you will have a good grasp of the diagnostics, which will help in taking care of your patient.”
The most common problems Dr Maria sees are the complications of diabetes, hypertension and pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine, which can lead to seizures). She adds: “Obesity in pregnancy is common and there can also be issues with multiple repeat pregnancies.”
This last has given her an interest in research into cosmetic gynaecology.
