Heroines in the ER

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Dr Ameera Al Mosali
Consultant orthodontist
Dr Ameera has 20 years of experience, including at the Ministry of Health for over 15 years. She runs Dental Club, a specialised dental centre, and holds memberships in orthodontics with the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh and Ireland.

On dealing with professional challenges…
Life is more exciting with challenges, without which one will not be motivated to do one’s best.

I’m most proud of…
Successfully specialising in orthodontics at my own initiative and merit from abroad. It was a long wait with many hurdles. I was one of the top students.

My experience as a woman in medicine…
Patients appreciate and trust the artistic touch of a woman to give them the best orthodontic results.

My life lessons…
Advising patients from a dental perspective, and guiding them in setting realistic results.

My biggest strength as a doctor…
Being honest with patients. I am remembered for not being ‘commercial’ in my practice. I constantly update myself with knowledge and my clinic with the latest equipment.

About women taking care of themselves…
Women delay dental hygiene sessions till a small problem becomes a big issue. Visit the dentist regularly, even when teeth and gums are healthy, to avoid painful problems in the future, especially during pregnancy.

The role mothers and teachers play for a healthy society…
They teach the importance of good dental hygiene and developing the habit of scheduled dental sessions.

How I support breast cancer awareness…
I offer discounts, special treatments and protocol particularly for breast cancer patients.

I’d say to breast cancer fighters…
I salute your zest for life, optimism and positivity. With advanced technology, you can be a winner.

Dr Mariam Baqi
Consultant dermatologist
Dr Mariam has been practising medicine since 2005. This mum of three has fellowships in clinical and cosmetic dermatology from Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. She currently works at Salmaniya Hospital.

On dealing with professional challenges…
My extreme faith in God and strong family network has helped me through many obstacles. Reminding myself that everything is temporary helps to live in the moment and solve problems calmly and with focus.

I’m most proud of…
Making a name out of nothing – no family name, power or shortcuts. Hard work and knowledge have brought me to where I am today.

My experience as a woman in medicine…
Although dermatology is a more benign field compared to other streams, sadly, some male doctors cannot accept women beating them with talent and knowledge. A colleague once said that I’d rather not take up the challenge of running my own clinic and work under male supervision. Let’s see about that!

My life lessons…
Health is the greatest wealth you can have. Practising medicine is doing a good deed every day; never turn it into a business.

My biggest strength as a doctor…
Social media to communicate with society!
On women taking care of themselves…
Your body is the machine you will work, accomplish goals and succeed through, so maintain it well, internally and externally.

The role mothers and teachers play for a healthy society…
By adopting habits that will automatically be inherited by their kids and students.

How I support breast cancer awareness…
By encouraging women to take care of their health, eat healthy and respect their bodies.

I’d say to breast cancer fighters…
You are heroes we look up to! One day you will tell your story to enlighten and inspire other people.

Dr Sara Al Reefy
Consultant general surgeon
Dr Sara is sub-specialised in breast and oncoplastic surgery from London, with 15 years of experience. She runs the London Breast Care Centre and is a recipient of the Bahrain Entrepreneurship Award.

On dealing with professional challenges…
It was a tough ride in a male-dominated profession. I balance my practice and raising my children by being organised and creating action plans with proper delegation and follow-up.

I’m most proud of…
Helping patients through breast cancer and my survivors who fight the disease with strength and courage.

My experience as a woman in medicine…
Male colleagues thought I wasn’t up for the hard work or long hours of surgery. I always proved them wrong by making double the effort. Of course, it was well worth it.

My life lessons…
Building a good career equally depends on one’s knowledge, skills and attitude.

My biggest strength as a doctor…
Being committed, available and close to my patients to build a strong patient-doctor relationship.

About women taking care of themselves…
Stress imbalances women’s hormones and this manifests in disease at a young age. I strongly advise women to de-stress on a daily basis. Prayers, meditation, yoga and exercise are useful.

The role mothers and teachers play for a healthy society…
I am a mother of three lovely children and my mother is a teacher. We must serve a rainbow diet (colourful food based on fruits and vegetables) of healthy snacks and packed lunches. Teachers must encourage daily exercise.

How I support breast cancer awareness…
Every October my clinic reaches out to the public and corporates to encourage women to get screened. Our mobile unit roams Bahrain to do free breast scans for all women.

I’d say to breast cancer fighters…
It’s a curable disease with very high success rates. Believe in your inner strength and power to overcome this difficult period of treatment and life will soon get back to normal.

Dr Meaad Al-Ansari
Anaesthetist and captain at Bahrain Defence Force Royal Medical Services

Dr Meaad graduated from the prestigious Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in the UK. A keen sportswoman, she completed the Ironman 70.3 in 2016 and 2017.

On dealing with professional challenges…
I face them, find solutions and work hard. I remember that bravery is being the only one who knows you’re afraid.

I’m most proud of…
Myself, who I was and who I’ve become now.
My experience as a woman in medicine…
Being a woman in the military is uncommon in our society. I’ve become immune to people giving me a second look in the hospital corridor. With the support of my superiors who believed in me and the opportunity to further train in my speciality, I work hard to prove that I’m worth their trust.

I’ve learnt that…
Anything can be achieved with hard work, discipline, dedication and the right mindset.

My biggest strength as a doctor…
I love what I do. I always go by the book, know my limits and don’t take risks with patients’ lives. Also, I’m hungry to learn and experience more.

About women taking care of themselves…
The best investment is in your health.
The role mothers and teachers play for a

Healthy society…
They are the biggest influencers.

How I support breast cancer awareness…
Encouraging women, especially those with a family history, to get regular check-ups.

I’d say to breast cancer fighters…
That you are heroes; you’ve fought a difficult battle physically and emotionally. May Allah always provide you with strength, hope and prosperity.