Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
On Emirati Women's Day, marked annually on August 28, female leaders in the UAE's healthcare sector reflected on the many strides Emirati women have made and the vital roles they play in shaping the nation's medical landscape.
According to role models like Dr. Laila AbdelWareth and Dr. Aysha Al Khoori, gender equality is a fundamental aspect of UAE society, driven by efforts to uplift women and help them pursue careers while maintaing a healthy work-life balance.
Dr. Laila AbdelWareth, CEO of the National Reference Laboratory (NRL), has worked in the healthcare sector for over 30 years, with a dedicated focus on advancing laboratory diagnostics in the UAE. She spoke about the important role female physicians play in the UAE, highlighting their strengths and the unique contributions they bring to the medical field.
"Emirati women have a lot to offer in the medical field, especially in the UAE. With a focus on a diverse healthcare workforce, having female physicians who understand women's specific issues and needs is crucial," Dr. AbdelWareth told Aletihad.
"Studies show that female doctors often follow protocols more closely and are generally more meticulous in their patient care. Additionally, female doctors tend to be more empathetic, which is essential in healthcare," she explained.
She also acknowledged the challenges that family responsibilities can bring, but pointed out that the UAE's supportive policies - like maternity leave and part-time options - help female doctors manage both their careers and personal lives.
Dr. AbdelWareth shared her thoughts on work-life balance, seeing it as a matter of integration rather than separation. "To me, work-life balance is not about creating a complete separation between work and life. It is more about integrating them because a clear separation is impossible. It is actually about finding a total integration between work and life," she said.
Dr. AbdelWareth believes that true fulfilment comes from succeeding in all areas of life, including work, family, social connections, and personal growth. Her advice to young female professionals is to embrace both their careers and personal lives, balancing responsibilities and enjoying the journey.
Passionate Emirati healthcare leader with 18 years of experience, Dr. Aysha Al Khoori, Executive Director of the Office of Facilitated Access Department at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, also reflected on Emirati Women's Day, seeing it as a celebration of the progress and potential of Emirati women.
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Dr. Aysha Al Khoori |
"Emirati Women's Day serves as a powerful reminder of the strides we have made and the potential we hold. It celebrates our leadership vision and our nation's dedication to empowering women and acknowledging their contributions across all sectors," she told Aletihad.
Dr. Al Khoori highlighted how women's leadership and expertise have transformed healthcare and emphasised the need to empower more women in this field.
"Our efforts extend beyond reaching milestones; they inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in healthcare. By fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity, we not only advance our careers but also contribute to the growth and development of our beloved nation," she added.
Maha Al Saedi, Patient Experience Team Leader at Amana Healthcare, talked about the support Emirati women receive in pursuing healthcare careers.
"In the UAE, Emirati women are supported in pursuing healthcare careers through scholarships, specialised programmes at local universities, and hands-on training and internships. Mentorship programs also connect young women with experienced professionals for guidance and networking," she told Aletihad.
She also spoke about the challenges women face in healthcare, such as balancing work and family, and how supportive policies and a strong commitment to their careers help them succeed.
On work-life balance, she added: "Flexible hours, part-time options, and supportive policies like parental leave and childcare help balance work and personal life." Al Saedi emphasised that effective time management, support networks, clear boundaries, and self-care are essential for maintaining well-being and managing responsibilities.
Her advice to aspiring Emirati healthcare professionals is to pursue education, gain experience, network, and strive to be a role model.
Reem Saqr Sallm, a registered nurse at HealthPlus Fertility, shared similar thoughts, highlighting the progress Emirati women have made in healthcare, including taking on leadership roles and making significant contributions to medical research.
"We have made significant progress in the medical field," she told Aletihad. "More of us are stepping into leadership roles and making waves in medical research. We are breaking into specialised areas that were once male-dominated and leaving a global mark."
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Reem Saqr Sallm |
Reem talked about the resilience of Emirati women, supported by their families, communities, and government initiatives, which allows them to innovate and collaborate internationally. She also stressed the importance of balancing work and personal life, praising supportive workplaces for offering flexible hours and childcare options.
For young Emirati women considering a healthcare career, Reem said: "Do not hesitate - it is a rewarding field. Seek mentors to guide you, keep learning as the sector evolves, and embrace challenges as they make you stronger. Your work in healthcare impacts not just those you help directly but the world at large."
