October 2018 www.womanthismonth.com 64 FEATURE | breast cancer awareness HEROINES IN THE ER To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bahrain Credit’s Imtiaz For Her asks four leading women in medicine to share their experiences and thoughts as doctors. Hosts 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. 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… 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 AMEERA AL MOSALI Consultant orthodontist DR MARIAM BAQI Consultant dermatologist 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.
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