www.womanthismonth.com October 2018 65 FEATURE | breast cancer awareness For inquiries please contact the brand managers via email: [email protected] or on whatsapp 34 422-227 / 33 282-228 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. 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. DR SARA AL REEFY Consultant general surgeon DR MEAAD AL-ANSARI Anaesthetist and captain at Bahrain Defence Force Royal Medical Services On dealing with professional challenges… It was a tough ride in a maledominated 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. 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.
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