Celebrating Emirati Women's Day: A Conversation with Three GOSH Fellows
Emirati Women’s Day, celebrated annually on 28th August, honours the remarkable contributions of Emirati women across various sectors. This year, we’re thrilled to highlight the stories of three outstanding fellows from the GOSH Learning Academy: Dr Aisha Suhail AlGhfeli, Dr Nadia Al Sayed and Dr Mona Ali Almarzooqi . Their inspiring journeys in medicine reflect the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of Emirati women in healthcare.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the exciting work you’re doing right now?
Dr Aisha AlGhfeli:
"My name is Dr Aisha Suhail AlGhfeli, and I’m from the United Arab Emirates. At the moment, I’m pursuing a fellowship in neurology and neuroimmunology at the prestigious Great Ormond Street Hospital in London."
Dr Nadia Al Sayed:
"I’m currently a respiratory fellow at Great Ormond Street Hospital, rotating as the cystic fibrosis fellow. I’m also part of the bronchoscopy group, where I regularly perform bronchoscopies on children and adolescents. I feel privileged to be working with such a brilliant team—the best I’ve worked with so far in my career."
Dr Mona Ali Almarzooqi:
"My name is Mona Ali Almarzooqi, and I am from the United Arab Emirate. I am a paediatrician with over 10 years of experience. Born and raised in the UAE, I completed my medical degree at the university of Sharjah and pursued paediatric training in Abu Dhabi, the capital. Currently, I am at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH)for specialty training and a clinical fellowship in Infectious Diseases. My goal is to become an expert in this field. "
Q: What sparked your passion for your current field, and what’s been a standout moment in your journey so far?
Dr Aisha AlGhfeli:
"My passion for neurology was ignited during medical school, when I first encountered the complexities of the human brain. A standout moment for me was diagnosing a rare neurological disorder in a young patient. Seeing the relief on the family’s faces when we provided answers was incredibly rewarding."
Dr Nadia Al Sayed:
"My passion stems from seeing children recover with the right support from dedicated doctors. A particularly memorable moment was witnessing the transformation in a patient after a lung transplant. The change was life-changing for the patient and their family, and it was exhilarating to be part of a team that offers such excellent care."
Dr Mona Ali Almarzooqi:
"My passion for Infectious diseases began during my first year of paediatric training. It was my favourite rotation, and I was drawn to it so strongly that I sought additional experience in the field after completing my paediatric training. The standout moment in my journey was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I realized with certainty that I wanted to become an infectious diseases specialist. "
Q: How has your fellowship experience shaped your career, and what opportunities has it opened up for you?
Dr Aisha AlGhfeli:
"My fellowship has allowed me to work alongside some of the world’s leading experts, contributing to groundbreaking research. It has deepened my passion for advancing my skills and making a meaningful impact in neurology, particularly in my home country."
Dr Nadia Al Sayed:
"This fellowship has broadened my knowledge and skills across multiple sub-specialties, particularly in transplant medicine, pulmonary hypertension, and cystic fibrosis. The exposure I’ve gained has been invaluable in shaping my future as a respiratory consultant."
Dr Mona Ali Almarzooqi:
"The fellowship experience has significantly shaped my career in various ways. It has deepened my expertise in infectious diseases, refined my clinical skills, and exposed me to cutting-edge research and treatment approaches. Additionally, it has provided opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in the field, which has broadened my professional network. These experiences have not only enhanced my knowledge but have also opened up future opportunities for leadership roles and specialized positions in the field of infectious diseases."
Q: Who has inspired you the most along your journey, and how have they influenced your path?
Dr Aisha AlGhfeli:
"My mentors during this fellowship have been a major source of inspiration. Their dedication to patient care and pioneering research has encouraged me to strive for excellence and continue learning."
Dr Nadia Al Sayed:
"Many people at GOSH have inspired me, especially Paul Ramsay, who was one of the first to introduce me to the service. His knowledge is unparalleled. I’ve also had the privilege of learning from an incredible group, including Rossa Brugha, Helen Spencer, and the CF team, who have all helped shape how I approach patient care."
Dr Mona Ali Almarzooqi:
"I’ve been inspired by many people throughout my journey, each leaving a unique mark on my path. My mentors and colleagues have played a crucial role in shaping my professional growth, offering guidance and sharing their wealth of experience. However, the unwavering support of my family and friends has been equally significant. Their belief in me, especially during challenging times, has been a constant source of strength. From my parents, who instilled in me a passion for learning, to my husband, close family members and friends who encouraged me to pursue my dreams, each has influenced my journey in profound ways. Their love and support continue to inspire me as I advance in the field of infectious diseases."
Q: Looking ahead, what are your biggest dreams and goals, and what steps are you taking to make them a reality?
Dr Aisha AlGhfeli:
"I aim to make significant contributions to neurology through research and improving patient care in the UAE. I’m consistently engaged in advanced training and staying updated on the latest advancements. I also aspire to mentor future neurologists, just as my mentors have done for me."
Dr Nadia Al Sayed:
"My dream is to return to the UAE and help develop a more comprehensive respiratory service, focusing on providing tailored treatment for each patient. I’d love to specialise further in cystic fibrosis and eventually set up a CF service in the UAE, from newborn screening to adult care."
Dr Mona Ali Almarzooqi:
"Looking ahead, my biggest dream is to become a leading expert in infectious diseases, making significant contributions to both patient care and research. I aspire to develop innovative treatment strategies and improve healthcare outcomes globally. To achieve these goals, I am focusing on deepening my expertise through ongoing education and specialized training. I am also actively engaging in research projects and collaborations with other experts in the field. Additionally, I aim to participate in and contribute to professional organizations and conferences to stay at the forefront of emerging developments and to share knowledge with the broader medical community. These steps are integral to turning my aspirations into tangible achievements."
Q: What fills you with pride about being an Emirati woman?
Dr Aisha AlGhfeli:
"I’m incredibly proud of the strength and determination I see in Emirati women. Our society values education and achievement, and I’m grateful for the support we receive from our leadership, which encourages women to reach their full potential."
Dr Nadia Al Sayed:
"Being an Emirati woman is incredibly empowering. The UAE is a young country, yet Emirati women are competing internationally in fields like medicine and engineering. As our president, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, has said, 'Nothing is impossible.' That fills me with pride and gratitude for the opportunities we’ve been given."
Dr Mona Ali Almarzooqi:
"I take great pride in being an Emirati woman because it represents a blend of rich cultural heritage and progressiveness. Our country has made remarkable strides in advancing women’s rights and opportunities, and being part of this transformative journey fills me with pride. I am especially proud of how Emirati women are increasingly taking on leadership roles and contributing significantly across various fields, including medicine, science, and technology. This progress reflects our Leaders’ and nation’s commitment to empowerment and equality, and it motivates me to excel in my own career and serve as a role model for future generations."
We are immensely proud to celebrate the achievements of Dr Aisha Suhail AlGhfeli, Dr Nadia Al Sayed and Dr Mona Ali Almarzooqi this Emirati Women’s Day. Their dedication and expertise are shining examples of the impact Emirati women are making on the world stage.
