Dr. Salam Haj Hussein

• The UAE is like a second home to me, and the visionary development philosophy of its wise leadership, “may God protect it,” has propelled it to the forefront of global civilizational progress.
• I Was the First Female Student to Join the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery at My University in Damascus
• My Father’s Unwavering Support and Encouragement Gave Me Resilience in the Face of Challenges
• The remarkable advancements in maxillofacial surgery constantly drive us to stay informed about the latest developments.
• The Use of Plasma in Maxillofacial Surgeries is Rapidly Advancing, Particularly in the Treatment of Bone Cancer
• The UAE: A Global Hub for Medical Conferences and a Bridge for transferring Medical Expertise and Investment
• The Word ‘Surgery’ Often Discourages Women from Pursuing It as a Specialty
• Challenges: A Cornerstone of Human Development and Societal Progress
• Dentistry: A Field of Rapid Technological Advancements, with Artificial Intelligence Leading the Way
• I pursued My Studies in France; specializing in Dental Implants Through the PRF-Technique
• My Journey in Maxillofacial Surgery Expanded Through My Experiences in France, Canada, and the UAE—My Second Home
• Arab Women’s Potential for Success is Boundless, and the Achievements of Emirati Women Serve as an Inspiring Example
• Despite the Pressures, I Feel a Sense of Satisfaction Seeing a Patient Smile After Treatment.
• Medicine is an Integrated System: Continuous Learning and Knowledge Enhancement Are the Keys to a Doctor’s Success

Dr. Salam Haj Hussein

The paths of creativity and scientific excellence for Arab women represent a continuous journey, with their inspiring achievements visible worldwide. Historically, education and professional advancement have been areas predominantly reserved for men. However, we firmly believe in the powerful winds of change sweeping through our Arab region, leading to the empowerment of Arab women. This remarkable transformation is a result of the perseverance, dedication, and patience instilled in women by God Almighty. In this issue of Emirati Estesmarat Magazine, we highlight the journey of an exceptional Arab woman—one who is not only aware but also firmly believes that no obstacles can stand in the way when the goals are clear, and when there is conviction and steadfastness in the pursuit of knowledge and progress. This includes the challenging medical specialties, which demand great effort and commitment.

The uniqueness of our guest today lies in her inspiring journey, one that serves as a beacon for every Arab woman who has ever dreamed of becoming a doctor. She is not only a distinguished figure on the cover of Emirati Estesmarat Magazine, but also a Syrian doctor who has excelled in the rare specialty of maxillofacial surgery—a field that is witnessing rapid global advancements and technological progress. Through her dedication, she has made her mark, proving that Arab women are just as capable of success as Arab men. Her education in some of the world’s most prestigious dental and maxillofacial surgery academies in France and Canada, coupled with her choice to settle in the UAE—her “second and beloved country”—has allowed her to thrive. She always describes the UAE as “Dar Zayed, Dar Al-Khair, and the destination of medicine in the Middle East and the world.” Since arriving in the UAE in 2005, she has worked at numerous medical centers and gained widespread recognition.

Dr. Salam Haj Hussein

Her success and the remarkable qualities of her personality reflect a perfect balance between her scientific and professional achievements and her family responsibilities. As a dedicated mother, she ensures that most of her attention is focused on her family’s well-being and their journey toward success. However, she attributes a key element of her achievements—both professional and humanitarian—after “the help of God Almighty” to her father, who has been a pivotal figure in her journey. He not only guided her into the field of dentistry but also encouraged her to face challenges fearlessly, particularly in the most difficult areas of study.

Our guest today is Dr. Salam Haj Hussein, a Syrian-Arab orthopedic and maxillofacial surgeon based in Abu Dhabi. In this interview, we will focus on her inspiring success story—starting from her early challenges to becoming a role model for achievement. Dr. Al Haj Hussein’s journey underscores that Arab women are fully capable of attaining scientific success. Her presence in the UAE has solidified her belief that the country is a second home to her, alongside her native Syria, despite holding Canadian citizenship. The following interview captures her thoughts and experiences:

Q1:
Dr. Salam Al Haj Hussein, could you share more about your career as a maxillofacial surgeon in Abu Dhabi and the remarkable successes you’ve achieved throughout your academic and professional journey in this specialty, particularly in France, Canada, and the UAE?

A/1

I grew up in Syria, with my early years spent in Aleppo before moving to the capital, Damascus. There, I joined the Faculty of Dentistry. I must take a moment to acknowledge the significant role my father played in shaping my early upbringing and forming my professional identity. From a young age, he instilled in me the confidence to believe in my abilities and face any challenges that came my way. “Thanks to God Almighty,” I was able to succeed. My father, who held a diplomatic position, was a major influence on my journey. I distinctly remember being the first and only female student in the field of maxillofacial and dental surgery at the time. Later, many other female students followed my initiative, encouraged by my decision to pursue this path.

Dr. Salam Haj Hussein

Q/2

What are the most important milestones in your life, and what do you consider to be your most significant achievements?

A/2

After specializing in maxillofacial surgery at the University of Damascus I realized that continuous learning is key to developing my skills as a maxillofacial surgeon. After earning my bachelor’s degree in maxillofacial surgery, I moved to France to further my studies. There, I pursued surgical orthodontics at French universities and worked in the field of dental implants using the PRF technique. This method, which involves using plasma and organic materials from within the body, offers minimal risk and is easily accepted by the body with the addition of other medicinal substances, aiding in bone transplantation when a patient lacks sufficient bone structure.

My time in France marked a significant leap in my educational journey, where I deepened my knowledge of the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and maxillofacial treatments. In addition to my experience in France, I also worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and spent significant time in Canada, where my family and I acquired Canadian citizenship. In Canada, I collaborated with medical institutions, and my son, who is also a dentist, works there as well. Ultimately, 20 years ago, I settled in the UAE, my second home, drawn by the many opportunities and elements the country offers.

Q3:
How do you feel when the treatment phase for a patient concludes and they leave the clinic?

A/3

When I complete a patient’s treatment, I feel immense joy knowing that I’ve helped them feel comfortable and healed, having relieved them of their issue—whether it was a dental or jaw-related problem, or an aesthetic concern. After all, teeth and jaws are an integral part of a person’s appearance and play a significant role in boosting their self-confidence.

Dr. Salam Haj Hussein

Q4:
Curiosity leads me to ask about malignant diseases, such as bone and jaw cancer. Have you specialized in this area or performed related surgeries? Additionally, how do you ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, especially given the rapid advancements in this field?

A/4

I have not specialized in maxillofacial cancer, despite my ability to face challenges without fear. However, cancer constitutes a psychological barrier to me due to the severity of the disease. That said, as a surgeon focused on treating conditions related to the bones of the face and jaws, my work often intersects with the treatment of cancer, particularly when it involves cutting, transplanting, or replacing facial bones.

In addition to my direct work, I make it a priority to attend numerous medical conferences, both in the UAE and internationally. Medicine is an integrated system, and expanding a doctor’s knowledge is essential for success in this field. Beyond attending conferences, I’m always on the lookout for innovations in materials, as dentistry has seen tremendous advancements, particularly in the materials used and in technologies such as lasers. I also closely follow the revolution in artificial intelligence, especially its applications in areas like data entry, radiology outputs, patient health reports, and the storage and transmission of medical data.

Q5:
What values do you hold dear and consider to be the pillars of your life?

The values I hold dear and consider foundational in my life are honesty and ambition. Being honest with oneself, giving from the heart, and having a vision for a better future are essential. Life constantly teaches us new lessons through the challenges we face. These challenges push us to continuously evaluate our abilities, research, and find solutions to overcome obstacles. Every time we conquer a challenge—whether in personal life or within our community—we gain new knowledge. Challenges are, in fact, the cornerstone of human development and progress. This applies not only to individuals but also to countries. Nations that face challenges and rise above them demonstrate resilience, and the same holds true for individuals. One must also embrace hope and perseverance, as despair can hinder progress. It is crucial to avoid discouragement and to continue striving toward success, no matter the obstacles.

Q6:
With such a demanding career, do you manage to find time for your family? Especially since the responsibilities of being a doctor, particularly in surgery, can be quite overwhelming.

A/6

Yes, I do find time for my family because I have learned to balance my work and personal life. When I was in France, both my children and I were studying. My husband, who is also a doctor, was always there to support me, making it easier to manage both my profession and family responsibilities. He understands my work, and my children have grown up with that same understanding. My eldest son is now a dentist in Canada, and my younger son is studying artificial intelligence at the Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi. In short, my ambition is fully committed to both my profession and my children—they are equally important to me.

Q/7

Is there a message or word you would like to convey to the wise leadership of the UAE?

A/7

In the UAE, where we live, we see a remarkable blend of over 215 nationalities from diverse countries, religions, and cultures, all living harmoniously with respect and appreciation. The UAE has become a global hub for medical development, particularly due to its health insurance systems and advanced medical investment legislation, which ensures some of the highest levels of healthcare worldwide. Health authorities and government agencies have played a key role in this success.

Additionally, medical education in the UAE has grown tremendously. International universities are now present here, and academic programs are continuously developing in various scientific fields. For example, while my eldest son was studying dentistry in the UK, we found that the same academic accreditation and course were also offered at Mohammed Bin Rashid University in Dubai.

On behalf of my family, I would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the UAE’s wise leadership and generous people for welcoming us and so many others. The UAE also hosts the second-largest medical conference and exhibition in the world every year, further underscoring its commitment to healthcare innovation.

On the occasion of its 53^rd National Day, we offer our prayers and congratulations to the UAE and its wise leadership. We are deeply grateful for all the opportunities the UAE has provided and look forward to giving back in every way possible.

Dr. Salam Haj Hussein

My Message to My Mother

My beloved mother, who dedicated her life to us, balanced her work as a teacher and educator with being a compassionate mother and a steadfast supporter at every stage of our lives. She selflessly gave her time and effort, always prioritizing our comfort over her own, so that we could live happily and successfully. This altruism has left lasting imprints on our hearts and provided us with guiding lights that continue to inspire us. We strive to pass on these same values to our children, walking in the footsteps of the right approach to motherhood. Our lives are enriched by the lessons we learned from her immense kindness and love, and we aim to extend this love and generosity to those around us, as well as our homeland and humanity as a whole.

((My Message to My Father))

My Father, Hussein Haj Hussein May Allah have mercy on you and grant you eternal peace in His vast heavens.

You were a pioneering and compassionate father who loved deeply, not only your children but also your friends and your country. Your love for Syria—the Memory of the World’s History—was unmatched. From our childhood, you instilled in us the sincere love and loyalty to our homeland.

You were ahead of your time, with an open heart and mind, always understanding what was needed to achieve justice and dignity for your people. You lived your life as a loyal and faithful fighter, and your pure soul remains with us, guiding and inspiring us forever. Your spirit continues to fill us with sincerity and loyalty, strengthening our resolve to achieve the glory you aspired to for your country, for your people, and for humanity as a whole.