United Arab Emirates: This Emirati doctor was inspired by her grandmother’s herbal remedies – News

Traditional medicine using herbs and plants has long been part of Emirati culture. Herbal remedies continue to be a primary source of healthcare and have been an integral resource for the well-being of homes and communities. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that around 80% of the world’s population uses traditional medicine.

Dr. Fayeza Alrais, who has treated more than 20,000 cases of complicated obstetric and problematic fetal conditions in the last two decades, traces her roots to her upbringing steeped in traditional healing practices.

Fayeza Alrais

Born and raised in Dubai, Dr Fayeza, a maternal and fetal medicine consultant at Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Hospital, has been influenced by her late grandmother, a traditional healer, who inspired in her a deep admiration for the healing arts.

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In her early years, Dr. Fayeza was actively involved in the preparation of natural remedies under the guidance of her grandmother. Witnessing the transformative power of traditional medicine on sick neighbors sparked her desire to pursue a career in medicine.

“The confidence with which my grandmother practiced traditional healing left an imprint on my young mind. Whether her remedies were effective or simply a placebo, seeing our sick neighbors recover and smile again influenced my desire to emulate her compassionate care and become a reflection of her healing legacy,” said Dr. Fayeza . Khaleej Times while celebrating Emirati Doctor’s Day.

Her grandmother’s support and emphasis on education laid the foundation for her journey to becoming a healer in her own right.

Dr. Fayeza obtained her MBBS from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University in 1997. She undertook specialized training in obstetrics and gynecology and obtained her FRCSC from McGill University in Montreal in 2008. She completed a scholarship in maternal and fetal medicine at the University of Ottawa in 2010.

Oscillating between life and death

Dr. Fayeza recalled an emotional experience during her residency at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal when she was assigned the task of examining cancer patients after their death to declare them deceased and issue death certificates.

Driven by curiosity about the essence of life and death, she went the extra mile and often stayed with patients during their final moments, especially if they did not have family by their side. These experiences, as they witnessed the trials of her final moments, served as a poignant reminder to Dr. Fayeza that life is indeed a journey and that ultimately, “everything will pass in the end.”

“Moving from the gloomy atmosphere of the oncology floor, where time seems to freeze, I found solace in returning to the delivery floor. During the marathon 24-hour calling duties, I rejoiced in the cries of newborns as they entered the world. Like a pendulum swinging between realms, I swung between the pain of death and the joy of new life, capturing a snapshot of the duality of life,” said Dr. Fayeza.

In the years that followed, facing challenging cases of fetal malformations and complex pregnancies, she found herself immersed in emotionally charged parenting situations. Despite the gravity of delivering distressing news, she guided her patients toward acceptance, reassuring them with the mantra: “This storm too shall pass.”

Addressing the landscape of Emirati medical professionals, Dr. Fayeza underlined the importance of passion when pursuing a career in medicine. While he recognizes the appeal of alternative career paths, he encourages aspiring physicians to “remain dedicated” in their commitment to healing and service.

In her message to future Emirati doctors, Dr Fayeza emphasized self-confidence, perseverance and the transformative power of resilience in facing the challenges of a medical career.

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