This week’s episode is a very special one because my guest and I share the same alma mater: Gulf Medical University! We walked the same hallways, had some common professors, and trained within the same institution. Seeing where that journey has led 𝐃𝐫. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐧 is truly inspiring.

Dr. Younis Hussain is a Lead Consultant in Spine and Neurosurgery in 𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 and a proud graduate of 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲. In this episode, he shares how he chose one of the most intellectually and technically demanding specialties in medicine, 𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒚, and what it truly takes to pursue such a path.

Beyond the complexity of the field, what stands out most is his humility, positivity, and grounded mindset. In a specialty where precision and excellence are everything, Dr. Younis reminds us that there is no room for ego, only teamwork, preparation, structure, and attention to detail.

One of the most unexpected and out-of-the-box moments in this episode was his 𝑶𝒃𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. It may not be what you would expect, but it carries a powerful and unique message, one that every medical student and every doctor should remember. It is a reminder to stay humble, stay grounded, and to appreciate every opportunity and every person who becomes part of your journey.

He also shared a deeply touching story from his career, one that highlights a crucial value in medicine: the courage to take responsibility and the ability to be a true team player. Because excellence in surgery, and in life, is never an individual achievement.

Throughout our conversation, he reflects on the qualities and defining moments that shaped him not only as a surgeon but as a doctor and as an ethical human being. This episode is about ambition, humility, accountability, and the responsibility that comes with mastering both skill and character.

I highly encourage every medical student, young doctor, and healthcare professional to listen to this conversation.

عندما التقيتُ بالدكتورة منى عبدالله لأول مرة خلال سنتي الرابعة في كلية الطب، أثناء تدريبي في قسم النساء والتوليد، برزت فورًا كنموذج للطبيبة التي أطمح لأن أكون مثلها. متواضعة، رحيمة، وتتمتع بأخلاق عالية. ولو كان عليّ أن أصفها بكلمة واحدة، فستكون بلا شك مرحِّبة.

كانت تشع طاقة إيجابية ولطفًا صادقًا، وتعامل كل من حولها باحترام حقيقي. منذ اليوم الأول، جعلتني أشعر بأنني جزء حقيقي من الفريق، ليس فقط طالبة موجودة لفترة قصيرة. هذا الإحساس بالانتماء لم يعزّز ثقتي بنفسي فحسب، بل شجّعني على المشاركة وطرح الأسئلة والمشاركة في النقاشات، والحضور يوميًا بحماس وعقلية إيجابية. لقد خلقت بيئة عمل بنّاءة، داعمة، ومحفِّزة لمرضاها، والممرضات، والطلاب، والزملاء على حد سواء.

وخلال هذه الحلقة، ونحن نتعرّف على رحلة الدكتورة منى، يبرز قرارها الواعي بأن تكون مختلفة كأحد أكثر الجوانب قوة وتأثيرًا. فعلى الرغم من التحديات التي واجهتها، والصورة النمطية المعروفة عن بيئة العمل في تخصص النساء والتوليد، اختارت ألا تُكرّس السلبية أو السمية. بل اختارت النزاهة، واختارت اللطف، واختارت أن تكون أفضل نسخة من نفسها، وأن تحرص على ألا يمرّ غيرها بما مرت به. هذا القرار، في نظري، يُعد من أقوى نماذج القيادة الأخلاقية في الطب.
ومن أكثر اللحظات تأثيرًا في حديثنا كان "The Object of Meaning" الخاص بالدكتورة منى. كان صادقًا ومؤثرًا للغاية، وأدمعت عيناي أثناء الاستماع إليه. القصة التي شاركتها من رحلتها تحمل رسالة عميقة، وأتمنى أن تترك أثرًا دائمًا في قلب كل من يستمع إليها. فهي تذكّرنا بالأهمية القصوى لصون كرامة المريض، والحصول على الموافقته قبل أي شيء، وتحمل المسؤولية التي تقع على عاتقنا كأطباء. فنحن لا نتعامل مع أمراض فحسب، بل نعتني ببشر يحملون مشاعر ومخاوف وثقة وُضعت بين أيدينا.

تُسلّط هذه الحلقة الضوء على رسالة جوهرية: أن الإرشاد والتوجيه في الطب أمران في غاية الأهمية، وأنه لا مكان للغرور في الرعاية الصحية، وأن أقوى الأطباء هم أكثرهم تواضعًا، لا بعلمهم فقط، بل بأخلاقهم وإنسانيتهم.

When I first met 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡 during my fourth year of medical school, while rotating in Obstetrics and Gynecology, she immediately stood out as the kind of doctor I aspire to become. Humble, warm, compassionate, and deeply ethical. If I had to describe her in one word, it would definitely be 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠.

She radiated positive energy and genuine kindness, treating everyone around her with respect. From day one, she made me feel like a true member of the team, not just a student present for a short period of time. That sense of belonging did more than boost my confidence; it encouraged me to participate, ask questions, engage in discussions, and show up every day with enthusiasm and a positive mindset. She created a work environment that was constructive, supportive, and uplifting for her patients, nurses, students, and colleagues alike.

As we dive into Dr. Mona’s journey in this episode, what becomes truly powerful is her conscious choice to be different. Despite the hardships she faced and despite the well-known stereotypes surrounding the OB-GYN work environment, she chose not to perpetuate negativity or toxicity. Instead, she chose integrity. She chose kindness. She chose to become the best version of herself and to ensure that no one else would have to endure what she once did. That decision, to me, is one of the strongest examples of ethical leadership in medicine.

One of the most touching moments in our conversation was Dr. Mona’s 𝑶𝒃𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. It was deeply heartfelt and brought tears to my eyes. The story she shared from her journey carries an important message, one that I hope leaves a lasting impact on every listener. It reminds us of the absolute importance of maintaining patient dignity, informed consent, and the responsibility we carry as doctors. We are not dealing with diseases alone; we are caring for human beings with emotions, fears, and trust placed in our hands.

This episode highlights an essential message: that mentorship matters, that there is no place for toxicity or arrogance in healthcare, and that the strongest doctors are often the most humble ones, not just the most knowledgeable.

Choosing Prof. Manda Venkatramana as my very first guest was not a coincidence; it was a necessity and a deeply meaningful choice. A way to honor where I started, where my dreams were nurtured, and where I grew not only as a medical student, but as a person. During my years at Gulf Medical University, Professor Manda was more than a dean. He was a mentor, a role model, and a constant source of encouragement. Every warm smile, every kind word, every moment of belief he placed in me helped shape my confidence and my leadership. He showed me that kindness and strength can coexist, especially when the journey feels hard. I am deeply grateful to Gulf Medical University, a place that has helped me grow as a person before becoming a doctor.

Professor Manda’s journey itself deserves recognition. With the Thumbay Group since 2002, he has held multiple pivotal roles: Dean of the College of Medicine for 15 years, Vice Chancellor for Academics for over eight years, and currently, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, the largest private medical university in the Gulf.

Through our conversation, I discovered stories about him that I had never heard before. I got to dive deeply into his journey, understand the values that shaped him, and learn from the wisdom he carries with such humility. Professor Manda shared stories that did not just inspire me; they touched my heart. His Object of Meaning resonated with me profoundly; it brought tears to my eyes and a deep sense of pride, because I felt that meaning too.

This episode is more than a conversation. It is a reflection on leadership, faith, resilience, kindness, and the quiet strength behind a life dedicated to teaching and shaping generations of doctors. I truly hope this episode inspires you, motivates you, and reminds you that leadership begins with values.

Medicine is far more than just science and the study of diagnosis and treatment of disease. It is an art, a journey shaped by ethics, compassion, responsibility, and respect for the noble profession we chose to be part of, and by the lessons that define who we become as doctors and as human beings. A Doctor's Oath is a podcast created as a space for reflection. Hosted by Dr. Shahd Abouelenen, author of the A Doctor's Oath series, this podcast explores what it truly means to be a doctor, to uphold the highest standards, and to live by the principles of the medical profession. Through honest and thoughtful conversations with physicians, educators, leaders, and inspiring figures from around the world, we dive into their journeys, the choices they had to make, and the lessons that shaped them as doctors. We discover details they have never shared before, and together, we learn from their remarkable experiences. Each episode invites a guest to share meaningful experiences, personal stories, and the values that guide their practice, reminding us that medicine is a lifelong journey of learning and reflection.