Dr Abdulla Al Rahoomi, Consultant in Sports, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Healthpoint, is the first UAE national to be certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation by the European Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and in sports medicine by the International Olympic Committee.
With over 16 years of experience in the medical field, Dr Abdulla Al Rahoomi is a great example of doctors around the UAE being an inspiration to people in the community, for their dedication, hard work and effort to ensure the health of their patients.
During the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games and Tokyo Summer Paralympic Games in 2020, Dr Abdulla Al Rahoomi was appointed as one of the treating physicians for the UAE team.
Dr Abdulla Al Rahoomi is also the Founder and President of the Emirates Society of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, which aims to raise awareness of the importance and development of physical medicine and rehabilitation in the UAE.
In this feature with Connector, Dr Abdulla Al Rahoomi shares the most difficult case he has worked on, as well as his future ambitions in the medical sector.
How does your day begin before heading into work?
My day starts early in the morning, and I like to do stretching exercises for five to seven minutes, before preparing a healthy breakfast to replenish my energy and start the day in the best way. After that, I read the news and get updates on the latest stories, and grab a sugar-free black coffee, before heading to work.
What was the most difficult case you have had to treat?
One of the most challenging cases that I have treated was a judo player who had an anterior cruciate ligament injury (which is a complete tear in the ligament). While the surgery was necessary for the player to participate in sports, they insisted on not having the surgery and wanted to continue practicing Judo. It required intensive rehabilitation and management, focusing on strengthening the muscles, drills, and various other treatment options, since the patient wanted to keep practicing without undergoing surgery. Eventually, the player achieved international recognition for their outstanding participation, proving the continued success of our approach.
What motivates you to keep coming to work?
I am always motivated to come to work because I find fulfilment in seeing my patients improve. Seeing their smiles when they make progress and even witnessing prayers from elderly patients when they get better is truly inspiring. This, coupled with my dedication to giving back to the community, keeps me going and doing my best.
How did you find your niche in the medical field?
My interest in sports combined with my background as a Taekwondo player helped spark my curiosity in specialising in a type of medicine which offered care for athletes with complex needs. Through support from my professors and extensive exploration in the field of sports medicine, I knew it was the path I wanted to pursue. I chose to specialise in physical medicine and rehabilitation, as it allowed me to assist both the sporting population and people of determination. Today, I am proud to be a physician treating national athletes who are both Olympians and Paralympians. By doing so, I am able to fulfil my dream of helping athletes perform at their best and also represent their country on international platforms.
After a busy workday, what do you do to unwind?
Once I get back from work, I make a point of exercising for 30 to 40 minutes. This not only helps me relax but also gives me some personal time in the evening. Occasionally on weekdays, I enjoy trying out new restaurants to explore different cuisines and flavours. I also engage in exciting activities like hiking, scuba diving, skydiving, horse-riding or kayaking, to see the world from a different perspective.
What are some of your dreams and aspirations with your career?
My vision is to further develop sports and physical medicine, along with the UAE’s rehabilitative capabilities that provide comprehensive care to those who need it. Over the past two years, we established the Emirates Society of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine and have helped organise successful conferences aimed at educating the medical community about sports medicine and rehabilitative care. As the president of the society, I aim to build on our portfolio of conferences and scientific events, extending into emerging research and treatment options. Furthermore, I am devoted to increasing community awareness and knowledge about various medical issues by actively spreading information through lectures, workshops, conferences, and videos. My goal is to contribute to creating a better and healthier community that takes into consideration the experiences of all kinds of patients.