Medical professionals have for years been the backbone of the healthcare industry, and many have dedicated all their time and effort to protecting the community.
In this feature, Connector sheds light on medical professionals around the UAE for all the effort they put into giving back to society and catering to their needs, as well as share some insight into their life as they put on their white coats.
Dr Hoda Makkawi is an Anti-Aging Medicine Specialist, Consultant for Family Medicine and Integrative Holistic Medicine at Euromed Clinic Dubai.
With over 25 years in the industry, she has spent 12 years changing the lives of people in the UAE.
Originally hailing from Egypt, Dr Hoda focuses on getting her patients to live their best life by tailoring their lifestyles to ensure their overall health and well-being.
Dr Hoda is also a licencing examiner at Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and is notable for her work during the health segments on Sky News Arabia and the Middle East Broadcasting Channel.
Dr Hoda shared with Connector how she stays motivated at work to the most difficult case she has had to treat.
How does the day begin before heading into work?
I start my day with prayer, always. Then I make a list of intentions for the day, as well as affirmations. My morning exercise is essential, and the first thing I consume is water with lemon.
What was the most difficult case you have had to treat?
I would rather use the word challenging than difficult, as in my practice, where I use holistic and integrative treatment, it can take time to achieve the best treatment outcome.
My most challenging case was reversing Rheumatoid arthritis and treating the root of the problem with holistic medicine and IV therapies. It took 18 months of treatment but after treatment, all the side effects such as insomnia, shortness of breath, aches and pains, which were either caused because of medication or the autoimmune disease itself had been eradicated. My patient is now pain-free for the past two and a half years without any complications, with the help of herbal supplementation and holistic treatment.
What motivates you to keep coming back to work?
The reward of seeing my patients get better and the positive impact I can have on their lives, that is, allowing them to enjoy optimum health and living life to the full. I also want to be renowned as the best in my field, and this pushes me to continue to strive and achieve.
How did you find your niche in the medical field?
As I have been working as a family doctor for many years, I completed an integrative holistic medicine certification. This allowed me to see the patient as a whole and recognise the importance of a balanced mind, body and spirit. I reoriented my practice around this concept, ensuring that I help my patients not only by treating their illnesses but by helping them reach a state of balance and optimum health, as I believe that if your emotional and physical well-being is in balance and you live a holistic balanced life, you will feel and be much healthier.
After a busy work day, what do you like to do to unwind?
I always take a very long beach walk for one to two hours each day. This allows me to detoxify from any workplace stresses and balance my mind. It completely rejuvenates my body, mind and spirit, allowing me to be ready for another day.
What are some of your dreams and aspirations with your career?
I want to be the best in my field. I want to establish a renowned reputation for reversing chronic conditions by treating the root of the problem using holistic medicine and all the tools that both modern and alternative medicine offer to me. I also want to become a lot more vocal, championing and educating people about the power of holistic medicine.
Dr Hoda Makkawi
Anti-Aging Medicine Specialist, Consultant for Family Medicine and Integrative Holistic Medicine
Euromed Clinic Dubai
04-3945422