Writer: Nada Kholeif
Photographer: Kareem Monsef
When you enter the hospital and go around the different units you will notice the gender disparities in different fields—for example, surgical subspecialties mainly urology, orthopedics, and neurosurgery are male-dominated, but internal medicine fields like rheumatology, dermatology, radiology, and pediatrics are female-dominated.
This was a mind-blowing discovery for me as it never crossed my mind that gender would pose a limitation or affect the decision when applying for a residency in certain subspecialties. But as it turned out gender gaps in different fields pose an extra challenge when choosing a specialty that some people consider ‘female-friendly’ or ‘male-friendly’ environments to cope with.
When asking about the challenges, different lifestyles, and different factors that affect the choice of the residents and fellow house officers, amidst all the answers a name kept recurring. Word of mouth has been spreading about a female resident in the urology department, the first of her kind.
I met up with Doctor Safaa Mabrook, who was more than welcome to share her experience with us.
-Why did you consider urology as a subspecialty? Was it your first choice?
Actually, medicine wasn’t even a choice at first. I had a twin sister who had urological problems, specifically renal and had several operations performed but passed away at the age of 15. She told me during her illness to become a urologist therefore I was determined to enter medical school with this specialty in mind. I didn’t even consider other specialties like general surgery or internal medicine while choosing.
-What was your family’s response?
My family was okay with my decision. They told me I’m free to choose whatever I want. Besides, no one in my family works in the medical field, thereby they’re not very acquainted with the different specialties and their challenges.
-What are the work-related challenges that you faced?
For me, the major challenge that I faced was balancing my business and work. I started a distribution company when I was a house-officer as I’ve always been passionate about business.
Time management was tough with a residency like urology but with the help of my mother and sister in my startup things are going well.
Also, I would like to thank my professors who supported me all through. Special thanks to Dr. Alaa Meshref, Dr. Mustafa Abdelmohsen, Dr. Amr Lotfi, Dr. Khaled Morsi, Dr. Hussein Aly, Dr. Ahmed Yehia, Dr. Samer Morsy, and Dr. Ismail Rady.
- What are the family-related challenges that you faced?
At the beginning of my residency, I barely saw my family. Sometimes I would go three months without seeing them. But now, in my rotations, I get to see them more often, about twice per week.
As I am currently not married, I don’t have many responsibilities at home. My priority now is to build my business and masters in urology. I also haven’t met the right person yet.
- Did choosing this specialty affect your personality, and how?
My personality has changed a lot since I started my residency and now. I had a weak personality. I could burst into tears anytime things got tough, which happens in life. But now, to a great extent, I trained myself to be stronger. Not everything affects me and now I can say that I stand up to anyone who crosses their boundaries.
This change didn’t happen at once. It was an accumulation of difficult experiences until I reckoned that since we can’t change people we have two choices: either to change ourselves and how we react or leave. I chose to stay strong.
- What are your future goals and projects?
I love helping people and would like to treat people charge-free, but still, in urology, I’ve spent only about a year in my residency therefore I am not exactly sure about which pathways and subspecialties to choose. I am currently preparing for my master's. I’d also like to build rapport with my colleagues and senior doctors.
In business, I have a lot of aspirations. I wish to start an import and export company, a pharmaceutical company, and a shipping company. I have been working in business, selling, and buying since I was in 8th grade. Also, I took a business course at the American University in Cairo in my 5th year of medical school. Therefore, to a large extent, I know how things are running.
I am also considering traveling abroad for further experiences.
-What advice would you give to the upcoming female doctor graduates who are considering urology?
The field is tough but to get through, you must have a strong personality, to be patient and calm.
A strong independent woman isn’t just a phrase being said, its value lies in reminding us of all those who preceded us. The women who had a vision for equality & independence and had the strength to make it a reality. We are part of their story. Each one of us creating a unique version.
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