From Dentistry to Digital Health and Beyond

I worked as a clinician for nearly six years in Qatar, enjoying the rhythm of patient care and the small joys that came with helping people smile again.

Then COVID hit.

During the first lockdown, dental clinics were open only for emergency cases. With my kids being small at the time and a lack of proper childcare, I decided to scale back on work. After the second lockdown, I was offered a role in the Public Health sector, something completely new to me. (Growing up, I used to watch “Flying Doctors”. Since then, it was always a dream to work in the Public Health sector, and here voila, I got this chance quite unexpectedly!)

That’s how my transition to the non-clinical field began. It wasn’t a conscious, planned decision but one shaped by the opportunities that opened up. Looking back, I often say it was one of the best jobs I ever had, because it exposed me to a world I would never have experienced within the four walls of a dental clinic.

Through that role, I met numerous people from diverse backgrounds, collaborated with professionals across various departments, and gained insight into how health systems operate behind the scenes. I visited places and environments that most people never see and interacted with individuals who deeply inspired me.

It was there that I learned the importance of thorough data collection and meticulous research, as well as how health data informs policy decisions. I saw firsthand how well-planned public health programs can promote equitable access to care for all sections of society. I also learned what teamwork truly means. After years of working independently as a dentist with just an assistant, I was now part of a large, dynamic team. That experience taught me the value of communication, collaboration, and leadership.

That job was truly an eye-opener. It helped me realise that there are meaningful, impactful career paths beyond the clinic, and that my background in dentistry could still play a vital role in shaping health outcomes on a broader scale.

COVID brought many realisations for people, and mine was this: I could use my clinical degree and experience in new ways, beyond the dental chair.

I began exploring Master’s programs in Qatar, looking for one that would bridge my clinical knowledge with research and technology. That’s when I came across two research-oriented programs at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), one in Data Analytics in Health Management and another in Information Systems in Health Management, both under the College of Science and Engineering.

Interestingly, I had previously looked into HBKU programs, but always under the College of Health and Life Sciences. Like they say, everything happens at the right time. When I finally came across these programs, it felt like the perfect next step, a blend of my passion for health, research, and innovation.

What started as an unexpected turn during the pandemic became a whole new path, one that combines my love for healthcare, learning, and research. As a mom, student, and researcher in Qatar, I’m navigating this space one day at a time, learning how to balance life, research, family and purpose.

In the coming days, I’ll take you behind the scenes of grad life, research tools, and the little lessons that keep me grounded.