Dr Rola Shahadat is a modern woman who isn’t afraid to push the boundaries to change stereotypes about Arab women. A Syrian-Ukrainian doctor, Dr Rola is a prominent name in the world of dermatology and cosmetics. She was born into a family of doctors and was always ambitious as a child. Her background also fueled her dreams of becoming a well-renowned doctor since childhood. She would often see her father working when she was young and would speak about his work passionately, imparting it to his daughter. Another factor that pushed her toward medicine was having access to a wealth of medical information and knowledge from an early age.
Dr Rola obtained her medical education in Ukraine before serving as a doctor in Europe’s largest anti-aging centre. Her time there would influence her to specialise in dermatology because she believed that beauty and confidence start by being comfortable in your skin. Dermatology proved to be the perfect fit for her as she excelled in her profession. Eventually, she became the head of the dermatology and cosmetology department at the anti-aging centre.
Her work always satisfied her because patients would have a sparkle in their eyes after undergoing a transformative journey that allowed them to look better and feel more comfortable in their own skins. In addition, their feedback also pleased Dr Rola because it was an affirmation that her work was providing considerable value to her patients.
It is no secret that dermatology provides visible results because patients can observe their physical appearance and notice the changes. In fact, Dr Rola’s work has also allowed her to gain lifelong patients because skincare is an ongoing process that never stops.
Hence, the expert values creating long-term relationships with her patients. She’s also adamant about working with people who understand what they’re signing up for and are happy to follow her instructions and treatment plan. She believes patients must be willing to help themselves for her treatment course to succeed.
After her success in Europe, Dr Rola eventually moved to the UAE and settled in Dubai. She worked with a well-known franchise to open a clinic under her name and supervision. She also trained a team of professionals, who have all gone on to achieve great feats and become well-known names. Her move to the UAE wasn’t easy because establishing yourself in a foreign country is always challenging. And for that, she had to work tirelessly for nearly two years until she became the most well-regarded name in the entire GCC. Today, she’s the head of her own clinic, which she opened in partnership with a well-known franchise in one of the most prominent locations in Dubai.
Becoming an eminent name in the GCC wasn’t easy, but Dr Rola isn’t new to adversity. As a Muslim woman, she has constantly suffered from stereotyping. However, it has taught her to come back stronger after every setback. She has also learned to view failures and setbacks as hurdles she must overcome to reach her destination. As for her mantra, Dr Rola shares, “The Muslim woman is the strongest woman, and nothing’s stronger than an ambitious Muslim woman.”
Her clinic still consumes most of her time, but she’s happy to devote her attention and energy to it because it’s her pride and joy. She joyfully provides the best treatments to her customers and boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem. In addition to running her clinic, she has also recently launched her own perfume brand, representing her personality and what she wants to deliver to the modern yet feminine woman.
As for the future? Dr Rola Shahadat plans to continue her medical work, cultivating patients’ trust and forging a stellar reputation. She’s also excited to watch her perfume brand grow and become a household name.