School doctor in Dubai? Here's What It Actually Looks Like

00:00:00: Welcome back to Dubai Docs Story, the show where we share real stories from doctors who moved through the UAE and build a working life here.

00:00:10: So other doctors abroad can understand what it really looks like to work here.

00:00:36: I'm Dr.

00:00:37: Angela Thomas And I run Dubai Doc's Fast Track Where We Help Doctors To Go From.

00:00:42: I Am Considering To Move To The UAE.

00:00:46: I'm licensed to work here without wasting months of avoidable mistakes.

00:00:51: Today's episode is a unique one because it covers career path, many doctors do not even consider moving from geriatrics into a role as school doctor here in the UAE.

00:01:06: Our guest is Dr.

00:01:07: Hilke Thiele ,a German Doctor with professional background in Geriatrics and now works as a School Doctor.

00:01:15: In this conversation we will cover how she made it to move from Germany to Dubai my home country actually journey and what a school doctor actually does in the day-to-day life.

00:01:30: And, to watch out for if you wanted to work here Living as a specialist in geriatrics feels something to leave behind, this with overriding it is role and the school doctor's lifestyle.

00:01:51: So Dr.

00:01:52: Hilke very welcome!

00:01:54: And let's dive into...and start with question Why Dubai?

00:02:00: Well, that's a good question.

00:02:03: It all started with my husband.

00:02:06: he got the job offer as a teacher here in Dubai at The German International School for English and history.

00:02:16: And yeah At first we weren't sure if were moving to Dubai because We already had really nice life In Germany With great house Great lifestyle Good jobs Good work-life balance.

00:02:30: But then we decided as a family to take this opportunity because, yeah.

00:02:36: We wanted to show our kids and also for us too that...we know there's more than just Germany in the northern part of Germany.

00:02:44: And Yeah!

00:02:50: That's where you come from.

00:02:51: From the northern part of Germany, your name tells every story!

00:02:58: So how have you been working in Germany?

00:03:02: In a hospital or private clinic?

00:03:04: did You had Your own clinic?

00:03:06: How was it?

00:03:07: Well, I have a working experience from like sixteen years and most of the time i worked in hospitals.

00:03:16: So the last seven years...I was a consultant at a hospital for geriatrics and internal medicine.

00:03:28: And then the last two years..i worked as a family medicine physician in a clinic, yeah and we did all these checkups, we did house visiting for the patients like these things.

00:03:47: Yeah very

00:03:47: interesting.

00:03:48: so the opportunity arrived in Germany where your husband got offered a place.

00:03:55: So it's something really good that I see you have taken as family.

00:04:01: You decided this option could be something to follow and difficult was it to find how to get your life as a doctor in Dubai.

00:04:15: There is licensing involved where you're unsure of what's going on, or the school actually helped you a lot?

00:04:23: Has this been set up because your husband has been a teacher?

00:04:28: so they looked simultaneously for a position for

00:04:32: you?".

00:04:33: How did that feel at your labs?

00:04:36: When the decision was made that we're going to move to Dubai, for me it was clear from the first moment I wanted to work here as well and not just accompany my husband or being a housewife when i worked all of time.

00:04:53: And there were consultants in Germany.

00:04:54: so... I decided to do this DHA licensing process on my own.

00:05:06: Really difficult actually to do all these two understand.

00:05:11: All the steps to know what they mean about all this different meaning like, What is consultant?

00:05:21: I remember something like, are you a chef arts or something?

00:05:26: And i was not just an over-artist.

00:05:30: So it's really difficult and in this process maybe if we press the button now then everything is done wrong.

00:05:40: so its very challenging to do all of that on my own during the application from husband And it took me, I think the whole process about seven to eight months.

00:05:59: during this time and getting everything looked over by data flow, and getting all these verifications.

00:06:07: And I had to also study for this internal medicine exam.

00:06:14: This was a very challenging process because i had my full-time work as mother of two children doing the whole process so that it worked.

00:06:27: but like when I look back, it would have been easier if i had some help or other doctors who could advise me.

00:06:37: But because of that all on my own yeah

00:06:41: and you saying there was also an exam involved?

00:06:45: It can be actually challenging to have sixteen years experience as not a chef arts but an over-arts, which actually entitled you to be exalted from the exam somehow.

00:06:58: But nevertheless when you don't have any visibility ,you maybe not even see this chance.

00:07:06: and how much did you think of being back having an easier life?

00:07:14: if you would have known somebody like Dubai Docs Fast Track, who'd been enabled to help in all of these processes.

00:07:22: Would've been this a peace-of mind and your daily life structure knowing that you did everything.

00:07:30: That you could do, for example also to maybe take a chance on being exempted off the exam.

00:07:37: and all of these tell me a little bit.

00:07:39: how was

00:07:40: I think?

00:07:41: yeah it was really.

00:07:42: um i thought about this but i actually didn't trust the companies because i have read so many things uh on the internet how it was a ripoff or something like this.

00:07:54: And then I was, okay, well and i try to do on my own but if I have known someone or good company...I think that would be huge help for everybody who is planning come Dubai as doctor to seek some help because you know i'm a consultant actually and now this is also.

00:08:19: it's just called.

00:08:20: I am specialist for internal medicine but, That

00:08:31: is often the problem that you do not know from the outside how smartly positioned.

00:08:37: You can get your documents actually to get full use out of your career, but I got you covered.

00:08:45: we're going to update you.

00:08:46: no worries are gonna look after this into.

00:08:49: and it brings me also too The next step because It's Not only How To Figure Out Step By Step What To Do.

00:08:56: It's also about understanding actually the whole system where medical life is held, how to be a doctor in this system.

00:09:07: Must have been very big challenge or something fearful for you.

00:09:13: I think being mother of two children having an academically background and specification like you, following your husband is something very bold to do actually.

00:09:29: How did you overcame this with your mindset?

00:09:33: how had the security?

00:09:36: yes even if I'm now specialist not a consultant even if I have to maybe downgrade my career on the title that i'm actually holding.

00:09:47: How did you do this with your mindset?

00:09:49: What was the biggest motivation for?

00:09:52: I

00:09:58: think it has something to do with the background of my family.

00:10:01: My husband supported me all these years before, and i think that would have been very challenging maybe not even possible for a consultant in Germany for internal medicine and geriatrics during those shifts or night shifts if he wouldn't have supported.

00:10:23: We were thinking about a family now and that he has the opportunity to do something amazing for his career.

00:10:33: And also, I mean it's downgraded because now it says specialist but i know much more even challenging to work in the school because I have to work for the Dubai Health Authority now.

00:10:52: It's a huge authority here and it is all totally different job, not easy, but I knew everything about internal medicine.

00:11:07: My daily life was...I didn't have to think how to treat heart failure or something like this now- I treat children and take care of their immunizations.

00:11:17: so it's a different work aspect.

00:11:21: And i learn alot as well all these bureaucratic things.

00:11:25: How to create excel sheets.

00:11:29: Perfect in that.

00:11:31: And I wasn't because i was just working with the patients on the patient and have diagnostic skills now, I have very good computer skills as well Very good!

00:11:41: So yeah you have to think about this.

00:11:44: it's not a... It is always like this..I want to improve , I want to develop ...and yes ..i don´t think its just at this point .And will stuck to this point?

00:11:54: No.

00:11:56: Very Good !

00:11:58: The part of stepping out of a comfort zone that always has connection to develop your own skills.

00:12:05: and very good, you outlined this as what is even possible.

00:12:10: That's the bold step for being a doctor – I really must congratulate you on it!

00:12:20: You have my full respect.

00:12:22: Tell us a little bit.

00:12:24: How is it?

00:12:24: You have already started and gave us, um uh inside how was to be school doctor?

00:12:31: And what happened inside you when you had been offered this position by the first time To be a school doctor?

00:12:38: Was that wow there's something exciting or I don't know

00:12:46: Maybe a little bit of both.

00:12:48: Yeah, I even didn't know about this job position as school doctor because in Germany we don't have school doctors but i see myself now kind of pediatrician But also working for the public health and yeah Working with the dual-health authority actually which is kind of the gesundheitsamt in germany.

00:13:15: What I do now, mostly my work includes like workshops health education for parents or children but also yet taking care of the first aid.

00:13:28: We have like sixty to seventy children each day who visit our school clinic for minor or some major injuries if they don't feel well etc.

00:13:40: Then the other big part is I plan and conduct huge vaccination campaigns for all students according to the DHA immunization guideline, which differs from one in Germany.

00:13:59: huge medical screening programs for the students, like vision screening.

00:14:03: I do it by myself hearing screening for grade one students and we have a partnership with dental clinic.

00:14:12: they are conducting the dental screening for great one four seven and ten students.

00:14:21: Yeah, the main focus is on prevention.

00:14:24: So I conduct them medical checkups and screenings which are mandatory from DHA for all students grade one four seven ten And our new student.

00:14:36: so i'm very busy with this part.

00:14:39: Also end I told you it's a lot of documentation A lot of reporting All the work we're doing.

00:14:46: We have to report an do annual reports each and everything we did for DHA.

00:14:52: This is a huge part,

00:14:55: very interesting Hilke when you mentioned that your school doctor went to the first time in our community.

00:15:03: then it just really clicked on me because I know school doctors from my childhood.

00:15:08: When I grow up in East Germany We had some similarities like that.

00:15:15: So, there was nothing for AIN.

00:15:18: but in Germany at this very moment This is something we don't have or it's not been fostered by the government and I think It's such a beautiful thing to have here In Dubai To have alot of things That has maybe be potential Of being overridden By parents who dont know.

00:15:39: side-tearing Also, obesity and good health in nurturing the kids.

00:15:47: I think you have a big role in that!

00:15:49: I find this so attractive and such a big job.

00:15:53: Congratulations to them!

00:15:54: Thank You So Much!

00:15:55: Do

00:15:55: you feel somehow the same or is it something that you miss from your old career in Germany?

00:16:02: From the specification

00:16:06: Of course I like my job, i like working in a school environment.

00:16:12: It's kind of like working at the hospital with all these staff members and this is really nice to work with children.

00:16:21: But of course I miss my diagnostic skills so i'm not able to take bloods, do ultrasound or order x-ray.

00:16:35: So of course this a lot and looking over medication and being the detective I was.

00:16:45: Yes, yeah

00:16:46: i've been on this big exhibition that we have VWHX and they had actually DHA as well ,I was there um enrolled or showcased their educational programs.

00:17:00: so maybe you can be a very good benefit for them to educate students on your skills in your field .

00:17:06: I think that would be something uh so insightful because that the government also leads to more and more, to educate people who are here or coming here.

00:17:18: So I imagine you eventually get somehow back into your old roots... ...and be able to combine it!

00:17:26: Heke, i have a question on YOU as a mother being a doctor AND a mother here to relocate.

00:17:34: in terms of children what would somebody has?

00:17:39: have to look after, especially you have children around seven and eleven I think.

00:17:45: And what is the preparation that you did when you knew it will be maybe in a year or half-year from now Be Dubai as the base hub for our family?

00:18:00: would?

00:18:02: You

00:18:06: mean when other doctors plan to come with a family.

00:18:09: Yes,

00:18:10: how did you prepare your kids in digesting this relocation process?

00:18:17: Well I we spoke like really openly with our kids and We never said something like, oh you have to move.

00:18:30: Like we were always showing them the positive side.

00:18:33: so that's why this is an opportunity for us and if we don't want it then we can go back but everything in our home has been settled.

00:18:49: I think that's how they came here to Dubai and started their life.

00:18:55: They see moving through Dubai as a chance, an opportunity to grow up with the multicultural environment being able improve English skills learning Arabic And now even say mom i don't know When we move to Germany or Singapore someday, We are world citizens.

00:19:23: That's what they're saying.

00:19:24: now They see...they not thinking small?

00:19:28: Yeah and I think as parents you can deliver this to your children.

00:19:36: just say hey it is good that we have the opportunity!

00:19:41: That a very good testimonial of being parent working on one side as two parents together, which then reflects on the outcome of the children that they don't even see themselves as German or UAE citizens but world's innocent.

00:19:59: It is something so beautiful because That's what we have in Germany, unfortunately.

00:20:04: This is kind of the negativity that goes throughout our whole society and here it is totally opposite.

00:20:13: And I think this something so such a good over outcome.

00:20:17: How did you felt like when you communicated to your family or maybe extended friends?

00:20:28: was they actually belittling what you had planned, or were they inspired?

00:20:36: Or encouraging.

00:20:38: How was that with your

00:20:40: environment?".

00:20:41: Well the closest family... They were like okay we knew something would be coming up with you guys but now Dubai Okay!

00:20:52: But they supported us and We're happy for us actually because I knew we wanted to want the progress.

00:21:07: But some neighbors, close friends, we had the feeling those who are not even satisfied with their own life they were like to buy.

00:21:20: They haven't been here before but why you doing this and how could do it for your children?

00:21:27: And

00:21:30: you have to wear a scarf.

00:21:31: Yeah, and even if we didn't ask for their opinion they told us anyway.

00:21:39: but I thought it was mostly from those people who are not happy with their own life.

00:21:46: the ones that had great jobs or great social lives were like yeah!

00:21:53: Very good.

00:21:53: Yeah, they were happy with us.

00:21:55: now you as a family here in Dubai.

00:21:57: to children What are the biggest challenges?

00:21:59: With two children to be here

00:22:03: I think Well for us it's very good because this is i think for most families It's difficult and expensive.

00:22:14: life was children year aim school fees but This Is not problem for us because my husband is from the German government here.

00:22:24: So this all covered, so we are very lucky.

00:22:28: but that's a huge thing.

00:22:30: and also activities extracurricular activities.

00:22:35: it's very expensive.

00:22:38: you can't just your children do like five things.

00:22:41: if they liked or not doesn't matter.

00:22:42: no!

00:22:43: They have to choose.

00:22:46: And the traffic is a huge problem.

00:22:49: So we don't have playdates during the week because it's... We can manage that, yeah?

00:22:55: So we had the playdate on weekends and also you have to be aware of this weather.

00:23:06: I mean its nice.

00:23:07: but from May-September you can't let your children play long hours outside maybe in the early mornings and evenings but it's really hot.

00:23:19: And then, the whole family has to go into indoor parks or something like this.

00:23:26: But they are available?

00:23:28: They're available.

00:23:29: as a doctor when it comes your budget, is also possible to have maintaining basically activities and some things.

00:23:40: yeah

00:23:41: but I mean at least for the start that's not always easy here so they just have to keep that in mind.

00:23:51: It's not like, you know Germany has this fine and it costs like thirty euros a month?

00:23:58: No!

00:24:00: Every activity is also profit-orientated.

00:24:09: That is something that you have a good lifestyle, but also on one hand pay no taxes.

00:24:15: But on the other hand there's a lot of fees and maybe also fines if you drive too fast or whatever it.

00:24:22: yeah?

00:24:23: Yeah.

00:24:23: And generally what would you give as an advice for a doctor in any kind of situation that will ask you today hey I see you've been moving.

00:24:37: You have been going to Dubai, what would give them as advice?

00:24:42: What they should do and maybe avoid?

00:24:47: Well we talked about this DHA licensing process that is really challenging if you don't know anyone here or the process The website that easy to understand.

00:25:02: So I would advise actually, to seek help for the DHL licensing process.

00:25:08: Also i would recommend being a doctor here is different than in Germany because Here it's A lot of how you present and show yourself.

00:25:22: It not just all about qualifications.

00:25:26: They important as well.

00:25:28: But it's even more important in my opinion here to show who you are, what you can do.

00:25:36: And the jobs not even the ones with a best qualifications or getting the job and there is a lot of competition here at Dubai.

00:25:45: so I think that just have be aware Have good qualification And yeah, present yourself.

00:25:54: It's important how you present and show yourself to... ...and then you get more opportunities and do have all those opportunities here.

00:26:02: but for some Germans I think it is not that easy.

00:26:07: and doctors are different.

00:26:10: they're not like Here.

00:26:11: i am!

00:26:12: I'm the best.

00:26:12: No a lot of doctors see I'm a good doctor, i have studied and worked alot but they don't have this marketing mindset.

00:26:23: A lot of people when their interview for the job is something that also get asked who is doing the marketing from their employer itself.

00:26:35: And then if they don't have anything, I'm not into marketing and Instagram or LinkedIn whatsoever.

00:26:42: it's always a difficulty for them to really seek through that they do the job good Not because they might not be able but what actually?

00:26:54: this case here in Dubai an employer sees also out of a economically background.

00:27:01: what is to use if I have trained or a good educated, a good skilled expert.

00:27:08: A good skill doctor if he or she cannot make themselves

00:27:13: visible.".

00:27:13: So that's why marketing is often very big key factor when it comes to employment.

00:27:19: so yeah!

00:27:20: That is something I would also everybody advice to do.

00:27:26: Thank you for being here and letting us gain some insight into school.

00:27:34: doctor and your path here.

00:27:36: And if we wanted to find you, where?

00:27:40: You want us share this

00:27:42: with the German International School.

00:27:44: Dubai is located near Silicon Oasis in an academic city.

00:27:52: Yes I've been there once when my daughter went to school.

00:27:54: She said then that she really liked it here.

00:27:59: It feels like home.

00:28:02: It's quite loud, but it is.

00:28:06: But yeah after the curriculum that Germans are used to so maybe it's a first step which is good for the transition and roll out in see all of other opportunities.

00:28:21: So thank you Hilke!

00:28:23: Thankyou for having me

00:28:24: Being here and letting us pick your brain.