Have you ever considered taking a sabbatical to practice Interventional Radiology in the Middle East? In this episode, Dr. Jamal AlKoteesh, the Chairman of Clinical Imaging at SEHA and the "Godfather of IR" in the United Arab Emirates, joins host Dr. Sabeen Dhand to discuss the rapid evolution and current state of IR in the Gulf region.
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SYNPOSIS
Dr. AlKoteesh shares his journey from training in the UK to establishing the IR specialty in Abu Dhabi over the last 18 years. He details the unique practice environment in UAE government hospitals, where the lack of strict sub-specialization requires IRs to maintain a versatile skillset—handling everything from thyroid FNAs and UFE to complex neurovascular thrombectomies.
The conversation highlights the significant government investment in healthcare technology, which allows physicians access to the latest tools—such as the Siemens Artis Icono with integrated RapidAI for stroke—often before they are widely available in other markets. Dr. AlKoteesh also provides a practical guide for US physicians interested in working abroad, covering the licensing timeline, tax-free income, and the high demand for Western-trained physicians.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
01:39 - Building IR in UAE
05:23 - UAE Healthcare System Overview
07:54 - IR Residency and Staffing
13:15 - Access to Latest Devices
15:15 - Compensation and Lifestyle
17:58 - PAIRS Conference Overview
20:45 - Licensing and Relocation Guide
21:39 - Liability and Language Barriers
26:33 - Launching Stroke Interventions
