From an early age, his path to medicine was shaped by a deeply personal loss. When he was just three years old, his father passed away due to diabetic ketoacidosis. Though he was too young to fully understand the tragedy at the time, the impact of that loss stayed with him. It planted a seed—a desire to understand the illness that took his father and, ultimately, a passion for medicine.
Years later, as a pediatric specialist, he found himself on the front lines, saving the lives of children suffering from the very same condition. Each case was a reminder of the journey that had brought him here, of the personal connection that fueled his commitment to this field.
But it wasn’t just loss that shaped his career; it was also kindness. His childhood pediatrician played a significant role in his decision to pursue medicine. At the age of eight, he fell seriously ill with a high fever. His doctor not only treated him but also demonstrated a rare level of compassion—staying beyond clinic hours to monitor him and even driving him home when it got late. That act of kindness left a lasting impression, one that stayed with him as he chose pediatrics as his specialty.
His journey as a doctor began in Iran, where he trained and worked as a pediatrician. Practicing medicine in Iran came with its own set of challenges—limited access to advanced medical technology, especially in rural areas, meant that doctors had to be resourceful, making the most of what was available. Yet, Iran’s strong emphasis on family and community health instilled in him a holistic approach to pediatric care. The dedication of healthcare professionals around him, along with the country’s robust medical education system, played a vital role in shaping the doctor he would become.
His work eventually brought him to Dubai, a city with a world-class healthcare system and a diverse population. Practicing in such a rapidly evolving environment exposed him to a global network of medical professionals, new technologies, and innovative approaches to pediatric care. It reinforced the universal nature of medical ethics and the shared goal of improving child health across cultures and borders.
For him, medicine has always been a journey of continuous learning. He stays updated through medical conferences, educational seminars, and academic literature, ensuring that he provides the best possible care for his patients. The drive to keep learning stems from a deep-rooted belief that medicine is not just a profession but an evolving art—one that requires dedication, precision, and compassion.
The most difficult phase of his career was his pediatric residency. The first year was grueling—15 shifts a month, followed by early-morning case presentations to university professors at 7 AM. Sleep was a rare luxury. During overnight shifts, he attended to critically ill patients while simultaneously preparing academic reports for the morning. Even after working through the night, the day continued with hospital duties until late afternoon. At times, due to staff shortages, he endured 48-hour or even 72-hour shifts.
After completing his residency, he moved to a city with a population of over 200,000, where only two pediatricians—including himself—served the entire community. The workload was immense, but the responsibility was greater. It was a relentless but meaningful mission—to ensure that every child in the city received the medical care they needed.
Now, looking back on his journey, he encourages young doctors to embrace the beauty of medicine. He believes medicine is more than just science—it is an art, a lifelong commitment to learning, growing, and helping others. He reminds them to stay updated, to seek knowledge from experience, and, above all, to find joy in the profession they have chosen.
"Enjoy medicine," he advises. "And enjoy life." he smiles beautifully :)
Dr Mohammadthagi Rasthgalam