Dr. Habiba Sultan Al Maskari from Al Nahdha Hospital, Oman

▲ (from the left) Professor Yong Ju Jang and Dr. Habiba Sultan Al Maskari

Introduction

My name is Dr. Habiba Sultan Al Maskari, a board-certified Otolaryngologist working as a Rhinoplasty surgeon at Al Nahdha Hospital in Oman. Currently, I am pursuing my clinical fellowship at the Department of Otolaryngology in the division of rhinoplasty with Professor Yong Ju Jang.

What made you decide to come to Korea and AMC?

After completing my residency, I was aiming to maximize and expand my knowledge, so I was looking for an international fellowship where I can gain more professional experience in the field, especially in augmentation and complex rhinoplasty. I found that South Korea is the best country in this field. Also, I was recommended by a senior consultant in my department, Dr. Amar Singh who recommended me to get trained with Professor Jang. So I would like to express my grateful thanks to Dr. Amar Singh for recommending me and to Professor Yong Ju Jang for accepting me and allowing me to be one of his fellows.

What was your first impression of the AMC? Has it changed? If changed, how?

Before I arrived in South Korea, I was impressed by Asan Medical Center from the information I got from the media. I was excited to know that AMC is the best hospital in the country. Not only that, it is among the best hospitals globally.

When I arrived at the hospital, I realized it is the best not because of the modern facilities and equipment, but also because it has a high culture driven by great leadership. Teammates are connected with one another in a friendly relationship. Everyone in the hospital tries their best to accomplish their mission precisely.

Also, the hospital invests generously in clinical treatment and research and development. All of this helped to achieve magnificent achievement.

Could you tell us a little bit more about your training, department, and professor at AMC?

I am immensely privileged and grateful to have the opportunity to learn directly from Professor Yong Ju Jang, to work with him, and to know him. He is a great gentleman and a core figure in rhinoplasty globally.
From my Clinical Fellowship, I completed eleven months in which I attended many surgeries, learning advanced techniques.
I also attend weekly Rhinoplasty Symposium. I discuss various topics with my colleagues and various advanced techniques in the field.

Also, to expand my knowledge, I try to attend many conferences, National and International conferences. But, due to the current situation, all those conferences are converted to online meetings. My fellowship is a great experience for me, with new things I learn every day.

What is your life outside the hospital like?

My unforgettable experience in Korea is the Korean winter. Although it’s the warmest this year for the locals, it was freezing for me. Also, the relationship in the Korean community and their kindness among one another (is unforgettable). Online shopping is great and super-fast. Sometimes you can get the item on the same day.

My best Korean food is Korean BBQ, Bibimbap, and Kimbap. Also, I love watching Korean (Drama) series. The last one I watched is “Itaewon Class”.

In my free time, I used to sit along the Han River. But, nowadays because of the situation, I cannot go outside much. I also enjoy (visiting) Myeongdong Street.

Could you introduce your country to our viewers?

The Sultanate of Oman is located in South West Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen. It has a 4.7 million population.

Oman has a unique geography. It has untouched beaches, high mountains, and unique geographic formations like Semail.

All of these give unforgettable memories to the visitors, so please visit Oman.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

At the end, I would like to express my deepest thanks to Professor Jang for what I learned from him and for what I will learn from his surgeries, lectures, publications, and his book.

Also, I would like to thank Asan Medical International Team, especially Mr. Daniel and Ms. Helena for their great help and work. I would like to thank the audience for taking the time to see my interview! Thank you all!

※ Many international physicians from diverse countries come to AMC to learn advanced medical skills. AMC trainees share their stories about AMC and Korea on 'Welcome to AMC.'