In Qatar, Hamad Al Jaber is undoubtedly one of the most in-demand plastic surgeons. He has been working as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon for the last 25 years. Dr. Hamad is the founder and chairman of PHI Group, a leading healthcare provider offering a range of services in the fields of plastic surgery, medical staff outsourcing, dermatology, and more.
He is also a social activist, philanthropist, and Harvard Business School graduate. Dr. Hamad has granted Dunes Magazine an exclusive interview, where he tells more about himself and his inspiring journey in the world of plastic surgery. He also shares with us his vision for the future of his industry, his philosophy of patient care, and his advice for aspiring young plastic surgeons in Qatar.
1. Dr. Hamad, you are a surgeon, medical director, social activist, father of five sons, and brother of Qatari biker and traveler Khaled Al-Jaber. Can you tell us more about yourself and your family?
My father is a retired ambassador. He started his career in academia, working at Qatar University—one of the first Qataris to work at that university. Nevertheless, he changed his career path after having an opportunity to enter the diplomatic service. He worked at the United Nations in Geneva, before becoming an ambassador to Japan and Germany. Then, he retired in 2001 and went back to Doha. My mother, on the other hand, worked as a high school teacher until her retirement. I was inspired to build a career in medicine by my uncle, who was a pediatrician. I am, however, the first surgeon in my family. Interestingly enough, my second son attended the same medical school that I went to—the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in plastic and reconstructive surgery?
Honestly, I have always been passionate about surgery. In spite of this, I haven’t seriously considered specializing in plastic surgery. However, my interest was piqued by its creative nature—the ability to always add your own spin on things! I have also been drawn to plastic and reconstructive surgery because of the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives by improving their self-confidence and quality of life. It is a challenging and constantly evolving field that requires a high level of skill and attention to detail.
3. Since 2003, you have been working for Hamad Medical Corporation as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, progressing to Consultant Plastic Surgeon in 2007 and Senior Consultant in 2012. Why did you choose to become an entrepreneur and embark on a new journey with PHI Medcare?
Being an adventurer was always in my nature, so becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t a conscious choice for me. After I finished my studies and became a qualified surgeon, I had more free time. Besides learning about the stock market, I started trying new things and hobbies. The decision to leave Hamad Medical Corporation was not easy for me, but I had a lot of dreams and ambitions in my heart. It became clear to me that neither titles nor traditional employment suited me, so I decided to start my own business. You can say that starting a business is both challenging and risky, but it is also extremely rewarding.
4. How do you envision PHI Medcare in the future?
The future of PHI Medcare is likely to be shaped by a combination of technological advancements and personalized treatment options. The goal is to continue to provide safe and effective procedures that enhance our patients’ well-being and quality of life. Actually, I do not intend to expand PHI Medcare, but I would like to consolidate it. In the future, I might consider exploring the Dubai market.
5. What are some of the values or principles that you uphold or instill at PHI Medcare?
At PHI Medcare, we adhere to transparency and honesty in all of our dealings with our patients, employees, and others. We prioritize the needs and satisfaction of our patients and ensure that we deliver high-quality services that exceed their expectations. The three-core values we live by are: Integrity, Excellence, and Compassion, which we believe are the foundation of who we are as a brand. Personally, I don’t follow trends. Despite receiving many advertisements for new products from companies and bloggers all the time, I do not get excited about them. Business ethics and quality have always been my driving forces.
6. At PHI Medcare, how do you ensure the confidentiality and privacy of your patients and clients, and what policies or guidelines do you follow?
PHI Medcare is committed to protecting the privacy of our patients; we make sure that all of our employees fully understand and comply with the laws and regulations that govern the protection of patient privacy.
7. How do you keep up with the latest developments and innovations in your field of expertise?
Keeping up with the latest developments and innovations in plastic and reconstructive surgery requires a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. In fact, we are responsible for the popularity of many innovative machines on the market. I attend conferences, which is a great way to learn about the latest developments and innovations in plastic and reconstructive surgery. It also helps me stay informed about the latest research, techniques, and trends in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Collaborating with my colleagues in the field as we share knowledge and expertise also improves patient outcomes.
8. What are some of the skills or qualities that aspiring plastic surgeons should have or develop?
I always tell my junior doctors: Knowing your limits is more important than performing surgeries. What matters isn’t what you do, but rather what you don’t do. As plastic surgeons, we must adhere to high ethical standards and demonstrate professionalism in our interactions with our patients and colleagues. It requires a combination of skills and personal qualities as well as a high degree of precision and attention to detail. It’s critical to have a creative eye for esthetics and be able to visualize how changes to the body or face will affect the overall appearance. Some patients may be undergoing procedures for various reasons, from medical to personal preferences. Aspiring plastic surgeons should have compassion and empathy for their patients and be able to provide support throughout the treatment process.
9. What is the best way for you to balance your professional life and personal life?
Well, I try my best, but it’s impossible. My profession is more than a job; it’s a lifestyle. It’s always a must for me to check my phone and WhatsApp. In other words, I attribute my success to my dedication. It is my responsibility to always make sure my patients are taken care of.
10. If you were to clarify or debunk any common misconceptions or myths about plastic surgery, what would they be?
The field of plastic surgery did not begin in the last 15 years, as most people believe. It has existed since before BC. Although there is much disagreement as to who started it, it has been around for a long time. In India, for example, an ancient surgeon used to make a median forehead flap to help those who had their noses amputated for theft. That surgery is still being performed today. Egyptian pharaohs and Arabs also performed that same surgery a long time ago. Plastic doesn’t mean artificial. Plastic comes from the Greek word “plastikos”, meaning “capable of being shaped or molded”.
