Interview with Dr. Marian Khatib: Director of Breast Surgery at the American Hospital Dubai

Dubai has rapidly emerged as a global hub for healthcare, attracting some of the world’s finest medical professionals. Among them is Dr. Marian Khatib, a highly respected Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon and the Director of Breast Surgery at the American Hospital Dubai. With extensive experience in surgical oncology, healthcare leadership, and innovation, Dr. Khatib’s relocation to the UAE marks a significant step in advancing breast cancer care in the region. In this interview, she shares her journey, professional insights, and her vision for the future of breast surgery in the Middle East.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Marian. It’s always a pleasure to see you. To start off, could you share a little about your background, your skills, and your areas of interest?

Thank you for having me. My name is Dr. Marian Khatib, and I am an Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon. I currently serve as the Director of Breast Surgery at the American Hospital in Dubai.

Marian, what motivated you to relocate, and what specifically attracted you to Dubai and the UAE?

That’s a difficult question. It was a combination of several factors. First, on a personal level, I had been hearing a lot about Dubai. Professionally, I was intrigued by the healthcare sector here. The opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to advancing healthcare in the region was very appealing and ultimately influenced my decision to take this big step.

Absolutely. Dubai and the UAE are among the most progressive countries in the world today. They naturally attract high-caliber, hardworking, and successful individuals like yourself who want to contribute and help build the rapidly growing infrastructure. It’s truly great to have you here.

I think the main difference, even having worked in well-established healthcare systems before, is that here you feel you can truly influence the process and make a tangible impact on the healthcare system. In other places, you often feel like just a little screw in a big system. Here, it’s completely different.

How has your experience been so far working at the American Hospital Dubai?

It’s been amazing. It’s never easy, after being a well-established professional, to leave everything behind and start from scratch. Of course, it comes with its own challenges, but I feel fortunate to be at a place like the American Hospital. The team, the institution, and the support I receive from everyone, including management, have been truly priceless.

And what aspects of your previous experience and background contribute to your leadership role here in Dubai?

Having extensive experience in oncoplastic breast surgery as a surgeon certainly helps. Additionally, I previously held the position of director at a large cancer center, so stepping into this role was not unfamiliar. My MBA in healthcare innovation has also been very useful in integrating new approaches into traditional care. Beyond management, I am always looking to bring the best practices from around the world to my patients here in the Middle East. Networking globally is extremely important, doctors can always learn from each other, regardless of experience, and I believe in continuously expanding knowledge in both my field and others.

You certainly have a huge global professional network. I posted a picture with you recently, and it got tremendous traction, so many colleagues expressing appreciation for you. It’s clear you are very highly respected in your field. 

Yeah, because I’ve known you for a long time now. We’ve always worked very well together, and one of the things I’ve always admired about you is your humility. Even with such a strong background, remarkable success, and a highly respected career, you remain so humble. That’s when it really struck me, seeing how many people respect you and know you both globally and internationally.

Thank you. Many people were surprised by my decision to move to the UAE because I was in a good place professionally. I was still growing, changing, and successful in what I was doing. Even today, I still receive calls and messages from people asking about my decision. Some say it’s crazy, some say it’s brave, but I’m happy I made it.

It must have been very difficult. The more successful you are, the harder it is to start over. But following your heart and intuition clearly inspired others, especially doctors considering a move to this region.

Absolutely. Making such a decision at this stage in your career is very different from earlier stages, like when I went for my fellowship in the UK. Back then, it wasn’t a hard decision, I just moved with my family. Now, it takes more courage.

Does your surgical practice, the patients you see, and the conditions you treat differ significantly compared to your previous workplaces?

Not really. Dubai is very multicultural. Patients come from all over the world, with different cultures and approaches to healthcare. Some come for routine check-ups, while others only seek care after symptoms appear. It’s a very variable patient population.

I was contacted, by the way, you just reminded me, by someone from back home who wanted to conduct research on the cultural differences between their country and this one. I told them, you can’t treat Dubai as a unicultural country. Here, you can find all cultures, all nationalities, with different mentalities and traditions. It’s truly a multicultural environment, not a unified one.

Could you explain the importance of early breast cancer screening?

Early screening is extremely important. The difference between early and late diagnosis in breast cancer is huge. Early detection offers a cure rate exceeding 90 percent without recurrence, whereas advanced-stage diagnosis tells a completely different story. This is why routine checks, even without symptoms, are so vital. Early detection allows women to be treated and continue their lives as normally as possible.

At what age do you recommend people start seeing a breast surgeon?

Starting at age 25. Many find this surprisingly young, but it is important to have at least one consultation at that age to assess individual risk and determine the appropriate follow-up and screening schedule.

You also have a strong interest in surgical innovation. Could you tell us about the recent robotic services you started at the American Hospital for mastectomy procedures?

Robotic surgery is a small step within a large field. Not all breast operations are suitable, but it is typically used for mastectomy and reconstruction in selected patients. It allows large operations, like removing both breasts with immediate reconstruction, using very small incisions placed away from the surgical site. This reduces the risk of ischemia, infection, and implant loss. It’s a tool to enhance patient care, though not suitable for everyone.

What is the importance of specialized training in oncoplastic breast surgery?

Today, the cure rate for breast cancer is very high, so the aesthetic outcome is extremely important. Patients live with their bodies for many years post-surgery, and it’s vital how they see themselves in the mirror. Oncoplastic breast surgery integrates plastic surgery techniques to allow removal of large tumors while maintaining a natural, aesthetic breast. Having one surgeon manage both the oncological and aesthetic aspects is priceless, as it ensures continuity and trust, which can be lost when multiple specialists are involved.

How has your experience been working with Allocation Assist?

Amazing. We matched perfectly. I wasn’t stressed about the job search and trusted the process. I remember you called me about the American Hospital, and they wanted to interview me the next day. The rest is history.

Thank you so much, Marian.