Journey of an Expat Respiratory Therapist in the Middle East

My Experiences of Respiratory Therapy, Hospital Redevelopment, and Life Support Training in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kuwait

As a respiratory therapist, my first assignment in the Middle East was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I was excited for the opportunity to work in a new and different place, but also a bit nervous about the unknown.

Upon arriving in Riyadh, I was struck by the city's heat and hustle and bustle. But what struck me most was the culture and how welcoming and loving the people were. I loved learning about the customs and traditions of Saudi Arabia, and the hospitality of the locals always struck me.

The hospital where I worked was modern and well-equipped, located in the heart of Riyadh. The pace of work was much faster than I was used to, but I quickly adapted to the job's demands. My colleagues were a mix of locals and expats, and communication was sometimes difficult as many spoke different languages. However, we were united by our passion for healthcare and quickly formed a strong team.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was the cultural and religious differences. Many of my patients had different beliefs and customs, and understanding and respecting these differences took some time. But throughout this journey, I found that the locals were always willing to help and explain their customs, and it was a great learning experience.

My first assignment in the Middle East was incredibly rewarding despite the challenges. I was able to help many people in need and learn a great deal about a new culture and way of life. It was an unforgettable experience, and I fell in love with the culture, the people, and the way of life in Saudi Arabia.

Years later, I found myself in Egypt, where I was tasked with hospital redevelopment and setting up a new respiratory department. The project was challenging, but I was excited to be able to bring my experience and skills to a new place and help improve the healthcare system.

I quickly fell in love with Egypt, its culture, and its people. The warmth and hospitality of the locals made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. I was struck by the rich history and ancient monuments that dotted the landscape, and I enjoyed exploring the country in my free time.

After completing the project in Egypt, I was offered a job in Kuwait, where I would work on hospital redevelopment and run two American Heart Association (AHA) training centers. I was excited to take on this new challenge and to continue to make a difference in healthcare in the Middle East.

Over the next eight years, I lived and worked in Kuwait. I saw the positive impact of my work on the healthcare system and the patients and staff I served. The AHA training centers were a great success, and I was proud to be able to train so many healthcare professionals in the latest techniques and best practices.

Throughout my journey as an expat in the Middle East, I had the opportunity to work in different countries and contribute to improving healthcare. It was an unforgettable experience; I met many people, learned about other cultures, and gained a lot of experiences. I am grateful for the opportunity to have had such a meaningful and rewarding career in the Middle East.

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