In February 2024, our Oman Country Advisor Dr Stephanie Thomas visited Muscat, capital of the Sultanate of Oman*. As outlined in her Volunteer Spotlight blog, Dr Thomas visited 3 hospitals in Muscat and met with fellows to understand how the College can strengthen links with the region, enhance our support for fellows working locally, and develop opportunities to collaborate.
“Oman, situated at the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, presents an intriguing landscape with land borders shared with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, and maritime borders with Iran and Pakistan. The southeastern boundary of Oman is shaped by the Arabian Sea, while its northeastern coastline is defined by the Gulf of Oman.
With a population nearing 4.7 million, the country's geographical nuances make it a compelling setting for practicing medicine, particularly in the realm of infections, given the spectrum and complexity of clinical cases diagnosed and managed. The healthcare infrastructure in Oman reflects high-quality standards, complemented by the welcoming and helpful nature of its people.” – Dr Stephanie Thomas, Oman Country Advisor.
*Please note that this trip was not funded by the College.
Dr Thomas met several College fellows during her trip, including Dr Zakariya Al-Muharrmi and Dr Manyando Milupi.
We followed up with Dr Al-Muharrmi and Dr Milupi a few months after the trip to gain a deeper insight into their experience working as pathologists in Oman. They told us what inspired them to pursue a career in pathology, the challenges and innovations specific to their location, and how the College can support fellows working throughout the region.
Dr Zakariya Al-Muharrmi
Please can you tell us a bit about your background and what drew you to pathology?
I am a medical graduate who initially worked as an anaesthetist but felt it wasn't the right fit for me. An opportunity was available for me in the initially unfamiliar field of medical microbiology, so I decided to transition. As I delved into the specialty, I became captivated by the diagnostic challenges and the crucial role it plays in patient care. The dynamic nature of microbial threats, and the ability to significantly impact healthcare through precise diagnostics and innovative research, ultimately made me realise that medical microbiology was my true calling.
I decided to work [in Oman] because I recognised the significant need for microbiologists, particularly in rare subspecialties. Contributing to my home country's healthcare system is both fulfilling and impactful.
What made you decide to work in Oman and what's the best thing about working there?
As an Omani citizen, I decided to work here because I recognised the significant need for microbiologists, particularly in rare subspecialties. Contributing to my home country's healthcare system is both fulfilling and impactful, and I enjoy working with the warm and welcoming people. In Oman, we encounter a rich diversity of infectious diseases and microorganisms. This variety not only provides unique challenges, but also offers invaluable opportunities for learning and professional growth within the field of medical microbiology.
As a pathologist, are there any particular challenges or innovations you experience in the local field (such as in infection, etc.)?
I find that the field is full of surprises, with new challenging cases and organisms presenting themselves daily. These ongoing challenges drive me to continuously improvise and innovate in my approaches to testing, infection control and patient management. Each case pushes me to explore new methodologies and adapt strategies that improve our diagnostic accuracy and outcomes for patients. This, ultimately, enhances the standard of care within our local healthcare system.
As a fellow of the College, I deeply value the sense of community and professional belonging that the College adopts. One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a member is the opportunity to engage with a diverse network of professionals who are equally passionate about advancing the field of pathology.
What do you enjoy about being a fellow/member of the College? How do you feel the College supports your career and the wider pathology profession in Oman?
As a fellow of the College, I deeply value the sense of community and professional belonging that the College adopts. One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a member is the opportunity to engage with a diverse network of professionals who are equally passionate about advancing the field of pathology. The College offers comprehensive resources for continuing professional development, which help me stay up to date with the latest advancements and best practices in pathology.
In what ways would you like the College to support you in the future?
In the future, I would appreciate support from the College in several key areas. First, enhanced opportunities for ongoing professional development, including access to training and interactive online courses. Second, I value increased initiatives for fostering research and innovation, such as collaborative projects, grants and assistance in publishing. Third, support for career progression, mentorship programs, and initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion.
How can we build stronger links between the College and pathologists in Oman?
To strengthen the links with Oman, several initiatives could be pursued. First, establishing collaborative networks through formal communication channels and joint committees. Organising joint conferences and workshops, both in-person and online, could enhance knowledge exchange. Tailored training programmes and continuing professional development opportunities, including online courses and exchange programmes, can help bridge knowledge gaps. The College could also work with local pathologists in Oman to promote research collaborations and establish grants for joint projects.
The College makes use of cobadging to support a number of international conferences, and all fellows are able to join virtual conferences run by the College. Please see our Conferences and CPD events calendar for the full list of upcoming events that may be of interest.
To support research and innovation, the College’s Research Committee provides advice and guidance to the College, trainers and trainees, and academic pathologists about academic research. We promote other research funding opportunities for trainees and fellows, many of which are open internationally.
Dr Manyando Milupi
Please can you tell us a bit about your background and what drew you to pathology?
I became a Microbiology Consultant in September 2010 after completing my microbiology training in the West Midlands Deanery, which I began in 2005. I earned my FRCPath in 2009, following the MRCP(UK) from the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh in 2001. What attracted me to microbiology was the thrilling blend of basic science and clinical medicine, the diverse range of clinical conditions and the improved work–life balance it offered compared with other available paths.
What made you decide to work in Oman and what's the best thing about working there?
Seeking a new challenge and to be closer to extended family in Zambia, I found the Middle East to be a natural fit. A fortuitous opportunity arose in Muscat, Oman, to join a newly established cancer hospital and set up a microbiology laboratory from the ground up, and I eagerly embraced it. The state-of-the-art facilities of the lab intrigued me, and I was also drawn to the region’s natural beauty and overall safety, which I experienced during a brief visit to Dubai. I must say, Oman has truly lived up to my expectations.
As a pathologist, are there any particular challenges or innovations you experience in the local field (such as in infection, etc.)?
The most significant challenges I face include the limited availability of local CPD infection meetings, as well as collaboration challenges between hospitals in Oman. Local processes can make innovation challenging, with many decisions being centralised. That said, my hospital is very well-equipped with the latest laboratory technology.
What I appreciate most about being a fellow is the connection with the College and its network of College fellows, whom I can potentially reach out to for support. I also stay updated on the College’s activities through the Bulletin.
What do you enjoy about being a fellow/member of the College, and how do you feel the College supports your career and the wider pathology profession there?
What I appreciate most about being a fellow is the connection with the College and its network of College fellows, whom I can potentially reach out to for support. I also stay updated on the College’s activities through the Bulletin.
In what ways would you like the College to support you in the future?
The College’s presence in Oman can be quite limited, with minimal visible support. It's not clear to me how fellows can engage with the College, and I believe this needs clearer guidance. Other support could be delivered through research collaborations, CPD and regular communication, either directly from the College or via regional or country representatives. Additionally, brief staff exchanges of 3–6 months, involving both medical professionals and scientists, could offer mutual benefits to both parties.
Overseas fellows can also participate in the College’s CPD scheme for an additional annual fee. If this interests you, please contact our Membership and Finance team who will advise you on the current rate.
How can we build stronger links between the College and pathologists in Oman?
This can be accomplished through an exchange of views between pathologists in Oman and the College, specifically tailored to understanding the country’s unique needs.
The College works with a number of country advisors to support our work internationally. These are volunteer members who act as key points of contact for members and support their international regional advisor by implementing regional priorities at country level and identifying opportunities for engagement, project collaborations and membership development.
There are always opportunities to get involved in College activities. We are also keen to hear more about the experience of our members who work in different regions around the world. If you’d be interested in collaborating with us on a blog, please get in touch at [email protected].
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