Meet Dr Maryam Matar: Pioneering Health Advancements in the UAE
Dr. Maryam Matar stands out as a pioneering figure in the UAE healthcare landscape. Her groundbreaking work in genetics and public health has had a significant impact on the quality of life for Emirati citizens. Dr. Matar’s innovative approaches to preventive healthcare and community development have revolutionized the way genetic diseases are addressed in the region, leading to improved health outcomes and increased life expectancy in the UAE.
This article delves into Dr. Matar’s journey from physician to health innovator, exploring her contributions to genetic health in the UAE. It examines her unique approach to longevity and well-being, which combines cutting-edge research in epigenetics and the microbiome with traditional Arab wisdom. The piece also highlights Dr. Matar’s role in shaping the UAE’s healthcare system and her ongoing efforts to advance longevity medicine and rejuvenation therapies for the benefit of future generations.
Dr. Matar’s Journey from Physician to Health Innovator
Medical and Business Education
Dr. Maryam Matar’s journey began with a solid foundation in medicine. She earned her B.A. in Medicine and Surgery, followed by a Family Medicine Residency Program degree. Her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. In 2004, she graduated from the H.H. Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development, which equipped her with essential skills for her future roles. Dr. Matar also pursued further education, working on a Ph.D. at Yamaguchi University in Japan.
Transition to Public Health Leadership
Dr. Matar’s career took a significant turn when she was shortlisted and recruited by the UAE Government to lead Dubai’s community development strategy for 2006-2016. This opportunity marked the beginning of her transition from clinical practice to public health leadership. In 2006, she became the first Emirati woman to hold the position of Senior Undersecretary of Public Health and Primary Health Care at the Ministry of Health. Under her leadership, the number of primary clinics increased from 52 to 79 in just 13 months.
Her exceptional performance led to further promotions. In 2008, Dr. Matar became the first Emirati woman to hold the position of Director General in the Dubai government, heading the Community Development Authority. She was also entrusted with the responsibility of being the Executive Team Leader for the Dubai Strategic Plan from 2008 to 2016, focusing on Health, Education, and National Identity.
Founding Multiple Non-Profit Associations
Dr. Matar’s passion for improving public health extended beyond her government roles. In 2004, she founded the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, a volunteer organization that addresses issues related to genetic illnesses such as thalassemia, Alzheimer’s, autism, and celiac diseases. This initiative has led to new screenings for genetic mutations in children and genetic testing for breast cancer.
Her commitment to community health didn’t stop there. Dr. Matar went on to establish the Sheik Zayed Genetic Research Center and became a committee member of the Global Commission to End the Diagnostic Odyssey for Children with a Rare Disease. Over the past two decades, she has founded more than 14 nonprofit associations in the field of health advocacy and awareness. Additionally, she has initiated several programs focusing on women’s leadership and encouraging girls to pursue STEM fields in the UAE.
Revolutionizing Genetic Health in the UAE
Establishment of UAE Genetic Diseases Association
In 2004, Dr. Maryam Matar founded the UAE Genetic Diseases Association (UAEGDA), a volunteer organization dedicated to addressing genetic illnesses such as thalassemia, Alzheimer’s, autism, and celiac diseases. This initiative has had a significant impact on genetic health in the UAE. The UAEGDA has introduced new screenings for genetic mutations in children and genetic testing for breast cancer, as reported in Gulf News and Khaleej Times. Dr. Matar’s work has led to the identification of 21 new mutations for breast cancer, which is crucial for patient management. This breakthrough has allowed for more specific screenings tailored to various ethnicities, including people from the Middle East, Africa, India, Philippines, and Pakistan.
Implementation of Premarital Genetic Testing
Dr. Matar played a pivotal role in introducing legislation for premarital genetic screening in the UAE. In 2006, she witnessed the signing of a law that made it mandatory for couples seeking marriage approval to undergo screening for common genetic disorders and sexually transmitted diseases. This initiative was part of the “UAE Free of Thalassemia 2012” campaign, which aimed to increase community awareness and reduce the prevalence of genetic disorders. The impact of this legislation has been significant, with population screening revealing a drop in thalassemia prevalence from 12% to 2.9% among Emiratis aged 18 to 28.
Research on Rare Diseases
The UAEGDA has gained international recognition for its work on rare diseases. Dr. Matar serves as a committee member of the Global Commission to End the Diagnostic Odyssey for Children with a Rare Disease and is a member of the Panel of Experts in the WHO Collective Global Network for Rare Diseases. The association has received praise from five Nobel laureates, who described it as a “spot of light in the Arab world in genetic research.” The UAEGDA’s commitment to free screenings for both local and expatriate populations, coupled with its success in influencing government policy, has set it apart from other institutions in the region.
Dr. Matar’s Approach to Longevity and Well-being
Islamic Perspective on Health Span
Dr. Maryam Matar’s approach to longevity and well-being is deeply rooted in her Islamic faith. She emphasizes that from an Islamic point of view, no one can extend another person’s lifespan. Instead, her focus is on improving the quality of life and elongating the healthy portion of one’s life. This perspective shapes her holistic approach to healthcare and wellness.
Epigenetics and Personalized Health Plans
Dr. Matar’s passion for well-being and staying ageless has evolved over time, becoming more comprehensive with the help of epigenetics. She has been actively involved in the global community of advanced genetic sciences, particularly in the areas of cell aging and rejuvenation therapies. Her expertise in this field has deepened over many years, keeping pace with the rapid progress in epigenetics and regenerative therapies.
The “Reprogram Your Genes” program, launched in early 2021, is Dr. Matar’s signature initiative. This personalized roadmap utilizes the science of epigenetics, cell rejuvenation, and microbiome intelligence for age reversal. It is designed for professionals, leaders, and citizens who wish to maintain peak health, optimize body and brain performance, and preserve youthfulness.
The ‘Reprogram Your Genes’ Philosophy
A key feature of Dr. Matar’s program is the use of epigenetics to understand the interplay between genes and ethnicity. This knowledge is then applied to plan fitness routines, dietary intakes, and other lifestyle factors for maximum benefit. The program takes into account critical factors such as mind-body connection, emphasizing a holistic approach to health and longevity.
Dr. Matar’s work in this field has had a significant impact on the UAE’s healthcare landscape. Under her leadership, the UAE has seen a remarkable increase in life expectancy, from 60 years in the mid-70s to 78.9 years in 2022. This progress is attributed to the government’s strategic commitment to health as a key indicator of development, focusing on multiple factors that affect overall well-being.
Dr. Maryam Matar’s journey from physician to health innovator has had a significant impact on the UAE’s healthcare landscape. Her groundbreaking work in genetics and public health has led to improved health outcomes and increased life expectancy in the country. Dr. Matar’s unique approach, which combines cutting-edge research with traditional Arab wisdom, has revolutionized the way genetic diseases are addressed in the region.
Dr. Matar’s contributions extend beyond her government roles, as seen in her establishment of numerous non-profit associations and initiatives. Her work in epigenetics and personalized health plans offers a promising path to enhance well-being and longevity. As the UAE continues to make strides in healthcare, Dr. Matar’s innovative approaches and dedication to public health will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare in the region and beyond.
