ENTRY #7: From Motherhood in Medical School to a Mission in Gaza with Paediatric A&E Consultants

Welcome to the seventh episode of The Muslim Medic's Journal! Sharing the stories and experiences of Muslim healthcare students and professionals to inspire the next generation of Muslim Medics! In this episode, we’re joined by two inspiring paediatric consultants, Dr Raja Ismahan Syahanee (Hanee) and Dr Shahera Rahman. Dr Hanee is a Malaysian paediatric A&E consultant with over two decades of medical experience and extensive humanitarian work in Aceh, Lebanon, Gaza and Somalia. Outside medicine, she is a 2nd Dan Taekwondo black belt, World Poomsae silver medallist, avid skier and cyclist, and is currently pursuing her Hifz journey. Dr Shahera is a Bangladeshi paediatric consultant who graduated from the University of Glasgow and became a consultant in 2011, specialising in paediatric emergency medicine and diabetes. She has also worked in humanitarian settings across Lebanon, Gaza and Somalia and enjoys baking, hiking, cycling and skiing. Join us as we explore their medical journeys, humanitarian experiences, faith, and life beyond medicine. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Podcast introduction and guest backgrounds 5:27 Why they chose medicine 8:44 Moving abroad for medical school 16:34 Finding careers in pediatric emergency medicine 29:03 Humanitarian work from Aceh to Gaza 40:47 Shahira enters Gaza alone to teach 59:02 Their Qur’an memorization journey 1:04:00 Hobbies, family, and work-life balance 1:12:02 Advice for medical students and future doctors