How to find the right gynecologist in Dubai?

Finding the right gynecologist is an extremely important but difficult task. It is not as simple as going to a physician for fever or cold, as one would imagine. You don’t want to pick the first choice listed in Google search as your gynecologist. You will have intimate discussions with your gynecologist about your wellness and other personal health matters. Therefore, it’s important that you feel relaxed and secure in the company of a doctor that has the experience and is trustworthy. 

Women may need to seek the advice of a doctor to care for their reproductive health for many reasons. For example, if you have problems with your reproductive system such as heavy bleeding or severe cramp, you should consult your gynecologist immediately. Even if you are well, you should go for routine check-ups to make sure your reproductive organs are protected and healthy. It is, therefore, strongly recommended to have periodic checks and seek advice from a gynecologist, regardless of your age. Young women are recommended to make their first visit to a gynecologist when they are 13 to 15 years old. So, if you have not found the right gynecologist for yourself yet, irrespective of your age, it is high time to find one.

The first thing that most of the women do is ask their friends and family when they start looking for a gynecologist. Now, there is nothing wrong with asking for recommendations, but it is more a personal preference to select a gynecology specialist. It might not be helpful for you to consult your mother, sister, or friend’s gynecologist. Moreover, when you’re in a new town and don’t truly know about the hospitals and doctors around you, finding the right specialist becomes harder. This is quite accurate in a city like Dubai, where more than 80% of the population is made up of expats.

As the city has one of the best medical facilities in the region, it is not that difficult to find the right gynecologist in Dubai. However, too many options may also lead to confusion. Therefore, we have listed some important tips below to pick the best gynecologist in Dubai to help the readers:

1. Check the doctor’s credentials and reviews

The first thing to check about a gynecologist is a valid license to practice. Many medical licensing agencies have been set up for physicians in the UAE, usually based on their location they want to practice. For instance, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has jurisdiction to award licenses for practitioners in mainland Dubai, but a regulatory branch of Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) grants a license to doctors who wish to practice in DHCC.

Online reviews also play an important role while finding the right gynecologist. You are not encouraged to find a gynecologist based on reviews alone, but rather use such reviews to confirm whether the specialist you have chosen is appropriate for you. While you are browsing through the sites that provide ratings to doctors, check for parameters such as:

• Easy booking of appointments
• The environment at the clinic/office
• Average waiting time at the clinic/office
• Nature and behavior of the staff
• Confidentiality
• Good explanation skills

2. Specialization of the doctor

While looking at the specialization of the doctor, you should know about the difference between obstetrics and gynecology. Gynecologists are doctors who specialize in reproductive treatment for women from the onset of puberty to the postmenopausal age. Obstetricians, on the other hand, are responsible for delivering infants, giving pre-natal care, treating infertility, or performing certain surgeries on reproductive organs. These two specialties are interwoven and a majority of the physicians specialize in both streams. You can check whether a particular doctor is suitable for you based on his/her specialization and the treatment that you require.

3. Experience and gender

Check the gynecologist’s experience when you are looking at the reviews and his/her specialization. We have listed some parameters below that you should look for: 

• The medical school attended by the doctor
• If they are certified by the regulatory body (such as DHA or DHCC)
• The number of years they have been practicing
• Their affiliated hospital(s)
• If they have any administrative proceedings, complaints, or lawsuits lodged against them

The gender of the doctor is also an important factor as most women are comfortable while sharing their intimate details with a female gynecologist. If you want to be treated only by a female gynecologist, you can search accordingly. However, if you are being offered the finest medical treatment, don’t give it up just because the doctor is of the opposite gender. Every male gynecologist has women nurses and subordinates, so if you are not happy with an intimate procedure, just let the doctor know.

4. Enquire about the hospital

It is necessary to check the affiliated hospital of your gynecologist in Dubai, if you’re planning or expecting a child or about to undergo surgery. Find out all the relevant details about the hospital, especially its reputation and the amenities offered.

Before finalizing the hospital, you can check the below-mentioned points: 

• The hospital’s location
• Whether the hospital has an agreement with your insurance provider
• Standard of NICU care and infrastructure support
• Access to other specialists

5. Cost and insurance

Cost and insurance are important factors while selecting a doctor. Insurance is a practical subject that must be dealt with beforehand. Check whether the specific gynecological hospital is covered by your insurance company. This step is necessary to get the maximum aid from your insurance. If the hospital costs are not covered by your company, you will end up paying quite a lot out of your pocket. 

6. Your level of comfort with the doctor

This is the biggest decision-making issue and this can only be achieved when you have a session with the doctor. This doctor may conduct intimate exams on you. You will be required to share all personal information about your reproductive health with him/her. Therefore, it is crucial that you feel relaxed and trust your gynecologist for good results. 

Finding a good gynecologist is imperative for women. Your friends and family members will help you out with suggestions and recommendations, but you are the one who will take the final call. At the end of the day, it is your right and your body.