Where can you go with health?

The CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine outlines the trends in medicine during a recent visit to Dubai

Those into medicine would do well to listen to Dr Edward D. Miller, MD. The dean of the medical faculty at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine and vice-president for medicine of the Johns Hopkins University, was recently in the UAE on a visit to Al Tawam Hospital in Al Ain.

An anaesthesiologist, Miller champions the cause of the patients warning students not to enter the profession for financial reasons because then, patient care is bound to take a back seat.

Here he speaks of the international trends in healthcare and the kind of person best suited for the demanding profession.

New trends in international health care.

They include service excellence, a commitment to customer service - as evidenced by the medical tourism industry in South East Asia.

Other trends include access to sophisticated imaging technologies and other minimally invasive therapies, an emphasis on preventive medicine and public health initiatives.

Finally, there is an increasing trend to identify effective and cost-efficient treatments. Governments are also experimenting with public-private-partnerships.

How much emphasis should the UAE place on medical research?
Scientific discovery and research plays a significant role in modern medicine. Without research you will never advance. The UAE has the opportunity to engage in drug technology and method of care research.

The qualities of a professional in this field.

An open mind to look at new ways to improve outcomes and the delivery of care. An ability to synthesise data from a variety of different sources.

Medical professionals must commit themselves to staying up-to-date on emerging technologies and new treatments and latest outcomes. Attend conferences and read the peer-reviewed journals.

Words of advice you would give a student interested in pursuing a career in medicine?
I would advise young people thinking about a career in medicine that this is one of the most rewarding careers to pursue.

However, a career in medicine is not without its sacrifices. These sacrifices include years of training before being able to begin your career in earnest.

Physicians are required to care for their patients often around the clock and must be available to be on-call. These time commitments are disruptive to a physician's personal life.

Physicians can earn a comfortable living, however, the most important priority should always be the care of the patient. If physicians enter medicine for the financial rewards, the care of the patient will suffer. This should be avoided.

The best and worst aspects of this field.

The best part of the medical field is being able to help a patient who is in need. I derive a great sense of satisfaction when I am able to help and comfort a scared patient.

The worst part of the field is when you are unable to help a patient. In those instances a physician must work closely with the patient and his or her family to help them through this difficult period of time.

High potential medical specialties to focus on: