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Your Health , Your Voice: A Guide to Partnering with Your Doctor in the UAE

"The Doctor didn't listen| "It was over in minutes".| “I left with only a stack of lab forms and a prescription, but not with understanding.”

As a healthcare professional practicing in the UAE, I have witnessed a beautiful diversity of patients who place great trust in our medical system. Many travel from far across the Emirates, dedicating their time and hope to finding solutions for their health. This commitment deserves our deepest respect and our most attentive care. Yet, we often hear a common, concerning refrain from patients:

As healthcare providers, our utmost duty is to listen first and place your health at the center of every decision. And as patients, you have both the right and the power to become active partners in your care.

Before Your Appointment: Be Prepared.

Write it Down: List your main symptoms, when they started, and what makes them better or worse. · Bring Your History: Have a list of current medications, past surgeries, and known allergies. · Set Your Goal: What is your ONE biggest question? “Do I need this test?” “What are the side effects of this medicine?” “What are the non-medication options?”

During Your Appointment: Communicate Clearly.

Start Strong: Begin with, “I have a few things I need to tell you about my problem,” and refer to your list. This sets the expectation of a conversation. · Use the “Ask Me 3” framework endorsed by global health literacy advocates: · “What is my main problem?” · “What do I need to do?” · “Why is it important for me to do this?” · Ask About Necessity: It is perfectly okay to ask.

Know Your Rights as a Patient in the UAE. You have the right to:

Be treated with respect and dignity. · Receive clear information about your condition and proposed treatments. · Ask questions and get answers you understand. · Consent to or refuse any test or procedure. · Seek a second opinion.

Demand for a Translator

Understanding Your Right to an Interpreter.

In the UAE, hospitals explicitly recognize that clear communication is a patient’s right. For example, the policy at University Hospital Sharjah states: “You have the right to have an interpreter (if available) if the language presents a problem to understand the details of your care”. This right is often part of a broader Patient Charter of Rights and Responsibilities, which should be provided to you upon registration.

This is the future of healthcare we all deserve. Let’s build it together, one conversation at a time.

Building a Healthier Sharjah and UAE Together Health awareness isn’t just about diet and exercise; it’s about knowing how to navigate the healthcare system effectively. When patients are empowered to speak, and doctors are empowered to listen, we move away from an orthodox, transactional model towards a partnership.