Leaders

The healthcare sector is witnessing a drastic change. A sector once dominated by men is slowly welcoming women surgeons. A recent report on women in surgery has revealed that women surgeons are associated with lower mortality rates and fewer complications. This evidence shows that women in the modern world have excelled not only in surgery but also in every profession they have chosen.

The best testimony to the above facts is Ammarah Shah, a renowned veterinary surgeon from Jammu and Kashmir. With a master’s degree in veterinary science from SKUAST Jammu, Dr. Ammarah Shah has set a new benchmark for veterinary care and advanced surgical techniques for animals in the region. Her groundbreaking work in minimally invasive procedures has transformed the way complex surgeries are performed on animals, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.

In this interview, she shares valuable insights into the industry and her career. Let’s read on.

How was your experience shifting to Dubai from Kashmir?

My life witnessed a significant change when I moved to Dubai. I had just become a mother, and balancing my professional life with motherhood was challenging. The work environment here was completely different from what I was used to. Transitioning from working in a hospital in Kashmir to a small animal clinic in a metropolitan city like Dubai was a significant milestone for me. In the veterinary field, women are already underrepresented; for instance, in my bachelor's program, out of 90 students, only 14 were women.

When I arrived in Dubai, I had to go through the licensing process and get my certificates recognized, but I struggled to find guidance, especially from other Indian women in the field. It became clear that this is a very niche profession for women, particularly Indian women, in Dubai. I was the first Indian woman to work in small animal practice here, and I want to pave the way for other women to do the same.

What is the defining moment in your career journey?

The first major turning point in my career was deciding on a specialization in veterinary science. The field offers various paths—surgery, medicine, clinical, and non-clinical subjects. While I was drawn to a hands-on approach in surgery and medicine, I had to make a crucial decision about my career direction: whether I wanted to focus more on research or practical work. Ultimately, I chose the research path, as veterinary science is constantly evolving and advancing.

The second major juncture came when I moved to Dubai. In Kashmir, I worked in mixed practice, with about 80% of the cases involving large animals like cows and sheep and only around 20% involving small animals. The infrastructure and demographic differences in the UAE presented a new set of challenges. Working in a team with members from diverse nationalities, each trained in different veterinary schools, required me to adapt my knowledge and sometimes unlearn certain practices to embrace new ones. In such a multicultural environment, I learned that putting animal welfare above personal preferences and collaborating effectively with a team is essential. This experience in Dubai was a life-defining moment for me, shaping how I approach my work and lead my team.

Can you talk about your current company, Dogventure HQ?

Dogventure HQ is an all-inclusive pet facility consisting of a veterinary clinic, daycare, boarding, pet training, and a pet shop in the heart of Dubai. It is designed to provide top-tier quality care, offering peace of mind to owners who seek the best for their pets. With expert care, advanced treatments, and a wide range of services all in one place—such as endoscopy, ultrasound, PCR, laser therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, X-ray, blood analyzers, and nutritional diet plans—we make caring for your pets easy, convenient, and exceptional.

As a woman in the veterinary field, what are your primary areas of expertise, and what is your key focus while working with animals?

Over the last 12 years, my main focus has been on the holistic care of animals, which includes both treatment and preventive measures. This approach relies heavily on building strong relationships with pet owners to ensure the best possible outcomes. Another area I excel in is training future veterinarians, especially budding surgeons. I take pride in guiding new professionals, helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to excel in the field.

Can you share some of the most significant professional milestones you've achieved, and what has been your success mantra?

One of my major milestones was transitioning from a non-clinical background to becoming a veterinary surgeon, particularly in a country where I am not a citizen. Leading a team of veterinarians and surgeons here in Dubai has been a significant achievement. To be honest there is no success mantra for me and I believe true success lies in achieving your peace of mind and contentment. I have been fortunate enough as I was raised in a ‘’Allah Conscious’’ upbringing which has instilled in me values and principles of life. Additionally, having a supportive partner has been crucial for my success. My husband - Yawar Amin, has been my rock, and without his support, I wouldn’t have come this far. For women, having a strong support system is essential to balancing both personal and professional success.

What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs or business leaders who want to succeed in their careers?

My advice would be to never give up. Trust your abilities and always aim high, because women are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to, whether in their personal or professional lives. We are strong and resilient. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between your personal and professional life. You can’t sacrifice one for the other and expect success. Once you find that balance, the sky is the limit.