NOUR, Dr Fathia Mohamed

Somaliland - Family Physician

Featured Doctor:
Dr. Fathia Mohamed Nour

Somaliland - Family Physician

Dr. Fathia Nour is a beacon of dedication and innovation in the field of family medicine in Somaliland. As one of the first graduates from Amoud University's Family Medicine program, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the healthcare landscape in her country. Her journey, marked by resilience and commitment, is an inspiring tale of overcoming challenges to improve healthcare delivery.

Born in Hargeisa, Somaliland, Dr. Nour pursued her Bachelor of Science in Medicine (MBBS) from Amoud University, graduating in July 2008. She was among the first batch of graduates from the Family Medicine program established at Amoud University in 2012. This program was a collaborative effort supported by American family physicians who volunteered their expertise. "With the help of American family physicians, the faculty volunteered selflessly. Now, we have taken over, but they mentored us and stayed with us throughout," Dr. Nour recalls.

The establishment of the Family Medicine program was a significant milestone for Somaliland. "Somaliland is a country which was established after the collapse of central Somalia as a self-declared country. The healthcare system collapsed and started from scratch," Dr. Nour explains. She has been integral to this transformation, witnessing and contributing to the program's growth and success.

Dr. Nour's experience as one of the first batch of graduates has given her a unique perspective on the challenges and successes of family medicine in Somaliland. She highlighted the community's lack of understanding of family medicine as a specialty as a significant challenge. "The community does not understand us as specialists who can provide varied care. They often see us as just general practitioners, not recognizing the broad range of care we provide," she elaborates.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Nour and her colleagues have made remarkable strides in healthcare delivery. They provide comprehensive care that includes both primary care and more specialized services. "From primary care at the community level to intensive care at the NICU, that’s the broad range of care that family doctors provide to the people in Somaliland," Dr. Nour emphasizes.

Dr. Nour's dedication to her profession extends beyond clinical practice to impactful research and leadership. Her studies have focused on improving essential newborn care, integrating public and private sector family medicine, and assessing the effectiveness of bedside teaching. These efforts are crucial in enhancing the quality of healthcare in Somaliland.

In her role as an educator, Dr. Nour has been instrumental in training the next generation of family physicians. "The most important thing that graduates are doing is teaching. They teach at the universities, producing the next generation of doctors equipped with good knowledge and skills," she states. Her commitment to education ensures that the advancements in family medicine continue to benefit future healthcare professionals and their patients.

One of the highlights of the WONCA Africa Conference in Nairobi was Dr. Nour's presentation, where she shared the successes and challenges of family medicine in Somaliland. Her story was motivating to others in WONCA who are championing primary health care across the continent. Her presentation received a thundering applause, reflecting the profound impact of her work and dedication.

Dr. Nour's contributions have not gone unnoticed. She extends her heartfelt appreciation to her mentors, stating, "I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Kara Beth Thompson, Professor Walhad, and Dr. Mohamed M. Jibril for their invaluable guidance and support." Additionally, she acknowledges the support of the Montegut Scholarship, supported by the American Board of Family Medicine Foundation which enabled her participation in the WONCA Africa region Conference and furthered her professional development. "I would also like to express my gratitude to the Montegut Scholarship for enabling my participation in this conference," she adds.

As Dr. Nour continues to inspire her peers and students, her vision for the future of healthcare in Somaliland remains clear. "Being at WONCA conferences, we are inspired and learn from those who have gone through similar challenges. We take their footsteps and may succeed based on that," she reflects.

Dr. Fathia Nour's journey is a remarkable example of how passion, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning can drive significant change in healthcare. Her efforts in building a robust family medicine program and her relentless pursuit of excellence in both clinical practice and medical education have made her a respected figure in the medical community. Her story is a shining beacon for all family physicians, illustrating that with dedication and support, it is possible to transform healthcare systems and improve lives, even in the most challenging environments.

Interview with Dr. Fathia Nour

Interview with Dr. Fathia Nour, conducted by Prof Bob Mash, WONCA Africa President Elect, at the WONCA Africa Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.