Dr Mamata Bothra: Bringing In The Best Medical Expertise For Her Little Patients
Dr Mamata Bothra
Specialist Pediatrician & Neonatologist
One such name is Dr Mamata Bothra, a compassionate paediatrician and neonatologist based in Dubai. She isn't just a doctor, she's a guardian of tiny beginnings. With a decade plus experience in Dubai, she's dedicated her life to caring for children, from the fragility of newborns to the complexities of adolescence. Her passion isn't just a profession, it's a calling. She is certified by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support (BLS), Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). With several degrees under her belt in the field of Paediatrics, she aspires to achieve even more in her field, continuously striving to keep healthcare patient-centric.
Give a brief account of your professional background and experience.
I'm a practising paediatrician and neonatologist with over 15 years of experience. After completing some of my medical degrees and training in India, I pursued a fellowship in neonatology in Dubai, where I have been practising for more than a decade.
I have always been passionate about medicine, and becoming a doctor was my childhood dream even when I could barely understand what it meant to be one. Growing up, visiting a doctor inspired me a lot. Of course, my parents were the driving force behind it. It gave me a sense of happiness seeing them work in healthcare and work miracles on ailing patients.
I chose paediatrics as my specialization because of my love for kids. Seeing them smiling and making a positive impact in their lives brings me immense joy and satisfaction. For me, this is not just a job, it is what I love doing every single day.
What are the major challenges parents with new-
borns face today?
Parents of newborns face several key challenges, including a lack of familial and community support due to the rise of nuclear families and dual-income households, the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on child development, and the growing epidemic of childhood obesity stemming from junk diet and reduced physical activity. These interconnected issues highlight the need for comprehensive societal support to help families navigate the complexities of raising children today.
What best practices do you bring to the hospital that set it apart from other child healthcare providers?
In medical practice, one must remain informed about the latest scientific guidelines. We consistently study, attend scientific meetings, participate in conferences and workshops, and undertake updated courses. These efforts ensure we stay abreast of the latest guidelines and evidence-based practices.
First off, I always try family-centred care. That means I don't just treat the kid, I treat the whole family. Parents are super important to me. I involve them in decisions, offer support, and try to make the whole experience less stressful as a sick kid impacts everyone.
Secondly, we're always striving for a less scary, more fun environment for the kids and parents in the hospital.
And finally, we're really focused on specialized medical care with exceptional care, quicker diagnosis, and less guesswork. We're actively listening to feedback and trying to stay ahead of the curve in child healthcare.
What are the major milestones that you have achieved in your professional journey?
I earned my MBBS degree, Diploma in Child Health, and an MD degree followed by a DNB degree while in India. I was practising at one of the best hospitals in Bombay before moving to Dubai. A neonatology degree along with a couple of fellowships while working in Dubai was a significant milestone in my career. Even today, I strive hard to stay abreast of all of the new developments and use them for best practices in our field.
Tell us about your leadership approach and what your success mantra has been.
Parents of newborns face several key challenges, including a lack of familial and community support due to the rise of nuclear families and dual-income households, the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on child development, and the growing epidemic of childhood obesity stemming from junk diet and reduced physical activity. These interconnected issues highlight the need for comprehensive societal support to help families navigate the complexities of raising children today.
Healthcare is a basic need, and everyone should have easier & affordable access to it
What best practices do you bring to the hospital that set it apart from other child healthcare providers?
In medical practice, one must remain informed about the latest scientific guidelines. We consistently study, attend scientific meetings, participate in conferences and workshops, and undertake updated courses. These efforts ensure we stay abreast of the latest guidelines and evidence-based practices.
First off, I always try family-centred care. That means I don't just treat the kid, I treat the whole family. Parents are super important to me. I involve them in decisions, offer support, and try to make the whole experience less stressful as a sick kid impacts everyone.
Secondly, we're always striving for a less scary, more fun environment for the kids and parents in the hospital.
And finally, we're really focused on specialized medical care with exceptional care, quicker diagnosis, and less guesswork. We're actively listening to feedback and trying to stay ahead of the curve in child healthcare.
What are the major milestones that you have achieved in your professional journey?
I earned my MBBS degree, Diploma in Child Health, and an MD degree followed by a DNB degree while in India. I was practising at one of the best hospitals in Bombay before moving to Dubai. A neonatology degree along with a couple of fellowships while working in Dubai was a significant milestone in my career. Even today, I strive hard to stay abreast of all of the new developments and use them for best practices in our field.
Tell us about your leadership approach and what your success mantra has been.
I always believe in leading by example. My guiding principle, or "success mantra", could be summarized as "evidence-based excellence through collaborative action". This reflects my commitment to utilizing the best available evidence to inform our decisions and actions, while simultaneously emphasizing the critical role of teamwork and collaboration in achieving exceptional patient outcomes and fostering a high-performing team. The pursuit of excellence isn't just about individual achievement, it is a collective endeavour that requires mutual support and a shared commitment to our shared purpose.
My leadership approach centres on providing overall direction and guidance, I trust my colleagues to make informed decisions within their areas of expertise. Open communication, transparency, and mutual respect are paramount to our success. Regular feedback sessions, both formal and informal, ensure that we are all aligned on goals and addressing challenges effectively. My focus is on creating a culture that values continuous improvement and learning through shared experiences and constructive criticism.
Lastly, I believe that hard work is the key to success and I always tell youngsters not to be lazy and to start working hard very early in life, as with hard work only one can achieve anything.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
Currently, I would continue practising in Dubai while continuously upgrading my skills and knowledge. I am planning to pursue one or two specialized courses.
What advice would you give to the upcoming healthcare industry leaders?
Healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Yet, costs are skyrocketing, putting essential treatments and even vaccinations out of reach for many families. This is unacceptable. As healthcare leaders, we have a responsibility to address this inequity and ensure that every child has access to quality care. We all must work to improve the healthcare system and ensure that high quality services are available to all, regardless of their background.
Dr Mamata Bothra, Specialist Pediatrician & Neonatologist, International Modern Hospital
Combining her extensive expertise with a patient-centered approach, Dr Mamata Bothra ensures the highest standards of care for her young patients.
My leadership approach centres on providing overall direction and guidance, I trust my colleagues to make informed decisions within their areas of expertise. Open communication, transparency, and mutual respect are paramount to our success. Regular feedback sessions, both formal and informal, ensure that we are all aligned on goals and addressing challenges effectively. My focus is on creating a culture that values continuous improvement and learning through shared experiences and constructive criticism.
Lastly, I believe that hard work is the key to success and I always tell youngsters not to be lazy and to start working hard very early in life, as with hard work only one can achieve anything.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
Currently, I would continue practising in Dubai while continuously upgrading my skills and knowledge. I am planning to pursue one or two specialized courses.
What advice would you give to the upcoming healthcare industry leaders?
Healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Yet, costs are skyrocketing, putting essential treatments and even vaccinations out of reach for many families. This is unacceptable. As healthcare leaders, we have a responsibility to address this inequity and ensure that every child has access to quality care. We all must work to improve the healthcare system and ensure that high quality services are available to all, regardless of their background.
Dr Mamata Bothra, Specialist Pediatrician & Neonatologist, International Modern Hospital
Combining her extensive expertise with a patient-centered approach, Dr Mamata Bothra ensures the highest standards of care for her young patients.