A Lifetime Dedicated to Children's Health
Discover the journey, philosophy, and unwavering commitment of a leading Paediatrician and Neonatologist.
Our Mission: A Partnership in Health
From the very first, fragile breath of a newborn to the confident strides of a young adult, the journey of childhood is a precious one. My mission as a paediatrician and neonatologist is to be a steadfast partner to parents and a vigilant guardian of their children's health throughout this journey. I believe that exceptional medical care is built on a foundation of compassion, communication, and trust. It's not just about treating illnesses; it's about nurturing well-being, empowering families with knowledge, and celebrating every developmental milestone along the way.
My practice is guided by a simple yet profound principle: every child deserves to reach their full potential. This means providing evidence-based, patient-centric care that is tailored to the unique needs of each infant, child, and adolescent. It involves creating a welcoming and reassuring environment where parents feel heard, questions are encouraged, and concerns are addressed with empathy and respect. My commitment extends beyond the clinic walls, aiming to be a reliable resource for families as they navigate the beautiful and complex path of parenthood.
Evidence-Based Medicine: My clinical decisions are rooted in the latest scientific research and international best practices, ensuring your child receives the most effective and safest treatments available.
Parent-Doctor Partnership: I view my relationship with parents as a collaborative partnership. You are the expert on your child, and your insights are invaluable. Together, we will make informed decisions that align with your family’s values and goals.
Compassionate Communication: I understand that a child's illness can be a stressful time for any family. I am committed to communicating clearly, patiently, and compassionately, ensuring you understand your child’s condition and treatment plan completely.
Holistic & Preventive Approach: Health is more than the absence of disease. I focus on the whole child, including their physical, developmental, and emotional well-being, with a strong emphasis on preventive care, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices.
The Journey to Paediatric Excellence
Early Calling and Education
My path to medicine, and specifically to paediatrics, was not a choice but a calling. From a young age, I was drawn to the science of healing and possessed a deep-seated desire to care for others. This calling led me to the prestigious Dow University of Health Sciences, where I embarked on my medical education. It was during my clinical rotations that my passion for child health crystallized. I was profoundly moved by the resilience of children and the unique privilege of helping them start their lives on the healthiest possible footing. This solidified my resolve to specialize in Paediatrics.
Driven by a pursuit of global standards of excellence, I sought postgraduate training in the United Kingdom. This journey culminated in achieving the coveted Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH). This rigorous program provided me with comprehensive, world-class training across all facets of child health, from the intricacies of neonatal intensive care to the nuances of adolescent medicine. The experience not only honed my clinical skills but also instilled in me a commitment to lifelong learning and the principles of evidence-based practice that remain the cornerstone of my work today.
A Career Forged in Leading Hospitals
With over 17 years of hands-on experience, my professional journey has been diverse and deeply rewarding, spanning leading healthcare institutions in both Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. I began my career at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Pakistan, a renowned tertiary care center, where I managed a wide spectrum of paediatric and neonatal emergencies. This high-pressure environment sharpened my diagnostic skills and my ability to perform critical procedures with precision and calm.
Upon relocating to the UAE, I continued to build upon this strong foundation. I have had the privilege of serving in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) of several prominent hospitals in Sharjah. In these advanced units, I have been responsible for the care of the most vulnerable patients: extreme preterm infants, newborns with complex congenital anomalies, and critically ill babies requiring advanced life support like high-frequency ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide therapy. Managing these high-risk cases has given me a profound understanding of the delicate balance required to nurture these tiny patients towards health. My role has always extended beyond medical treatment to include providing crucial emotional and informational support to families during their most challenging moments.
Advanced Skills & Procedures
A significant part of my expertise involves performing highly specialized and often life-saving procedures for neonates and children. This requires not only technical proficiency but also a calm and steady hand under pressure. My extensive training and years in critical care settings have equipped me with the skills to confidently manage complex situations. I am proficient in a range of advanced procedures that are critical in the NICU and paediatric emergency settings.
- Advanced Airway Management: This includes neonatal and paediatric intubation, a delicate procedure to secure a breathing tube, ensuring patients can receive mechanical ventilation when they cannot breathe on their own.
- Vascular Access: I am skilled in inserting umbilical arterial and venous catheters in newborns, which are vital for continuous monitoring and administration of medications and nutrition. I also perform central line placements for longer-term IV access.
- Chest Tube Insertion: This is a critical intervention for treating conditions like pneumothorax (collapsed lung), where air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall.
- Lumbar Puncture: A diagnostic procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid, essential for ruling out or confirming serious infections like meningitis.
"As a mother and a doctor, I understand the concerns of parents. My goal is to provide not only expert medical care but also reassurance and clear communication, building a partnership for your child's health."
— Dr. Sumaira Rafiq
Areas of Expertise
My core specialization lies in Neonatology, the field dedicated to the care of newborns, particularly those who are ill or born prematurely. My extensive experience in Level III NICUs includes:
- Management of Extreme Pre-term & Low Birth Weight Infants: Comprehensive care for babies born as early as 24 weeks, focusing on nutrition, respiratory support, and neurodevelopment.
- High-Risk Delivery Attendance: Leading resuscitation and stabilization efforts in the delivery room for anticipated high-risk births.
- Advanced Ventilation Support: Expertise in various modes of respiratory support, including conventional and high-frequency ventilation, as well as non-invasive methods like CPAP.
- Complex Medical Conditions: Diagnosing and managing a wide range of neonatal issues such as Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN), neonatal seizures, birth asphyxia, and neonatal sepsis.
- Post-NICU Follow-up: Ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home and monitoring long-term growth and development.
Beyond the NICU, I provide a full spectrum of general paediatric services to support children as they grow and thrive:
- Well-Child Visits & Developmental Screening: Tracking growth, monitoring developmental milestones, and providing age-appropriate guidance.
- Vaccinations and Preventive Health: Administering vaccines according to UAE and international guidelines and counseling on injury prevention and healthy habits.
- Acute Illness Management: Diagnosing and treating common childhood illnesses, from colds and flu to more complex infections.
- Chronic Condition Management: Ongoing care for children with conditions such as asthma, allergies, and eczema.
- Nutritional Guidance: Advising on breastfeeding, formula feeding, introduction of solid foods, and healthy eating for all ages.
Commitment to Family Education
I strongly believe that an informed parent is an empowered parent. A crucial part of my role extends beyond diagnosis and treatment; it involves educating families. I dedicate time in every consultation to explain conditions in understandable terms, discuss treatment options thoroughly, and answer every question. Whether it’s demonstrating the correct way to use an asthma inhaler, creating a feeding plan for a growing infant, or providing resources on developmental milestones, my goal is to equip parents with the confidence and knowledge they need to be active participants in their child’s healthcare journey. This commitment is also why I am passionate about creating online resources, which you can find in our Blog section.
Ready to Partner for Your Child's Health?
Schedule a consultation to experience compassionate, expert paediatric care.