From grit to glory: One woman’s mission to save lives and hearts

Many residents of the UAE are well acquainted with the remarkable achievements of Maryam Matar, MD, PhD, in her diverse roles on the national stage as a doctor, geneticist, policy maker, government official, health influencer, public speaker, and the founder of multiple charitable organisations. However, her stature as one of the world's foremost female scientists, and the path she undertook to attain this position, remains less known.

When she speaks of her journey, it is coloured with anecdotes, memories and motivational tales, and she does not dwell on how difficult it was. To overcome challenges on her path, she simply made every step count and every act matter, in the care of people and in the service of society. The resulting story is the definition of rising above the ordinary and revising the norm.

Humble beginnings

Maryam recalls her childhood to motivate anyone who thinks their own circumstances are dire. "I grew up with nine brothers and sisters in a simple and ordinary home," she explains. "My parents were not literate, but they encouraged all their children to study hard, score high marks, and achieve something."

She is candid about the backdrop of her sterling career. "My grandmother was a popular herbalist,...