Maria Colavita.
As the first and only Italian female urologist practising in the Muslim world, my journey has been shaped by ambition, grief, cultural curiosity, and ultimately, profound transformation. What began with an unexpected invitation has become a story of bridging cultures – of finding both personal healing and a new professional home in Qatar. My hope is that sharing my experiences can illuminate the humanity that connects us all, across faiths, borders and traditions.
Origins – a life dedicated to medicine and learning
My journey began in Italy, where I completed medical school and dual specialisations in urology and gynaecology. From early on, I was drawn to medicine not just as a science, but as a calling – the chance to serve people, restore dignity and make a tangible difference in the lives of patients.
During my years at the National Cancer Institute in Milan, I encountered Professor Giorgio Pizzocaro, a legendary figure in urologic oncology and one of my greatest mentors. Under his tutelage, I honed my skills in some of the most demanding and complex surgeries. Giorgio was a pioneer, and his willingness to trust, challenge and teach me instilled a confidence and curiosity that would later define much of my career.
Our connection grew beyond mentorship; together, we navigated both professional milestones and personal joys, welcoming a daughter into our lives. Yet destiny tested us: Giorgio’s early decline with Alzheimer’s disease was a profound loss, both personally and for the medical community. When we both left the Cancer Institute, I carried with me not only his wisdom, but a promise – to bring the fruits of his legacy to a place that needed them most.
Setting sail – offshore medicine, Oman and new invitations
In 2011, my career took a different path, from Italian hospitals to the world of offshore sports medicine. I was called as a physician to work with the team of Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani, captain of a prominent offshore powerboat team competing against teams from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The author with Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani at Lake Como.
It was an unexpected world, high-adrenaline, competitive and full of cultural exchange. My role was to ensure the health and safety of the team, often in challenging conditions. I took this chance to learn more Arabic, drawing on my previous experience opening a clinic for infertility in Sur, Oman, earlier that year.
Oman brought me my first taste of real hospitality in the Arabian Peninsula. In Sur, a local family welcomed me into their home, treating me as one of their own. This warmth and generosity touched me deeply, countering so many Western misconceptions about Arab societies and planting the seeds for what was to come.
Fate, grief and a letter from Qatar
After the offshore season, I met Sheikh Hassan and shared with him my modest Arabic and my enthusiasm for his country. To my surprise, he invited me to visit Qatar, a country I had vaguely heard of but never imagined living in.
At the end of 2011, as I was considering this invitation, tragedy struck at home. My father passed away, and grief overshadowed every decision. Yet, perhaps seeking escape or renewal, I accepted Sheikh Hassan’s offer. The invitation felt like more than coincidence; it felt like a door opening when I most needed faith in the future.
A taxi driver and an unexpected opportunity
Arriving in Qatar for the first time, I was simply a visitor, planning to stay briefly before returning to Italy. But as so often happens on journeys, a chance encounter changed everything. While touring Doha, the local taxi driver and I conversed openly about my profession, my loss and my uncertainty for the future. On the way back to the airport, he motioned toward a modern clinic – the Al Hayat Medical Center – and said, “Why don’t you leave your CV there? You never know, maybe this country is calling you.” He added, “Women are very respected here. Qatar is the safest country in the world.”
His words stayed with me. Just before check-out, on a whim, I dropped off a copy of my CV at the clinic. The next day, back in Italy, I received a call from Al Hayat Medical Center. They wanted to know if I was interested in joining as a urologist.
Saying yes to Qatar was as impulsive as it was visionary. I held two specialisations, urology and gynaecology. I was leaving behind familiarity, friends and the weight of recent loss. When I landed in Doha in October 2012, I was greeted by a society moving at incredible speed, a place of tradition and ambition, of deep faith and rapid modernisation.
Breaking barriers in Doha
As the only female urologist in Doha, I have had the privilege of serving a community that values compassion, care and expertise. Working in a field dominated by men, I have faced my fair share of challenges, but the rewards have far outweighed the obstacles.
Initially, I worried nobody would come to see me. Female urologists are rare even in some areas of Europe, let alone in the Gulf. Yet, within months, word spread that a new Italian lady doctor had joined Al Hayat. In less than six months, I saw 4000 patients – men and women, local and expatriate, many seeking a listening ear and hope for conditions often hidden or stigmatised. I’ve had the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, whether it’s treating kidney stones, urinary infections or other urological issues prevalent in Doha’s climate. But it’s not just my medical expertise that’s earned me the trust of my patients – it’s my approach, my empathy and my willingness to listen.
Patients came not only from Qatar, but from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Many women who might have suffered in silence found a physician they could trust. Many men confided their most sensitive and taboo issues – infertility, sexual dysfunction and urological disorders – grateful for my professionalism and respect. I’ve had the privilege of helping couples salvage their marriages by providing a safe and non-judgmental space to discuss their intimate concerns. My patients have been overwhelmingly polite, respectful and receptive to my advice, and I’ve been humbled by their appreciation for my care.
The author with the Director of the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar.
Many patients have genuinely touched my heart. There was the young couple, struggling with infertility, who had been married for five years without success. They were hesitant to discuss their issues with anyone, fearing judgment or shame. After a series of consultations, we were able to identify the underlying cause of their infertility, and they were able to conceive naturally. They are now proud parents of a healthy child, and I am grateful to have played a part in their journey. In my honour they called the baby, Mohammed Maria. Then there was a middle-aged man, suffering from erectile dysfunction, who was too embarrassed to discuss his symptoms with anyone. He had become withdrawn and isolated, fearing his condition would affect his marriage. With gentle care and understanding, I was able to help him address the reasons behind his condition, and he is now back to his normal self, grateful for a second chance at a happy marriage. And, finally, the woman, suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections, who had been misdiagnosed and mistreated by several doctors. She was frustrated and desperate for a solution. I worked with her to develop a personalised treatment plan, which has brought her relief and restored her quality of life.
Challenging stereotypes – respect, inclusion and faith
Everything I had heard in Italy about Arab society, was turned upside down. My patients showed me unfailing politeness and gratitude. After clinic hours, I was often invited to weddings, family farms and community gatherings. While I was usually the only woman present, the respect I was accorded was immense. Far from feeling alienated, I was embraced as a colleague, a guest and sometimes even as a member of the community.
Through all this, I discovered a Qatar that values contribution, excellence and – yes – women. I also witnessed the high value placed on family, kindness and the dignity of every person who works to build society. Those who contribute are welcomed, those who cannot or do not are quietly redirected elsewhere. Above all, I was surprised to observe such strong respect and protection for women, far removed from the dark stereotypes often circulated in Western media.
Spiritual awakening – finding Islam and new meaning
My time in Qatar was not only a professional journey but a spiritual one. Surrounded by the daily rhythm of prayer and the deep faith of my patients and colleagues, I grew fascinated with Islam and began to explore its teachings more deeply.
What I found was a religion of peace, charity and respect for knowledge, one where each chapter of the Quran offers guidance for the whole of human experience. I learned that spirituality could live hand in hand with scientific medicine, giving comfort and resilience to both patients and doctors.
I began to understand what it means to be a spiritual doctor, treating not just the illness but the soul, the family and the community. My journey into Islam was not missionary but lived; in the daily practices, values and perspectives of those around me, I found a spirit of generosity, forgiveness and hope that profoundly shaped my own professional identity. Today, I am a living testament that stereotypes can be shattered; the world is richer, kinder and more interconnected than fear or prejudice can ever admit.
The author featured in an article in the Gulf Times.
Making an impact – recognition, teaching and community work
My work soon caught the attention of not only patients but also the Ministry of Public Health. Surprised – and, by all evidence, delighted – that a woman, alone, from Italy, could establish herself in such a field, the director reached out. He expressed admiration and personally worked to ensure I could contribute to the health of the larger community, especially during the unique challenges of Covid-19. During the pandemic, my clinic became a haven for those navigating unprecedented fears. The health system at large, guided by visionary leadership, worked tirelessly for the benefit of all, Qatari and expat alike. I found myself teaching at Qatar University, featured in the Gulf Times and other media, and helping train the next generation of doctors. Each achievement was a step not for me alone, but for every woman, local or foreign, seeking to break boundaries, heal divisions and serve with compassion.
The bridge between East and West
When I look back – from Miranda, my childhood home in Italy, to the sparkling towers of Doha – what stands out is not the distance, but the continuity. The longing for home never faded, but my heart expanded to include so much more. Through service, loss and discovery, I learned that home is not just a place, but a mission, a set of values and a connection to others.
No matter what I had been told about Muslims or the Middle East, my own experience revealed a culture of peace, respect and profound generosity. Qatar gave me the gift of seeing myself, and my profession, anew. It taught me that to be a true doctor, one must heal not only bodies but also hearts and minds. One must build bridges – across languages, faiths and borders.
Conclusion
As I reflect on my 13-year journey in Qatar, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this community and to have grown both personally and professionally. My experience has taught me that, despite our cultural and linguistic differences, we are all united by our shared humanity, and that it’s our compassion, empathy and kindness that truly make us exceptional healthcare providers. And in these times, when division is so easily sown, stories of connection, hope and mutual respect are more vital
than ever.
Declaration of competing interests: None declared.
