Alumni of The Month

1.  Introduce yourself?

I am Dr. Omar Ahmed Muslim Al-Shoubaki, a graduate of the class of 1984/1985. I am a Consultant in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Burn Surgery, and the General Director of the Ibn Khaldun Center for Plastic and Laser Surgery. He obtained the Jordanian Board in General Surgery in 1992, followed by the Jordanian Board in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 1996. I have served as President of the International Academy of Plastic Surgery and as the former President of the Jordanian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. I am also a member of several local, regional, and international associations.

2. Share your fondest memory from your time at Jordan University.

My fondest memory at the University of Jordan is my graduation day, which was attended by my late parents, who were filled with great happiness and pride in this achievement.

3.  In one word, how would you describe Jordan University?

The University of Jordan is distinguished. It has a long history and a prestigious position, and combines academic quality with cultural diversity.

4.  Explain how your experiences at UJ shaped you?

The time I spent at university played a major role in shaping my personality and career. I acquired deep knowledge and technical skills, and developed my ability to think critically and deal with different situations, thanks to the distinguished faculty who had the greatest impact in building strong foundations for my current practice.

5. Discuss what fascinated you about your chosen course of study?

In my specialty, I loved the ability to make a positive difference in patients' lives, whether by achieving beauty standards or enhancing self-confidence. Each individual case presented a challenge and an opportunity for creativity, allowing me to integrate art with science. These experiences shaped my ongoing passion, and it became my permanent motto: "If I weren't a plastic surgeon, I would still choose to be a plastic surgeon."

6. Offer advice to graduating students preparing to enter the workforce?

The advice I give to students is to remember that medicine is a humanitarian profession first ,and that their primary goal is to help patients and serve humanity. I also recommend that they build relationships with their colleagues based on love, appreciation, and respect. Additionally, they should take care of their alma mater by supporting it and keeping up with developments so that it remains a beacon of science and knowledge locally, regionally, and internationally. I also encourage them to support their colleagues in the future by creating opportunities for specialization, cooperating in scientific research and papers, and exchanging experiences.

7.  Reflect on what you wish you had known during your time as a student?

I realized that technological development has radically changed the ways we conduct research and learn, as access to information has become faster and easier through electronic sources, digital databases, and open scientific journals. Developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning have also greatly facilitated the educational process. If these capabilities had been available during my studies, the learning process and methods of scientific research, as well as cooperation between the faculty and colleagues, would have been much easier and more effective, enriching scientific knowledge and professional experiences.

8.  Identify the person who has had the greatest impact on your career?

The greatest impact on my career came from a group of people, whether my university professors, colleagues, or even the patients I worked with, as each of them added unique experience and value to my life. I would like to especially mention my great teacher, the late Dr. Qandil Shaker, who was like a father and brother to us and guided us on the right path for our scientific and professional future. He was one of the teachers I am proud of and for whom I have the utmost appreciation and respect.​