For many of us, a visit to an ENT specialist only happens when a problem becomes difficult to ignore — persistent sinus issues, changes in hearing, recurring ear infections, snoring, or a throat problem that just won’t go away. But behind every consultation is a doctor who gets to know his patients, understands their concerns and helps them find the right path forward.
This week, we get On the Couch with Dr Omar Daib, Specialist Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon at Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital. With experience treating both adults and children across a wide range of ENT conditions, Dr Daib shares a little about his career, his approach to patient care and the person behind the medical scrubs.
We also get to know him away from the hospital — what motivates him, how he unwinds and the advice he often finds himself giving to those closest to him.
Springfield Weekly Gazette : What made you choose ENT as your speciality, and what do you enjoy most about being an ENT surgeon?
Dr Daib: I chose ENT because it combines medicine and surgery, with a great variety of cases and a good quality of life. What I enjoy most is making a real difference in patients’ lives, especially when managing an airway emergency where timely treatment can be life-saving.
SWG: You work with both adults and children — what do you find most rewarding about treating younger patients?
Dr Daib: Treating children is very rewarding. When you help a child feel better and see the relief on the faces of both the child and the parents, it gives me a great sense of satisfaction.
SWG: What is one common ENT symptom or problem that people tend to ignore, but really shouldn’t?
Dr Daib: I would say mouth breathing or snoring in children, especially if there are pauses in breathing, as this can sometimes indicate a serious problem. In adults, a persistent or worsening change in the voice should also be checked.
SWG: Is there a common misconception about ear, nose and throat health that you’d love to clear up?
Dr Daib: I think many people believe that hearing loss is just a normal part of getting older. But hearing loss can have different causes, and it is important to have it properly assessed because, in many cases, we can help.
SWG: After all your years in medicine, is there a particular patient or moment in your career that has stayed with you?
Dr Daib: One patient who has stayed in my memory was a child who came to me with ear discharge and poor hearing. Other children at school were making fun of him because of the discharge from his ear. After treatment, his ear improved and his hearing became much better. Seeing the relief and confidence in the child afterwards was very rewarding for me. It reminded me how much we can improve a child’s quality of life.
SWG: What do you enjoy most about your life outside the hospital?
Dr Daib: Outside the hospital, I enjoy spending time with my family, meeting friends and, most importantly, playing and making memories with my children.
SWG: When you’re not seeing patients or performing surgery, how do you like to switch off and recharge?
Dr Daib: I like to keep things simple. I enjoy going for walks, spending time with my children and doing things that take my mind away from work.
SWG: What is one piece of health advice you find yourself giving to family and friends again and again?
Dr Daib: I always tell my family and friends: if something doesn’t feel right or keeps getting worse, don’t ignore it. Get it checked early.
SWG: What can a patient expect when they come to see you for the first time — especially someone who may be nervous about seeing an ENT specialist?
Dr Daib: I always try to make patients feel comfortable. I listen to their concerns, explain the problem clearly and discuss the treatment options with them. I want every patient to leave feeling reassured and well informed.
SWG: If you could give every reader one simple piece of advice about looking after their ears, nose and throat, what would it be?
Dr Daib: Listen to your body. If you have a problem that doesn’t go away, don’t ignore it — get it checked.
Whether it’s a persistent sinus problem, hearing concerns or a throat issue, knowing who you are placing your care in makes all the difference. Dr Daib reminds us that good medicine is not only about expertise, but also about listening, understanding and making patients feel comfortable.
We thank Dr Daib for joining us On the Couch and giving our readers a glimpse into both his professional world and the person behind the doctor.
