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Dubai, UAE – Life often tests the strongest souls with the harshest storms. Some are broken, while others rise like a phoenix. Dr. Priya Rathish Nair, a Specialist Gynecologist at Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, is one such phoenix. Her story is not just about saving lives in operation theatres; it is about fighting for her own life and winning against all odds.
This is her journey – from a small-town girl in India to a frontline COVID warrior, a mother, a singer, a published author, and a medical survivor. Her story echoes strength, faith, and the unbreakable spirit of a woman who refused to give up.
Roots of Strength – Early Life and Education Born in Kerala, India, and raised in the outskirts of Nagpur, Maharashtra, Dr. Priya’s childhood was built on values of resilience and simplicity. Her father, Mr. V. G. Pratapan Menon, worked for Coal India, and frequent transfers shaped her adaptable spirit. Her mother, Mrs. Usha Menon, a postgraduate in Economics, sacrificed her career to raise her children. Her sacrifices taught Priya the importance of family and strength. Priya was an exceptional student. Despite growing up with limited resources, she secured 93.8% in her CBSE Class 10 exams and 94.33% in Class 12, becoming a school topper—all without private tuition.
She pursued her MBBS at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur, and later completed her MS in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Government Medical College, Nagpur. She also earned a DNB degree from the National Board of Examinations, Delhi.
Dreams and Sacrifices – The Road to Gynecology Priya initially dreamt of becoming a surgeon. But life had different plans. She was seven months pregnant when she secured a surgical seat far from home. With her unborn child and family in mind, she chose to stay close and opted for gynecology. A field she grew to love—a branch where she helped bring life into the world.
Leaving her three-month-old baby with her mother-in-law, she balanced motherhood and a demanding medical career. Her husband, Mr. Rathish Nair, and her mother-in-law stood as her pillars of support.
The COVID War – When Duty Called The year 2020 brought the world to its knees. As COVID-19 gripped humanity, doctors became warriors. Dr. Priya was one of them. While the world feared the virus, she walked into hospitals wearing her white coat like armor.
Operating on pregnant women who couldn’t breathe, handling emergencies without knowing the COVID status of patients—every day was a risk. She feared not for herself but for her children back home. But duty was above all.
The Battle for Her Own Life When the COVID vaccine was introduced, Dr. Priya was among the first to take it. The first dose was manageable. The second dose led to persistent fever and swollen lymph nodes. Doctors were puzzled. Tests revealed nothing.
Months later, the third dose in January 2022 unleashed what she calls the darkest days of her life. Low-grade fever, night sweats, exhaustion. She dragged herself to the hospital daily, her body giving up, but her spirit pushing forward.
The swelling spread across her body. When the biopsy report hinted at Stage IV Lymphoma—a cancer with a survival rate of six months—her world shattered. A mother of a 9-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son, she quietly began counting her days.
But faith never left her side. Lord Vishnu was her guiding light. With folded hands and tear-filled eyes, she prayed for a miracle.
And the miracle came. Her biopsy revealed Kikuchi Fujimoto Lymphadenitis—an extremely rare disease linked to the COVID vaccine. Relief washed over her, but the journey to recovery was painful. Steroids became her savior. Over the next six months, she fought back to life.
Published Her Own Case – For the World to Know Dr. Priya turned her pain into purpose. She published her rare case in the renowned international medical journal Cureus: https://www.cureus.com/articles/45979-kikuchi-fujimoto-lymphadenitis-a-rare-association-with-covid-19-vaccination
The article is an eye-opener for doctors globally.
Achievements Beyond the Stethoscope Dr. Priya’s hunger for knowledge and excellence didn’t stop. She authored two books:
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"Term Prelabour Rupture of Membrane and its Implication on Mother and Fetus" (BP International, 2023) – https://www.bookpi.org/bookstore/product/research-highlights-in-disease-and-health-research-vol-3/
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"Newer Contraceptives" (Akinik Publications, 2023) – https://www.akinik.com/
She is a proud reviewer for reputed medical journals like:
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Cureus Journal: https://www.cureus.com
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European Journal of Gynecological Oncology
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International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
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Asian Journal of Pregnancy and Childbirth: https://journalajpcb.com
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Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research: https://journaljammr.com
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BP International: https://www.bookpi.org
She holds three registered copyrights under the Government of India.
A Voice Beyond Medicine – Music Music runs in her blood. Inspired by her father, she trained in Carnatic music. In 2024, she became a pre-finalist in the global “Voice of Doctors” singing competition. She also contributed to two world records for non-stop singing in India.
A Mother’s Heart Amidst the accolades, she is a mother first. When she was preparing for chemotherapy, her children were not told the truth. Her son was just 3; her daughter was 9. They were told, “Mama will be home soon.”
The silent tears of a mother, the strength to protect her children from fear, defined her resilience.
UAE – A New Beginning In August 2024, Dr. Priya moved to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. She joined Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Centre, where she found a home away from home.
“The respect doctors receive in the UAE is heartwarming. In India, we often feared assaults from angry patients. Here, doctors are valued, and I feel safe,” she shared.
Lessons from Her Journey
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Faith is stronger than fear.
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Motherhood and career can coexist.
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Every setback is a setup for a comeback.
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Life’s challenges are not to break us, but to shape us.
Legacy of Hope Dr. Priya’s story is not of a legend but of a woman who turned pain into power. Her journey from death’s doorstep to a new life is a testament to the human spirit.
As she stands today, she does not just heal patients—she heals hearts. Her story through Voices of UAE is a beacon of hope, a reminder that no matter how dark the night, the sun will rise.
To the readers: When life knocks you down, rise stronger. And never stop believing in miracles.
Stay connected with Voices of UAE, an initiative by DXB News Network—UAE’s fastest-growing media platform that celebrates extraordinary stories like Dr. Priya’s. Together, we bring the world closer to Dubai and the UAE.
Article Prepared by - Amar Dhillon
Website: https://dxbnewsnetwork.com
Disclaimer: Voices of UAE – DXB News Network
Voices of UAE is an initiative by DXB News Network, dedicated to highlighting inspiring personal stories of individuals who are making a positive difference in their lives and contributing to the community in the UAE. The stories published under this platform reflect the personal views, experiences, and achievements of the individuals featured. DXB News Network strives to ensure that all content aligns with UAE media laws and regulations and is verified to the best of our editorial standards. However, the opinions expressed in these articles solely belong to the individuals featured and do not necessarily represent the views of DXB News Network or any affiliated parties. The content is intended for motivational and informational purposes. Readers are encouraged to exercise their own discretion when relying on the information. DXB News Network and Voices of UAE bear no responsibility for any personal decisions made based on the content shared in these stories. Published under the editorial policies and standards of DXB News Network, Dubai, UAE.For inquiries, contact:
editor@dxbnewsnetwork.com
www.dxbnewsnetwork.com
Feb. 19, 2025
5:07 p.m.
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