In January 2016, an Azerbaijani lady faced two monumental challenges that would redefine her life’s trajectory. Freshly stepping into motherhood and simultaneously defending her PhD, she dared to step out of her comfort zone. With determination to test her strength, she moved from the historic landscapes of Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire, to the boundless opportunities of the UAE. This bold transition marked not just a geographical leap but the beginning of an exhilarating adventure in the Oasis of Opportunity.
This is the story of Dr. Sabrin Ali Azim. Her arrival in the UAE was not just a relocation—it was an initiation into a new world, one that demanded reinvention. With no roadmap but a strong belief in her own capabilities, she dived headfirst into her work, determined to make her mark in healthcare and education. The field of dentistry and medicine, often bound by tradition, became her canvas for innovation. She saw what others overlooked, questioned what was taken for granted, and pushed for advancements that would reshape the way future professionals were trained.
Crafting the Future of Dentistry
Dr. Sabrin’s journey into Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery was not merely a career choice but a calling—one that became evident during an enlightening night shift at Azerbaijan Medical University. Influenced by her father Prof. Ali Azim, a distinguished professor of dermatology, she embraced medicine with a deep sense of purpose and ethics. Her passion for OMFS stemmed from its immediate and transformative impact on patients’ lives, aligning with her commitment to service and efficiency.
With over 27 esteemed publications, Dr. Sabrin actively contributes to research and advocacy, emphasizing sustainability and public health in dental education. Her career is a bridge between cultures, fostering global academic exchange and advancing healthcare practices. Driven by a mission to educate and empower ethical medical professionals, she continues to shape the future of dentistry through her expertise, leadership, and unwavering dedication.
Overcoming Societal Barriers
Dr. Sabrin has navigated the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated surgical field with determination and resilience. Facing early biases that questioned her place in surgery, she used scepticism as motivation, rising from senior lecturer to associate professor and breaking barriers in her field.
An Odyssey of Perseverance
As Chief Officer for Global Climate and Health Programs at GSISD and Deputy Councilor for the Africa and Middle East Region at AzSOMS, Dr. Sabrin has led initiatives that expand healthcare access and integrate climate awareness into public health. Her leadership roles, including Associate Member of the Women Researchers Council and Head of International Affairs at the Azerbaijan Association of Volunteer Doctors, reflect her commitment to empowering women in science and healthcare.
By establishing dental colleges and clinics and advancing education standards in the UAE, Dr. Sabrin continues to pave the way for future female leaders. Her journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, proving that leadership is defined by vision and impact, not gender.
Quest to Redefine Global Healthcare
Dr. Sabrin’s leadership style is inclusive, forward-thinking, and deeply patient-centered, driven by integrity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. She prioritizes collaboration, education, and global impact, ensuring that her initiatives enhance both dental education and broader healthcare systems.
A defining moment in her career was leaving Azerbaijan to start anew in the UAE, a bold step that reinforced her belief in leadership as a bridge between regions and disciplines. She spearheaded collaborations between the Azerbaijan Medical University and Ras Al Khaimah Medical & Health Sciences University, conducted international research methodology training under TABIB and “Alim” Scientific Association, Gunel Safarova, and provided mentorship to students in Azerbaijan. Additionally she has provided lectures to a Yemeni students at Aden Gulf International University. Her lectures at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy further underscored her commitment to global medical education.
For Dr. Sabrin, leadership is not about titles but about creating opportunities, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that knowledge reaches those who need it most.
Fusion of Sustainability, AI, and Global Healthcare
Dr. Sabrin has implemented innovative strategies that bridge sustainability, AI, and medical education. At COP29 in Baku, she highlighted dentistry’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainability, presenting pioneering research on green dentistry in the UAE. Her leadership has fostered groundbreaking projects, including a special needs clinic blueprint and AI-driven research in oral and maxillofacial surgery, both earning top awards.
She champions diversity and inclusion, leading multidisciplinary training at Tabib Academy in Baku, integrating medicine, law, and economics to prepare students for global healthcare challenges.
Envisioning a Brighter Future for Women in Healthcare
For aspiring women professionals, her advice is to aim high, embrace competition, seek mentorship, and foster inclusivity. She credits her parents as her greatest mentors—her mother taught resilience and empathy, while her father instilled hard work and integrity. Their lessons continue to shape her leadership, guiding her to uplift others while driving excellence in medicine and education.
Dr. Sabrin actively leverages her platform to empower women in business by providing them with opportunities to engage in high-level research, participate in critical discussions, and lead projects that drive innovation in healthcare. Through seminars, workshops, and conferences, she champions greater female representation and leadership, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued. Her commitment extends beyond individual success, aiming to nurture an equitable, robust, and forward-thinking healthcare ecosystem where women play a vital role in shaping the industry’s future.
Her vision for the future of the dental and medical industries is deeply rooted in integration, innovation, and inclusivity. She envisions a landscape where interdisciplinary collaboration becomes the norm, with technology and sustainability at the forefront of both education and practice. Drawing from her extensive experience, she has been instrumental in integrating AI-driven diagnostics and simulation-based training, significantly enhancing the learning environment and preparing students for a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Dr. Sabrin firmly believes that women will play a pivotal role in this transformation. Their unique perspectives, particularly in fostering collaboration and empathy, are essential for driving meaningful advancements in the field. Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to mentoring and supporting female professionals, guiding them toward leadership roles in healthcare. By doing so, she not only increases female participation in STEM fields but also ensures that innovative projects and healthcare initiatives are shaped by a diverse range of experiences and insights.
She emphasizes that the leadership of women will be crucial in shaping advancements ranging from biotechnological innovations to comprehensive healthcare strategies that improve accessibility and equity. Her leadership in collaborative projects developing sustainable healthcare solutions highlights the importance of addressing both local and global challenges with forward-thinking approaches. By advocating for and implementing environmentally sustainable practices in clinical settings, she aligns her efforts with broader global health goals, ensuring that future healthcare systems are both efficient and ecologically responsible.
By fostering an environment where women in leadership thrive, Dr. Sabrin ensures that a diverse set of voices is included in decision-making processes. She believes that this inclusivity strengthens the industry’s ability to navigate complex global health challenges and enhances the collective approach to patient care. Her ongoing commitment to bridging gaps between different healthcare systems and cultures serves as a vital step in preparing future healthcare leaders for the intricacies of an interconnected world.
Legacy of Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact
When considering the legacy she hopes to leave for future generations of women leaders, Dr. Sabrin aspires to be remembered for her contributions to empowerment, resilience, and innovation. She seeks to demonstrate that with determination, support, and strategic vision, individuals can excel in any field, including those traditionally dominated by gender biases. By breaking down barriers and paving new pathways, she hopes to inspire future generations not just to achieve success but to redefine the possibilities within their professions.
Her legacy is one of advocacy for technological advancements, sustainable practices, and empathetic leadership. She believes in fostering an environment where aspiring professionals—regardless of gender—receive the mentorship and opportunities needed to thrive. By championing diversity and inclusion, she aims to enrich the healthcare field, ensuring it remains dynamic and prepared for the evolving needs of society.
Lessons on Growth, Mentorship, and the Power of Community
Reflecting on her own journey, Dr. Sabrin acknowledges the importance of learning from those who have come before. If she could offer advice to her younger self, it would be to carefully observe and take inspiration from those further along in their paths—using the successes and strategies of accomplished individuals as guiding examples. She also emphasizes the significance of extending a helping hand to those in need, recognizing that the support one provides can profoundly impact others while also enriching one’s own experiences.
Above all, she underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people. She advises young professionals to choose their circles wisely, ensuring they build relationships with individuals who not only inspire and challenge them but also share their values and provide mutual support. In her view, these connections form the foundation of both personal and professional growth, shaping a journey toward success and meaningful impact.
