Ryan and I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Dubai this past week. When we were at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting in New Orleans in February, we met several dermatologists from the Middle East who expressed a need for dermatopathology expertise in that region of the world, and who told us about their regional meeting being held in Dubai. We have talked about expanding our practice internationally for a long time, and decided this was the time and place to explore that possibility. It was a big leap into the unknown, but turned out to be an amazing experience. We went with our two other key associates in our company, and learned so much and came away with many great contacts and 5 invitations for Ryan to speak at meetings in the region within the next year. There is a great need, not only for regular biopsy diagnosis, like Ryan does now for his American clients, but also for expert consultation and also for education and for humanitarian work. There are the wealthiest of the wealthy in the region, but also the poorest of the poor. It really was an incredible response and we are so grateful for the opportunity we had to go, and for the opportunities that are ahead. Here are a few pictures of some of the sights:
The Burj Khalifa--The tallest building in the world--
and the view from the observation deck on the 124th floor
The beach on the Persian Gulf
A traditional spice shop in the old Souk (market) area of town
The Jumeirah mosque-one of the few non-Muslims can tour
There is a mosque on every other corner all through the city
Ski Dubai-the indoor ski slope in one of the malls
