8 Things Only Lebanese Doctors Can Relate To

The path to become a doctor is one that takes a lot of hard work and tons of patience. However, even years after graduating, you still need even more patience if you’re a practicing doctor in Lebanon. Here’s why:

1. El Jara is your number one competition

Doctor: “Kef fiyye se3dik?“
Lady: “Ma bade minnak shi 7akeem, bas wsofle hal dawa, l jara alitle 3anno. Hiyyeha l soora ba3title yeha 3l whatsapp.“

2. Facebook and Whatsapp are your number two competition

Patients be like:
“Yii, la2 ma bade e5od hal dawa, wosolne broadcast 3l whatsapp 3n adde howweh msh mne7.“
“Mazbout inno iza akalit 637 7abbet rizz b3d l se3a 4:53 PM biseer m3e cancer? Hek 2reeta on facebook.“

3. Herbal remedies are the holy grail

“Tab ma byimshe l7al iza shribit yansoon?“

4. Family = Free

Not only family, but literally anyone who knows you expects free consultations at your clinic: “Hello, ana binit 3amm jarita la mart khayyak, *wink wink*“.

5. You’re supposed to know everything about everything

“Oh, you’re an ENT doctor? Tab look I have this weird mole over my left elbow, could it be cancer? Ah, ma bt3rf? Shaklak msh shater.“

6. Sick reports for everyone!

Any relative or acquaintance is bound to ask you for a report so they could skip work/uni/school for any reason.

You get a report, he gets a report, EVERYONE GETS A REPORT!

7. Everyone assumes you’re rich.

But in fact, you’re probably still paying off your student loans.

8. So. Many. Whatsapp. Messages.

Whatsapp is a nightmare for all Lebanese doctors. Anyone who has your number sends you lab results or even worse images on Whatsapp, and you’re expected to come up with an on-the-spot diagnosis, free of charge.

“Yes, thank you very much Salma, I really appreciate waking up at 3 AM to an image of your poop’s consistency”.

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