Dr. Malaika Mendonca expressed her profound honor at the tribute paid to her, reflecting on the 21 years of hard work involved in establishing ECMO services in the UAE, from securing funding and supplies to gaining widespread adoption.

She identified the biggest initial hurdle as human fear of the unknown, requiring extensive education and convincing, particularly for adult intensivists. However, the successful integration of ECMO, especially its crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, validated her efforts. While starting with pediatric cardiac care, she noted that gaining buy-in from the adult intensive care population was more challenging, though her pediatric team provided strong support.

Dr. Malaika Mendonca’s initial vision for ECMO services in the UAE was realized in the conference itself – a gathering of over 1,100 eager participants from diverse SWAC (Southwest Asia and Africa) countries, sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration. She is content with the current scope of SWAC, believing its existing diversity in resources and healthcare systems offers enough complexity.

Looking ahead, Dr. Malaika Mendonca emphasized that leadership in ECMO services for countries like the UAE means sharing resources, knowledge, and educational opportunities with less privileged nations. She views true leadership not as self-serving but as contributing to the greater good.

Her inspiration for staying in the UAE for over two decades stemmed from the unique opportunities and the ability to build something substantial at a relatively young age, something she felt might not have been possible in Germany or Switzerland. She expressed gratitude for the recognition and thanked the interviewer for the opportunity to share her story.