The Dubai Doctors Podcast

What health checks should you actually be doing in your 40s? In this episode of The Dubai Doctors Podcast, Dr Natalia Spierings, Dr Ramy Khalil and Dr Shireen Marzouk discuss the health checks, screenings and preventative conversations that become more important as we get older. Dr Natalia has just turned 45, so Dr Ramy walks through some of the key things to think about, including colorectal cancer screening, mammograms, cervical screening, skin checks and the risks of unnecessary testing. They also discuss full body MRIs, incidental findings, why more testing is not always better, and the importance of having an ongoing relationship with a doctor before problems appear. A practical conversation about prevention, screening and what actually changes management. Follow the doctors on Instagram: Dr Natalia Spierings: https://www.instagram.com/drnataliaspierings Dr Ramy Khalil: https://www.instagram.com/ramykhalilmd Dr Shireen Marzouk: https://www.instagram.com/drshireenmarzouk Featured links: Clinicly: https://clinicly.ae Overnight Primary Care: https://www.overnightprimary.care Spierings Medical Group: https://spieringsmedicalgroup.com

In this episode, we move beyond trends and into real clinical medicine — discussing diagnoses that are often missed, misunderstood, or simply not talked about enough. Dr Natalia Spierings, Dr Ramy Khalil and Dr Shireen Marzouk each bring a case from their own specialty, breaking down what these conditions actually are, how they present, and why they’re so commonly overlooked. We cover: FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome) — a delayed food allergy that doesn’t look like a typical allergy Obstructive Sleep Apnea — extremely common, underdiagnosed, and linked to serious long-term health risks Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) — often dismissed as “ingrown hairs” but actually a chronic inflammatory skin condition This episode highlights a key theme in medicine: 👉 the importance of accurate diagnosis — because everything that follows depends on it. Follow the doctors on Instagram: Dr Natalia Spierings: https://www.instagram.com/drnataliaspierings Dr Ramy Khalil: https://www.instagram.com/ramykhalilmd Dr Shireen Marzouk: https://www.instagram.com/drshireenmarzouk Featured links: Clinicly: https://clinicly.ae Overnight Primary Care: https://www.overnightprimary.care Spierings Medical Group: https://spieringsmedicalgroup.com

Are “leaky gut” and “chronic inflammation” real medical diagnoses? In this episode of The Dubai Doctors Podcast, Dr Natalia Spierings, Dr Ramy Khalil and Dr Shireen Marzouk take a closer look at two of the most common labels used in functional medicine and break down what they actually mean. The doctors explain the difference between true intestinal permeability and the widely used term “leaky gut,” and why it is not considered a recognised medical diagnosis. They also explore the concept of “chronic inflammation,” what inflammatory markers like CRP actually tell us, and why they cannot be used as standalone diagnoses. The conversation highlights how vague symptoms can be grouped under broad labels, why this can be misleading, and how it may lead patients down a path of unnecessary testing, restrictive diets and expensive supplements. They also discuss the real harm this can cause, including missed diagnoses, nutritional deficiencies and increased anxiety, while emphasising the importance of accurate diagnosis, evidence-based medicine and asking the right questions. An honest, evidence-based discussion on why not all diagnoses are created equal. Follow the doctors on Instagram: Dr Natalia Spierings: https://www.instagram.com/drnataliaspierings Dr Ramy Khalil: https://www.instagram.com/ramykhalilmd Dr Shireen Marzouk: https://www.instagram.com/drshireenmarzouk Featured links: Clinicly: https://clinicly.ae Overnight Primary Care: https://www.overnightprimary.care Spierings Medical Group: https://spieringsmedicalgroup.com

What is “functional medicine” and why has it become so popular? In this episode of The Dubai Doctors Podcast, Dr Natalia Spierings, Dr Ramy Khalil and Dr Shireen Marzouk take a closer look at the rise of functional medicine and discuss why they believe it is often driven more by marketing than by science. The conversation explores the lack of recognised training pathways, evidence-based protocols and validated diagnoses within the functional medicine space, alongside commonly used terms such as “leaky gut,” “chronic inflammation” and “histamine intolerance.” Dr Shireen also explains the problems with so-called food sensitivity testing, including IgG testing, and why these tests can lead patients and families down the wrong path, particularly when it comes to unnecessary food elimination in children. The doctors discuss the wider appeal of functional medicine, why so many patients feel drawn to it, and how the real issue may be the loss of time, continuity and relationship-based care in modern healthcare. An honest conversation about evidence, prevention, primary care and why good medicine should already be holistic. Follow the doctors on Instagram: Dr Natalia Spierings: https://www.instagram.com/drnataliaspierings Dr Ramy Khalil: https://www.instagram.com/ramykhalilmd Dr Shireen Marzouk: https://www.instagram.com/drshireenmarzouk Featured links: Clinicly: https://clinicly.ae Overnight Primary Care: https://www.overnightprimary.care Spierings Medical Group: https://spieringsmedicalgroup.com

What are peptides, and why is everyone talking about them? In this episode of The Dubai Doctors Podcast, Dr Natalia Spierings, Dr Ramy Khalil and Dr Shireen Marzouk take a closer look at the growing trend of peptide use and why it has become such a complex and often confusing space. The doctors discuss commonly talked-about peptides including BPC-157, MOTS-c and Thymosin Alpha-1, breaking down what they are, how they are being used, and what the current evidence actually shows. They explore the lack of high-quality data around efficacy and safety, why the peptide space can feel like a minefield for patients, and the importance of approaching these treatments with caution and a strong evidence-based mindset. A clear, honest conversation about a rapidly expanding area of modern medicine. Follow the doctors on Instagram: Dr Natalia Spierings: https://www.instagram.com/drnataliaspierings Dr Ramy Khalil: https://www.instagram.com/ramykhalilmd Dr Shireen Marzouk: https://www.instagram.com/drshireenmarzouk Featured links: Clinicly: https://clinicly.ae Overnight Primary Care: https://www.overnightprimary.care Spierings Medical Group: https://spieringsmedicalgroup.com

What are GLP-1 medications, and how do they actually work? In this episode of The Dubai Doctors Podcast, Dr Natalia Spierings, Dr Ramy Khalil and Dr Shireen Marzouk break down the science behind GLP-1 medications and their growing role in weight loss and metabolic health. Dr Ramy Khalil explains the differences between Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy, and introduces the newer medication Retatrutide, including how it works and why it’s generating so much attention, while highlighting that it is not currently FDA approved and remains in clinical trials. Follow the doctors on Instagram: Dr Natalia Spierings: https://www.instagram.com/drnataliaspierings Dr Ramy Khalil: https://www.instagram.com/ramykhalilmd Dr Shireen Marzouk: https://www.instagram.com/drshireenmarzouk Featured links: Clinicly: https://clinicly.ae Overnight Primary Care: https://www.overnightprimary.care Spierings Medical Group: https://spieringsmedicalgroup.com  

What is it really like to practice medicine in Dubai? In Episode 1 of the Dubai Doctors Podcast, Dr. Natalia Spierings, Dr. Ramy Khalil, and Dr. Shireen Marzouk introduce themselves, share their journeys to Dubai, and explain why they’ve come together to create a space for honest conversations about modern medicine and clear, evidence-based advice. From the realities of Dubai’s healthcare system to physician burnout, self-pay medicine, oral immunotherapy, and the importance of patient-centred care, this episode sets the tone for thoughtful, transparent discussions about healthcare today. Featured links: Clinicly: https://clinicly.ae Overnight Primary Care: https://www.overnightprimary.care Spierings Medical Group: https://spieringsmedicalgroup.com Follow the doctors on Instagram: Dr. Natalia Spierings: https://www.instagram.com/drnataliaspierings Dr. Ramy Khalil: https://www.instagram.com/ramykhalilmd Dr. Shireen Marzouk: https://www.instagram.com/drshireenmarzouk