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Posted by: The Sumaira Foundation in MOG, NMO, Professional, Voices of NMO
During my daily work as a clinical pathologist specializing in immunology at the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University (Kasr Al-Ainy), I often encountered a puzzling challenge: many patients who displayed strong symptoms of neuroimmunological diseases, such as NMOSD and MOGAD, had negative results for MOG Ab testing. This discrepancy raised an important question: was it due to technical errors, or were there other factors affecting the accuracy of these tests?
This question marked the beginning of my journey. With the support of my professors in the Immunology Department, I started delving deeper into this issue, seeking to develop more accurate and advanced diagnostic techniques. I felt a great responsibility toward these patients, knowing that delayed or incorrect diagnoses lead to delayed treatment and increased suffering.
As my scientific curiosity grew, I began searching for experts who could guide me in expanding my knowledge and refining my approach. That’s when I decided to reach out to Dr. Sara Mariotto, from the University of Verona (Italy) who is one of the world’s leading experts in neuroimmunological diseases.
Dr. Sara was incredibly supportive from the very beginning. She listened to my concerns and aspirations for improving diagnostic techniques and shared her vision of the importance of advancing research in this field. With her encouragement, I received a fellowship grant from The Sumaira Foundation, an organization I deeply appreciate for its unwavering support for researchers like me.
Traveling to Verona and working under Dr. Mariotto’s supervision opened new doors for learning and growth. I gained hands-on experience with advanced diagnostic techniques, including cell culture methods and, in particular, live cell-based assays.
One of the highlights of this experience was working with an outstanding and highly organized team at the University of Verona. The team members were not only dedicated and hardworking but also incredibly supportive and collaborative. They went above and beyond to ensure I gained the maximum benefit from my one-month training. Their guidance and willingness to share their expertise left a lasting impression on me, inspiring me to adopt the same collaborative spirit in my own work.
Beyond the technical skills, I also learned from Dr. Mariotto and the team the importance of empathy in patient care. I realized that medical care goes beyond test results and reports—it’s about building trust and providing emotional support.
Upon returning to Egypt, my goals became clear:
My story is not just a professional journey; it is a call to every doctor and researcher to believe in their ability to make a real difference. Neuroimmunological diseases may be rare, but the patients suffering from them are not alone. Together, with the support of organizations like The Sumaira Foundation, we can create a significant impact and offer these patients hope for a brighter future.
