The Dubai Doctors Podcast

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