S09E07: The Real Dr. Strange – From Surgeon to Medical Illustrator I The extraordinary story of Dr. Belal Kamel Artwork

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The Rethink Leadership Podcast

S09E07: The Real Dr. Strange – From Surgeon to Medical Illustrator I The extraordinary story of Dr. Belal Kamel

February 28, 2025 • Jeremy Blain, Dr. Belal Kamel • Season 9 • Episode 7

Guest: Dr Belal Kamel
Surgeon, Medical Illustrator, Business Leader and Dundee University Alumni Ambassador for Asia and Africa

We pick up Dr. Belal Kamel’s extraordinary story as it took a very different direction in October 2007.

Belal was in his last year in medical school, when his right forearm and hand were crushed in a glass door. More than five tendons and muscles were injured in the accident.

After the reconstructive surgery, Belal’s hand was in a splint for over four months. It was in this difficult time that a strange thing happened: Belal found that he was able to draw.

This podcast uncovers Belal’s extraordinary journey as surgeon, medical illustrator and leader; sharing lessons learned and advice for others faced with adversity, in tapping into hidden talents and digging deep to build resilience.

Belal now continues to practice as a plastic surgeon and as a world-renowned medical illustrator.

Charity: This episode is in aid of the IFRC. We have made a donation as a thank you to Belal for joining us. Find out more, get involved and donate here: https://www.ifrc.org/

Message from Belal: Special thanks to Jeremy for this opportunity, and thanks to everyone who helped me in my journey, all family, friends and my mentors.