Description
Get to know Dr. Hussam Abou-Al-Shaar, a neurosurgeon at UAMS Health. In the Q&A below, Dr. Abou-Al-Shaar shares what inspired his work in healthcare, his life outside of medicine, and more.
Questions and Answers
What inspired you to work in healthcare?
I was drawn to medicine because it combines science, human connection, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. My father is a dentist, and I used to spend time with him in his clinic growing up. I loved seeing the connection he built with his patients and the trust they placed in him. That early experience sparked my interest in medicine and caring for others.
Neurosurgery fascinated me because of the complexity of the brain and the precision required to treat disorders affecting such an important part of who we are. Over time, I realized that being a neurosurgeon allows me to combine my love of science and surgery with the privilege of helping patients and their families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
What is the best part of your job?
The most rewarding part is seeing a patient recover and return to the life they want to live. In neurosurgery, we often care for patients facing very serious and sometimes life-changing conditions. Being able to help them through that journey, from the initial diagnosis, through surgery and recovery, is incredibly meaningful. I also enjoy teaching the next generation of neurosurgeons and sharing the knowledge and techniques that I have been fortunate to learn from my mentors. At the same time, I enjoy contributing to research and advancing the field, pushing the boundaries of what is possible for our patients.
What do you like about working at UAMS?
UAMS is a special place with a great legacy in neurosurgery and skull base surgery. I appreciate the opportunity to build something meaningful here and to contribute to that legacy. UAMS is a place where clinical care, education, and research come together, and I am excited to help expand skull base and cerebrovascular neurosurgical services for patients in Arkansas and the surrounding region. I also really value the people at UAMS. There is a strong sense of collaboration, a commitment to advancing research, and a genuine dedication to improving patient care and training the next generation of physicians.
Who has had the biggest influence on your life, and why?
My parents have had the greatest influence on my life. They taught me the importance of hard work, humility, perseverance, and treating people with kindness and respect. Throughout my education and career, I have also been fortunate to have exceptional mentors who challenged me, believed in me, and pushed me to become a better surgeon, researcher, and teacher. I try to carry those lessons forward in how I care for my patients and mentor my trainees.
What book, podcast, TV show, or activity are you enjoying right now, and why?
Right now, I particularly enjoy spending time with my wife and our 6-month-old son. With a young family, I have come to appreciate how valuable the simple moments are — going for walks, exploring new places, and watching my son discover the world. Outside of medicine, I also enjoy traveling and trying new restaurants and different cuisines.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
One thing on my bucket list is to travel more with my family and experience different parts of the world together. I would especially love to take my family on a long trip where we can slow down, explore several countries, and create memories that we’ll talk about for years.