Shahad Al-Masalemah, MD

I enjoy Finding Nemo because of its beautiful animation and meaningful message about perseverance, family, and trust.

Goodnight Moon, because of its calming rhythm and soothing bedtime routine that helps children feel secure and relaxed before sleep.

My favorite childhood toy was LEGO sets, because they encouraged creativity and imagination

My greatest inspiration is children themselves, because of their curiosity, honesty, and ability to find joy in the simplest things. They remind me every day to stay patient, keep learning, and approach life with a positive and open mindset.

In my free time, I enjoy staying active through light exercise and walking. I also like trying new foods and exploring different cuisines, and I value spending meaningful time with family and friends whenever I can.

I chose pediatrics because I am passionate about supporting children as they grow, learn, and develop. I find it rewarding to help families navigate health concerns and to be part of a child’s journey toward a healthy future. Working with children also brings a sense of purpose and positivity to my work every day.

I believe my strength lies in combining clinical knowledge with a compassionate, family-centered approach. I aim to make every interaction as reassuring and stress-free as possible, especially for young patients who may feel anxious in a medical setting.

I build trust by being approachable, taking time to explain things in simple, clear language, and actively listening to both children and their caregivers. I also try to engage children in a gentle, friendly way so they feel seen and comfortable, while ensuring parents feel involved, informed, and supported throughout the care process

I accommodate patients with special needs by taking an individualized, patient-centered approach tailored to each child’s physical, developmental, behavioral, or communication requirements.

Practically, this includes:
Allowing extra time for appointments to reduce stress and avoid rushing.
Adapting communication methods
Creating a calm, low-stimulation environment when needed,
Involving parents or caregivers closely in all steps of care to ensure comfort and understanding.
Modifying examination techniques to suit the child’s tolerance and abilities, and pausing when necessary.
Coordinating care with other specialists when additional support is required to ensure comprehensive management.