Face of the future: Chadan Naji
Face of the future: Chadan Naji
After receiving her medical diploma from Damascus University in 2000, Chadan Naji
completed her academic, laboratory, and clinical training in basic science and
medical sub-specialties. She started her graduate studies in 2003 and obtained
an MA in Dermatology and Venereology from Damascus University.
She now works as an instructor at the Medical College of Damascus University,
teaching clinical sessions to senior students. She is also active on the
international level, working as Program Consultant for the United Nations Fund
for Populations Affairs (UNFPA), and shines in the ield of social and charity
work. Chadan’s concern for the well-being of children cannot pass unnoticed.
Along with a team of experts, Chadan took the initiative of draft-ing the Law of
the Disabled in Syria.
She is a member of the National Team on Child-hood, through which she has
conducted a detailed study on the current situation of Syrian children,
addressing fields of insufficiency and preparing a draft for the nation-al plan
for childhood. She is a co-founder of the Syrian Organization for the Disabled
(AAMAL), and the Rainbow Institute for Better Childhood, in which she served as
vice-chairman until 2004. She founded a volunteer team in Dar Zeid Bin Hartiha
for abandoned children, where volunteers visit the children at the center on a
regular and organized basis, supervising their health, education and
well-being. BASMA is Chadan’s latest achievement, through which she supports
and helps children with cancer. Actively involved in a variety of organizations
she is a member of the Syndicate of Syrian Medical Doctors, the Federation of
Palestinian Doctors, the Syrian Computer Society, and the Syrian Dermatology
Society. She has attended over 10 international conferences, most of which
address children and childhood around the world, and participated in the
Conference on Disability in the Arab World that took place in Beirut. She co-organized the National
Conference on Childhood that took place in Aleppo in 2004, addressing critical topics
such as child sexual and physical abuse. Chadan also co-organized the Child
Abuse & Neglect Protection Symposium, which took place in Damascus in 2004, in collaboration with
ISPCAN and UNICEF. Chadan was appointed as a speaker in the first Symposium on
promoting volunteerism among school students which took place in 2005. Chadan
Naji was awarded the Donald Cohen Award for the Best Research Proposal concerning
PTSD among Abused Children Forward Magazine met with her to talk about the
‘other side’ of the Doctor—the human side of Chadan Naji.
Did you ever live abroad? If yes, where did you live and why did you return to Syria?
Actually I did not live abroad. The longest period I spent abroad was in the United States for my clinical rotations and that was for around four months.
Do you think of leaving Syria?
So far I do not consider leaving Syria. It is not an option in my life. You can say I can-not live outside Syria and I hope that I won’t have to.
What is the one thing or thought that troubles you and keeps you awake and thinking at night?
Usually I sleep well, but I think that upsetting or causing discomfort to anyone would be the issue that can trouble me. But any-thing important in my life can keep me up for days.
What was your first paying job?
I started as a teacher assistant in the University of Damascus, Dermatology Department.
Looking through your life, who is the one person that influenced you the most?
My father. I always look up to him as he is a very honest and faithful person who is so dedicated to his life mission and beliefs. He likes people a lot and he does not hesitate to help any person, regardless of what it takes.
Do you have any professional regrets?
So far no, I always try to think extensively about any decision in my professional career.
Looking through Syria’s past and present, who is the female figure you admire most?
I admire the young working mothers who are brilliant in their careers, and trying hard to lead a successful family life. They are really increasing in number in Syria.
A goal you would like to achieve this year.
Right now, I am planning to start my private practice in Syria. I hope that by the end of this year I would have established a clinic that provides services focused on patients’ satisfaction and benefit. The twin goal is that BASMA expands to support twice the number of children with cancer and their families that were serviced last year.
If you could, what one thing would you change in Syrian society?
Increasing a person’s sense of responsibility toward his/her society and the people around them. That would be what I want to change. Everyone should con-tribute to supporting society. There is no excuse for not doing that. We should be more aware of the needs of others. Common interest must come above one’s own self-interest.
What experience must you have to feel that you’ve lived a completely satisfying life?
There are so many experiences that I would like to go through in my life but if I have to choose only one, it would be being a parent. This experience is one that cannot be missed; it changes your life, gives you both hope and the required strength to go on.
What’s your idea of a perfect partner?
One who gives his partner freedom to be an independent human being, able to take her own decisions regarding life. The one who is willing to be a partner not an owner.
Please give a 1 word answer: I value: Hard work I am fascinated by: How accessible we are to everything in our world these days. The world needs more: Humanity I would walk a thousand miles to: Gain knowledge Where is your second home? My work What is your favorite quote? Fearing failure is worse than failure itself. (Paulo Coelho- The Alchemist) What is your favorite book? Who moved my cheese? List 3 things that make you laugh. I would smile rather than laugh: hearing the birds, deserts, and babies.
List the three traits you admire in people. Loyalty, simplicity, and enthusiasm.
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