Watching colorful fall leaves fall down on a sunny day is more enjoyable these days than any other time of year, but how and how long can we be exposed to sunlight?
Having healthy and clear skin is inarguably one of the factors that contributes to a person’s attractiveness, to the point where it influences their social and occupational status. Hence, in order to have beautiful and healthy skin, it is critical to consult with an experienced dermatologist, particularly the elites whose reputations have always piqued our interest and whose names are featured in the showcase of shining stars of science.
Dr. Amir Feily is a prominent elite who has dedicated all of his magnificent scientific achievements to ensuring the health and well-being of patients.
He is the first young winner of Iran’s 22nd Razi Medical Sciences Research Festival in Clinical Sciences and Health. He has performed admirably and won numerous awards by publishing quality articles in Iran and abroad. Dr. Amir Feily is the first Iranian physician to have a blue tick on Instagram, with over 1.3 million followers. This is an interview with a driven and science-obsessed physician.
Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Amir Feily and I am a cosmetic dermatologist who is a member of Iran’s National Elites Foundation as well as the Skin and Stem Cell Research Center (SSRC) at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. I graduated in 2011 after studying at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences and Florence, Italy. After completing the workforce project, I opened my clinic in Shiraz and began treating patients and developing innovative treatment methods. In order to expand my international treatment activities, I recently opened an office in Muscat, Oman. In addition to treating patients, I published several articles last years on skin diseases such as vitiligo and psoriasis, and I developed new methods of increasing beauty, such as new hair transplant techniques. I also received the International Society of Dermatology’s (ISD) Global Education Award in 2013 in India, as well as the Dr. Imrich Zarkani Commemoration Award in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In recent years, I have focused my efforts on accident patients who have various scars, acne scars, and persistent pigmentations. I thank God that I have now discovered very effective treatments in this area and am able to resolve the majority of the problems of the patients mentioned above.
What do you believe is your success formula?
Thanks to my professors, I was able to learn a wide range of medical sciences, as well as methods for theorizing and developing new ideas, and I began publishing articles and theories on skin and non-skin diseases during my studies. Thus, I believe that representing a new idea, and more importantly, patience until success, is the key to my success. I believe that true success in life does not come easily.
When you hear the term “elite,” what do you think of? How do you think scientific elites can contribute to society’s economic growth and prosperity?
The term “elite” or “talent” refers to a gifted person, and the first image that comes to mind is of someone who has walked difficult paths and overcome obstacles. Being an elite means discovering new, cost-effective, and profitable paths to success. Family, wealth, and a strong supporter can all contribute to a person’s fame, but they cannot make them elite. Elites are the human capital for societies, and economic progress, cultural evolution and even progress are all dependent on such elites. The weakest works are more powerful than the most powerful thoughts. Hence, elites must regard their ideas as “Information for Action” and put them into action.
Given that you have traveled to a number of countries in search of science and knowledge, how do you compare the level of knowledge, scientific, and social development, as well as the resources available in those countries to Iran?
Unfortunately, our educational system instills in students an ill-suited thought structure. The vast majority of students simply want to complete their studies and then seek jobs. Although resources alone cannot guarantee scientific achievements, there is a significant difference in this regard.
Have you ever been offered a job in another country? Do you prefer to work in Iran or elsewhere?
Yes, I received offers from other countries both during and after my studies, but I declined them due to work and family obligations. In terms of living abroad, I will spend some time in another country to further my education and realize my dreams, but I will always maintain contact with my home country.
Would you mind sharing a good or motivating memory from your studies in Iran and abroad?
When I presented my articles, they were not always well accepted, but this only served to motivate me to work harder until they were published. My first article, titled “Effects of Aloe Vera on Skin Diseases,” was rejected several times before being published in an Italian journal thanks to my efforts and perseverance. It was the most-read skin-related article in Italy in 2013. It merits mention that I have published over 100 ISI articles to date, and this trend is expected to continue.
What are your skin-care recommendations?
My advice to people of all ages is to apply sunscreen whenever they are exposed to the sun, even if it is cloudy, because if they do not, their skin will age faster than they think and they will lose their youthful appearance.
As a member of the elite, what do you expect from the authorities?
Creating opportunities for employment and vigor for the next generation is a must, which will be realized through globalization and the development of appropriate culture.
What are your professional and personal goals?
Part of my focus and goals are directed toward my personal life and family, while the other is directed toward serving the global human society. Although my thirst for science and knowledge, as well as innovating innovative skills, will never be quenched, I try to rely on innovation and creativity to improve the status of my patients, in order to win their satisfaction and happiness. My main concern is developing new treatment methods for skin diseases. As a small part of this vast universe, I want to have a positive impact on the lives of others and take effective steps toward resolving their problems, particularly skin patients.
What advice would you give to people who are dissatisfied with their lives or jobs?
Instead of focusing on their problems, they should try to consider their failures as experiences and take steps toward resolving past mistakes by nurturing a strong mind. They should always try to be happy; happiness is a skill that can be learned even in the most adverse circumstances. Although it is not easy to obtain, it is possible to do so through practice and, in particular, study. Furthermore, everyone should understand that success is not like a link that can be easily clicked on. Every successful endeavor necessitates planting, growing, and harvesting, with growing necessitating time, patience, and perseverance.
What is your message to teenagers and young adults about how to spend their leisure time? What are your final remarks?
They must put reading books on their daily agenda and set aside a small amount of time, such as before bed, to read books and listen to motivational audio in order to gradually see the effects of them in their lives.
Young people should understand that with consistent effort, all barriers can be overcome. As the Norwegian polymath Fridtjof Nansen puts it, “The difficult is that which takes a little time; the impossible is what takes a little longer.” Finally, I would like to express my gratitude for all of the blessings that God has bestowed upon me. As God says in Surah Ibrahim [14:7], “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'”
