A successful medical career. Her own clinic. Years of caring for patients across different healthcare systems. Dr. Natalia Usuga already had a great deal to be proud of before she moved to the UAE. What drew the Consultant Pulmonologist to the Gulf was a bigger vision, one that included both her career and a place where her family could feel safe and thrive.
Who Is Dr. Natalia Usuga?
Dr. Usuga is a Consultant Pulmonologist with 16 years of medical experience. She holds qualifications in Pulmonology from Spain and Colombia and a Masters degree in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Lung Diseases.
Over her career she has performed more than 1,200 bronchoscopies. Her profile also lists interests in severe asthma, sleep medicine and interventional pulmonology. She now practises with NMC in Dubai.
Why Did She Choose to Move to the UAE?
Professional success was already in place. The deciding factor was family. One of her greatest motivations was finding somewhere her family could feel safe, thrive and enjoy a wide range of possibilities.
Speaking with the Allocation Assist Middle East team, she described how rewarding the decision has become. Her story is a reminder that an established career does not have to be the limit of a doctor’s ambitions.
How Does She Approach Treating Respiratory Patients?
Dr. Usuga believes prescribing medication is often the easy part. Without understanding the underlying cause, even the right treatment may fail to stop symptoms from returning.
So she takes time with each patient’s history. From asthma and allergies to dust and indoor environmental triggers, she looks for what is driving the symptoms and builds a more targeted plan around it.
What Opportunities Does Pulmonology Have in the UAE?
Her patient base continues to grow, and she sees strong opportunities for the specialty as healthcare services develop across the country. She is eager to play a meaningful part in that progress.
For respiratory physicians considering Dubai, the first formal step is a DHA licence, since all doctors practising in the emirate are licensed by the Dubai Health Authority.
What Did She Say About Her Move?
After the story was shared, Dr. Usuga responded publicly with her thanks to the team:
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire wonderful Allocation Assist team, and especially to Emilie, for giving me this incredible opportunity to work in the United Arab Emirates. I am truly grateful for your trust, support, and kindness. It has been a wonderful experience, and I deeply appreciate this opportunity.”
How Allocation Assist Helps Doctors Relocate With Their Families
Dr. Usuga’s decision rested on two things: room to grow her practice and a safe place for her family. Allocation Assist works on both. As a medical jobs consultancy in Dubai, it handles doctor placement for Western-trained specialists across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with over 11 years of experience and a network of 95+ hospitals. Respiratory physicians considering the Gulf can contact us or call +971 4 273 3477.
Key Areas of Support
- Hospital matching: respiratory services where interstitial lung disease and interventional skills are needed.
- Licensing and regulatory navigation: verifying qualifications earned in different countries for DHA, DOH, MOHAP or SCFHS.
- Interview and salary negotiation support: preparing for hospital conversations and agreeing fair package terms.
- Relocation and family logistics: homes, schools and neighbourhoods where your family can settle well.
- Ongoing support after you arrive: a familiar contact while your patient base grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can doctors trained in Spain work in the UAE?
Yes. Specialists trained in Spain and across Western Europe can apply for a UAE licence. In Dubai, that licence is issued by the Dubai Health Authority.
Is there demand for pulmonologists in Dubai?
Dr. Usuga’s growing patient list points to strong demand, and she sees wide scope for respiratory medicine as UAE healthcare expands.
How long does it take to get licensed as a doctor in Dubai?
For doctors trained in recognised countries, the full process usually takes around three months. Primary source verification through DataFlow accounts for roughly four to eight weeks of that.
What should doctors with children plan before moving to Dubai?
Start with schools, childcare and a home within a sensible commute of the hospital. Settling these early helps the whole family adjust faster.
Can I get a DHA licence before I have a job offer?
Yes. You can complete registration first, and it becomes a full licence once a hospital sponsors you. Running licensing and doctor placement together means you can start soon after accepting an offer.
How much do consultants earn in Dubai?
Western-trained consultants can earn a basic AED 80,000 to 90,000 a month, tax free, often with housing, schooling and flight allowances added.
