Dr. Dev Roy’s professional journey is a remarkable blend of global training, innovation, and dedication. From his early days in Pune, India, to prestigious roles in the UK and now in the UAE, Dr. Roy has continuously expanded his expertise in ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) and facial plastic surgery.
Dr. Roy’s story is one of ambition, adaptability, and continuous growth. With a passion for integrating aesthetics into ENT and a deep commitment to education and research, he has carved a unique niche in the medical world. His experience in Dubai reflects not just a career move, but a lifestyle choice that allows for academic fulfillment, professional satisfaction, and personal growth.
In this interview, Dr. Roy speaks with Emilie about his background, his integrated approach to surgery, and his life as a Consultant ENT surgeon at the American Hospital in Dubai.
Could you just give us a brief introduction about your background, training and experience?
My name is Dr. Dev Roy. I did my initial training in India in Pune, where I completed my master’s in ENT. After that, at the age of 25, I moved to the UK, where I underwent training in ENT and head and neck surgery in both the Glasgow and Liverpool rotations. After my training, I was appointed as a consultant at Alder Hey and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
After about two years, I decided to branch into facial cosmetic surgery. I pursued a fellowship in Nice, France, at Hospital Pasteur. I later passed both the American and European Boards in Facial Plastic Surgery, making me one of the first ENT surgeons to specialize in facial plastics alongside ENT. I’ve worked to integrate both fields—bringing the finesse of facial plastic surgery into ENT procedures.
What inspired you to pursue the combination of ENT and facial plastic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is essentially surgery done neatly. All the operations on the face are performed with minimal scarring, with incisions placed in natural skin creases to ensure they’re not visible. This approach is relatively new in ENT, and I’ve been passionate about combining these specialties to improve outcomes for my patients.
Could you tell us a bit more about the types of surgeries you perform and the conditions you treat?
Initially, I was appointed as a pediatric otolaryngologist and head and neck oncologist at Liverpool University Hospital. I handled cases involving thyroid, parathyroid, and head and neck cancers, including cancers of the tongue and larynx. In children, I treated airway problems and congenital issues such as tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, cleft lips, and palates.
Later, I moved to Chelmsford’s Broomfield Hospital as a general ENT and facial plastic surgeon. I worked three days a week for the NHS and spent the other three days on cosmetic surgery. My cosmetic work includes facelifts, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, Botox, and fillers. I’ve brought all of this into ENT practice, ensuring operations have minimal visible scarring. For example, parotid tumours can be removed with facelift incisions, making the scars virtually invisible.
The American Hospital in Dubai must be a fantastic place for you, considering their large paediatrics department and cancer centre?
Absolutely. I’ve worked in nearly 25 hospitals during my career, and the American Hospital stands out for its excellent management. They truly care about their staff and have all the necessary facilities in place. What’s remarkable is their highly effective marketing team, so patients come to you; you don’t need to build a base from scratch.
Another unique aspect is the one-hour lunch break, half of which is used for multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings to discuss complex cases. It’s an academic environment despite being a private hospital. They also allow and fund time off to attend courses and even pay travel allowances which is something very few hospitals offer.
What made you decide to relocate to Dubai?
After working in the UK for 20 years, I returned to India due to family reasons and worked in
Kolkata. The city serves a population of 350 million, plus an additional 150 million from Bangladesh, giving me exposure to about 500 million people. It was a phenomenal learning opportunity and a chance to apply and refine everything I had learned in the Western world health care system.
After 10 years in India, my children settled in the UK, and I was planning to return. A colleague in Sharjah suggested I try Dubai. Initially, I thought it would be unbearably hot, but I arrived in winter and was surprised by the pleasant weather and excellent infrastructure. My colleagues were all UK or US trained, the hospitals were top-notch, and it’s tax-free, so I decided to stay.
What are the main differences between working in the UAE and the UK?
The UK has one of the best training systems in the world. I thoroughly enjoyed working in the NHS. One major advantage is that patients return to you, allowing you to learn continuously, not just from books but from experience. In Dubai, it feels like running a private practice near London. Most colleagues are Western-trained, and the private hospitals are much larger and better equipped than in the UK. Academically, there are plenty of opportunities to upskill.
Since relocating to the UAE, have you been able to continue teaching?
Yes, absolutely. Teaching and learning are integral to my life. I teach medical students and serve as an associate professor at Sharjah University here in the UAE. I’ve published papers and given lectures. I also attend and assist in surgeries done by colleagues to observe and learn new techniques. American Hospital supports this with allocated time and funds for continuous education.
Moreover, the American Hospital gives enough time for academic activities. There’s time allotted to attend courses, and they even provide funding for international programs. I was also inquiring about robotic surgery, and they were happy to sponsor training in that specialty.
Have you also had opportunities to stay involved in research?
Yes, I maintain records of every operation, it’s become a habit. I use this data for publications. Every hospital I’ve worked at in the UAE has a research and ethics committee that encourages you to publish. I have over 550 citations to date. I also serve on ethics committees, and I’m constantly engaged in research.
How has your experience been working with Allocation Assist?
Five stars, definitely. Not just for helping me find a hospital placement, but for simplifying the entire process. From application support to interview guidance, salary negotiation, and understanding job benefits. Allocation Assist handled everything. I even had insights about my future colleagues before joining. All the groundwork that I would have had to do was done by Allocation Assist. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much, Dr Roy.
