“As the oldest son to a couple who were forced to flee their country during war, I was taught that success in life is never to be taken for granted,” Maitham Moslim, MD, shares.
Dr. Moslim, a board-certified surgical oncologist, joined Mercy Health – Perrysburg Surgical Specialists six month ago.
“Despite a seemingly slim chance of success coming from a country torn by war, my faith remains in my ability to embrace every opportunity,” Dr. Moslim adds. “After graduating from high school with the second rank honor among 48,000 students in the nation, I was given a scholarship to study at Damascus University. Through hard work and dedication, I graduated first in my class from medical school during the Syrian civil war in 2012. Despite war and hardship, I took all the commitments necessary in my professional career to achieve this goal of mine, to become a doctor that treats cancer.”
Dr. Moslim says he was drawn to the Midwest community because he has many friends here and wants his family to spend their future in such a welcoming and enriching community.
He also saw our Toledo market as his ideal place to establish a hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) and surgical oncology program. Dr. Moslim believes this is where medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists, interventional radiologists, geneticists and surgical oncologists can work together to provide comprehensive care to patients while keeping them close to their families.
Overall, Dr. Moslim has pursued an extensive career path in becoming a surgical oncologist, driven by his dedication to providing his patients with the best care possible.
After completing his general surgery residency at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, he earned his board certification in surgery in 2019. Dr. Moslim’s commitment to excellence led him to undergo two years of fellowship training in complex general surgical oncology in Philadelphia, Pa.
“During this time, I became passionate about introducing minimally invasive procedures to my patients as they have been shown to improve surgical outcomes and enhance recovery.”
To further hone his skills, Dr. Moslim spent an additional year at Methodist Richardson Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where he received extensive training in HPB surgery and robotic surgery. This additional year of training allowed him to become even more specialized in his field.
After nine years of intensive training, he has earned another board certification in surgical oncology and a certification from the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.
“I’m proud to say that each year, only five surgeons in the United States and Canada receive these double prestigious honors and certifications. My goal is to provide my patients with the highest level of care, and I believe that my extensive training and certifications make me well-equipped to do that.”
His journey to becoming a surgical oncologist has been a long and meaningful one. Dr. Moslim’s passion for helping those suffering from cancer began early on in his medical studies. But it was during his residency at the Cleveland Clinic that he was truly inspired by the incredible research and clinical opportunities. In addition to his personal drive, his family’s experience with cancer was the greatest influence on his career path, along with the patients that he’s cared for.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of caring for hundreds of patients with cancer, and each one has played a vital role in shaping my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for treating this disease,” Dr. Moslim shares. “From one patient who survived pancreatic cancer for nine years, to another who has been cured of early gastric cancer thanks to a gene found in his brother, to a patient who is cancer-free after undergoing liver resection for cholangiocarcinoma three years ago, every patient has made an impact on my practice.”
He continues, “one of the most fulfilling parts of my job as a surgical oncologist is helping my patients return to their normal lives. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies, work or school, I want to help my patients achieve an optimal quality of life. While our ultimate goal is curing cancer, I understand that this may not always be possible. That’s why I prioritize quality of life as a fundamental aspect of my approach to care. Every patient who comes through my doors receives the same level of care that I would want for my own family. I know firsthand the importance of access to quality care. and am grateful to have the resources to create individualized oncological plans that align with each patient’s unique needs and goals. At the end of the day, it’s not just about treating the disease, but treating the whole person with compassion and empathy.”
Outside of work, Dr. Moslim enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, who mean the world to him. They enjoy fishing and spending time at local playgrounds. Dr. Moslim also loves to read books about history and the rise and fall of old nations.
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