It’s not every day that you get to sit down with someone whose life story mirrors yours in so many unexpected ways.
In this episode of The Visionary With Hala Ali Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Hiba Injibar, a renowned dermatologist and founder of Dermasurge Clinic, based right in the heart of London’s Harley Street. But before she became a leading name in skin health, Dr. Hiba made a life-altering decision one that resonated deeply with me.
When the Move Isn’t About Ambition, It’s About Family
When I asked Dr. Hiba why she moved to the UK, I half expected a story involving a prestigious fellowship or an irresistible job offer. But her answer? “We just wanted a new life for the kids.”
That hit home for me. I too moved to the UK almost 16 years ago, not for career, not for fame, but to build a family. Like Dr. Hiba, it wasn’t about chasing opportunity; it was about creating stability for the family we dreamed of.
There’s something powerful in choosing to uproot everything for a reason that has nothing to do with professional ambition. It’s a quieter kind of bravery.
The Skincare Cultures We Left Behind
Dr. Hiba grew up practicing dermatology in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia before relocating to London. As we spoke, she shared how skin awareness and beauty routines were almost cultural norms back home. “In Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, people take skincare seriously,” she said, “there’s a deep-rooted emphasis on grooming and appearance.”
Choosing the Right Path, Even If It’s Not the First One
What truly inspired me was Dr. Hiba’s journey into dermatology itself. She originally started in pediatrics but quickly realized it wasn’t for her. “I love talking to my patients, connecting with them. And in pediatrics, that wasn’t always possible,” she explained.
So she pivoted. She found dermatology. A field that speaks to her visual memory, her tactile nature, her love for detail. Twenty-five years later, she’s still just as passionate.
That gave me a moment to reflect: how many of us are brave enough to change lanes mid-race? To say, this isn’t it for me, and start again?
Why This Conversation Mattered So Much
This episode wasn’t just about skin. It was about identity. About rediscovery. About choosing family first, and figuring the rest out later.
Dr. Hiba’s story reminded me of why I started this podcast in the first place, to bring you voices that don’t just teach you something new, but make you feel seen.
If you’re a woman who’s ever questioned her path, or an immigrant who’s had to rebuild from scratch, or just someone trying to find meaning in the middle of the mess, this episode is for you.
The Visionary with Hala Ali Podcast 