Saudi surgeon dies of heart attack while performing operation

Mahdi Al Emari insisted on working despite stomach pain at Khamis Mushait Hospital in the Asir region

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES,  JUNE 17, 2013. Working moms. Dr. Houriya Kazim BSc, MPH, MB BCh, FRCS, Medical Director and Specialist Breast Surgeon, an Emirati and the country's first female surgeon at work on a surgery at the Dubai London Speciailty Hosptial on Beach rd.  Freelancer is Rachel Lewis. (ANTONIE ROBERTSON / The National)
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An orthopaedic surgeon died of a heart attack while performing surgery on a patient in south-west Saudi Arabia.

Saudi media reported on Sunday that the consultant, Mahdi Al Emari, insisted on performing the operation despite stomach pains at Khamis Mushait Hospital in the Asir region, in the south-west of the kingdom.

Dr Majid Al Shehri, head of the orthopaedic department at the hospital, said medical examinations revealed Al Emari had died of a heart attack.

“Al Emari set an example of sacrifice that a doctor can do until the last moment of his life,” Dr Al Shehri said.

“Despite his severe stomach pains, he insisted on conducting the surgery for the patient. He died while performing his work. He is a work martyr.”