This month, we invite you to discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Engy Ali, the new president of Médecins Sans Frontières Luxembourg (MSF). She tells us about her career, shaped by strong values and meaningful experiences between medicine and humanitarian work. Originally from Egypt, she chose to dedicate her life to public health and humanitarian aid, remaining true to her childhood dream of making a difference.
“Being president means listening, encouraging, but also testifying and carrying the voice of those who don’t always have the means to do so. That's MSF's DNA,” says Dr. Ali.
An early vocation
Born in Egypt, Dr. Ali recalls her desire to become a doctor as early as the age of 5. It was while watching MSF’s work on television during a famine crisis in Somalia that she felt this calling.
"I remember MSF doctors helping malnourished children and speaking out about what was happening there. That’s what made me want to become a volunteer one day."
Touched by these images and driven by the desire to change things, she even drew herself a doctor’s diploma to proudly present to her father, signing “Dr. Engy Ali” at the bottom of the page. A childhood dream that would later lead her to join the organisation as a field doctor.
Her journey began in the intensive care unit at Alexandria University Hospital. Often treating underprivileged patients, she came to realise the importance of primary health care in preventing severe or even life-threatening complications.
This experience led her to initiate a project in a fishing village to provide essential care and promote vaccination and screening. “It showed me just how crucial it is to make basic healthcare accessible,” she explains. Thanks to private funding and donations of medicines from pharmaceutical companies, the project grew and eventually inspired her to pursue a Master’s in Public Health in the UK, a turning point in her career.
Flexibility and commitment: keys to her journey
After completing her Master’s degree, she embarked on international missions with MSF Luxembourg, which would lead her to face major health crises. Flexibility and open-mindedness became her greatest allies.
“You have to be ready to adapt to each situation and do your best with the resources available,” she says.
She remembers her mission in Liberia in 2015, during the Ebola crisis: “It was the peak of the epidemic, and the scale of the situation was huge. We knew we couldn’t save everyone… Those difficult moments will stay with me forever.”
Adaptability is, for her, an essential value for success. Her shift from intensive care to public health often raised questions, but she always responded, “You need to be open to new adventures. Life is a series of adventures where you test yourself and evolve.” For her, every change is an opportunity to grow, both professionally and personally.
The power of team cohesion
Inspired by her father’s values, Dr. Ali places transparency and solidarity at the heart of her daily commitment.
Teamwork is essential to the success of MSF’s missions. “The life and cohesion of the team help a lot,” she explains, highlighting the importance of listening, support and empathy in the field, where “we’re all in the same boat.” Teams need to show resilience, adapting to restrictions while maintaining links between colleagues. “During the Ebola crisis, they even invented their own version of a hug… They had virtual evenings and created moments together to get through difficult times,” she recalls.
For Dr. Ali, MSF is much more than an organisation, it’s a family.
“We’re like a big family, even though we’re all different, with diverse backgrounds and experiences. But in the end, we all share the same goal.”
What brings the teams together is the common desire to serve those in need, a goal that transcends differences and strengthens cohesion.
The importance of operational research
Since 2010, MSF Luxembourg has specialised in operational research, which, in fact, drew Dr. Ali to join the Operational Research Unit, known as LuxOR. This unit conducts research projects that support humanitarian and medical efforts to continuously improve MSF's programmes.
“Operational research helps us better understand the needs of the populations we help and to adapt our interventions so that they are truly effective,” she explains.
Today, as president of MSF Luxembourg, Dr. Ali is a model of resilience and human leadership. Her role involves amplifying the organisation's voice and leads its advocacy initiatives. She brings MSF’s mandate to the forefront by sharing the stories of those they serve.
Advice for the next generation
For young people aspiring to a career in healthcare or humanitarian work, Dr. Ali emphasises the importance of faith in what you do and the satisfaction it brings. She reminds us that in humanitarian work, no project is accomplished alone: “There is no leader without a team around them.” It is human values that drive us forward together.
Dr. Engy Ali’s journey embodies humanitarian commitment. Her passion and determination inspire those who want to make a difference. After completing her PhD in public health, she plans to learn Italian or take a course in psychology. She stresses the importance of disconnecting from work to focus on oneself, recommending dance.
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