Mike Bishai in Conroe, Texas, on a Journey from Cairo to Excellence in Medicine

Mike Bishai in Conroe, Texas, was born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1972. His medical journey began at the young age of 17 when he entered Cairo University Medical School. By 25, he had completed his internship, followed by military service as a physician for the Navy Seals. After a brief stint in orthopedic surgery training, Bishai relocated to the United States to join a research position at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. His career took a significant turn in 2001 when he embarked on a psychiatric residency, later becoming the medical director at Pinnacle Health System and faculty at PENN State. In 2009, Bishai shifted focus to pain management, completing a fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, he resides in The Woodlands, Texas, where he continues to make significant contributions to his field. The following is an interview that explores his inspirations, professional journey, and key insights into his practice.

Establishing Professional Identity and Values

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?

I was inspired to become a physician by a black and white movie. The actor was a SIR in my country, and in the movie, he was a skilled physician, a kind man, and a humble family person. He rescued an orphan, a homeless young lady, restoring her humanity, giving her a job at his clinic, and a place to stay. This portrayal of compassion and skill deeply resonated with me.

Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?

When I got older, I was really inspired by Robin Williams and his iconic movie “Patch Adams.” I watched it at the beginning of my internship and decided to adopt most of his passion and ideas. It encouraged me to blend empathy with medical practice, seeking to provide not just medical care but holistic support to my patients.

How would you describe your personal and professional values?

Those were the defining moments that shaped my career and made me want to be like one of those role models. I strive to provide top medical care to my patients regardless of their financial status.

What advice would you give your younger self?

To my younger self, I would say to retake the same path and not to waste time or energy trying to convince anyone that I am doing the right thing. Confidence in my calling and dedication to my work have always been essential to my journey.

Career Achievements and Reflections

What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?

I am proud to be one of the very first psychiatrists to pursue a specialty in pain medicine. I also take pride in combining my experience and training in psychosomatic medicine and pain management to help patients in the most efficient way possible.

How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure overall well-being?

I manage stress by practicing early morning meditation from 3:30 to 4:00 AM, followed by one to two hours of jogging. In the evenings, I unwind by watching movies. Additionally, I volunteer with my son on most Saturdays, engaging in community service activities such as building and distributing beds for orphans and helping disabled veterans.

How do you define success?

I define success as when patients come and say they are feeling better after so many years of suffering. It’s as simple as that. The relief and improvement in my patients’ lives is the ultimate measure of success for me.

Who is the one entrepreneur or business leader you consider your greatest example and inspiration? Why?

My entrepreneurial leader and inspiration is Prof. Dr. Sir Magdy Yakob, who performed the first heart transplant in England in 1980. He is still operating now in Egypt, treating young children with congenital heart disease for free at the age of 89. I will continue to look up to him for the rest of my life.

Community Service and Personal Aspirations

Are there any charitable organizations or community service-oriented activities that you are involved in?

I’m involved with two church organizations in Egypt, where I treat and operate on hundreds of indigent patients each time I visit, which is about three times a year now. Giving back to the community and helping those in need is an integral part of my life’s work.

Please tell us an inspirational, uplifting story about a time you helped change someone’s life, or someone helped change your life and made a difference.

An inspirational story that stands out to me is when I was implanting a spinal cord stimulator for a disabled Marine whose spine was damaged by a grenade explosion. The surgery faced challenges when the leads wouldn’t advance due to scar tissue, and it seemed we might have to abort. At that moment, we prayed, and the leads miraculously passed through, controlling the patient’s pain. He later went on to theology school and became a pastor. Experiences like these reaffirm my faith and dedication to my work.

Expertise in Pain Management and Psychiatry

How has your dual background in psychiatry and pain management influenced your approach to patient care?

My background in both psychiatry and pain management allows me to view patient care holistically. Mental health and physical pain are deeply interconnected, and addressing them together can lead to more effective treatments. Patients benefit significantly when their psychological state and physical symptoms are treated concurrently, which is a core aspect of my practice.

Can you discuss your contributions or innovations in the field of pain management that have had a significant impact?

One of my key contributions is pioneering the integration of psychiatric principles into pain management. This approach not only targets physical symptoms but also addresses the psychological aspects of pain, such as anxiety or depression, that often accompany chronic pain conditions. This dual approach has helped many patients achieve relief and improved quality of life.

What are some of the most challenging cases you’ve encountered in your field, and what did you learn from them?

I once encountered a case involving a patient with severe spinal damage due to a grenade explosion. The complexity of the case taught me the importance of perseverance and collaboration. Despite initial obstacles during the surgery, the successful outcome reinforced my belief in the power of faith and meticulous planning in medical practice.

Vision for the Future

What do you see as the future of pain management, and what role do you hope to play in it?

The future of pain management lies in personalized medicine. By tailoring treatments to individual genetic, psychological, and lifestyle factors, we can improve outcomes significantly. I aspire to contribute to this shift by integrating innovative technologies and therapies that align with this personalized approach.

Are there any upcoming projects or goals you are particularly excited about?

I am currently working on a project that integrates AI technology into pain management practices. This involves developing predictive models that can foresee a patient’s response to certain treatments. Such advancements could revolutionize patient care by enabling more precise and effective treatment plans.

How do you envision your practice evolving over the next decade?

In the coming years, I envision my practice expanding to include more research and development in the field of integrative medicine. By fostering collaborations with other healthcare professionals and researchers, I hope to contribute to groundbreaking innovations that bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine.

Concluding Thoughts

What legacy do you hope to leave in the medical field?

I hope to leave a legacy of compassionate care and innovation in medicine. By advocating for holistic treatment approaches that consider both mental and physical health, I aim to influence future generations of medical professionals to view patient care comprehensively.

Mikhail Bishai MD’s integration of psychiatry into pain management represents a forward-thinking approach in medicine. His contributions continue to impact the field positively, and his vision for the future promises further advancements. Through his dedicated work, Bishai exemplifies the profound impact that one individual’s commitment and innovation can have on the medical community.