As both a surgeon and a former ostomy patient, I have experienced ostomy care from two distinct perspectives. After decades of caring for patients as a specialist in general and urologic surgery, I unexpectedly found myself on the other side of care following surgery in 2017. Living with a temporary ileostomy for several months gave me firsthand insight into the practical challenges of emptying a drainable ostomy pouch safely, hygienically and with dignity.

That experience changed how I viewed ostomy care. I recognized that everyday difficulties—often not openly discussed—can affect confidence, independence and quality of life. I became determined to develop a practical solution that could make this essential routine easier, cleaner and more dignified.

Together with my wife and co-inventor, Dr. Aisha Monib, I developed LiberOsto™, a reusable sanitary ostomy pouch drainage device inspired by lived experience and informed by our medical knowledge. Our goal is to help people living with an ostomy empty drainable pouches with greater comfort, hygiene, confidence, independence and dignity.