Guest Spotlights
Meet Dr. Dina Sallam
Who You Are
My name is Dina Sallam, and I’m from Cairo, Egypt. I’m an associate professor of pediatric nephrology and a practicing physician. Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis, rowing, hiking, and I absolutely love traveling.
What Brought You to Atlanta & Villa
I’m currently in Atlanta as a visiting professor for specialized training in pediatric kidney transplantation, with the goal of establishing a kidney transplant unit at my university hospital in Egypt.
I first came to Villa International six years ago, where I stayed for six months, and it was such a wonderful experience that I chose to return again. Villa truly feels like home to me—it’s welcoming, relaxing, and filled with friendly people and very supportive staff.
Villa truly feels like home to me—it’s welcoming, relaxing, and filled with friendly people and very supportive staff.
Tell Us About Your Day and Work
My daily routine usually starts early—I wake up at 7 a.m. and go to work by 7:30, staying until around 5 or 6 p.m. When I return, I cook dinner, sometimes take a walk around Emory Point, and then rest. One thing I really appreciate is that Villa offers volunteer drivers who help with grocery shopping, which makes daily life much easier.
What Does Villa Mean To You
Villa means a lot to me—it feels like home, like a second country. The staff and guests are very kind and warm, and it’s been a joy getting to know people from different cultures and building friendships.
To future guests, I would say: you will find not just a place to stay, but a true home.
Villa Experience
One of the most special moments was the Eid celebration. Being away from family during such an important time is not easy, but Villa made it feel like home. Celebrating together created a sense of belonging and made us feel close to our families, even from far away.
What I will remember most is the friendly atmosphere, the constant support whenever I needed anything, and the genuine warmth and kindness I experienced here.
And to everyone who supports Villa—thank you for creating such a special place. It truly makes a difference.
