Tell us about yourself and what you’re doing right now.

I am a first year med student at Brown and graduated from URI in 2023. As an undergraduate student, I circulated a bit with my major choice from undeclared, to Biological Sciences, to Pharmaceutical Sciences, and finally to the PharmD program.

How is medical school going?

Great so far! Very fortunate to able to stay in Rhode Island—close to home.

How do you think your time at URI prepared you for medical school?

I guess I would speak on two things: one, I was able to build great support networks that were foundational to my success and which I still lean into. And two, I developed some of the intangibles at URI. I think just embracing some of the challenges that came at URI revealed certain character traits but also inspired me to work harder. So when challenges inevitably came at Brown I felt well-equipped to take them on.

You were a football player?

Yes. I played 2016 to 2020; I played all of my NCAA eligibility. And then I stayed on to finish the PharmD for two more years.

Was there anything that surprised you when you started medical school?

I would say the thing that surprised me was the amount of opportunity. I came in not really saying no to opportunities; it’s been great—I feel like if you go in and you take on as many opportunities that you’re passionate about you’ll fill up your schedule quickly. I’m especially passionate about mentorship. I feel like I wouldn’t be in the positions that I’m in and the spaces that I’m in without it. I’m part of the student senate and curriculum committee; I’m also part of the neurology and neurosurgery interest group—I’m on the Executive Board for that. And I’m in a few affinity groups. I’m President of the National Arab-American Medical Association, and the Chair for Research for the American Medical Student Association; and then I’m the Mentorship Chair SNMA, the Student National Medical Association.

How have you been able to manage all that and keep up with you medical studies?

As you know, at URI I had to learn how to maintain all of my commitments. Through my mentors I was able to learn how to be efficient with my time. It’s definitely something I’m still learning to be better at. In med school studies, it’s very much in your hands; you learn at your pace and you’re an adult learner and you’re trusted with that.

How have your professional goals evolved since your undergraduate years?

I’m always open to change; I’m always open to growth. And that’s something that won’t change as I continue on my path. There’s a lot you can do through medicine on the academic front, the clinical front, the community front, and even on the research front. So I feel like my interests are continuing to evolve and I’m hopeful through medicine I can do all of these different things and find where I can fit best.

What two or three things are really interesting to you right now?

First and foremost, I hope to serve underserved population and make sure their voices are heard all across medicine. I want to be a voice for change. I also think novel change is always good so research is something I’m interested in—currently I’m in neurosurgical labs at Brown. And I think passing the torch is also important to me— maybe through teaching but more than anything, I first want to get myself to the point of being a mentor for students, and once again: I don’t think I’d be where I am without mentors who believed in me.

What do you think are 2-3 keys to success on the health professions training pathway?

I’m going to go back to something I’ve already mentioned in this interview, which is first, embracing resilience—understanding that life doesn’t stop or let up because you’re pursuing something like pre-health. Keep in mind that things happen, but you’re not defined by those things; you’re defined by your own reaction to these things. So, keeping your head down and working; always doing what’s right–these things pay dividends in the end. Second, you’re not on this journey alone. The challenges you face shouldn’t always rest on your shoulders alone. Through URI, friends, and family you have support networks. Sometimes it’s about you reaching out. Mentors and others can give you insight about the challenges you’re facing. Identifying those mentors sooner than later is the key to succeeding. Other than that, just work hard and look for opportunities for grow, both academically and personally. That type of mindset will keep you free from complacency and help you grow into a better person.

What do you think are the most important issues in healthcare that pre-health profession students should be most aware of as they prepare for their future careers?

Understanding that our health system was created in a way that isn’t equitable to all populations. Understanding that and acting accordingly is important.  Also, as you progress, always be a voice when you see something that’s wrong. At Brown they teach us how our system is not always set up for the success of everybody; but it doesn’t mean it can’t change. The healthcare system is a slow moving machine but it can be improved over time. Being an advocate for what you think is right is something to lean into.

Also, I think there are systemic issues in terms of representation from gender, to race—access issues are multifaceted but I’m hopeful that over time we can get to an equitable level for everyone.

Do you have any other advice for URI students?

Be introspective. Find out what you want. It a slow process but also a busy one. Get as much information as you can. Take opportunities to attend events at med schools. Brown hosts a number of events, including “On the Horizon,” which provides students with multiple panels on admission, financing medical education, and others. And once again, find your mentors early and work hard.

Is there anything else you’d like current URI pre-medical students to know?

Yes. I got a lot of support from mentors at URI in the college of pharmacy, pre-health, and those not in the world of health care. It included coaches, religious leaders, etc. Mentorship is critical. It keeps you accountable and having someone who believes in you goes a long way.