About Me:
The two cities that I call home are Baghdad, Iraq, and Southfield, Michigan. I was born in Iraq and in 2003 my family immigrated to the United States. I attended the University of Michigan for undergrad, where I majored in Biomolecular Science and minored in Sociocultural Anthropology. My interest in pediatrics was sparked by my time working at a pediatric clinic that served a large population of Middle Eastern immigrants. This experience shed light on the intricate complexities of our healthcare system, specifically highlighting the necessary improvements needed to meet the needs of immigrant and refugee families. I attended Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine where I engaged in local advocacy work with Michigan-based organizations and nationally through the AAP. These experiences illustrated to me that the art of medicine is more than addressing a chief complaint; it is also the commitment to create systemic change and generate longitudinal differences in the lives of my patients. I decided to pursue a Master of Public Health degree at Harvard Chan School of Public Health between my 3rd and 4th years of medical school. During my time there, I worked at a refugee resettlement agency in Boston, assisting families in accessing social services and healthcare. I am thrilled to train at the University of Michigan for residency and continue exploring my academic interests related to health policy and immigrant and refugee health. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading fiction, cooking Middle Eastern food, watching Netflix, and going on long walks.
Why I chose Michigan:
Michigan has it all – a diverse and complex patient population, kind leadership, supportive faculty, a strong sense of community, and the bonus of being near my family. It's the perfect combo for an amazing pediatric residency adventure!