What is your hometown?
I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. My family immigrated to the states after the Russian invasion 1980. From there we moved to Ackley, Iowa a small farm town then went to Maryland, and then from there we moved to St. Louis where I spent a predominant part of my life. My family then decided to move back to Iowa for a couple of years, and now they are currently in Sacramento, California. We are a family of travelers. Each of those places holds a special meaning to me so I guess you could say they are all my hometowns.
How or when did you become interested in science and medicine?
Science has always been an integral part of my life. Both my parents are in the sciences; growing up in that environment became second nature to me. As I got older I became more interested in physiology and human biology. Medicine was the perfect path for me.
How or why did you choose UI to attend medical school?
That’s an interesting story. I never thought in a million years that I would be back in Iowa. If it wasn’t for my parent’s nomadic nature and moving back to Iowa I probably would have never thought of coming back. Since they made the move, I decided to really look into the school and found that it was a great program that met all of my needs. Aside from the wonderful faculty and strong academics, out of all the schools I looked at I really got a sense of community and belonging here at Iowa.
Is there a Carver College of Medicine faculty member who has helped shape your education?
There are so many great teachers that I have come across but one that stands out most for me is Dr. Lisa Antes who was my attending during my internal medicine rotation last year. Dr. Antes has been an excellent mentor academically and personally. Her love and enthusiasm for teaching and medicine is contagious, she really makes students feel included in the medical team and values their opinions and input. Even after my medicine rotation I would always (and probably still will during residency) go to her for guidance. She is an amazing teacher and her dedication to students like myself is greatly appreciated.
What kinds of opportunities does being a medical student at Iowa provide? What about the challenges?
Iowa really does allow students to explore whatever academic curiosities they my have, whether it’s doing research in a lab, traveling abroad or getting involved with organizations here and outside of the community. I took advantage of all of these opportunities and I’m glad I did. Currently as I’m answering these questions I’m sitting on the front porch overlooking a huge march in St. Helena Island. I’m doing an outpatient internal medicine rotation in this predominantly underserved community. So far it’s been an experience of a lifetime.
As for the challenges, well medical school itself has been a huge challenge. I’d be lying if I were to say it’s been smooth sailing throughout. Going through those ups and downs has definitely shaped me into the person I am today (for the better). I have to add that whatever the challenge, the faculty and deans have always been supportive and open for any student to come if they do need help.
Please describe your professional goals and interests.
One of my main goals and the reason why I am in medicine is to get involved and work on implementing adequate healthcare programs for the underserved domestically and abroad. I think that a lot of us are under the impression that limited healthcare resources is an issue that only applies to third world countries when in fact we can see this in our own backyards. There are small pockets in America where resources are just as limited as in other developing countries. Working in the Sea Islands has really opened my eyes to this issue. Along those lines I plan on eventually going back to Afghanistan and giving back to my homeland in terms of education, empowerment of women and guidance along with providing healthcare. It’s unfortunate how the media has portrayed Afghans as gun slinging terrorists, or submissive burqua wearing women. For almost 30 years these people have lived through constant war and yet they still endure and have a strong spirit and will to make a better life for themselves. The key to helping these voiceless underserved people domestically and abroad is through education.
The next three years I will be doing be doing my internal medicine residency here at UIHC. During my time here I plan on going abroad and continue to be actively involved in serving the underserved.
What are some of your outside interests?
In order to keep my balance and stay sane I have to step away from my work and do other things. Last April I had an art show at Arbor Gallery where I displayed a collection of my pieces that I’ve been working on throughout the years. I love painting, acrylic is my favorite next to watercolor, but I also like to play with other types of media like oil and chalk pastel, and colored pencil. Aside from that I love spending time with my family and friends, and I LOVE to cook (especially Afghan food), which is something my friends have been very grateful for!
Do you participate in any community service/outreach projects? If so what are they and what have your experiences been?
I’ve been involved in a few outreach projects throughout medical school but I want to talk about one that has really impacted my life. This is being a hospice volunteer. I joined Iowa City hospice during my first year of medical school and I must say it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has definitely allowed me to see another side of medicine, the more humanistic side. As a volunteer we basically show up and provide terminally ill patients anything they need, whether it’s bringing them a home cooked meal, playing cards, reading, or just sitting with them so they are not alone during their last days. I hope I’m giving those patients half as much as I’m gaining from them.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your work?
I read a quote a few years ago by William Osler that I’ve always kept with me, “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” I think that says volumes.
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
The world would be a better place if people would take themselves a little less seriously. Despite our religious, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and educational differences, we’re all really the same, we want the same things in life and we all deserve the same respect. Lighten up and learn to laugh at yourself once in awhile!
What one piece of advice would you give to students who are interested in applying to medical school?
Don’t get discouraged. If medicine is truly your passion and what you see yourself doing in the future then go for it. It will be hard work, nothing worth having comes easily anyways, keep at it and you’ll get there, I promise.
What do you see as “the future” of medicine?
I see education on disease prevention as the future of medicine. Fortunately I see more and more physicians taking a proactive role in educating their patients on their maladies. People are starting to realize that there is only so much we as healthcare providers can do, if the patient has no understanding as to what’s happening to their body they are less prone to take our advice. People are starting to realize that the doctor-patient relationship is a team effort.