Internist

What's your normal day like?

A normal day starts with getting to the hospital at 7am. I chart check all my patients and see how they did overnight. I then go “round” on my patients. This means I see each patient, listen to their concerns and examine them. The rest of the day is spent putting in orders for medications, calling consultants, writing notes, discharging old patients and admitting new patients.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is my mother. She is a dentist and taught me to work hard and to pursue my goals.

How was your path becoming an internist?

The path was definitely challenging but worth it in the end.

Did you face any struggles being a Muslim woman in this field?

I think as a woman, and as a Muslim woman, there are always struggles. They may not be something overt, but I have definitely experienced certain comments about race and gender.

What’s your favorite thing about being Muslim?

My favorite thing is the community that comes with being Muslim.

If somebody wants to be an internist when they grow up, what should they do?

• Four years of college (can major in anything but need to do pre-med prerequisites)

• MCAT test

• Four years medical school

• USMLE licensing exams (Step 1 and 2 in medical school, step 3 in residency)

• 3 years internal medicine residency

• Internal Medicine Board Exam

It sounds like a lot but it is definitely doable!!

If you can give any advice to young Muslim girls/teens, what would you tell them?

My advice is to go after what you want and to not let the fear of failure deter you from going after your dreams. It is so important for the younger generation to have Muslim role models in every field so that young Muslim girls can know that they can do and be whatever they want to be.