Research Assistant

What is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest aspiration is to deepen my knowledge in cardiology and be able to assist in building knowledge about pertinent health issues for patients who have heart problems. Being a research assistant is rewarding because I take part in helping patients choose the best treatment option for them which may include access to novel procedures or better drug indications.

How was your path becoming a clinical trial scientist?

I originally did my honours bachelor’s in medical sciences and I decided to apply my knowledge by working with humans as opposed to working in a wet lab. I really enjoy the human interaction aspect of clinical research. I did my honour’s thesis in a wet lab refining mouse models for multiple sclerosis but found that my true passion was not in working alone in a lab, but instead it was explaining studies to patients and helping them advance scientific knowledge about health issues through their participation in the clinical trials we have to offer.

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

As a Muslim woman, I found that I was well respected during my education and on the job. I made my boundaries clear about when I had to take breaks for prayer, when I could not participate in activities that involved drinking alcohol and that I had to have a halal diet when food was being shared. Alhamdulillah, I have never faced any discrimination or condescending behavior towards my beliefs.

What’s your favorite thing about being Muslim?

My favourite thing about being a Muslim is that I feel grounded when I am going about my day. I know that Allah is in control of everything, so I do not worry about things going wrong if I am doing my due diligence. I also love to think that Allah remembers me as I remember him throughout my day by making dhikr and keeping my tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah. When I am feeling overwhelmed, I know that I have a scheduled break to connect back with Allah and put my life into perspective by realizing that my work is only a means for me to attain the pleasure of Allah. I try to make my intention to represent Islam in the best possible way at work and to help patients feel better. Inshallah Allah will accept every minute of work I perform during my day as good deeds in my scale.

If somebody wants to be a clinical trial scientist when they grow up, what should they do?

If somebody wants to be a research assistant, regardless of the field whether cardiology or otherwise, they should start off by pursuing a healthcare, science or nursing degree in university. I did a medical sciences honour’s bachelors as well as a post-graduate diploma in clinical trials management. For my undergraduate degree, I feel blessed to have learned what I did, but if I had to go back, I would do a Bachelor of Nursing. I feel like I would get more experience with the clinical aspect of healthcare compared to the basic sciences that I learned. Also, nurses are more aware of clinical presentations of diseases whereas I learned more of the scientific reasons why diseases manifest the way they do. My degree is helpful to me in allowing me to understand concepts related to the background of the studies I lead, but I would have liked to have more of the patient interaction component in my training at the undergraduate level. As for my post-graduate diploma in clinical trials management, the most important thing that it helped me with is getting myself into the work world. I did a practicum at a contract research organization for nutraceutical clinical trials and I learned what it was like to perform patient follow up visits and do data monitoring. I would recommend making sure you participate in a program that offers practicums or co-ops because that really enhances your chances of finding work after you graduate.

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

If I have the privilege of giving advice to my younger sisters in Islam, I would tell them to embrace their identity! You are unique because you are a Muslim. Allah chose you to be among His ummah and that is a blessing that you should cherish. Be proud of your hijab and of your modesty and be diligent with your prayers and recognize that it as an opportunity to recharge your Iman throughout the day. If you are confident about being a Muslim, people will be intrigued by you and will want to know more about you as a young Muslim woman and about the faith that you follow. If someone disrespects you, just know that they are not disrespecting you as a person, but they are doing that out of ignorance and misconception. Your role is to be calm and kind and it is your gentle reaction that will leave a mark on the person who disrespected you. And never forget to make dua for the perpetrator for hidayah (guidance) and for Allah to make you firm in regard to holding on to His religion.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yomna-el-sakka/