Home Town: Damascus (Syria), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Irvine (California).
When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: Disease presentations! I think it’s really interesting to see how each disease has an array of signs and symptoms, but what’s more stimulating is to learn about atypical presentations and apply that to our current knowledge of the disease.
Things that make me unique are: My multicultural background! I visibly struggled with answering the question of my hometown, I was born in the US, grew up in Saudi Arabia, but I am originally from Syria. I think this gives me a great advantage of being exposed to different cultures and backgrounds, and I am always interested in learning something new from all the wonderful people I’ve met along the way.
I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: Bake, cook, and pretty much do anything in my kitchen, workout (sometimes… rarely).
To get myself motivated I think of: How blessed I’ve been to reach this point, and remind myself of the end goal I’m aiming to reach.
The hours I spend warm and cozy with a book I’m reading: I’m drawn to any books that are set in different parts of the world. A good example is Khalid Husseini’s novels from Afghanistan.
With popcorn in hand, the movie I’m watching is: I enjoy watching thrillers, documentaries, and action movies.
Without a DVR on my cable box I’d miss (or I’m in front of the TV so I won’t miss): I love watching cooking shows, The Great British Bake Off is my all-time favorite.
On my iPod, iPhone, iMac, iPad, etc. I listen to: I listen to music mostly when I’m driving, and it’s not anything specific. I like The Weeknd, Amy Winehouse, Khalid, Lana Del Rey etc.
When friends and family come visit me in Little Rock, I want to take them to: I’d love to take them on a walk on the Riverwalk Trail, go to Pinnacle Mountain, and visit the Clinton Museum!
I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: I immediately could imagine myself as a resident at UAMS from my interview day; everyone was so welcoming, kind, and knowledgeable. The hospital is a great place to learn and gain great exposure as well. I’m so happy and blessed to be here!