I’ve always been drawn to caring for vulnerable populations, especially older adults.
My decision to pursue medicine was inspired by my family in Lebanon and the experience of being separated from my older relatives as they faced illness. I spent a lot of time volunteering in nursing homes and palliative and hospice care centers, and it felt almost like an exchange program: I couldn’t be with my relatives, but there were people in Georgia where I lived who were lonely and needed care and connection.
That experience led me to a pre-med track at Emory University, where I found joy in research and learning, and as I was from a low-income background, NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s free tuition was on my mind when I thought about applying to medical schools.
I knew NYU Grossman School of Medicine was a great school in a great city, and I was especially attracted to Bellevue as a safety net hospital. When I got accepted, I was over the moon.
Since I arrived, my interests have flourished and grown.
I’ve been able to connect with so many mentors who have similar interests, and I’ve been encouraged to pursue my passion, lead student groups, and not shy away from voicing my thoughts. Right now, I’m working in the Health x Housing Lab on a study exploring the experiences of homeless older adults, an opportunity that perfectly aligns with my interests and goals and gives me real-world experience advocating for those facing health vulnerabilities. I’m really honored to be part of it, and I’m also working on research projects with other mentors I’ve had throughout the last three years.
I feel empowered to ask bold questions and build meaningful partnerships with faculty.
They see me as someone with my own expertise. Everything is very collaborative. It doesn’t feel like I’m working on their research—it feels like I’m working on our research.
I’ve always felt my opinion can be valued, my contributions are important, and that I can have a high level of responsibility.
One turning point for me was my advanced internship, where, for the first time, I truly consolidated everything I’d learned and took responsibility for patient care as part of a clinical team.
I wouldn’t have been able to do that if the residents and other interns and attendings weren’t so supportive. There’s a huge emphasis on feedback here, and it’s always with the number one goal of bettering care for our patients by bettering ourselves.
My dream is to become a leader in older adult care.
NYU Grossman School of Medicine has helped me see a future where I’m an expert in this space, whether I land at a hospital in New York, back home in Georgia, or somewhere else. I’d like to end up in a leadership position at the intersection of my interests and work with older people in high acuity environments, bridging my palliative care expertise with end-of-life care.
Learning from faculty has inspired me to carve out my own path. One of my mentors was among the first to work in kidney palliative care. Another helped pioneer the field of neurology and palliative care. I’ve had many inspiring leaders.
My classmates are also encouraging. We have such a nice, close-knit relationship, and we can really rely on each other. There’s absolutely no barrier to reaching out and you really feel that collegiality.
Coming from a lower-income family, the gift of free tuition still leaves me speechless.
I’m just so grateful that I don’t know if I have words.
I feel nothing but pure excitement for where I’m about to go, and I think if I had six figures worth of debt, I would have been way more apprehensive and not as willing to expand my horizons. Being a student here and having no tuition has unlocked potential for me. I can put my energy toward moving forward.
It’s great to be part of NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and I’m excited to one day become part of the alumni community and see how I can help give back. Mentorship has shaped my journey, and the school has already given me the opportunity to pay it forward, whether that’s working with local high school students or supporting future medical professionals. We are a family here. And the work is always about lifting up the next generation.