Why did you choose Hofstra? Are you a graduate of the Hofstra 4+4 program?

I was drawn to Hofstra because of the 4+4 medical program. Admission to the program is very competitive so when I was accepted, I was so thankful. The 4+4 program was the perfect fit for me. 

I graduated from the program a year early and spent what would have been my final year before medical school working full time in bench (basic science) research at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research while getting my Master of Public Health degree at night. The 4+4 program gave me the flexibility to do this.

Are there any other physicians or healthcare professionals in your family? If not, what does it mean to you to be the first?

My dad was a pathologist before he passed away during my first year of medical school. He went to medical school in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and worked hard to practice in America, ultimately becoming the vice chairman of pathology at Northwell. 

My dad taught me what it means to practice medicine responsibly, empathetically, and gracefully. There was never a problem too small for him to help others with. He went to work each day with so much passion, and I aspire to have that same energy and sense of pride in my own work. My brother, an internal medicine resident, and I are so proud to follow in his footsteps.

We understand you are graduating with an MD/MPH degree. Could you tell us more about all these experiences and where your passions in medicine come from?

Helping underserved populations is a large part of why I went into medicine. I was raised with the principle that you try to become successful to give back to the communities that helped raise you. The intersection of medicine and public health is crucial to help patients not just with diagnosis and treatment but also with societal obstacles. 

My background in public health helps me advocate for minority and underserved populations better. Medicine allows me to foster personal, one-on-one relationships while public health allows me to better understand population-level policies and how they affect us.

Tell us about some research projects, clinical experiences, or programs you participated in.

I’m very passionate about medical education, and during my first two years of medical school I worked with minority high school and college students in the Medical Scholars Pipeline Program (MSPP). I served as an educator and mentor to students who are interested in pursuing careers in the medical field. I created my own coursework and lectures from scratch with content ranging from public health to microaggressions in medicine. The goal was not to encourage everyone to go to into medicine but rather to provide these students with the resources they deserve regardless of their zip code or background so they can be informed about the medical field. 

During my fourth year of medical school I worked in a community hospital in Kisoro, Uganda. This was truly a life-changing experience for me. I felt a sense of purpose and gratitude for my work that fundamentally changed how I view medicine. I worked with amazing Ugandan translators and community health workers who invited me into their community with open arms so that I could help and connect with patients. I keep in touch with everyone; the translators reached out to me on Match Day to congratulate me!

Where did you match and what is the specialty you matched into? Have you always wanted to pursue a career in that specialty?

I matched at Boston University Medical Center in Internal Medicine! I came into medical school undecided, and I ultimately found my tribe in Internal Medicine. It encompasses everything I’m passionate about ̶ spending time at the bedside with patients and their families, medical education, global health, and more.

What is your proudest Hofstra moment?

My first day of medical school will always feel special. It’s easy to doubt yourself and compare yourself with others, but I remember coming home and feeling so excited after my first day. I knew the road ahead would be difficult, but I surprised even myself with how much I was looking forward to it. I remember sharing the details of my first day with my parents. They looked on proudly as they listened to me ramble on with excitement. Time flew by, and I can’t believe where I am now compared to then.

What will you miss the most about Hofstra?

I will really miss the sense of community. I have gotten so close to many of the faculty members at the medical school. I’ll miss my mentors, advisors, and professors dearly and can’t wait to tell them about my adventures in residency. 

During my fourth year of medical school I worked in a community hospital in Kisoro, Uganda. This was truly a life-changing experience for me. I felt a sense of purpose and gratitude for my work that fundamentally changed how I view medicine. I worked with amazing Ugandan translators and community health workers who invited me into their community with open arms so that I could help and connect with patients. I keep in touch with everyone; the translators reached out to me on Match Day to congratulate me!

Who were your mentors and what made them special to you?

My most important mentor will always be my dad. He taught me how to balance ambition with enjoying the little things in life. 

During medical school, I have also been inspired by other brown women like myself who have succeeded in their fields and prioritized helping others do the same. Dr. Janice John, Dr. Sonia George, and Dr. Mangala Narasimhan are all physicians who have taken the time to hear my story and encourage me to always strive for more. I can’t wait to do the same for students when I am an attending physician.

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