Adults often abandon their childhood dreams, mine was to become a surgeon and help save lives. 

I knew the road would be extremely difficult, in fact, the moment I got the acceptance letter from one of the best Francophone medical schools in the region (Faculty of Medicine of Saint Joseph University of Beirut) my parents, instead of cheering for me, were instantly consumed by anxiety, as they knew they couldn't afford my education at that time. 

Nevertheless, fate had another say! 

I was very lucky to receive the Alexis and Anne-Marie Habib foundation grant along with receiving support from USJ’s Service Social. But then again, I also had to work countless hours, teaching biology science and literature throughout medical school to support my parents and my education. 

I did that while leading an amazing scouting group of 400 members, as we worked on numerous social projects (a nationwide foodbank, environmental projects and others), and also steering students' groups in their rightful social and political activism.

Despite going through one of the worst economic collapses, the gravest pandemic of the century and the third biggest non-nuclear explosion in the world, I was fortunate to receive top-notch clinical education in one of the best hospitals in Lebanon Hôtel-Dieu de France. After seven years, I reaffirmed my passion for surgery, managed to pass Step 1 of the USMLEs, and finally graduated with an M.D!

Now is the time to look forward. I am extremely thrilled to announce that I will be joining the University of Illinois Chicago/UI Health Plastic and reconstructive surgery department as a Research fellow this fall. 

I am particularly excited to be part of the big family of USJ-FM alumni all around the world. I look forward to connecting with many inspiring physicians in Lebanon and abroad, while we celebrate together our Alma mater in all its brilliance.

I thank all those who believed in me throughout this amazing journey, including my family and my uncle Ziad, our dear Dean Pr. Roland Tomb, Mrs. Lara Hage, my mentors Dr. Ayman Assi, Dr. Ghassan Sleilati, Dr. Victor Yazbeck, and Pr. Joseph Kattan, and many others who guided me during the past 7 years.

To every student who’s going through a difficult time, never stop fighting and dreaming. The sky is indeed the limit!