Written by Emaan Nizami
In the bustling hallways of Bellaire High School, dreams take root. Student aspirations extend far beyond the familiar walls of the school, and for many that means the pursuit of a path in medicine. On February 21st, a group of dedicated doctors took it upon themselves to share their knowledge and experiences with these student dreamers. Passionate about nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals, these physicians attended to all kinds of questions posed by 40 eager Bellaire High students.
This event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Bellaire Arabic Club, the Muslim Student Association and the Bellaire Medical Club. The joint efforts reflect the inclusive and supportive community at Bellaire, showcasing the diversity of interests and aspirations within the student body. Bellaire’s Arabic teacher Ms. Halabi hosted the event in her classroom.
The featured doctors, with diverse backgrounds and medical disciplines, are an example of what is possible through dedication and perseverance. Their stories inspire Bellaire students to envision a future beyond the classroom, fueling their passion for medicine and encouraging them to set ambitious goals. Let’s explore the words of wisdom shared by these medical professionals: Dr. Zaina, an ophthalmologist; Dr. Dalia, a gynecologist; and Dr. Maimoona, a family physician.
Dr. Maimoona, far left; Dr. Dalia, middle, with glasses; Dr. Zaina, blue scrubs; Ms. Halabi, far right
Dr. Maimoona Nizami, a Bellaire parent and an international medical graduate, shared her unique journey of attending medical school in a rural setting in India. She pursued family medicine, and holds special interest in Behavioral medicine and Holistic medicine and has been practicing in a private practice in north Houston for the last ten years. Dr. Dalia, an obstetrician gynecologist in the Texas Medical Center, works at Texas Children’s Hospital and is a Bellaire alum. Dr. Zaina, an ophthalmologist specializing in LASIK, corneal transplants, and cataracts, is Palestinian and immigrated from Jordan to the United States in fourth grade. She was at Baylor College of Medicine for 10 years but recently joined a private practice in Memorial City.
One of the most frequently asked questions was, “What is the fastest way to medicine?” Dr. Zaina emphasized that there is not a “quick” way there but that instead it is a slow and steady process, involving four years of college, four years of medical school, and four to seven years of residency and fellowship. She stressed that pursuing medicine should be driven by passion rather than a desire for quick success.
Throughout the discussion, the doctors emphasized the importance of choosing medicine as a career only if it is a genuine passion. Dr. Dalia advised, “I would recommend trying to figure out if medicine is something you really love through signing up for volunteer experiences, seeking mentorship, and reflecting on your motivations. I would not recommend it to anyone who does not love it.” They highlighted the fact that being a doctor requires leadership skills, as physicians are leaders of their teams and everyone working under them.
Maintaining a good GPA in high school is crucial, but extracurricular activities can make an application stand out. Dr. Maimoona emphasized the significance of volunteering and taking leadership positions. The doctors collectively conveyed the message that the journey to becoming a doctor is a slow and steady process that requires motivation and a love for the profession.
Bellaire High School students asking questions.
In conclusion, the insights shared by these doctors provided valuable guidance for Bellaire students aspiring to enter the medical field. The emphasis on passion, dedication, and leadership as essential components of a successful medical career resonated throughout the discussion, leaving the students inspired to pursue their dreams with a clear understanding of the challenges and rewards that lie ahead.
The Bellaire to Beyond series, a brainchild of the MSA and Arabic club, was created for the purpose of helping students explore their fields of interest and aims to help students interact with professionals from different specialties. The next event in this series will be held on April 16th to inspire those interested in real estate.
- Emaan Nizami