I was an Iraqi refugee residing in Turkey, and I had the fortune of migrating to Canada about 8 years ago with the hope of becoming a doctor. I then began working toward that goal, but I had very little support and was immediately overwhelmed by the Canadian education system. However, I did not let that stop me. I was just at the beginning of the road, and I knew I had to be persistent in pursuing my goal, a goal that was instilled in me by my parents.
Eventually, I was accepted to McMaster University; over time, I realized that my passion lay elsewhere, beyond a physician’s role. Although honourable and admirable, it was not for me. In the Biology Research Program, I found my true passion for the sciences: biology, physiology, and evolution. This realization caused me a great deal of confusion, so I began exploring research in different areas to find my true calling.
Coincidentally, I met Dr. Glen Pyle, who spoke to me about his research, and I instantly felt a spark. I knew then that I wanted to pursue research where I could continuously work toward improving women’s lives, helping bridge disparity gaps and contribute to more equitable treatment for all, especially those who are often overlooked.
I thought about all the women around me, their struggles, their power, the love and effort they put into every aspect of their lives, and their selfless sacrifices. It became clear to me that I want to help ensure they have access to therapies that are designed with them in mind. It is the least I can do.
That is why I chose to conduct my research in the Women’s Heart Lab, working to address unanswered and overlooked questions that, if resolved, could transform healthcare for everyone. I want to contribute to an ideal world that offers women what they deserve: personalized therapies developed with their physiology in mind. And I believe that for change like this to happen, someone has to take on the challenge, so it might as well be me.