Name: Asma Syed Hometown: San Antonio, TX Year in Medical School and Graduation Class Year: MS2, Class of 2025 Undergraduate School: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Emory University, Master of Medical Sciences from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth
Do you serve on any student interest groups/organizations/activities? If so, which one(s)?
I am a student podcaster on the UTRGV School of Medicine Wellness podcast, the Wellness Committee Resilience chair, the Student Run Clinic community outreach co-chair, part of the Prefect for Maimonides Academic House, and the secretary for the Internal Medicine Interest Group.
What inspired you to become a doctor? When did you know you wanted to be a doctor?
Growing up, some of the most impactful people in my community were physicians. I did not realize when I was young that I witnessed the dedication, passion, and grit needed to succeed in medicine rubbing off in other aspects of these doctors' lives. I looked up to this community of doctors for their leadership and prayed that someday I would know enough to earn the respect and trust of the people I love the most and to help them in their time of need, through sickness, and in health. I studied ethics as an undergrad and realized that my love of science and passion for thinking deeply about how I could leave this world a better place could be combined with medicine.
Why did you choose UTRGV School of Medicine?
When choosing a medical school, I sought a sense of community that emphasized serving underserved communities. UTRGV fits that description well, with a small and tight-knit class size, a focus on border health, and opportunities to volunteer in clinics in the “Colonias” as a medical student.
What specialties of medicine interest you the most? Why?
I am interested in internal medicine, medical ethics, and teaching. At this point, I am open-minded but have been leaning toward palliative medicine. I would love to someday be a physician consultant on an ethics committee at an academic hospital.
I think internal medicine is best suited for those like me who want to specialize in something that allows them to have creativity in pursuing a fellowship in many other fields (i.e., cardiology, nephrology, pulmonary medicine, critical care, and palliative medicine).
What areas of research interest you the most? Why?
I am interested in end-of-life care and ethical decision-making. After the pandemic, I became increasingly aware of the lack of knowledge regarding best practices to support patients and health care providers through complex decision-making when often the "right" decision is unclear. Furthermore, with the innovation in medicine comes longer life spans and more complex care; thus, there is a need to explore topics such as medical futility and indications for initiation and termination of life support machines.
How has the UTRGV School of Medicine fostered your interest in pursuing a career in medicine?
My medical school peers are why I stay inspired and determined to finish medical school strong, even when the path seems daunting some days. Having motivated, kind and encouraging friends who all dream big and genuinely want to leave their mark on this world keeps me inspired to learn as much as possible while I am at the UTRGV School of Medicine.
What are your plans for engaging in research this year?
I plan to attend the Texas American College of Physicians (TXACP) in Dallas this year to present my Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder research. In the future, I hope to explore more opportunities in bioethics research.
What is one interesting fact others might not know about you that you are willing to share?
I enjoy learning Arabic calligraphy (which is not my native language), and I have a little collection of fountain pens that I hope to grow over the years to practice my hand lettering.
