Name:Zayd Ayas Hometown:Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Year in medical school:2nd year Graduation class year:Class of 2026
What inspired you to become a doctor?
While my decision to become a doctor was undoubtedly shaped somewhat by having a physician father, my experience caring for my grandfather truly cemented that decision. My grandfather was a significant influence throughout my life. Every summer, we would visit, and I would stay with him, and he would teach me things such as gardening, carpentering, and plumbing. Then he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which was a late stage, and he was ultimately bedridden. Taking care of him during that time showed me my passion for caring for others.
Why did you choose the UTRGV School of Medicine?
I chose UTRGV because the school's core values were most in line with mine, and they encompass what I believe are the most necessary aspects of being a physician. The most important is the university's commitment to helping its community and serving the underserved.
The UTRGV School of Medicine is a practicing academic medical institution. What aspect of academic medicine impacts you the most? (Educational, clinical, research, etc.)
I am mainly interested in the clinical aspect of medicine. While I do find research and the development of techniques and treatments fascinating, the reason I chose medicine is the human aspect of the profession. Learning how to treat patients and ensure they are cared for is very important to me. Learning from physicians who prioritize patient care above all else is what makes me proud of the medical field and my decision to join the healthcare working force.
What specialties of medicine or research interest you the most? Why?
I am interested in orthopedic surgery. I have always been interested in how the body moves, but what ignited my passion for orthopedics was when I injured my back. While deadlifting, I suffered from an L4-L5 disc bulge. This injury began my journey of looking into the field of orthopedics. And while luckily I did not need to undergo surgery, the experience opened my eyes to how much suffering is caused by these injuries and how debilitating they are and made me want to help relieve some of the suffering these injuries cause.
What is one interesting fact others might not know about you?
I was in the Boy Scouts of America and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in three and a half years.
