By Dr. Walaa Hasan
“Mom, you will pass—I believe in you.”
Those words from my seven-year-old son, Selim, still echo. Diagnosed with hearing loss at the age of three, Selim has faced life with resilience and strength that inspire me daily. If he could adapt and thrive despite his challenges, I knew I could, too.
My journey from Egypt to the United States has been one of starting over—not as a setback, but as an opportunity to grow, redefine myself, and chase my dreams. In 2019, my family and I relocated to the United States to create a better future. While my husband, also a physician, began his residency, I focused on rebuilding my medical career in a new country. Balancing rigorous preparation for residency with motherhood, I found strength in my family’s unwavering support and the lessons I learned along the way.
A Carefully Planned New Chapter
After earning my medical degree in 2014, I completed a residency and a master’s degree in clinical oncology and nuclear medicine in Egypt. I worked as an attending physician for two years, and my passion for oncology deepened. Moving to the United States in 2019 for medical training, I was prepared to start from scratch, knowing it would require resilience and determination.
I passed the USMLE exams, applied for residency in September 2022, and during this time, found out I was expecting my second child, Farida. She was born in June 2023, just six weeks before I began my internal medicine residency at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in New Jersey.
Starting residency as an international medical graduate (IMG) and a mother of two was demanding, but I embraced the challenge. My mornings were filled with patient care, my evenings with studying, and every moment in between was dedicated to my family. Selim, with his innate wisdom, often reminded me of the resilience we both shared. Once, during a particularly overwhelming period, he told me, “Mom, I believe in you. You can do this.”
Through it all, my husband was my rock. His unwavering support, from taking care of the children to offering encouragement during difficult moments, made it possible for me to pursue my goals while ensuring our family thrived.
Building the Resident Research Committee
One of the proudest milestones of my residency has been founding the Resident Research Committee at my program. From my own experience, I understood how challenging it could be to balance research with clinical responsibilities. I envisioned the committee as a platform to empower residents with the resources, mentorship, and tools needed to succeed in academic medicine.
The committee serves as a bridge, connecting residents with faculty mentors and providing guidance on research design, Institutional Review Board proposals, and manuscript writing. We’ve created templates, checklists, and curated resources to simplify the research process. While it is still growing, the committee has already fostered a sense of collaboration and academic curiosity within our program.
Research has always been a cornerstone of my career. I’ve had the privilege of presenting my work at national conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals, which has deepened my understanding of medicine and my ability to contribute to advancements in patient care. Leading the committee has allowed me to combine my passion for research with a commitment to mentoring others, leaving a lasting impact on my program.
Staying True to My Dream
Oncology has been at the heart of my journey from the beginning. My early experiences in Egypt caring for patients with cancer solidified my dedication to the field. Continuing my career in the United States has enabled me to broaden my horizons and explore new opportunities in patient care and research.
As a Muslim woman who wears the hijab, I’ve often faced moments where I felt the weight of standing out. Those moments, however, have shaped me into a more empathetic and determined physician. My faith and identity have taught me the importance of perseverance, compassion, and connecting with patients from all walks of life. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine.
This year, I am taking the next step in my journey by applying for a hematology-oncology fellowship. My dream is to integrate cutting-edge research with compassionate care to make a meaningful impact in my patients’ lives.
Reflections on Starting Over
Looking back, my journey has been one of sacrifice, growth, and perseverance. Moving to the United States for training meant leaving behind a familiar life and career but also opened doors I never imagined. Being a mother while pursuing residency has taught me resilience and time management on an entirely new level.
As an IMG, I know the unique challenges we face—adapting to a new system, proving our worth, and often feeling like we have to work twice as hard to achieve the same recognition. But I also know the strength that comes from these experiences.
Looking Ahead
As I prepare for the next chapter in my journey, I carry the lessons I’ve learned: the importance of resilience, the value of community, and the power of perseverance. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received—from my family, mentors, and colleagues—and I’m excited to continue contributing to the field of medicine as a clinician and researcher.
My journey is far from over, but I am proud of how far I’ve come. For anyone standing at the base of a mountain they’ve already climbed once, I hope my story serves as a reminder that you are capable of reaching the summit again—and perhaps going even farther.