I was born in Egypt and raised in Southern California after my parents immigrated to the United States in 1974. Growing up in a multicultural environment shaped my perspective on health, community, and the importance of accessibility in care. Fluent in Arabic and deeply connected to my heritage, I have always valued diversity and inclusion in healthcare.
My academic journey began with a strong foundation in science, graduating Magna Cum Laude from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Driven by a passion for medicine and service, I earned my Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. To complement my clinical expertise with business acumen, I also completed two associate degrees in Business and Business Technology from Taft College.
Following my doctorate, I completed a General Rotating Internship and became a Diplomate of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, then advanced through a two-year Family Medicine Residency at Downey Regional Medical Center. My commitment to excellence led to Board Certification in Family Medicine through the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOBFP). Over the years, I expanded my scope with certifications as a Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) and Medical Review Officer, reflecting my dedication to occupational and preventive medicine.
My clinical experience spans many years as an Emergency Room physician, where I treated a wide variety of acute injuries and trauma cases. This role demanded quick decision-making, resilience, and compassion under pressure. In addition, I have served communities across Southern California by providing care in urgent care walk-in clinics and through mobile medical units for community health outreach. These experiences deepened my understanding of the barriers to healthcare access and the critical need for proactive, community-based solutions.
Beyond clinical practice, I have embraced the role of educator. As a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences, I have had the privilege of training and mentoring medical students, interns, physician assistant students, and family medicine residents. Guiding future healthcare professionals has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, I felt a profound responsibility to serve my community. I joined the Communicable Disease Section at the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, where I continue to contribute to disease prevention and public health initiatives. This experience reinforced my belief that healthcare extends beyond the clinic—it is about safeguarding entire populations.
To deepen my impact, I enrolled in the UCLA MPH program, choosing the Community Health Services track because it aligns perfectly with my passion for outreach and population health. My goal is to bridge the gap between individual patient care and community-level strategies, ensuring equitable access and proactive solutions for diverse populations.
I am committed to advancing health equity, fostering education, and shaping policies that improve lives. My journey reflects resilience, lifelong learning, and an unwavering dedication to service—a foundation I will continue to build upon as I strive to make a meaningful difference in public health.