“I think MWU has offered me an unparalleled opportunity to grow as a healthcare professional. It has been a very rich learning experience inside and outside the classroom.â€
The following is an interview from when Firas was a student in the College of Pharmacy at ³ûÄñÊÓƵ.
Hometown:
Tyre, Lebanon
Undergraduate degree:
University of Michigan, B.S. in Bioengineering
What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career, and how did your background and history factor into your career choice?
I was born and raised in Lebanon; a country that has been torn by instability for decades. Constant turmoil has taken its toll firsthand on limiting medical advancement and accessibility there. Watching people in my community and direct family suffer as a result has fueled my passion to pursue a career that sits at the intersection of healthcare, patient interaction, and community involvement. In addition, I viewed healthcare growing up as a form of service, selflessness, and dedication as I watched my dad offer free treatments for years to those in need at his dental clinic. I admired my dad’s commitment to putting patients’ well-being and staying true to the oath he made. This is why considering pharmacy as a career came easily to me. As a healthcare field that directly impacts patients’ lifestyles, contributes to their well-being, and involves heavy community and social interaction, pharmacy was directly in line with my professional and personal aspirations.
Why did you decide to attend ³ûÄñÊÓƵ?
³ûÄñÊÓƵ lived up to my expectations across the board. I think MWU has offered me an unparalleled opportunity to grow as a healthcare professional. It has been a very rich learning experience inside and outside the classroom. Through the school’s invaluable partnerships, I was able to have firsthand patient experience, learn in various environments, and get exposed to a broad range of cases in medical centers, clinics, or community pharmacies. MWU also enabled me to take on several volunteering opportunities in the community. In addition, I’ve had the chance to take an active role and shape the experience of my class through my involvement in different student-led organizations. Professors at MWU have an open-door policy, enabling us to continue to learn and receive guidance and mentorship beyond the class. Finally, I had the opportunity to connect with several MWU students and alumni before joining and they all spoke to how rewarding and rich their experience had been.
What about a ³ûÄñÊÓƵ education do you want to carry forward in your career?
To always be a compassionate and professional healthcare provider that strives to offer the best healthcare service to patients. The past three years were demanding but also extremely rewarding. I’ve learned a lot. My experience at MWU has shaped me into a well-rounded healthcare professional and I hope to continue honing my skills and knowledge going forward as I serve patients.
