My name is Hadis Askari and I am a sophomore Biochemistry major. I am an intern with HCMP, and am also involved in the Senate College of Councils, FRI researcher and mentor, and the Global Medical Missions Alliance.
Describe a shadowing experience that has impacted you the most:
One of the most impactful shadowing experiences that I have so far was with Dr. Al Cohen during my virtual Grand Round rotation. Dr. Cohen is a pediatric neurosurgeon. During the Grand Round rotation, he described different neurological diseases and surgeries that needed to be performed on patients such as pineal tumors. I had this chance to observe the procedure of pineal tumor surgery as Dr. Cohen described each step, such as positioning the patients and removal of heterogeneous pineal tumors, and the importance of each step. This was a novel experience for me to become familiar with the field of neurosurgery. Dr. Cohen introduced pineal tumors as there is no one-all-fit solution and they are difficult to access while performing the surgery. His explanations made me interested in the problem-solving aspect of medicine and how important it is for a physician to think critically constantly. I realized the importance of working in a collaborative environment with other health-care physicians and professions to uncover vital solutions for the sake of best possible treatment of patients. Dr. Al Cohen took time to go through different cases of patients with different surgeries, and how such diverse possible solutions can be a life-changing and gratifying experience for the health of patients.
How has HCMP benefited your professional or individual goals?Â
Before I joined HCMP, I had no experience shadowing or being involved in the community of pre-health students. As an immigrant, I have always been worried about some of my limitations; however, HCMP allowed me to shadow a lot of physicians and surgeons who also started their path of medical education with barriers. HCMP proved to me that my experiences were not negative but rather helped me to grow values of compassion, professionalism, and perseverance as an immigrant student. HCMP provides ample opportunities to introduce students to the various fields of medicine. This exposure helped me to become familiar with the health care system in the US. This exposure has made me even more intrigued to pursue medicine and become a physician who is the source of comfort for the physical and emotional pain of others.
What has been your favorite aspect of HCMP?
My favorite part of HCMP is the COMMUNITY. I love the collaborative environment in which we strive to grow professionally and share advice and tips with each other toward our common goals. During my intern semester, I have experienced that coordinators and directors are so passionate to help and provide guidance in my pre-med path to make the best decisions and help me take one step closer to my future goal.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to draw, paint, and take commissions during my leisure time. Painting helps me to release my emotions and contribute to my creativeness while also requiring me to be meticulous and highly detailed-oriented. I also enjoy reading inspirational/self-improvement books and cook Persian foods during my free time.