Muhmmad (Subhan) Khalid
Hometown: Libertytown, OH
Education: University of Cincinnati
MD Mentor: Dr. Manos Brilakis
Staff Mentors: Thanasis Rempakos, Olga Mastrodemos, and Bavana Rangan
Project: Frequency and outcomes of brachytherapy use in stent failure percutaneous coronary intervention
How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?
I discovered the MHIF Internship while searching for summer enrichment experiences through the AAMC website, the MHIF Internship caught my eye immediately as it was the only one to offer an immersive experience in clinical research and it emphasized cardiovascular outcomes which I have a huge passion for. I found that activities and shadowing experiences were really fascinating as they were unique and different from any other experience I researched. I hope by participating in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I can learn more about different cardiovascular therapies and make connections with physicians in the field.
What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?
My experiences while growing up with a father suffering from cardiovascular disease played a pivotal role in sparking my passion for medicine and specifically cardiology. Witnessing his ongoing battles to preserve his well-being ignited my fascination with the human body, particularly the organ we know as the heart. The patient-physician interaction is important as it is essential in providing comprehensive and longitudinal care as I witnessed with my father, during my time as a volunteer at Crossroads Health Center and as a pharmacy technician. I witnessed firsthand the care of the most marginalized, socioeconomically disadvantaged patients and the barriers they faced in receiving care. I am very passionate about trying to make healthcare as simple and accessible as possible for these patients. I became more involved in research in college as I came to believe that research is the key to the advancement of medical science. My work at the Cardiovascular Research Center at the University of Cincinnati solidified that I wanted to incorporate my research experience as a physician. There are still so many unanswered questions in medicine, and it is through innovative approaches and investigational studies that our understanding is improved, shaping the future of healthcare.
What is your desired career in medicine?
My aspiration is to pursue a career in medicine, with a specific focus on cardiology, surgery, and related subspecialties like interventional cardiology, pulmonary medicine, and pediatric heart failure. By utilizing my research background, I want to contribute to the enhancement of patient care and contribute to the overall progress of medicine as a physician. I am still open to learning about all specialties and hope to learn more about each during my time as a PCA in the upcoming fall semester.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am looking forward to meeting my fellow outstanding interns in this cohort, working on a clinical research project with my mentors, and creating lifelong connections with physicians and like-minded individuals whom I can learn from. I am of course very excited to witness an open-heart surgery and in developing valuable communication/presenting skills.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to gain valuable hands-on experience in various areas of healthcare, such as patient-physician interaction and care, and how not only physicians but other professionals work hand in hand in advancing medical research to develop a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry. I hope after shadowing, learning more about cardiovascular research, and meeting fellow interns that I grow both professionally and personally as I believe that mentoring and networking are valuable in advancing one’s career and interests.
What are your plans after the summer?
After the summer I plan to complete my Junior year at the University of Cincinnati, prepare for my MCAT that upcoming spring, and continue research with the American College of Cardiology as a Young Scholar.
What is a fun fact about you?
I'll give three fun facts because I could not decide which one to choose. My brother who is two years younger than me has the same first and last name. I had a near-death experience with carbon monoxide poisoning. I enjoy cooking dishes from around the world as it allows explore the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of those regions.
