Being A Problem Solver In A Moment Of Need - Dr. Lewis Nasr, Research Fellow at MD Anderson Cancer Center
Nov 9, 2023
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Dr. Lewis Nasr, a research fellow at MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the challenges of learning in difficult circumstances and his interest in hematology-oncology. He also talks about the growth of Osmosis, the Year of the Zebra project, and plans for the internal medicine residency match.
International students in medical education face unique challenges that require adaptability and resilience, which can greatly benefit clinical practice and patient care.
Cancer research requires personalized approaches and collaboration to translate results into practice-changing regimens for patients with leukemia.
Deep dives
Dr. Louis Nasser's Journey in Medicine
Dr. Louis Nasser, a recent graduate from St. Joseph University in Lebanon, shares his journey and motivations in pursuing a career in medicine. His curiosity, passion for learning, and desire to be of service to others led him to choose medicine as his path. Inspired by his father, a hematologist oncologist, Louis aims to become a hematologist oncologist himself. He also discusses his early encounter with Osmosis, a medical education resource that helped him prepare for standardized exams and achieve his goal of training in the US for residency.
Challenges Faced by International Medical Students
As an international medical student, Louis shares the unique challenges he faced during his medical education in Lebanon. He highlights the importance of self-learning in medical education and the need for adaptability and resilience. Being an international student adds another layer of obstacles, such as security concerns and power cuts. Despite these challenges, international students bring a unique perspective and resilience to their work, which can greatly benefit clinical practice and patient care.
Contributions to Research and the Year of the Zebra Initiative
Louis discusses his current work at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he collaborates on clinical trials and helps translate the results into practice-changing regimens for leukemia patients. He emphasizes the complexity of cancer research and the need for personalized approaches. Louis also shares his involvement in the Year of the Zebra Initiative, which aims to raise awareness for rare diseases. Through this initiative, he highlights the importance of not dismissing unusual symptoms and the need for increased understanding and support for patients with rare diseases.
Among the key qualities everyone wants in their healthcare providers is a love of learning and desire to serve others. That’s why we at Osmosis are confident Dr. Lewis Nasr will be a great physician and why we chose him to be the first guest in a new series of interviews on Raise the Line we’re calling “Next Gen Journeys.” The series will highlight fresh perspectives on medical education and the future of healthcare offered by students and recent graduates from around the globe. Starting with Dr. Nasr is a natural choice because of the many contributions he's made to Osmosis over the last several years including service in the Osmosis Medical Education Fellowship program and being a key contributor to our Year of the Zebra initiative. In this engaging conversation with host Hillary Acer, Lewis brings the perspective of medical students trying to learn in very challenging circumstances in which their personal safety and access to basic needs can be at risk. “It's another layer of obstacles that you have to get through. This gives international students a resilience and adaptability that they can bring to clinical practice.” Lewis also discusses his interest in hematology-oncology and reflects on entering the field at a time of remarkable clinical and technical advancements. “It's exciting to see cancer go from what is perceived as a death sentence to something manageable. I really hope to be part of the scientific wave of making cancer history.” We have no doubt that he will be, and neither will you after hearing from this thoughtful, compassionate young physician.