Nura Salhadar

Medical Student Spotlight

Name: Nura Salhadar
Hometown: Brownsville, Texas
Year in Medical School: 2nd year (Class of 2025)
Undergraduate School: The University of Texas at Austin 

Do you serve on any student interest groups/organizations/activities? If so, which one(s)?

I am proud to be part of the following organizations: Women’s Health Interest Group (Vice President), Minority Advancement in Medicine (Treasurer), Dermatology Interest Group (Community Outreach Officer), Big Sib Planning Committee, and American Medical Women’s Association UTRGV SOM Chapter (Community outreach officer). Other organizations I am proud to be involved in include the AHEC Scholars Program and the annual EHCAP (Education Collaboration for Aspiring Health Professionals) Competition.

These meaningful activities allowed me to cultivate my passion for medicine. My experience in the EHCAP competition was memorable because I witnessed high school students from my hometown showcase their impressive knowledge and passion for healthcare. It was encouraging and heartwarming to see that these students want to serve their communities and pursue a career in the medical field.

What inspired you to become a doctor?

Growing up, I viewed the hospital and clinic setting from various perspectives. I have family members who are physicians and have witnessed family members become patients.

I witnessed the challenges patients regularly encountered and gained a deep-rooted appreciation for the healthcare system. I have also always found the study of medicine fascinating because the human body is so complex and exquisitely designed. Working in the medical field entails a lifetime of learning, and I am always eager to learn more. I want to be part of a dynamic team of professionals that works to improve the lives of our patients. I believe being a doctor combines my two passions: science and the study of humanity.

I hope to use my knowledge to ease the pain of others and aid them in achieving their highest quality of life. 

When did you know you wanted to be a doctor?

For me, the decision to pursue medicine was not driven by one pivotal moment but by an accumulation of life experiences. I found that health was at the center of one’s well-being, and I had a strong desire to learn the intricacies of the human body and how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Why did you choose UTRGV School of Medicine?

I proudly grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and genuinely love my community. People in the RGV are kind, generous, and full of life and tradition.

I wanted to attend the UTRGV School of Medicine to be part of a strong community, give back to my hometown, and participate in exciting healthcare-related opportunities. While I was growing up, I was also struck by the high rate of chronic diseases in the Rio Grande Valley. I later learned that a major contributor to this problem is a lack of healthcare resources and medical personnel.

Attending the UTRGV School of Medicine and serving my local community allowed me to bridge that gap. UTRGV SOM understands the unique needs of individuals in this population and seeks to improve their health. 

What specialties of medicine interest you the most? Why?

As of now, I am undecided about the exact specialty I want to pursue. However, I currently find the most intriguing specialties include pathology, cardiology, endocrinology, and infectious diseases.

I find each of these specialties interesting because they require critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail. I do not know what the future holds for me, but I hope that I can find the specialty that suits me most through more clinical exposure. 

What areas of research interest you the most? Why?

I have engaged in various research fields, including public health, experimental, and clinical research. These fields of research resonate with me for different reasons. They each provide a different perspective on health and well-being. Experimental and clinical research seeks to understand the molecular intricacies of various conditions and pathologies. In contrast, public health research analyzes how social, environmental, and personal factors influence well-being. I enjoy it when research applies a multidisciplinary approach because it reflects the reality of our healthcare system.

How has the UTRGV School of Medicine fostered your interest in pursuing a career in medicine?

The UTRGV School of Medicine provides countless events and opportunities for advancing my pursuit of medicine. Events such as Careers in Medicine allow students to engage with local health care providers and better appreciate their day-to-day lives. 

The school regularly offers Grand Rounds on various topics to expand our knowledge and understanding. Faculty and staff also regularly encourage me to find exciting research opportunities, provide career advice, and motivate me to participate in local health-related events. I am also greatly inspired by my classmates, who are not only incredibly intelligent but are also very supportive and good-hearted individuals. 

I am confident that this new generation of physicians will positively impact society and serve as great leaders. 

What is one interesting fact others might not know about you that you are willing to share?