Meet the past residents who chose the Internal Medicine Residency at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital for their training.
Class of 2024
Amir Beirat, MD
I was born in Fort Lauderdale, FL, but grew up and lived most of my life in Jordan. I attended medical school at the University of Jordan and completed a year-long medical internship after graduating. My experiences throughout medicine along with the great mentors I was able to work with allowed me to experience the many different aspects of Medicine contributing to my choice of pursuing Internal Medicine. I am excited to be a part of the IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital family and the Muncie community. Medicine aside, I enjoy spending my free time exploring new places, weightlifting, solving puzzles, hiking, and most of all hanging out with friends and family.
Vijaypal Dhillon, MD
Though I was born in Queens, New York, I have lived all over the United States including Michigan, Texas, California, and now Indiana. Wanting to learn more about my culture and heritage, I studied in India and completed my MBBS from Government Medical College Amritsar. Living there and seeing different walks of life helped me grow as not only a physician, but as a person. It was an enlightening experience that strengthened my resolve to pursue medicine.
On interview day, I was excited to interview with IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. During my interview, the faculty seemed very passionate and excited to teach. We bonded over common interests and experiences. The residents felt supported and were extremely vocal about their positive experience at the program. With my goal being to find a program which fosters personal and professional growth, I knew IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital was somewhere I wanted to be. I am looking forward to being part of the community.
Outside of medicine I enjoy spending time with my wife, reading comics, sports, working out and watching Netflix. I love reading about cutting edge technology and watching the occasional romcom for fun.
Joseph Emran, MD
Ibrahim Khan, MD
My name is Ibrahim khan and I am from Orange County, CA. A desire to advance myself academically in an ongoing manner, a love for science, and a passion to serve others led me to pursue medicine and graduate from J.S.S Medical College in India.
While in medical school I began to appreciate the integral role played by internal medicine in treating patients both in and out of the hospital, I was also drawn to the exposure of a broad range of pathology we encounter and the ability to pursue various fellowships. This led me to choose internal medicine. While researching residency programs and later interviewing at them, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital stood out for its strong academic program, distinguished faculty and a supportive environment. Throughout my interview process, the genuineness of everyone in the program was palpable. I am truly grateful to become a part of the IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital family and look forward to calling Muncie my home.
Outside of the hospital, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, playing basketball, exploring the outdoors and anything that gets my adrenaline pumping!
Sasmith Menakuru, MD
Hello everyone! My name is Sasmith, and I was born and raised in New York and have lived there most of my life. I decided to go to medical school in India, where I attended Narayana Medical College. From a young age, my goal was always to help people in any way I could, and I carried these values with me throughout my life. This led me to develop an interest in internal medicine as it allows me to form bonds with my patients while also giving me challenges in the form of complex cases. Becoming a doctor has always been a constant in my life, and I am excited to begin my journey.
I am delighted I matched into Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital’s Internal Medicine Residency program, as I believe the program will give me the tools required to be the best doctor that I can possibly be. I mainly looked for three aspects in a program. First, I wanted a rigorous training program that would prepare me to become a strong and compassionate clinician. Second, I was keen on a program that would allow me to see a wide range of cases and a focus on teaching. Lastly, I wished to be in a program where everyone was warm and supportive and would be invested in my growth as a budding physician. The program here at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital fulfilled all that I desired, and I am very proud to be here. I am looking forward to my three years here and will make the most of my time here in Muncie.
In my free time, I love cooking, making hot sauces, traveling, investing, adventure sports, and hanging out with friends. Some of my accomplishments include becoming an Eagle Scout with a Double Sliver Palm and creating an NGO during my time in India for the underserved. I love meeting new people and making new friends from all walks of life, and I am always on the lookout for a new adventure.
Ahmed Salih, MD
My story started when I was in 1st grade! My father, who is a nephrologist, would pick me up from school and take me with him to the hospital. Some moments can define your whole life, and as such, I was in love with the clinical setting.
I am originally from Sudan, a country in north east Africa but I was born and raised in Arar, Saudi Arabia. After high school I moved to Egypt as I was awarded a scholarship to study medicine at Cairo University. After graduation, I practiced medicine in Egypt and rotated for several months in different clinics in the US. Living in all these countries, I relished working with people from diverse backgrounds and thus increased my cultural sensitivity, a necessity when patients attend from all walks of life.
Many experiences later, I was hired by the Mayo Clinic as a postdoctoral research fellow in the internal medicine department. This position has embraced my curious mind and helped me intensify my contribution to the advancement of medicine.
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital stood out from all my other interviews. The focus on the residents, training and friendliness I experienced during my interview was enough to rank it on the top of my list. I am extremely excited to call Muncie home for the next three years.
Apart from medicine, you will find me exploring new places, taking pictures, listening to music, or watching a TV series. I currently have a goal to read a book every month, learn a new skill every year and enjoy life to the fullest.
Sana Sheraz, MD
I was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, where after O and A Levels, I went to medical school at Ziauddin University. Coming from a family that puts high value in education, I was always determined to pursue the highest standards of professional excellence. Throughout my medical school, I traveled for elective rotations in different countries including the United States and experienced how medicine is practiced around the globe. For me, Internal Medicine was the plan since day one. I moved to the United States right after graduation and started a new life in northwest Indiana in 2014. Since then, Indiana has been home.
While studying for the USMLE, I rotated through multiple settings in internal medicine and its subspecialties. I was lucky to have been mentored by some truly exceptional physicians. I instinctively gravitated towards IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital at the time of ranking. The expertise of the internal medicine program at building academic excellence and clinical acumen in its residents is unparalleled. Everyone at Ball Memorial Hospital, from the faculty to the coordinator to the senior residents, is invested in your professional growth and treats you like family. There has been considerable camaraderie among my own class since the day we found out we matched at Ball Memorial Hospital. I am confident that Ball Memorial Hospital will help me reach my peak potential while providing me with a platform to work in an area where I’d make the most impact.
Outside of work, I like to be outdoors for adventurous water sports or a simple tennis game. I love traveling and taking road trips. Hanging out with friends and family and going on shopping sprees — furniture, car, clothes, shoes, you name it — are my go-to hobbies.
Realistically, my plan involves being a hospitalist but I’m also interested in cardiology. Let’s see how life unfolds.
Muhammad Umar, MD
I was born in Pakistan and graduated from one of the highly prestigious medical schools in Pakistan named Sindh Medical College. I moved to the United States in 2018; since then, I have rotated with many physicians, including a rotation at Stanford University. During one of my rotations, I was captivated by internal medicine due to its integral role in an individual’s overall health. IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital's residency program stood out due to its academic excellence, friendly environment and intense clinical training. During the interview, I felt welcomed and appreciated the positive energy and approachable nature of everyone, including the program’s attendings. This sealed the deal, and I knew I wanted to train at Ball Memorial Hospital.
Outside of medicine, I like to spend quality time with my family and friends, watching Netflix, team sports, lifting weights, investing and exploring the nature.
Class of 2023
Zubair Almani, MD
I was born and raised in Hyderabad, Pakistan. I completed my MBBS from Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences. After graduating, I started practicing medicine which allowed me to experience a variety of cases. I belong to a family of doctors so it did not take me long to realize that I should pursue a career in one of the best healthcare systems across the globe.
I am delighted to be a part of IUH Ball Memorial Hospital training program. On the interview day, I was told by the senior residents that the program is supportive towards the residents. I feel confident in saying that these 3 years will be worthwhile and will make me a better overall physician.
Besides medicine, I like to watch TV and take long drives. I am interested in exploring new places and I love to play cricket.
Qiraat Azeem, MD
I was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan and graduated from Dow Medical College in 2014. After a year of internship, I got married and moved to Indianapolis in 2017. Since then Indiana has been my home!
While I was preparing for my steps, I worked under remarkable mentors who introduced me to the health care system in United States. My combined experience from the US and Pakistan gave me an adequate exposure to different demographic parameters and clinical settings.
When I started researching residency programs, IU Health Ball Memorial stood out for its academic focus, amazing facilities and exceptional faculty. Throughout the interview day, the collegial environment and approachable team definitely gave me a sense of belonging.
Being close to the family came as the cherry on top! I am delighted to be a part of IUH Ball Memorial Internal Medicine team.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son and doing arts and crafts.
Venkat Narsimha Gaddam, MD
Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, I frequently visited the United States in my younger days to spend time with my parents who emigrated. My love for science and a desire to render care to the diseased steered me towards Medicine.
After graduating from Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, I did a few stints as an extern across various hospitals in the US to gain more insight into the modus operandi of the health care system in the country. That’s when I fell in love with Muncie. The interview experience at IU Health Ball Memorial sealed the deal for me. The program was very welcoming, and the residents had the vibe I could connect to. I witnessed genuine happiness and was delighted when I learned that I matched here. I’m gung-ho about serving here while I learn to become a better and able physician.
In my free time, I love to hang out with my friends and family, explore diverse foods, cultures, and play soccer, chess, volleyball, and ping pong.
Alvin Hu, MD
I was born and raised in the bay area of California. As a first generation Asian American, I grew to recognize the importance of my own culture and how it strengthened my bond to the Asian community. The deep human connections and quality communications I gained through the mutual understanding of culture compelled me to travel abroad to broaden my world view. Thus, I completed medical school at Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland. Throughout medical school, I had the opportunity to take on clinical training in Poland, Taiwan, and the U.S. learning various medical and social cultures while obtaining valuable life lessons from my peers. These past experiences have come to shape me as a person, strengthening my core values in life and medicine. While I have always believed strongly in the values of compassion, logical thinking, support, and empathetic acceptance, through my broader understanding of cultures, I hope to foster an even deeper connection between me and my future patients enabling the highest quality of medical care. I am determined to carry and share these values of which I believe in.
When I visited IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital I witnessed an undeniable supportive and empathetic environment among co residents and staff. I believe this is the place that embodies my core values and will translate to quality patient care. Thus, this is the perfect place for me to grow and train among excellent role models. This is why I chose IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.
Maryam Khan, MD
I grew up in Pakistan and then immigrated to the US (New Hampshire). Passion towards medicine landed me to a full scholarship in medical school in Pakistan followed by achieving my American dream of training in the US healthcare system. I did not come from a family of doctors, being the first and only doctor in my family, the interest in internal medicine evolved after losing my beloved grandmother from Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis- a grandmother/best friend whom I admired the most as a role model, for her exceptional humanistic qualities. Internal medicine got my devotion.
This dedicated journey led me to one of my interviews at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. I still remember each event of the interview day, the didactics at Ball Memorial are fantastic, the morning report is at its excellence while the residents, program coordinator, program director treated me like a family and clarity on program goals with emphasis on resident academic and clinical education was what attracted me to make an easy decision on why I wanted Ball Memorial to be the foundation of my training. Moreover, tremendous opportunities which I am being offered here in the program such as research projects, teaching medical students and experiencing the best training is a bonus of all.
My plan involves pursuing a fellowship of my choice. Internal Medicine, for me, has always been a calling as well as a privilege. My late grandmother’s confidence in me will be kept as a burning desire till I become a star physician. Besides medicine, I am a very social person, I love exploring new places and meeting new people. My vision for my career is to serve, as service to humanity is a service to God.
Landon McGlinchy, DO
I grew up in Beaverton, Oregon. I came to love the outdoors and spending time with my family. I attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah for undergraduate studies. After freshman year, I departed for southern Japan as a proselytizing missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I learned to love all things Japanese and decided to major in Japanese.
I developed a passion for medicine after a summer of shadowing a great physician. I attended medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, Missouri. Now I’m fond of the Midwest! I am so excited to be part of the IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. We look forward to being a part of the Muncie community.
You’ll find me in my free time playing Scrabble versus my wife, chasing my children around a playground, playing pickup basketball, reading the latest NBA highlights, or going for a bike ride.
Adelina Priscu, MD
I was born and raised in Romania. I had a passion for medicine from a young age. By high school, I realized I must follow it.
I went to Medical School in Cluj-Napoca, which is in the heart of Transylvania, at “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy. I am the first one in my family to attend medical school. I met the love of my life and my current husband when I was in my second year of my training. After graduation, I moved to the United States, where I continued pursuing my dream of becoming a physician. While I was studying for the USMLE exams, I did several observerships in different specialties and I worked in research with pediatric kidney transplant patients. During this transitionary time, I was extremely fortunate to discover great mentors willing to share their knowledge, skills and expertise with me. I will always put into practice the things I learned from them whenever I take care of my patients.
Even before my interview day at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, I had a great feeling about the program. On my interview day, I realized that my intuition was correct, and this is an incredibly supportive program, with great attending physicians, a collegial environment and happy, friendly residents. This is the place where I want to work, learn and grow. I am grateful and excited for this opportunity and I know it is going to be an amazing journey.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking, baking, reading and playing board games.
Ibrahim Shah, MD
I grew up and completed my primary and secondary education in Lahore, Pakistan. Coming from a family of businessmen, going into the field of medicine was quite a leap for me. After completing med school I went through the usual turmoil of securing a residency position here in the US.
All of my hard work and determination paid off when I got matched at IUH Ball Memorial. From my interview day, I knew this place would be the perfect fit for me. All the residents seemed ambitious and determined to strive towards excellence. I hit it off well with the attendings, bonding over our common interests. It seemed like the perfect place for me to hone my skills as a physician, all the while having a fun and supportive environment to work in.
In my free time, I enjoy playing video games with my friends, re-watching The Lord of the Rings for the thousandth time and reading fantasy novels.
Class of 2022
Chelsie Brady, MD
I grew up and graduated high school in Mooresville, IN just down the road. I started out working at my home town hospital at 16 years old as a phone operator. I knew very early on that becoming a doctor was my dream. I attended Indiana University in Bloomington for undergrad with majors in both biology and biochemistry. I then came to Indianapolis where I completed a 1 year pre-professional non-thesis masters in Biology while awaiting acceptance into medical school.
For about a year and a half prior to medical school, I worked as an anesthesia technician at University Hospital downtown Indianapolis. This is where my love for procedures and the practice of medicine really began. I loved the immediate gratification that completing procedures brought and the life changing/saving effects they provide. I also learned that I very much enjoy the critical care side of medicine. My first two years of medical school were spent at IU School of Medicine at the Muncie campus. I grew to love the people and community and I knew that it would be a perfect place to practice medicine close to my family.
After graduating from Ross University School of Medicine, I completed a Transitional Year Residency Program for intern year at Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, GA. I had never heard of Rome before I interviewed there. The small town feel and the hospitality of the community was something that drew me to the program. I am thrilled to become a part of the IUHBMH family and return to where my medical education began!
When not in the hospital, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my two dogs - one full German shepherd and one mix. I enjoy taking them on long walks and to the park to play ball or to go for a swim. I also enjoy weight lifting, live music, trying new restaurants, wineries and of course relaxing with Netflix!
Brian Carlo David, MD
My parents served as a physician and a dentist in rural health community clinics in the Philippines. Growing up in a medically inclined family, I was exposed to the public health situation of my community at an early age. Because of my interest to serve in the medical field, I completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as my undergraduate course. I then attended medicine proper at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine in Quezon City, Philippines.
As I move to the US to pursue my medical career, I feel really grateful to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital for accepting me into their residency program. During my interview, I witnessed how the residents, coordinator, and the faculty treated each other as one family. I know that we have a faculty that listens to us and is willing to guide us as we progress through our medical careers. I am really looking forward to making this my home for the following years.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family. I also enjoy watching sports, playing video games, and travelling.
Vitaliy Molchanov, MD
I grew up in a small Ukrainian coal mining town. I was immersed in the medical field watching my mother working as a nurse. It was a profession that always had a calling to me, where I can give the most back to my community, especially with values my parents instilled in me at a young age made an impression that carries with me to this day.
The program in Muncie is akin to working with a supportive family, helping me grow as a person, and professionally. Working with the attendings who are excellent teachers, offering guidance and support in every aspect of our professional development. They prioritize resident learning with a 'hands on' experience, always aiming to expand your knowledge base, while providing a very conducive learning experience.
During my downtime, I like to keep up with fitness, and to stay in shape through a multitude of sports. I also try my hand at clay sculpting, which helps bring me back to balance and keep me centered.
Rajeev Sharma, MD
I was born in Vancouver, Canada, but have lived all over including The Philippines, Chicago, and now Muncie. I was exposed to medicine early on when my mom would take me to work and I would visit with patients. I knew at a young age that I wanted to become a physician. I spent the majority of my years in California and attended UCLA for my undergrad. Go Bruins! After medical school, I went back to Los Angeles for a dedicated research year where I learned how to provide solutions for the betterment of patient care.
When the Family Medicine Residency contacted me for an interview, my curiosity was piqued. After I researched online, saw residency profiles, and read information about the program, I knew this was a place where I would fit in well. Interview day confirmed all of my research. The faculty, residents, and coordinating staff were extremely helpful and positive. My ultimate goal was to find a program that would allow me to take my training to the next level to provide effective patient care. IU Health Ball Memorial is definitely that place where I will get the necessary tools and support to thrive. Additionally, I look forward to seeing a wide variety of complex cases that will allow me to investigate various disease processes.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my wife, traveling, powerlifting, watching/playing basketball and learning new hobbies, most recently skiing and golf.
Azka Tasleem, MD
Born and raised in a “non-doctor” family of Lahore, Pakistan, medicine has been more like a “fantasy turned into ambition” for me. I received my medical degree from King Edward Medical University, Pakistan. The journey of medical school and endeavors to secure a residency position in the US has undoubtedly been a roller coaster ride, but I believe that beauty lies in making the maximum use of the immense potential each one of us has been blessed with. IU Health Ball provides an amazing learning environment amidst a group of friendly, encouraging people. I look forward to becoming a better doctor and a better human being, working with such a nice crowd.
Hamza Viquar, DO
Although the place of my birth is Karachi, Pakistan, I grew up in Mickey Mouse’s backyard--Orlando, Florida. As a high school student volunteering at Give Kids the World, I was exposed to terminally ill children, and yearned to help them. Thus, starting my interest towards the medical field. I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Florida. My undergraduate education further piqued my interest, and soon I was looking at applying to medical school. I attended the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine.
I was very fortunate to be offered an interview at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. The residents and the staff had great energy and it showed that the program really took care of them. Due to the supportive and friendly atmosphere, I knew this was the place for me to learn and grow to my fullest potential.
My interests unrelated to medicine are spending quality time with my family and friends, watching Netflix, playing video games, baking, sports, and listening to music.
Zachary Williams, DO
I was born and raised in the Muncie area and graduated from Yorktown High School. My wife also grew up in East-central Indiana. While attending med school In Tennessee, we both knew it was important to us for our two children grow up near extended family. My wife and I are thankful to be back in Indiana.
I started my career in medicine as a surgical technologist. Through my seven years of experience I developed a passion for medicine and serving people. I completed my bachelor’s degree from Indiana University-East in human biology. I spent the next four years in Tennessee at Lincoln Memorial University-Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine obtaining my medical degree.
Practicing medicine close to home has always been a goal of mine. Training in that same environment, I knew would only better prepare me for the needs of the community. I was excited to have the opportunity to rotate at IU Health Ball Memorial as a medical student and immediately felt like part of the family.
When I’m not at the hospital I am spending time with my family. I enjoy running and hiking. We enjoy traveling to new places, as well as exploring local places and attractions. We as a family are involved in our church, and also want to be involved in our community. We are excited for this next chapter in our lives.
Adel Yazji, MD
Born and raised in beautiful Jacksonville, Fl, home of the Colts beating Jacksonville Jaguars. I attended the University of North Florida with a bachelor's in biology and continued my education by attending Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica. I completed my preliminary intern year at Baltimore MedStar Health before transferring to Muncie to continue as a categorical Internal Medicine resident physician.
When I'm not working away, I "used" to be a gym rat thinking I'm still in my high school football playing body, otherwise I'm listening to EDM/house music, being a foodie and eating at "bougie" spots. You'd be hard pressed to find someone who enjoys brunch more.
Vancy Zora, DO
I was born and raised in Iraq. The war of 2004 caused my family to leave the country to provide myself and my siblings with better education and opportunities. Coming to a foreign country which I couldn’t speak the language of was not easy. However, with constant reminders of my ultimate goal (being a doctor), I was able to continue my studies through high school and college. I completed my undergraduate at Wayne State University in Michigan then medical school at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee.
I am very excited to be part of IU Health Ball family for many reasons. IU Health Ball offers many opportunities and experiences that I look for in a program. For example, I am very interested in the variety of rotations, teaching opportunities, moonlighting, countless procedures, and community outreach. I was also looking for a program that has a home-feel to it. During my interview, I enjoyed the camaraderie and teamwork that the residents have established with one another. Furthermore, I liked the humble personalities I met that day.
My hobbies and interests are weight lifting, sprints, outdoor activities, cooking and home decorating.
Class of 2021
Augustine Ajuogu, MD
I grew up in the coffee capital, Seattle, but was born in Nigeria. My background, coupled with my research work in vaccine design and drug discovery, laid the foundation for my interest in global health and becoming a physician. I attended undergrad at Northwest University, then completed my Master's in Immunology from University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
I attended medical school at the University of Washington in Seattle. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer and spending time with my family.
Munazza Aslam, MD
Born and raised in rural Pakistan and educated at a Catholic missionary school in the Himalayan foothills, I became fascinated with the ability of medicine to help and empower underserved communities. I ultimately attended Fatima Jinnah Medical College—one of only two women’s medical colleges in Pakistan. Passionate about women’s health and empowerment as well as wellness promotion throughout medical school, I mentored and tutored young women interested in science, participated in clinical research and served as a vice-captain in varsity sports.
Complementing my extroverted personality and enabling me to integrate my interpersonal skills with clinical medicine, internal medicine captivated me. This is because each case provided a new learning opportunity and the ability to consistently utilize my clinical skills to improve patient’s lives. For these reasons, I chose the IU Health Ball Memorial residency program based on program’s strong clinical training coupled with its collegial culture and supportive community. I’m excited to join this collaborative and comprehensive residency program. I look forward to becoming an active member of the greater Muncie and IU communities as well.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy mountaineering, water sports, putting a fresh twist on and trying new healthy cooking recipes, and spending time with my husband and son in addition to our extended family in Indiana.
Anchit Bharat, MD
Coming from a country with a strong emphasis on education and an all doctor family, I was exposed to the profession from a very early stage. When the spirituality bug bit me, I came to realize that Medicine is one of the most pious professions there can be. This combination gave me a good foundation and made me appreciate the immense satisfaction that comes from selfless sacrifices a physician makes throughout his/her life.
The warmth each of my interviewers showed me, made me fall in love with the program. I instantly knew that this is where I wanted to be, as such an environment nurtures quality learning. I am extremely grateful for the faith the program has shown in me. I hope to learn and provide quality service to the people of Muncie and Indiana during my residency.
Some ideas that are close to me are, to provide quality healthcare to people in resource-limited areas, both in US as well as abroad. Teaching is one of my passions and outside of Medicine, I like reading ancient Indian philosophy, working out, watching fiction movies, TV series and cooking. One of my all-time favorite heroes is Indiana Jones, which I believe is quite a coincidence.
Zheyu Lu, MD
Born in a family of doctors, I found my passion in medicine in my early teenage years. My dream of being a doctor was getting closer when I entered Tongji Medical College in China. While studying in medical school, I developed a major interest in exploring the prevention of disease progression and the effectiveness of treatment. When I followed the routine pathway to be an independent practicing doctor, I met the most important person in my life, my husband. He inspired me to realize there should be no limitation to my potential and the way of practicing medicine. So, I flew the Pacific Ocean to explore my potential and unlimited possibilities in the United States.
On the journey to preparing my medical training in United States, I worked in several different roles in quite distinct health care systems. I learned how to appreciate the importance of evidence-based clinical practice from clinical research. I learned how to cherish the power of empathy and respect in free clinic serving underprivileged population. All of these keep reshaping my understanding of practicing medicine.
Interestingly, I was firstly attracted to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Internal Medicine Residency because of the residents’ bios. I am convinced that only the most supportive program has residents full of motivation and vitality. I feel so lucky to join in this big family. I am quite confident that I will spend the next meaningful and productive three years with wonderful faculty, fellow residents and staffs.
My goal is to become an internist who can provide compassionate care for patients. My interest will be broad in the subspecialties of Medicine and medical research, before I decide on pursuing any fellowship training.
Aqsa Mahmood, MD
I was born and raised in a small town in Pakistan. After graduation, I did one year of internship, which gave me the perfect exposure that I needed to deal with patients in different clinical settings. I moved to the United States in 2014 with my family and it gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of practicing medicine in the U.S. I observed and worked under the supervision of board certified physicians which introduced me to the way medicine is practiced in the US.
I wanted to start my career in a program that not only focuses on practicing medicine, but also has a good support system. I am glad that I got the opportunity to be interviewed at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and throughout the day I had a very warm and welcoming attitude from everyone.
By the end of the day, I knew that this is the place where I wanted to be for next three years. Another thing that is unique about this program is that the administration is very approachable, and responsive to the input that you provide being a resident. I believe that the emphasis on education and clinical exposure will make sure that I get the most out of my training and become the compassionate and knowledgeable physician I’ve always wanted to be.
Urooj Najm, MD
I was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. I am a graduate of Dow Medical College. During my Medical School, I got the opportunity to experience the American Health Care System which boosted my passion to come and learn the art of medicine here. After finishing medical school, I got married and came to the USA. I have moved to different states from Colorado to Kansas and now to Indiana in order to pursue my passion and ambition.
I am delighted that I found IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and matched here. I am really excited about my new journey as an Intern at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Everyone I have come across is amiable and approachable. I believe this program provides the best nurturing environment for the residents to learn and grow and become a competent physician of their choice.
In the beautiful neighborhood of Muncie, we have found our new home where I love to spend time with my family. I like to travel to explore the beauty of nature.
Haris Noorani, MD
I was born in Karachi, Pakistan and moved to Fishers when I was 11. Since then, I’ve grown up in the state of Indiana and completed my undergraduate degree in economics at Purdue University. Even in undergrad, I pursued medicine as my dream career and ended up going to St. George’s University in Grenada to fulfill that dream.
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital attracted me due to its strong academic environment, great clinical training, amazing facilities and friendly environment. Seeing the residents interact during afternoon report, I noticed that the environment had a friendly familial vibe. I was pleased to learn that I was given the opportunity to obtain my training here, especially since it allows me to stay in the Indiana and be able to give back to an area that I grew up in.
In the future, I hope to continue my training in infectious disease or critical care. I also hope to be involved in teaching in some aspect. In my spare time, I enjoy jogging, camping, watching movies and playing tennis.