Ismat Tariq Muslim Women Empowerment Scholarship

Growing up in a Muslim household with a disabled veteran father and a full-time caregiver mother, I learned the power of community, faith, and sacrifice. My family’s endless support and love shaped me, but I also saw the gaps in healthcare for families like mine—where our cultural and religious needs were often misunderstood. This disparity ignited my passion for medicine, driving me to bridge these gaps and ensure my community feels seen, valued, and cared for. My journey to medical school has not been an easy one. I often faced challenges that required resilience and faith. Yet, my family’s unwavering support and duaa, paired with the strength I drew from my Islamic values, pushed me to strive for excellence despite the odds. During my time as a medical assistant at a family medicine clinic, I encountered patients whose stories resonated deeply with me. One of the most impactful moments during my time as a medical assistant was meeting a 65-year-old Syrian woman who faced a language barrier at check-in, relying on her granddaughter for help. While triaging her, I overheard their conversation and it felt familiar to my times translating for my own grandmother at her doctors appointments. I realized I could speak with her in Arabic, and because I spoke her language, she eventually opened up to me about using home remedies that worsened a wound on her hand. That is something she otherwise would not have shared. This interaction embodied my dream of becoming a doctor who not only provides care but also creates a safe space for patients, especially those from underserved or marginalized communities. InshaAllah, I aspire to have many more moments like this in my career as a physician. As a medical student, I have dedicated myself to both learning and giving back. I have organized health fairs to educate families about chronic diseases and offer free health screenings, and worked to bridge gaps in health literacy within my local community. Islam has always been at the heart of my mission. My faith inspires me to pursue knowledge not only for personal growth but also to benefit others. As the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress, Allah will relieve their distress on the Day of Resurrection.” This teaching drives my commitment to alleviating the burdens of those around me, both through my future career as a physician and my efforts to uplift the next generation. Receiving this scholarship would not only alleviate the financial strain on myself and my family but also enable me to continue pursuing my education without distraction. In the spirit of Ismat Tariq’s legacy, I aspire to honor her dedication to family and community by paying it forward. My goal is to create mentorship programs for Muslim women in medicine, empowering them to pursue their dreams while remaining steadfast in their faith. I currently mentor pre-med Muslimahs and it is so rewarding. I also envision establishing health initiatives tailored to underserved Muslim communities, addressing disparities and providing culturally sensitive care. I want to continue the volunteer work I am doing now, but as a physician. By doing so, I hope to honor both my heritage and my responsibility as a Muslim woman to contribute positively to the world. I hope to honor my family and serve families in my community. This scholarship would be a step toward fulfilling these dreams, allowing me to follow Ismat Tariq’s example of selflessness and dedication to making the world a better place. Through faith, education, and service, I hope to continue her legacy and inspire others to do the same.