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Salma Abdilahi

2x

Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Cooking
  • Baking
  • Henna
  • Mentoring
  • Fashion
  • Exercise And Fitness

Reading

  • Cookbooks
  • Cultural
  • Women's Fiction
  • Drama
  • Mystery

I read books multiple times a month.

Bio

Hello! My name is Salma Abdilahi, and I am excited to begin my journey toward earning a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies this upcoming academic year. I graduated from the University of California, San Diego, in June 2022 with a degree in Human Biology and a minor in Global Health. My academic and personal experiences have sparked a passion for understanding the human body, promoting community health, and advancing healthcare equity. As a first-generation Somali immigrant, I’ve cultivated the resilience and determination needed to break barriers and inspire my seven younger siblings to reach new heights. My journey has strengthened my commitment to becoming a Physician Associate, particularly in underserved communities where I believe I can make meaningful impact. Outside of academics, I love sharing my culinary creativity on my food page, Saleats_ on Instagram, where I record recipes and content that inspire others to explore diverse flavors and fusion foods. I also enjoy freelancing as a henna artist, blending my cultural heritage with artistry. I am immensely grateful to Bold.org for offering scholarship opportunities that will help me continue my path toward making a difference as a future Physician Associate, providing compassionate care and extending access to care.

Education

Oregon Health & Science University

Master's degree program

2025 – 2027

University of California-San Diego

Bachelor's degree program

2018 – 2024

Majors:
  • Human Biology

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Augsburg University, Oregon Health & Science University, Dominican University of California, Marshall B Ketchum University
Majors of interest:
Medicine
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Home Health Aide

    Hospital & Health Care · ARS Accredited

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2020

  • Intern

    Hospital & Health Care · Lenox Hill Neurosurgery

    Jan 2020 – Jan 2020

  • Research Assistant

    Hospital & Health Care · UCSD Moores Cancer Center

    Jan 2020 – Jan 2021

  • Medical Scribe

    Hospital & Health Care · Southern California Liver GI Center

    Jan 2021 – Jan 2022

  • Clinical Research Assistant

    Hospital & Health Care · West Dermatology Research Center

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2024

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
I aspire to become a primary care Physician Associate (PA) focusing on increasing health literacy to promote community health and wellness in underserved and marginalized communities.
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
Salma Abdilahi Student Profile | Bold.org