Alumni Spotlight: Egypt
Hello, Global UGRADs! My name is Abdulrahman K. Ahmed, and I’m a medical doctor from Assiut University in Egypt. In spring 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to study at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, as a Global UGRAD exchange student through the U.S. Department of State. That semester fundamentally shaped the trajectory of my life – both professionally and personally.
During my time at North Central, I did research under Dr. Gregory Ruthig, Professor of Biology, who quickly became both a mentor and a close friend. We connected over our shared passion for scientific inquiry, and together we worked on multiple research projects. Our collaboration led to two published review articles in international journals, co-authored with distinguished colleagues from my medical school in Egypt and North Central College. These achievements were especially meaningful because they reflected not only scientific progress but also the cross-cultural cooperation that the Global UGRAD Program embodies. We connected over our shared passion for scientific inquiry and public health while working on research that addressed pressing global public health issues. One paper explored the ongoing cholera outbreaks in Africa and the Middle East, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable public health infrastructure. The second paper investigated how COVID-19 affected pregnant women and premature infants – a critical area that combines maternal health, infectious disease, and neonatal outcomes.
Since returning to Egypt, I’ve continued to pursue my medical education, research, and service. I organized several scientific events and was proud to host Dr. Ruthig at Assiut University Hospital this past January – almost three years after our first meeting. He gave a seminar at the medical school, inspiring students and faculty alike. That reunion was more than symbolic; it was a testament to how a single semester abroad can plant seeds of lifelong collaboration.
One of the most rewarding recent experiences was organizing the Student Scientific Day at Assiut University, where Dr. Ruthig was a featured speaker. Standing beside him in Egypt, speaking to an audience of young scientists, felt like coming full circle. It reminded me that education knows no borders and that mentorship can transcend geography.
I started my residency in Emergency Medicine and am looking forward to pursuing graduate studies in public health and health systems leadership. I hope to bridge clinical practice with research and policy to address health disparities in underserved communities both in Egypt and around the world. I am currently preparing applications to top public health programs in the United States, with a long-term vision of shaping healthcare delivery through evidence-based solutions and international collaboration.
My Global UGRAD journey was not just a chapter – it was a launchpad. I’m deeply grateful for the experience and for the lifelong connections it created. I carry forward the values of curiosity, service, and global citizenship that Global UGRAD instilled in me.