Youth Talk – An Interview with Ameneh Baghestani, a second-year medical student at MBRU’s College of Medicine.

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UAE medical students set sights on becoming the next generation of world leading surgeons at a symposium hosted by King’s College Hospital London and Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Clinicians and students from all over the UAE came together in the name of Neurology and Neurosurgery to learn about the latest advancements, at the International Symposium of Neurology and Neurosurgery that took place from 26th to 28th February in Dubai. This symposium saw seven top surgeons from the London Neuroscience Academy discussing the latest global treatments for migraines, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, brain tumors and more.  The Young Vision team covered the workshop and interviewed Ameneh Baghestani, a young and inspiring second-year medical student at MBRU’s College of Medicine.

When we asked how she felt about the symposium workshop, she expressed that, “the sessions have been eye-opening, and to be part of discussions about the future of neurosurgery globally and, here in the UAE, is very inspiring. We heard first-hand what it takes to be a world leading surgeon – something I aspire to be one day. The surgeons from King’s also shared insights about their day-to-day work and the impact it has on their patients’ lives. I hope to be able to share similar experiences as a leading local neurosurgeon one day. Although I’m still a second-year medical student, I’m glad to be part of the discussion, MBRU always brings us symposiums, workshops, and conferences where we meet world-renowned doctors, learn about the latest technologies, and really benefit from meeting healthcare professionals from all around the world.”

Tell us why you’re interested in neurology. Both what inspired this interest and also what you’ve done to investigate the field and confirm your decision.

  • I find it absolutely fascinating how the human body and mind works. Even with all the advancements and discoveries that have been made in the scientific world, there is yet so much to understand – and it is this ‘unknown’ that has motivated me to enter the field of medicine.

What aspects of your life and experiences do you think make you a good doctor?

  • Being an artist, I have developed the fine (and manual) skills required to create a masterpiece. Knowing that the brain itself is an intricate creation, I aim to use my skills to bring the two worlds of science and art together. In doing so, not only will I grow as an individual, but also hope to lease an impact on the future of medicine, specifically, neurosurgery.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years as a Doctor/Surgeon?

  • Although I’m a 2nd year medical student, I’m glad to be part of the discussions about the future of neurosurgery and surgery in general. I strongly believe that 5-10 years from now, I will have achieved my goals of becoming a surgeon, and I can successfully play an important role in serving my community and bringing the healthcare of Dubai to the global forefront.

As a medical student, what has been your biggest challenge?

  • In medicine, the journey is the goal. And the goal itself is a huge challenge. However, I would say the major challenge has been equally allocating time to every other aspect of life, including family, friends, and a healthy lifestyle.

What message would you like to give to TYV high school readers?

  • Medicine is known for being a quite difficult field, and yet it has a lot of fun to offer alongside the knowledge. The driving force in achieving your goals is passion and commitment. Just know that once you set your definite goal as being a future doctor, you have all it takes to succeed. I wish you all good luck.