Zeba Hussaini ’14
Looking Back
I had the opportunity to complete research with Ursinus professors fairly early on in my academic career. I conducted research in Dr. Beth Bailey’s Biology lab studying cardiac function and dysfunction, and I also conducted research studying neurotransmitter release.
In addition to Dr. Bailey (who eventually became my pre-med advisor), Dr. Kelly Sorensen was one of my favorite professors ever. He taught me so much that I never thought I would be exposed to as a pre-medical student. He is an excellent teacher, thoughtful listener, and was a tremendous inspiration to me to pursue other interests and combine them with medicine. I wish I could go back to his classes!
I was also a part of several organizations, including the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good, Whitian Women’s Honor Society, the Brownback-Anders pre-med society, the Muslim Student Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and I also wrote for the newspaper and the UC magazine.
The Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good was one of the most special things about my time at Ursinus. The center taught me how to think about the connection between science and the humanities, and the impact this connection has on the world. It’s a thought process that I have carried with me throughout medical school and my training. The Parlee Center has helped me become a more open-minded and thoughtful physician and person.
Medical School
During my med school interviews, I talked about Science and the Common Good at every interview I had! I was attracted to Jefferson because of its first year humanities program and focus on developing well-rounded clinicians. I’ve realized success in medical school is not determined by intelligence but by having an open mind that is aware and critical yet empathetic and ready to make a difference.
My dream was to go to medical school and I can proudly say it’s because of Ursinus and the amazing guidance I received from the professors there that I was able to achieve this dream. I attended Jefferson Medical College (2014-2018) and then pursued an internal medicine residency (2018-2021).
Current Position
After my residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, I pursued a fellowship in Gastroenterology for another 3 years of specialized training at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. I continue to be passionate about physician wellness, healthcare advocacy/equal opportunity care, medical ethics, women’s health, and gastroenterology.
