Maryam S. had always dreamed of becoming a physician. Like many aspiring doctors, she was motivated by the desire to help others, heal patients, and make a meaningful impact. But after high school, she realized she lacked a true understanding of what working in a high-stress hospital environment would entail.
Unsure of what it would be like to interact with patients, handle emergencies, or collaborate with healthcare teams, Maryam decided to gain firsthand experience by enrolling in West Coast University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This decision would not only give her the clarity she sought but also shape her career path in profound and unexpected ways.
“I thought nursing would be a good starting point to see if I could handle the medical field, especially the high-stress situations,” Maryam recalled.
Maryam’s time at WCU didn’t just prepare her for the technical side of medicine – it instilled in her the importance of empathy, responsibility, and transparency.
From hands-on experiences in the simulation lab to learning physical assessments, WCU gave her a solid foundation for medical school.
She recalled the confidence she gained through her training, “When I started my simulation lab in medical school, I felt so prepared. I already knew how to read an EKG, listen to heart sounds, and even interact with the manakins. Many of my peers were struggling, but thanks to WCU, I had the skills and the confidence.”
But perhaps the most impactful lesson she learned was the importance of prevention.
“I fell in love with public health during my term at West Coast,” she said. “I realized that preventing diseases from happening in the first place is far more effective than treating them. If we can educate people, empower them to take control of their health and provide them with the tools to prevent illness, we can create better health outcomes for everyone.”
This realization led Maryam to pursue public health initiatives beyond nursing. She is currently working with Dr. Michelle Metope, the Dean of Public Health at WCU, to publish research on health disparities in her community.
“Public health is about more than just treating individuals – it’s about addressing the root causes of disease and making a lasting impact on entire populations.”
Looking to the future, Maryam has her sights set on cardiology, but her primary goal is to give back to her community in Pakistan by opening clinics focused on screenings and preventative care.
She dreams of working alongside other physicians to volunteer her time and skills, offering life-saving treatments to those who can’t afford them.
“There’s a huge need for healthcare in underserved areas, and I want to help bridge that gap.”
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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