Provider Pulse Ep 1: From Semnan to Seattle - Dr. Kimia Memar's Journey Across Borders and Disciplines

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The inaugural episode of the Provider Pulse interview series where we elevate diverse voices from across healthcare fields to learn the paths people took to their current roles in healthcare.

Dr. Kimia Memar is an internal medicine resident at the University of Washington Medical Center. She discusses her childhood in Iran, her early interest in engineering, and the reasons she transitioned to the field of medicine. She highlights the challenges faced by international students who are interested in medicine, as well as her deeply personal reasons for seeking a career in medicine.

Reflection Questions for Students and Younger Listeners

Personal Journey and Identity 

1. Dr. Memar described feeling confined by walls in her early school experiences in Iran. What do you think those “walls” represented, and how did that shape her view of education? 
2. How did Dr. Memar’s journey from electrical engineer in Iran to medicine in the US reflect a shift in her purpose and identity?

Language and Belonging

1. Dr. Memar mentioned struggling with the MCAT because of language barriers. How do you think language impacts access to progression fields like medicine? 
   1. Is there anything we can do to make it more accessible?
2. Dr. Memar mentioned that she felt pressure to appear “polished” and not be “raw”. Why do you think many immigrants or first-generation professionals feel this way? 

Resilience and Transformation

1. Dr. Memar faced many transitions, from Iran to Missouri, from engineering to medicine, etc. What do you think helped her stay grounded through these changes?
2. What lessons can you take away from Dr. Memar which could be useful for someone who feels like they don’t belong in a certain space, whether academic, social or professional?

Your Own Story  

1. How does Dr. Memar’s story connect to your understanding of healthcare, identity or social justice?
2. What qualities in Dr. Memar (ambition, vulnerability, and adaptability) do you see in yourself, or would you like to cultivate more of? Why?

Thanks to Caroline Shibata for the help drafting these questions.

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