Where are you from?
I am originally from Nigeria but have called Kennesaw, Georgia home for the past 13 years.

Why did you come to Cahaba + UAB Rural Psychiatry Residency?
I chose Cahaba + UAB Rural Psychiatry Residency because of its strong commitment to serving communities that are often underserved and overlooked. Having trained in both Nigeria and the United States, I have seen firsthand how social, cultural, and economic factors influence mental health and access to care. I was drawn to the program's mission of providing high-quality psychiatric care in rural settings while training physicians to become compassionate, community-centered psychiatrists.

I was also excited by the opportunity to train within a program that values both clinical excellence and service. The combination of Cahaba's community-based approach and UAB's academic resources offers a unique learning environment where residents can develop strong clinical skills while making a meaningful impact on patients' lives

Undergrad: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Med School: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

What does your life outside of medicine look like?
Outside of medicine, you'll usually find me tending my garden or caring for the rare tropical plants I collect. I also enjoy oil painting, exploring creative projects, and spending time with family and friends. On my days off, I love getting lost in a good thriller or romance novel, trying new restaurants with my husband, and finding new ways to bring a little more beauty into everyday life.

What is your favorite food to cook?
Nigerian fried rice is one of my favorite dishes to cook because it reminds me of my mum's cooking (I use her recipe), and it's always a hit with family and friends.

What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
I would love to visit Greece and Singapore someday

What drives you?
The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives is central to what drives me. I am passionate about helping patients feel heard, understood, and empowered during some of their most challenging moments. I am also motivated by a lifelong commitment to learning, service, and improving access to healthcare for underserved communities.

What is your (current) post-residency plan?
After residency, I hope to practice child and adolescent psychiatry while continuing to advocate for improved mental health access in underserved communities, working at the intersection of clinical care, public health, and community outreach.

Where are you from?
My family moved to the United States from Pakistan after I graduated from high school. Before starting residency in Alabama, I spent several years living in North Carolina and Missouri.

Where did you do your undergrad?
I earned my bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. My undergraduate education provided a strong foundation in the biological sciences and reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in medicine.

Where did you go for medical school?
I attended Ross University School of Medicine, a Caribbean medical school. My clinical training exposed me to a diverse range of patient populations and healthcare systems, strengthening my adaptability and reinforcing my passion for psychiatry.

What does your life look like outside of medicine?
Outside of medicine, I enjoy listening to music, cooking, and gardening. I also love spending quality time with my two-year-old daughter, whether we're playing outdoors or exploring new places together. When I have the opportunity, I enjoy relaxing at the beach and trying new restaurants with family and friends.

What is your favorite food to cook?
I enjoy grilling, especially chicken and barbecue. I like experimenting with different marinades and seasonings, and it's a great way to bring family and friends together for a meal.

What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
I'd love to spend time in Hawaii. The combination of beautiful beaches, mountains, outdoor activities, and the slower pace of life really appeals to me.

What drives you?
I am driven by the opportunity to serve communities where access to mental healthcare can be limited. Building connections with patients, understanding their unique challenges, and helping them achieve a better quality of life motivates me every day.

What is your (current) post-psychiatry plan?  
I am currently interested in pursuing a career as a general psychiatrist with a focus on inpatient psychiatry. I am also interested in areas that overlap with psychiatry, including pain management and addiction medicine.

Where are you from? Mississippi

Why did you come to Cahaba + UAB Rural Psychiatry Residency? During the interview process, the discussions about a dual focus on urban inpatient and rural outpatient psychiatry stood out to me. I've witnessed some of the unique challenges rural psychiatry encounters during clerkship, and it's an area I want to explore during residency. Learning across both of those environments seemed like a practical way to see a wide spectrum of patient needs, offering an opportunity to learn how to deliver resourceful care to this population, while benefiting from inpatient experience at a large facility. 

Undergrad: University of New Mexico    

Med school: William Carey University COM

What does your life outside of medicine look like?

I enjoy doing DIY projects. 

What is your favorite food to cook?

I enjoy cooking healthy food.

What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?

I would like to live in the Southern states now.

What drives you?

I am driven by the desire to become a psychiatrist who helps patients find peace and fulfillment in life.

What is your (current) post-residency plan?

My current plan is to practice a hybrid of inpatient and outpatient general adult psychiatry. I am also interested in procedural psychiatry, but overall, I remain open to exploring other opportunities within the field.