Rofeida Mohamed

Training in New York City has allowed me to care for underserved, diverse, and densely populated communities, where I manage complex surgical disease in patients with limited access to healthcare, and significant comorbidities. This experience has strengthened my adaptability, resourcefulness, and commitment to equitable patient care, while also enhancing my clinical judgment, efficiency in managing multiple patients, and ability to work effectively in a team. Most importantly, this work has strengthened my commitment to general surgery, and solidified my dedication to the field. As a PGY-1 General Surgery Resident, I:

• Provide direct patient care across inpatient wards, the emergency department, operating room, ICU, and outpatient clinic.
• Perform initial evaluations, formulate management plans, and coordinate daily care with the surgical team.
• Manage perioperative optimization, operative care, postoperative recovery, and perform bedside procedures including central lines, chest tubes, and wound care.
• Assist in a wide variety of open, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures, developing technical skills in exposure, suturing, and fundamental operative steps.
• Actively participate in trauma resuscitations by performing primary/secondary surveys, assisting in procedures, and contributing to decision-making under supervision.
• Evaluate and manage patients in the outpatient clinic, including new consults, postoperative care, and patient education and counseling.

• During a 4-week rotation at the Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery with Dr. Mohamed Akoad, Professor of Surgery at Tufts University School of Medicine, I had the opportunity to:
• - Attend daily rounds.
• - Assist in supervised history taking of over 40 patients.
• - Observe an average of 2 surgeries per day in the operating room.
• - Engage in weekly case presentations, educational consortia, and transplant patient selection meetings.
• - Witness patient interactions, gaining valuable insights into their needs, concerns, and experiences.
• - Gain proficient experience using the EPIC system.
• - Dedicate over 50 hours per week, often extending my hours to accommodate the OR schedule.
• Most Meaningful: As an IMG from Africa, this unique opportunity provided me with profound insights into the inner workings and complexity of the American healthcare system. My team-building skills were significantly enhanced through collaborative work in multidisciplinary teams and with professionals worldwide.

• During my rotations in outpatient clinic settings and minor surgical procedures, I:
• - Gained fundamental clinical knowledge of vascular surgery.
• - Observed diverse procedures such as angiograms, bypass surgeries, and endovascular interventions.
• - Witnessed the groundbreaking 'Genicular Artery Embolization' procedure for osteoarthritis, which resulted in significant symptom relief for patients shortly weeks after surgery.
• - Interacted with patients and their families in the outpatient clinic, gaining a deeper understanding of the social impact of vascular disease.
• My key takeaways were the importance of patient-centered care, the impact of technology on vascular surgery, and the value of teamwork.

• The exchange program is a highly competitive program organized by the International Federation of Medical Students Association, where around 14,000 medical students participate in international medical student exchange annually. I did a Research Exchange at the University of Palermo's main Immunology laboratory investigating 'The Combination Of Immunotherapy And Chemotherapy In Cancer Treatment'. As an exchange student, I:
• - Learned cutting-edge technologies in the clinical research field.
• - Assembled samples for analysis (blood, tissue).
• - Performed specimen examination.
• - Acquired basic knowledge of performing quantification assays such as Flow cytometry, PCR, and ELISA.
• - Received vigorous training on data summaries and report presentation.
• Most Meaningful: This firsthand experience in the European Union's healthcare system offered a unique opportunity and approach to patient care. As a traveler at heart, I had the privilege of experiencing Italy's rich culture and connecting with its people, which deepened my understanding of diverse perspectives.

• As a requirement for my registration with the Sudan Medical Council, I completed a comprehensive medical internship in Sudan, across both Suburban and Urban settings. During this experience, I:
• - Rotated to various specialties, including Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Internal Medicine, Trauma and Emergency, and Pediatrics.
• - Offered patient care (history-taking, examinations, prescriptions, and monitoring).
• - Assisted with various surgical procedures in Trauma, General, Neurosurgical, and Colorectal Surgery.
• - Provided pre and post-operative care and support.
• - Documented medical notes and maintained patient records.
• - Scheduled appointments and managed patient flow.
• - Participated in staff meetings and continuing education programs.

• The Tele-Geriatric Research Fellowship at Michigan State University is a virtual research program that focuses on research related to elderly health. The fellowship's goal is to publish research and enhance the research skills of its fellows. During this fellowship, I:
• - Collaborated with the research team to propose and develop new research ideas during weekly meetings.
• - Collected, analyzed, and prepared data for presentations and publications, contributing to the overall research output.
• - Participated in virtual Grand Rounds sessions to stay updated on the latest medical advancements.
• Currently, our research is focused on 'Difference In Cystoscopic And Histopathological Findings Between Bladder Bilharziasis In Patients Coming From West Sudan, And Those From Around The Nile.'

• During my time as a teaching assistant at the Department of Anatomy, I:
• - Tutored first- and second-year medical students using innovative teaching methods, such as learner-centered and flipped classrooms.
• - Utilized hand-drawn visual illustrations to simplify complex topics, such as the anatomy of the Brachial Plexus.
• - Assisted with the department's administrative work, including scheduling, resource management, and departmental meetings.
• - Organized the Surgical Anatomy Club, fostering collaboration with the Department of Surgery.
• - Overcame educational barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic by organizing virtual sessions and tutorials to ensure academic progress despite the disruption.
• Most Meaningful: Inspired by the generosity of our seniors who invested their time to support us with study materials, I felt a deep sense of belonging and purpose as I gave back to the Faculty of Medicine community. This experience was both a privilege and a fulfilling way to keep my knowledge and skills up to date.

• The International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA) is a non-governmental organization established in 1951 to advocate for and represent medical student associations. Training is central to the IFMSA's mission of equipping future healthcare leaders with essential skills. As a trainer, I:
• Tailored training curricula aligned with the organization's strategic objectives.
• Developed and delivered soft skills training in leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and advocacy.
• Conducted over 20 international training sessions for medical students with 30 attendees per session.
• Facilitated workshops on sensitive topics such as Female Genital Mutilation, maternal health, and access to safe abortion.

• Company Overview: A nonprofit organization based in Sudan with a mission to provide opportunities for health professionals in the field of research.
• Over the past eight years, I have held various leadership positions where I have:
• Conducted multiple research projects (case series, case reports, surveys, cross-sectional studies, and prospective cohort studies).
• Participated in over ten outreach programs to underserved regions in Sudan.
• - Worked in mobile clinics, collecting data from community surveys.
• Published seven research studies in top-tier journals on rare cases, including 'COVID-19 and AstraZeneca vaccine; rare exacerbating factors of myasthenia gravis: A case series.
• - Currently, I am involved in ongoing research trials.
• A nonprofit organization based in Sudan with a mission to provide opportunities for health professionals in the field of research.

• Community outreach is a week-long program that targets underserved communities organized by the Khartoum Medical Students Association in collaboration with senior colleagues and physicians, with support from the World Health Organization. As a student volunteer, I:
• - Participated in seven outreach programs across rural Sudan.
• - Conducted mini-surveys to identify specific health needs in rural Sudan.
• - Provided targeted health education sessions on the consequences of dangerous practices like Female Genital Mutilation.
• - Conducted home visits to educate residents about hygiene practices and lifestyle modifications.
• - Provided free medications and medical services to patients, including history-taking, physical examinations, and counseling.

• Research Exchange offers future physicians an opportunity to experience research and cultural diversity. Beginning at the local level, I was subsequently appointed the first female National Officer for Research Exchange representing Sudan. In this role, I:
• - Served on the African and Eastern Mediterranean regional teams.
• - Represented my country as the head of delegation at five International General Assemblies.
• - Organized exchange activities on Research, including workshops and conferences such as Global Health within the exchange.
• - Recruited and matched medical students with suitable research Exchange programs.
• - Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders in international research institutions, universities, and organizations.