By Joan Tupponce

After completing a practical nursing program during high school, Naeem Ahmad set his sights on a nursing career. Then he learned about the international nonprofit Humanity First USA.

“That’s when my path shifted. I was introduced to the incredible humanitarian work that Humanity First does in disaster relief and providing health care overseas,” said Ahmad, now a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University who is majoring in biology in the College of Humanities and Sciences and minoring in chemistry and pre-medicine.

During the summer after high school graduation, Ahmad and his uncle met and worked with Kaleem Malik, M.D., an advisor for the United Nations and director of medical disaster response for Humanity First USA. One of Ahmad’s takeaways was discovering that physicians practicing internationally can practice across borders, especially during times of disaster. Practicing as a nurse internationally had many more restrictions.

“This set me on the track toward pre-medicine, to pursue my dreams of making a global impact through medicine by providing care when people are the most vulnerable,” said Ahmad, a first-generation Pakistani-American who grew up in Lorton in Fairfax County.

Instead of going to the University of Mary Washington as initially planned, Ahmad decided to attend VCU, where he became interested in biology during freshman year. He was struggling to decide between pre-medicine and pre-pharmacy tracks when he met Jorge Piocuda, associate director of partnerships and programs with the VCU Diversity P.A.T.H.S. office — Promoting Access to Health Sciences.

“Mr. Piocuda was crucial in helping me navigate my options in health care,” Ahmad said. “It allowed me to structure my degree in a way to prepare for medical school while completing my biology major and chemistry minor.”

This past summer, he landed an internship with the UVA School of Medicine in its Summer Medical Leadership Program. The six-week program is designed for students from underrepresented backgrounds who are considering careers in medicine.

“It was an incredible experience, one that I honestly feel so grateful for,” Ahmad said. “It gave me exposure to both clinical settings and professional development, all aimed at preparing for medical school and the field of medicine itself.”

At VCU, Ahmad has become a registered instructor for programs including the School of Medicine’s Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education, the Stop the Bleed initiative and Virginia’s Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education effort, teaching students through the Rams in Recovery program.

Among his health care endeavors, he has served as a research assistant in the School of Medicine’s Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, where professor Hamid Akbarali, Ph.D., has influenced his growth.

“My work in Dr. Akbarali’s lab and having my Ph.D. student mentor, Stanley Cheatham, has helped me gain a greater understanding of how medications interact with the body,” he said.

Beyond the science, Ahmad said his work with Malik and the disaster response training team several years ago has instilled in him the importance of empathy in medicine.

“Dr. Malik left a lasting impression on me,” he said. “Being part of his team has taught me that sometimes the most impactful thing you can offer is reassurance, a steady presence and a genuine willingness to help.”

Ahmad wants to bring this empathy into his future medical practice. He is interested in serving vulnerable populations and working internationally.

“It will allow me to connect with my patients on a deeper level, helping them feel supported regardless of whatever challenges/barriers they may face,” he said. “My ultimate goal is to fulfill my duties as a Muslim and provide service to humanity.”