Written by: Souha Farhat, MD
I am thrilled to join the Patient Engagement, Diversity, and Education Research Laboratory as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. It’s an exciting new chapter where I bring my background as a Lebanese/Arab medical doctor and my passion for diversity and inclusion to a team that’s already making significant strides in transforming healthcare.
My Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
In my career, I have always focused on elevating diversity, equity, and inclusion within healthcare settings. This commitment led me to found the Arab Heritage Employee Resource Group at Houston Methodist, aimed at fostering an inclusive environment. My professional and personal experiences are deeply aligned with our lab’s mission—increasing awareness, acceptance, and access to transplant care for underrepresented minorities. I am here to help bridge gaps in healthcare and to ensure that our healthcare system is as diverse as the communities we serve.
Collaborative Impact and Personal Growth
What excites me the most about working in the Patient Engagement Lab is the opportunity to collaborate with a team that champions diversity and inclusion in such a dynamic way. Being part of this group, watching it positively impact lives, and growing within this nurturing environment is both inspiring and humbling. I am eager to learn from my teammates, draw from their expertise, and prepare myself to become a surgeon-scientist who views patient care holistically.
Memorable Moments
One of my most cherished early memories here involves a supportive meeting with Dr. Waterman during a particularly tough personal time as I grappled with fears and anxieties about the war in my home country. Her compassion and understanding were incredibly comforting. Another unforgettable experience was attending the Living Bank gala dinner, celebrating Dr. Waterman’s global impact on transplant care—moments like these reinforce the powerful impact we can have.
A Glimpse into My Life
Outside of my professional life, I am an avid photographer and videographer, capturing the serene beginnings and endings of days on my Instagram page, @sunsettrise. This platform not only showcases my work but also features contributions from friends and family, highlighting our shared admiration for nature’s beauty. In 2019, I completed a half marathon in Lebanon, a personal milestone that I hold close to my heart.
For fun, I find balance in hot yoga, enjoy strumming my ukulele, and treasure connecting with loved ones through daily video calls—even when juggling different time zones. My nickname, Souhappy, is a playful pun coined by a university friend that has seamlessly become part of both my personal and professional identity. I love how it captures a joyful spirit and a positive outlook—qualities that have been my guiding lights through life’s challenges.
Looking Forward
As I embark on this journey with the Patient Engagement Lab, I am motivated by the potential of our collective efforts to make healthcare more equitable. I look forward to contributing to transformative research and practices that will hopefully inspire others as much as they inspire me.
Thank you for welcoming me into this incredible team; I am excited for what we will achieve together. Here’s to a future as promising as the sunrises I capture—full of hope, growth, and meaningful change.