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If someone had told my 5-year-old self, or even my 18-year-old self, that I’d be dissecting sheep brain for amazed neuroanatomy lab students, I wouldn’t have believed it. 

In fact, ironically, when I was 13, I was afraid, or rather slightly repulsed, to dissect a frog or look at a crab myself, despite being thrilled about the experience itself. My amazing science teacher at the time said, “What would you do if you became a doctor?!” to which I immediately replied, “I won’t” .. 

But here I am now, the teacher who’s doing something new and rare at the anatomy lab (and a doctor-to-be)!

As a sixth-year med student passionate about neuroscience, I volunteered to conducting 6 sheep brain dissection sessions for almost 80 third-year students in total at the neuroanatomy lab, today!  The students were the best one could ever hope for, curious, smart, and utterly in awe of seeing a textbook illustration they typically have to memorize for a test, transforming into a real brain in front of their eyes! 

I wish someone had taken such initiative when I was in my third year! So this was my first step into being the change I wish to see in the world— well, my small world for a start!  So my new passion is to do more unusual initiatives that solidify a more enjoyable learning experience!

I’d like to thank Professors Bishr Chmeis and Bassam Sarem for allowing me to tick this box off my wild-projects list, Dr. Obada Salhab for being very supportive, and most importantly, thank you to the brilliant students whose lit-up faces I shall never forget! 

P.S. Some pics where I’m not looking my best but in the lab you gotta adapt!

About four years ago, I casually took up 3D-realistic digital illustration without any experience in the commonly used digital art software, using only the simple drawing feature on the Apple Notes App.

 Fast forward to today: I’m thrilled to share that my third-ever digital illustration, created way back on May 10, 2020, titled "The Cranium Castle," has been accepted for display at the Art for Neurosurgery Gallery 2024. 

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the gallery representatives and curators at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), who are organizing this exhibit. I’ve personally always approached my passion for neuroscience through art, and it’s amazing to see art appreciated and encouraged at scientific meetings such as the CNS Annual Meeting!

  Although I won’t be able to ship the artwork to the exhibit or attend the meeting in the USA due to travel issues—meaning my artwork won’t be displayed—I remain grateful for this opportunity and hopeful for what’s to come. My digital art journey is just beginning, as I aspire to add new perspective to the medical graphic literature with my medical illustrations accompanying many of my research papers in progress!