September, 2009
Nisreen Husain, MD
- PGY-3 Internal Medicine
- Medical School: University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio
- Specialty interest: Gastroenterology
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Where did you grow up and what was it like?
I grew up in Springdale, Arkansas. It's a small town but very peaceful and safe and some of my best memories are from there. We had a very close-knit community and all the neighborhood kids would play together. From there we moved to Colleyville, Texas and that's where I went to middle and high school. My parents reside there currently. Those who know me know I have a lot of Texas pride and I hope to eventually return there.
What are your clinical and research interests?
When we moved to Texas, my father helped start a free clinic for Somalian refugees and this eventually developed into a Muslim Community Free Clinic serving North Dallas. My interest in health care disparities and my love for serving the uninsured stems from my experiences in this clinic. During my residency at Northwestern, I have been fortunate enough to volunteer at the Community Health Clinic which serves the uninsured and underserved of Chicago. This clinic not only has primary care physicians but also various subspecialists including nephrologists, dermatologists, and gastroenterologists. I plan to pursue a career in gastroenterology and specifically am interested in disparities in colon cancer screening and exploring new methods to increase colon cancer screening compliance.
Where do you see yourself in a couple of years?
In 5 years, I hope to be a practicing gastroenterologist at a academic institution, preferably back home in Texas. I hope to divide my time between clinical practice and clinical research in colon cancer screening and related health care disparities. Ultimately, I would like to follow in my father's footsteps and devote a majority of my time to volunteering in the community and giving back to those less fortunate.
What would you say about Northwestern to prospective applicants?
I remember on my first day of intern year our program director, Dr. Wayne, said the most important qualities in a resident in order of importance are to be: nice, hardworking, and smart. I think that pretty much says it all. I feel humbled and privileged to be surrounded by such an intelligent and friendly group of residents. Northwestern is really a research powerhouse. Regardless of specialty, I feel that anyone with an interest in clinical or basic research can find an excellent mentor and do some meaningful research.
