Alia

“While on the job, I would often be asked the common question of “so, where are you from”? This has always been a question, that, to me as a visible minority is quite exclusionary. I hate generalizations, but this unfortunately means some people still perceived Muslims as the “other”. I wear many hats, but at the end of the day I’m Canadian… and I look forward to the day when being a Muslim Canadian doesn’t immediately mean you’re from a different place.”

 Alia is 28 and is an Internal Medicine Resident Physician and will soon enter her Respirology (lung specialist) fellowship program. One of the most challenging experiences of her life was getting into medical school. Alia sets her ambitions high, so for her, “nothing is ever promised when working hard towards your goals.” Clearly, she did get into medical school, and because of that, her proudest achievement is “succeeding in having the opportunity to practice medicine and help people and their families as they tackle medical hardships.” What’s most important to Alia is her family “because they really do center me and provide me with an undying sense of fulfillment and perspective.” When I asked her how she would like to be perceived she told me, “I honestly hope, as a professional, excellent at her job, who can hopefully inspire other girls who look like her that hard work pays off.” Alia’s biggest hope is “on a macro level, that people rid themselves of biases and get to know and love each other.”

Q&A Feature:

What is one thing you know for sure?

“It will always all work out.”

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

“Kickboxing, any kind of exercise really. Reading is also high up there.”