Yan Leyfman, Hematology-Oncology Fellow at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and Co-Founder and Executive Director of MedNews Week, shared by Zara Baloch, Director of Research and Medical Correspondent at MedNews Week on X:
“Every so often, you have the privilege of working with someone whose impact is difficult to capture in a CV. Dr. Zara Baloch is one of those people.
Over the time I’ve had the privilege of working with Zara at MedNews Week, I’ve watched her grow into an exceptional leader, scholar, communicator, and teammate.
She brings a rare combination of intellectual curiosity, meticulous attention to detail, humility, warmth, and an extraordinary ability to adapt and grow.
But what distinguishes Zara most is the effect she has on the people around her. She is the person who notices what others miss, steps forward when something needs to be done, brings people together, and quietly raises the standard for everyone on the team.
She leads without needing the spotlight and approaches every opportunity with genuine curiosity and a desire to become better. In many ways, she has become one of those invaluable ‘glue people’ every successful team and institution needs-and very few are fortunate enough to find.
I have seen Zara take on increasingly complex responsibilities in research, medical education, interviewing physicians and scientists, and organizational leadership, and with each new challenge she has continued to evolve.
What has remained constant is her character: thoughtful, dependable, kind, deeply committed to others, and relentlessly willing to learn. As she enters the Match 2027 cycle in Internal Medicine, I could not be more excited to see where her journey takes her.
I have every confidence that she will bring the same scholarship, humanity, leadership, and collaborative spirit to residency that she has brought to our organization.
Internal Medicine programs: take note of Dr. Zara Baloch. Any institution fortunate enough to train her will be gaining not only a talented future physician, but the kind of colleague who makes the people and the institution around her better. Proud of how far you’ve come, Zara-and even more excited for everything ahead.
Quoting Zara Baloch:
“Hi MedTwitter!
I’m Zara Baloch, MBBS, an ECFMG-certified IMG based in Florida, applying to Internal Medicine for Match 2027.
- Passionate about research, Heme/Onc, medical education and patient advocacy
- Director of Research and Medical Correspondent at MedNews Week
- Creator and Co-host of Match Confidential
Fun fact: A year ago, I never imagined I’d be hosting conferences or interviewing physicians and researchers. Through MedNews Week, I unexpectedly grew to love it, especially the opportunity to learn firsthand from leaders shaping the field.
Outside medicine, curiosity describes me best. I love art, museums, nature, ancient civilizations and documentaries (almost always over fiction!).
I’m happiest exploring something I haven’t seen or learned about before, from trying freediving to spending hours in a museum. And no matter what city I’m in, I somehow always find a pickleball court.
I’m also drawn to Stoic philosophy, particularly Marcus Aurelius, and enjoy incorporating lessons from The Daily Stoic into everyday life.
‘The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.’ – Marcus Aurelius
Looking forward to connecting with applicants, residents, faculty and mentors this Match season!
AAMC ID: 16315579″