Maria Hafez, Assistant Professor at St. Luke’s University Health Network, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Officially MD, MSc.
This weekend, I’m grateful to share that I have officially completed my Master’s in Clinical Science and Translational Research West Virginia University, a meaningful milestone in my journey as a physician and clinical researcher.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Joan Lakoski, PhD, CTSI program director, for her steady guidance, mentorship, and for building a program that truly made it possible for full-time physicians to succeed while continuing clinical work.
A special thank-you to our amazing coordinator, Jodie Mason Saunders, whose dedication was extraordinary, always reminding us of deadlines, keeping everything organized, and ensuring the program ran smoothly from start to finish.
I’m also deeply thankful to my committee members for their time, support, and thoughtful guidance:
Nour Daboul MD, Amir Kamran MD MSc, Danish Safi MD MSc
Most importantly, I thank my husband Samer without his support, help, and encouragement, I would never have made it to this point. And to my children Hamza Nasher-Alneam, Asiya and Maryam: thank you for being patient on the weekends I missed family moments to complete assignments. I’m also grateful to my family and close friends who supported me throughout this demanding season.
My two favorites quotes stayed with me throughout this journey:
«اطلبوا العلم من المهد إلى اللحد»
“Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”
A reminder that education is not a chapter we close, it is a lifelong commitment to growth, service, and becoming better for the people who depend on us.
And the beautiful teaching of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
«إذا قامت الساعة وفي يد أحدكم فسيلة فليغرسها»
“If the Day of Judgment comes while one of you holds a seedling, let them plant it.”
A powerful reminder to keep building and doing good, planting seeds of impact, even if we may not be the ones to witness the harvest.
Grateful for the journey, and excited for what comes next!
لله الحمدلله من قبل ومن بعد.”
More posts featuring Maria Hafez on OncoDaily.