Dr. Sahar Noorani: American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Prize for Excellence in Neurology
An early interest in the intricacies of the nervous system led Dr. Sahar Noorani on an educational quest that has blossomed into a career. “In high school, I conducted research on peripheral neuropathy. My love for neurology has continued to grow since that time.” This unwavering focus is one reason that Dr. Noorani, who matched at UT Southwestern for her residency, is 2020 recipient of the American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Prize for Excellence in Neurology.
What this award means: “I am deeply honored to receive this award, as it reminds me of my duty to continue to be invested in the best possible care for my patients. I am grateful for the immense support and dedication from the faculty and residents in the Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics during my time at UT Southwestern. I hope I can do this award justice by maintaining the highest level of integrity and excellent care for my future patients in residency and beyond.”
Mentor comment: “Sahar began working with me and Dr. Mohamad Shabana, a neurology resident, on a research project examining autoimmune epilepsy at Parkland Memorial Hospital. She is incredibly bright, enthusiastic, committed to the care of patients, and active in charitable work. I know she will make an excellent doctor and neurologist and wish her all the very best. Sahar is an outstanding candidate for this award.” – Dr. Rohit Das, Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics
Background and family: “I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. My parents have served as incredible role models for my siblings and me. I am excited to be the first physician in my family and serve my community.”
What led to your career path: “In medical school, I was intrigued by the diagnostic capability of the neurological exam and our ability to localize pathology based on our patients’ clinical presentation. My neurology rotations at UT Southwestern further fueled my desire to serve patients with challenging neurological diagnoses in my future career.”
College: “I graduated from Rice University with a major in cognitive sciences and a minor in biochemistry. While there, I volunteered as an EMT with the Rice Emergency Medical Service. I also sought to mentor younger generations in the Houston community with initiatives such as the Aga Khan Education Board, PAIR (Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees), and Citizen Schools.”
UTSW activities: “Early on, I volunteered with the Dallas-area free clinics and HANDs (Helping Augment Neonatal Development). Later, I led the Humans of Parkland committee through the Gold Humanism Honor Society.”
Surprising fact: “My husband and I met on the first day of medical school orientation at UTSW.”
Future plans: “After residency, I would like to complete a headache medicine or neuro-ophthalmology fellowship. Also, I plan to work in an academic setting, where I can pursue my passion for teaching alongside my clinical duties. In addition to serving the local community, I hope to provide aid to international communities through global health initiatives addressing neurological pathology and access to care.”
About the award: The award is presented to a graduating medical student who has promising career potential in neurology as determined by faculty and residents.