Name: Mary Abdelmalak
Xavier Graduation Year: 2023
Match Location: University of Illinois School of Medicine
Specialty: Family Medicine
Choice Match Location: First choice

The journey to becoming a physician is often characterized by resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. For Mary Abdelmalak, the path to practicing medicine traversed continents and challenges, guided by a steadfast commitment to her dreams and nurtured by the supportive environment of Xavier University School of Medicine.

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Mary’s journey began with a bold move to Aruba at a young age. “My journey can only be described as chaotic and challenging as I moved to Aruba from Toronto, Canada, at the age of 18 to pursue a medical career,” she reflected. This move indeed highlighted the courage and determination that marked Mary’s early steps towards her vocation.

Mary’s decision to join Xavier was a transformative one, fueled by the institution’s reputation for excellence and support. “I attended a nearby medical school and learned of Xavier University while living in Aruba. The more I learned about Xavier, the more inevitable my transfer became,” she explained.

Transitioning into the program at Xavier, Mary found herself immersed in a nurturing environment conducive to growth and development. “My time at Xavier started with an on-campus, MD-6 semester. This experience was a positive one.” she recounted. The professional relationships forged during her time at Xavier have remained invaluable to Mary, as they serve as pillars of support and avenues for growth.

Throughout her journey at Xavier, Mary’s involvement extended beyond the confines of the classroom, as she dedicated herself to her studies and immersed herself in the enriching learning opportunities afforded by the institution. “Studying in the library!” she quipped, highlighting her commitment to academic excellence and her deep engagement with the learning process.

Clinical rotations serve as the cornerstone of medical training, as they offer students invaluable hands-on experience and exposure to diverse healthcare settings. Mary’s clinical rotations took her across major US cities, from Philadelphia to Brooklyn to Chicago. “I experienced a variety of healthcare settings and patient populations due to the opportunities I was provided by Xavier,” she reflected—acknowledging the instrumental role Xavier played in shaping her clinical acumen and professional trajectory.

As Mary embarks on the next chapter of her journey in family medicine at the University of Illinois School of Medicine, she attributes much of her success to the unwavering support and possibilities found at Xavier. “Without Xavier, I would not have been provided the opportunities to network and connect professionally with colleagues that helped land my match,” she affirms, underscoring the transformative impact of her alma mater on her career trajectory.

Mary Abdelmalak’s story is one of resilience and perseverance. Through her journey with Xavier University School of Medicine, she is not only achieving her dreams, but has also forged lasting connections, honed her skills, and embraced opportunities that have paved the way for a promising future in medicine. As she embarks on her career in family medicine, Mary stands as both a testament to the ethos of excellence and support championed by Xavier and an inspiration to future generations of physicians who dare to dream and reach for the stars.