Nadia El-Khatib on graduation day with her newborn son Mahdi.

Nadia El-Khatib, University of Michigan College of
Pharmacy – Ann Arbor

Nadia El-Khatib, 27, always had the support of her
family and husband of three years, Hussein, in pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy
degree. 

“I was raised since I was young with the mindset of
the importance of education. My parents always encouraged me to aim high,”
El-Khatib said.

Last summer the couple received joyous news that they
were expecting a child.

However, Nadia still had one year of pharmacy school
to complete. She decided that she wasn’t going to let the pregnancy slow her
down. She completed her rotations at the University of Michigan Health Systems
in Ann Arbor while she was pregnant.

“It was a struggle to wake up every morning at 5 a.m.
and complete my rotations with the difficulties that come along with
pregnancy,” El-Khatib said. “Standing up on my feet for 8 hours straight was exhausting.
But I got through it and was determined to graduate on time. I did not want my pregnancy
to hold me back.”

Her three-month-old son Mahdi joined her at her
graduation ceremony last week. She said she wants to lead an example for Arab
American women who may be discouraged from pursuing a higher education if they
are married or have children.

“I am thankful and blessed to have had my son and
completed pharmacy school in the same year. It is the best year of my life,”
she added. “I encourage all women who want to pursue a higher education to not
let factors like marriage or pregnancy prevent them from doing so. Additional schooling
in the form of pursuing an advanced degree is something mothers often give up
once they have children. Women have the strength to do it all and it can be
possible.”

El-Khatib said her son has inspired her to seek a
residency specializing in pediatrics. 

“The pharmacy world is very competitive within the
Arab American community and it is up to us to be able to distinguish ourselves
individually,” El-Khatib said. “Many people believe that pharmacy is limited to
retail. Opportunities to pursue a residency or fellowship are available. Having
a baby has enhanced my compassion and desire for helping children and that’s
why I’m looking into pursuing a residency and specializing in the field of
pediatrics.”