I recently had the opportunity to exclusively interview Reyzan Shali  about five random facts about herself, what inspired her to become a doctor.   Plus what's something not many people know about her.  Check out my interview with Reyzan Shali below:

Loryn: What inspired you to become a doctor?

Reyzan: I was inspired by other physicians in my family; I looked up to them. Their wealth of knowledge was admirable, and their ability to ease someone's pain and/or anguish is nothing short of marvelous. And I always felt that their service to humanity was honorable. I always wanted to help people in need, and becoming a doctor seemed to be a natural fit. But the problem I experienced, as a female growing up in Iraq, was that there was no clear path for me to become a doctor. The signals around me and people I interacted with told me that I was not supposed to grow up to be a doctor. In fact, they said that I was not supposed to play sports either. I was not encouraged to speak my mind, to laugh out loud, or have strong opinions, and that created an internal conflict that contradicted my instincts.  

Loryn: What advice do you have for those preparing to embark into the healthcare industry?

Reyzan: The career path you are ready to embark upon wil be a roller coaster ride filled with extreme ups and downs. You will encounter many triumphs and just as many setbacks. I would encourage you to not to suffer the setbacks, as you will grow more from hardship than from ease. There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all in medicine, because the human body and mind are so unique  from one person to the next. As a doctor you never stop learning, and that is why sharing my journey in healthcare is so important to me. Especially when it comes to being a woman in healthcare, I feel it is important to inspire other women to create habits now that will determine their future.This is a topic that I cover in my book, Teaming up Against Cancer. Just like diet choices will impact your overall health over decades, your daily work habits will determine your long-term career success. I tell people whether it is healthcare or another industry, that you will always encounter difficult decisions along the way, road blocks, even moments when you feel like throwing in the towel. Know that you are a fighter. Treat those moments of struggle and defeat as opportunities to learn and grow. Do this and you will find success as you keep moving forward.

Loryn: What would you consider as your biggest accomplishment to date?

Reyzan: My biggest two accomplishments are undoubtedly, unquestionably and unmistakably my two boys.

• They are my universe and beyond (and they know it).  
• They have brightened my life every day (with some exceptions).
• They have strengthened my mind and nurtured my soul.
• They have summoned me to become a better version of myself.
• They have activated a level of commitment I did not see in myself.
• They have invited me to embark on a magical journey filled with adversity and challenges, but mostly true contentment.
• They are my badge of honor.
• They have stretched my patience, ignited my curiosity and taught me the real meaning of multitasking.

They have invited me to embark on a magical journey filled with adversity and challenges, but mostly true contentment.They are my badge of honor. They have stretched my patience, ignited my curiosity and taught me the real meaning of multitasking.I never understood tough decision-making until my boys came into my life, but I always put them first. When I chat with patients, or when I give talks and workshops, I always include lessons learned from my boys. I think we always have to look at the next generation for insights and inspiration on how to shape our decisions for the future. It helps give us perspective.

Loryn: What are your thoughts on navigating through this pandemic ?

Reyzan: I am navigating this pandemic like everyone else: one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time. I believe there is no other way to do it. This pandemic has pulled us into a vortex of fear, doubt and frustration like nothing else. Obviously the entire world was ill-equipped to face this pandemic, and many wounds and battle scars exist. I am hopeful that all these wounds will give us wisdom to better prepare for the next health crisis. During this time, I have also chosen to take on some of my larger life goals. I recharged my personal brand, launched my speaking business, and started writing more regularly by sharing insights in my Thrive column. I think people need guidance and inspiration in their lives, and I want to be a part of that. I want them to believe in themselves and their instincts. For me, speaking to women's groups, companies, individuals, and at conferences, helps me to leverage the lessons I have learned as we all get used to this new normal.

Loryn:  What's something not many people know about you?

Reyzan: I asked everyone who has been working with me this question, and the unanimous answer was: “how approachable you are, eventually.” Interpreted, this means people felt intimidated by me in the beginning and saw me as reserved, but now that they know me they realize that I am just being in my zone (thinking of four different scenarios at the same time and multitasking non- stop)! It is so important to me that I am approachable, and this is another reason that I’ve allowed myself to be more vulnerable than I’ve ever been. I’m blogging about topics that are close to my heart, opening up through my writing, and sharing snippets of the personal conversations I’m having. Other fun facts: I am a very good cook, have a keen eye for interior design and appreciate rap music.

Be sure to stay updated with Reyzan Shali by  checking out her website :https://www.shalimd.com/ . Plus you can contact with her on all social media under the name : @ReyzanShali

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