A Bahraini doctor has brought pride to the kingdom after graduating among the top 10 per cent of her class at Imperial College London, and now hopes to inspire young Bahrainis pursuing a career in medicine.
Dr Noor Halim, a graduate of St Christopher’s School in Bahrain who recently completed her medical degree in the UK, secured several academic achievements, including the Stanford Cade Prize for second-best performance in the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (Medicine and Surgery) and Practical Clinical Exam, as well as distinctions in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Clinical Practice, and Combined Medicine and Surgery.
Speaking to the GDN, Dr Halim attributed her preparation and early confidence to her schooling and upbringing in Bahrain.
“I was surprised and elated to have done so well,” she said.
“To represent Bahrain at such a high level is an honour.
“Growing up in the beautiful diversity of Bahrain is an excellent way to learn how to find common ground with people from all walks of life, which has been a hugely helpful skill in medicine.
“Moving abroad to study medicine at around the age of 18 presented clear challenges; however, the belief my family and teachers had in me made a significant difference.
“My teachers and family never tried to talk me out of it, or ask me if I was sure. They just told me to send my personal statement for feedback, and wished me luck.
“I cannot describe how proud and grateful I am to have something to give back to my family as proof that I made the most of those opportunities.”
Looking ahead, Dr Halim plans to specialise in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, focusing her future career on women’s reproductive health.
Dr Halim’s project
She has dedicated her work to women’s health and improving their experiences with reproductive healthcare.
Her immediate goal is to continue learning as a junior doctor while leaving a positive impression of Bahraini professionals in the UK’s healthcare system.
For Dr Halim, representing Bahrain on a global level is felt most strongly when she is working directly with patients in the UK who share her background.
“Most meaningfully to me, it has been incredible being able to connect and communicate with Bahraini and Arab women when I meet them as patients here.
“Multiple times, I have met them in clinics and hospitals, and the joy and relief on their faces when they discover that there is somebody here who speaks their language and understands their culture has been amazing, especially in some very difficult and deeply personal moments for them.”
Giving her advice to other young students in the kingdom who are aiming to enter competitive fields, she said, “I live by the idea that ‘you get in life what you dare to ask for’.
“The achievements I am most proud of now are the ones I never imagined I was capable of achieving, but I tried anyway.
“Learn how to stumble a few times without giving up on yourself – failing is proof of trying.”
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