From Immigrant Dreams to Resident of the Year: A Journey of Service, Resilience, and Purpose
Hey everyone!
I'm still trying to process what it means to hold the Resident of the Year and Guzman Award in my hands. These aren't just accolades—they're the weight of every sleepless night spent at a patient's bedside, every moment of doubt I pushed through, every small victory that reminded me why I chose this path. They carry the echoes of countless conversations with worried families, the quiet satisfaction of making a difference, and the overwhelming privilege of being trusted with human lives in their most vulnerable moments.
But these awards hold an even deeper significance for someone who never imagined they'd be possible. As an immigrant who arrived with dreams bigger than my suitcase and hope heavier than my fears, every step toward this moment felt like walking through fog—uncertain, sometimes lonely, but always moving forward. There were nights I questioned whether I belonged here, whether my accent would be understood, whether my differences would be seen as deficits. These awards are proof that our backgrounds don't limit our futures—they enrich them. My heart has always been drawn to public health, to advocacy, to lifting others as I climb. These honors whisper what I've always hoped to be true—that showing up authentically, leading with empathy, and never forgetting where you came from isn't just enough, it's exactly what medicine needs. They remind me that every time I chose compassion over convenience, mentorship over personal gain, I was building something bigger than myself.
My voice breaks a little when I think about everyone who made this possible. To my mentors—you saw potential when I only saw obstacles. To my attendings—you pushed me to be better even when I thought I had nothing left to give. To my co-residents—you became the family I never knew I needed, sharing both the weight of our calling and the joy of small victories.
As I transition into my role as a hospitalist physician and educator, these awards serve not as endpoints but as waypoints—reminders of the responsibility we carry and the impact we can make when we lead with purpose, serve with humility, and never stop climbing toward our highest potential.
To anyone watching who feels like their dreams are too big, or their path too uncertain—keep going. Your background isn't a barrier; it's your superpower. Keep believing, keep serving, keep climbing. The journey continues. 🩺
Dr. Ashkan Nasr DO; MPH
From Immigrant Dreams to Resident of the Year: A Journey of Service, Resilience, and Purpose
Hey everyone!
I'm still trying to process what it means to hold the Resident of the Year and Guzman Award in my hands. These aren't just accolades—they're the weight of every sleepless night spent at a patient's bedside, every moment of doubt I pushed through, every small victory that reminded me why I chose this path. They carry the echoes of countless conversations with worried families, the quiet satisfaction of making a difference, and the overwhelming privilege of being trusted with human lives in their most vulnerable moments.
But these awards hold an even deeper significance for someone who never imagined they'd be possible. As an immigrant who arrived with dreams bigger than my suitcase and hope heavier than my fears, every step toward this moment felt like walking through fog—uncertain, sometimes lonely, but always moving forward. There were nights I questioned whether I belonged here, whether my accent would be understood, whether my differences would be seen as deficits. These awards are proof that our backgrounds don't limit our futures—they enrich them.
My heart has always been drawn to public health, to advocacy, to lifting others as I climb. These honors whisper what I've always hoped to be true—that showing up authentically, leading with empathy, and never forgetting where you came from isn't just enough, it's exactly what medicine needs. They remind me that every time I chose compassion over convenience, mentorship over personal gain, I was building something bigger than myself.
My voice breaks a little when I think about everyone who made this possible. To my mentors—you saw potential when I only saw obstacles. To my attendings—you pushed me to be better even when I thought I had nothing left to give. To my co-residents—you became the family I never knew I needed, sharing both the weight of our calling and the joy of small victories.
As I transition into my role as a hospitalist physician and educator, these awards serve not as endpoints but as waypoints—reminders of the responsibility we carry and the impact we can make when we lead with purpose, serve with humility, and never stop climbing toward our highest potential.
To anyone watching who feels like their dreams are too big, or their path too uncertain—keep going. Your background isn't a barrier; it's your superpower. Keep believing, keep serving, keep climbing.
The journey continues. 🩺
Thank you for watching and supporting this journey. If this resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share your own story in the comments below. Let's build a community of dreamers who refuse to give up.
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2 months ago | [YT] | 3