Rama Saadieh and Shaimaa Doumani completed Bachelor's degrees in Medical Laboratory Technology at Beirut Arab University this year as scholars of the Jusoor–IIE Odyssey Scholarship. Rama finished with a cumulative GPA of 3.53, Shaimaa with 3.63. Their graduation ceremony is taking place in September 2026.
Rama: persistence under pressure
During her final semester, she navigated a particularly challenging academic period as courses shifted online amid the war in Lebanon. Despite university pressure and surrounding conflict, Rama remained committed to her studies and successfully completed her degree requirements, graduating with a final project on Cellular senescence disease, a process in which cells stop dividing and can contribute to disease and aging, applying her knowledge from Medical Lab Tech to explore a topic at the intersection of cellular biology and human health. Academically, Rama particularly enjoyed Histology, a course that deepened her understanding of the microscopic structure and function of human tissues and further strengthened her interest in the healthcare field, thus continuing to demonstrate persistence and determination. During her time in university, Rama participated in Breast Cancer and Diabetes Awareness activities and workshops, helping organize educational activities, interactive games, and awareness competitions. During the Diabetes Awareness event, she also conducted blood glucose testing for students and provided guidance on diabetes prevention and early detection.
Beyond her academic and professional goals, Rama remains committed to continuous learning and personal development. In recent months, she completed a Graphic Motion training program consisting of 12 sessions at the GLOW Center, implemented by the Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) and the Humanitarian Relief Association (IHR) between March and April 2026. She also completed a beginner-level Web Design course and is currently learning Sign Language, reflecting her interest in expanding her communication and digital skills alongside her healthcare background. She also completed an American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider course, gaining practical training in CPR, AED use, and initial emergency response. In addition, she completed the “كن رياديا” (Be Entrepreneurial) bootcamp through INJAZ, developing skills in entrepreneurship, creative thinking, business planning, and leadership.
Looking ahead, Rama hopes to build practical experience by securing employment in the health sector before pursuing postgraduate studies. She has expressed a strong interest in continuing her education through a master’s degree, particularly in areas related to public health and community health awareness. As she is passionate about supporting others, she is especially interested in contributing to health education and awareness initiatives, including orientation and outreach activities that help communities access reliable health information in Syria.
Shaimaa: two systems, one language
Shaimaa successfully completed her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology at Beirut Arab University and is expected to celebrate her graduation ceremony in September 2026, with a GPA of 3.63. Throughout her studies, she consistently demonstrated strong academic performance and a deep commitment to her field, maintaining a particular interest in diagnostic laboratory sciences and clinical practice.
As part of her academic training, Shaimaa completed practical training placements in both Lebanon and Syria, giving her exposure to different healthcare systems and laboratory environments. During her final year, she conducted a senior project on myocardial infarction (heart attack), presenting a real patient case from Makassed Hospital in Beirut, and has continued clinical rotations to date. Her project involved analyzing laboratory investigations, diagnostic findings, and clinical results that contributed to the patient’s final diagnosis, allowing her to apply theoretical knowledge to a real-world medical case. During her studies, Shaimaa gained hands-on laboratory experience in Parasitology, Haematology, and Histopathology. She examined urine samples and blood smears under the microscope, performed blood typing, and learned tissue preservation through wax embedding and freezing techniques. She mentions that these experiences strengthened her microscopic, clinical, and diagnostic skills.
One of the most impactful experiences during her studies was completing a three-week internship in Syria at a medical lab. While valuable, the experience highlighted significant differences between the two healthcare contexts. Having studied entirely in English since childhood and throughout university, Shaimaa found that many medical and laboratory terms used in Syria were communicated exclusively in Arabic, creating challenges in technical communication and interpretation of laboratory information.
Alongside her studies, Shaimaa completed a BLS course as well and was involved in several volunteering and campus activities. At Dr Mohammad Khaled Social Foundation in Lebanon, a centre supporting orphaned children, she helped organize Iftar meals and supported children in a warm, caring environment during last Ramadan. In addition, she participated in organizing World Medical Laboratory Day on 23 April, contributing to highlighting the crucial role of medical laboratory professionals in healthcare.
Looking ahead, Shaimaa hopes to secure employment in a hospital or medical laboratory in Lebanon to gain practical experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician before pursuing postgraduate studies. She has already begun exploring master's opportunities, including programs in Saudi Arabia, while remaining open to future opportunities in Europe and the United Kingdom. Beyond her professional goals, she expressed a strong interest in volunteering and giving back to her community through health and educational initiatives, including future engagement with Jusoor and other community organizations.
Shaimaa also shared, “From my time in secondary school until my move to college, Jusoor has supported me and given me everything I needed to maintain my academic focus. I felt secure and inspired to continue pursuing my goals because of this unwavering support. I would not have been able to enrol in a top university and obtain a solid academic degree without IIE and Jusoor. You have my sincere gratitude.”
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