05/10/2026
This Mother’s Day, NAAMA NextGen celebrates the Arab American mother-physicians who continuously support and inspire healthcare students like us. We asked five physicians: “What does being a mother in healthcare mean to you?”
Dr. Rouba Ali-Fehmi, MD
Professor of Pathology at the University of Michigan
“Being a mother in healthcare is both rewarding and fun, but at the same time, very hard work.”
Dr. Leila Hajjar-Nolan, MD, MHSA, FACOG
Obstetrician-Gynecologist at Henry Ford Health
“As an OB-GYN, being a mother can be incredibly challenging — wanting to be there fully for your patients while also being there for your children. The key is learning to prioritize. My advice to young mothers: learn to say no, accept help, and build a strong support system.”
Dr. Eveline Hitti, MD, MBA
Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine at the American University of Beirut
“To me being a mother in medicine is seeing every patient as the son or daughter of another mother… and caring for them with the empathy and responsibility that comes with that lens.”
Dr. Nidal Moukaddam, MD, PhD
Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine
“Being a mother in healthcare is the ultimate exercise in walking the line between family and work. Motherhood has definitely been the most amazing, fulfilling experience of my life, and has not been overshadowed by any professional achievement.”
Dr. Anan Salloum, MD
Associate Professor of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at Wayne State University
“Balancing family and a career in healthcare is challenging but deeply rewarding and often requires personal sacrifice. Motherhood has shaped my approach to patients and young professionals we mentor, making me more compassionate, supportive, and coaching-oriented.”
