Shakir Saud, 24, is currently pursuing his Masters in Biology at CCNY and is a paramedic at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in Morningside Heights. He has been accepted in to a one-year research program with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which he will start after he graduates in CCNY in May 2024. He also plans to apply to medical school for fall of 2024. He shared with us his experiences as a paramedic and dreams of becoming a doctor. 

Q: What inspired you to become a doctor?

A: Since I was a child the one person who I could always count on was Dr. Huxtable (from the Cosby show). Even though he is a fictional character, I learned some of my greatest lessons from him, and it was this fictional character who inspired me to become a doctor.

Q: What are some of your goals once you become a doctor?

A: I believe that doctors can be a great role model for people and have an influential role in the community. A great doctor recognizes that responsibility and does their part. As a doctor, I want to get rid of prejudices that exist in my community and be a role model to those around me. Some doctors are prejudiced in that they are less willing to interact with members of minority groups. A doctor cannot have prejudice or stereotypes when it comes to treating members of minority groups because that will ultimately lead to differences in healthcare provided.

Q: Why do you want to be a family practice physician?

A: With family practice I can build long-lasting relationships with my patients and positively influence the way they live their lives.

Q: What is the most interesting or rewarding experience you've had as a paramedic?

A: In the winter of 2024 I went to Haiti after the horrible earthquake there to serve as a paramedic. Because Haiti lacks even simple emergency medical services (EMS) system that can provide out-of-hospital immediate medical care (like what paramedics provide here), thousands of people died or were left untreated after the earthquake. The earthquake happened on January 12 and by January 17 I was on the ground with hundreds of volunteers, paramedic, doctors, nurses, etc. I found caring for people who have absolutely nothing to be a truly a rewarding experience. When I came back from Haiti, my role as a paramedic here in NYC took on a greater meaning.

Q: How would you describe a typical day of your life in NYC?

A: On a typically day I would be lucky if I get four hours of sleep. I am aware of the negative impacts on health from a schedule like mine, because I do research on the effects of sleep on memory. On Monday mornings I have class, followed by Healthy Monday tabling, another class, and then work for 12 hours on the overnight shift for 911 EMS on the ambulance and get off at 6:00am. Then I go home to shower and head back to school for a 9:00am class.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: In ten years, I see myself practicing medicine in a hospital not far from where I grew up in Queens. I am the type of person who gives 110 percent effort into anything I do, whether that is work or academics. I tend to put personal matters on the back burner because I care more about other people. So, I do not see myself married, but maybe going to visit my niece once in a while.

Profiles of Hope is a series of testimonials with community leaders and members, written by HHPC and reviewed by our Health Advisory Board.