Youmna Jalkh: A Journey of Academic Excellence and Medical Aspirations
Youmna Jalkh, an inspiring medical student and researcher, exemplifies dedication to academic excellence and community service. Currently an MD candidate at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, she brings an impressive background in research, leadership, and global health.
Education Background
Early Education
Youmna’s academic journey began at Collège Louise Wegmann, where she graduated with a French Baccalaureate in Life Sciences, achieving High Distinction in 2015. This strong foundation fueled her passion for science and medicine.
American University of Beirut
She attended the American University of Beirut (AUB) from 2015 to 2016, studying Psychology and Biology. During this time, she was recognized on the Dean’s Honor List for her outstanding academic performance.
Boston University
In 2016, Youmna transitioned to Boston University, earning a BA in Psychology with Honors in 2019. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, she conducted an independent study at the Social Learning Laboratory, where she designed and executed research projects and mentored peers. Her leadership in the BU Lebanese Club showcased her ability to foster cultural and social engagement.
The George Washington University School of Medicine
Youmna began her medical studies at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in August 2023. She participates in the Global Health Scholarly Concentration, demonstrating her commitment to addressing global healthcare disparities.
Professional Experience
Clinical Research Assistant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
From June 2019 to July 2023, Youmna served as a Clinical Research Assistant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. She contributed to the Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research at the Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, focusing on data analysis and neuroimaging studies.
Intern at Eye & Ear University Hospital
In 2023, Youmna interned at the Eye & Ear University Hospital in Beirut, Lebanon, where she gained valuable clinical experience and broadened her global perspective on healthcare.
Research Roles at Boston University
Between 2017 and 2019, Youmna held multiple research positions at Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education. As a Lead Research Assistant, she analyzed data, managed participant recruitment, and received recognition through UROP’s Supplies Grant and Conference Participation Award.
Medical Research Assistant at AUB
Earlier in her career, Youmna contributed to cognitive impairment research in multiple sclerosis at AUB. Her role involved data entry, literature reviews, and co-authoring a research paper, showcasing her dedication to advancing medical science.
Leadership and Volunteering
Leadership at The George Washington University
At George Washington, Youmna serves in multiple leadership roles. She is the President of “Medicine on the Mat,” integrating wellness into medical education, and the Vice President of the Middle Eastern & North African Medical Professional Organization. Additionally, she participates in the MD Class of 2027 Student Council as an Honor Council member.
Volunteering Experience
Youmna’s commitment to community service is evident in her roles with various organizations. As a Team Leader at MSPCA-Angell from 2021 to 2023, she coordinated animal welfare initiatives. At AUB, she was a Voting Member of The Embrace Fund, where she helped launch the Middle East’s first suicide prevention hotline.
Kidney Disease Awareness
From 2018 to 2019, Youmna Jalkh volunteered with the Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program, collecting patient data and educating the community about kidney health.
Awards and Recognitions
Youmna’s excellence has been acknowledged through numerous accolades:
- Conference Participation Travel Award by UROP in 2019.
- FROG Award – Supplies Grant by UROP in 2018.
- Dean’s Honor List at AUB in 2016.
- High Distinction (Mention Très Bien) at Collège Louise Wegmann in 2015.
Organizations and Memberships
Youmna Jalkh is actively involved in professional and student organizations, including:
- Treasurer of the Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) since 2024.
- Event Coordinator for SALUD, promoting wellness and cultural understanding.
- Clinic Manager for The Healing Clinic, providing medical services to underserved populations.
Research Contributions
A dedicated researcher, Youmna co-authored a 2024 publication in PLOS Computational Biology titled “PARE: A Framework for Removal of Confounding Effects from Any Distance-Based Dimension Reduction Method.” This work highlights her expertise in data analysis and commitment to advancing medical science.
Vision for the Future
Youmna Jalkh envisions a career that bridges clinical practice, research, and global health initiatives. Her diverse experiences position her to address healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes on a global scale.
Conclusion
From her early education to her current pursuits in medicine, Youmna Jalkh’s journey reflects resilience, intellect, and compassion. Her contributions to research, leadership, and community service are paving the way for a promising career in healthcare. As a future physician and researcher, she is poised to make a significant impact on the medical field and society at large.
