In honor of Women’s History Month, New American Pathways is highlighting women who thrive. This month, we’re spotlighting Dr. Reem Ahmed, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University and the Associate Director of Hospital Medicine at Emory Saint Joseph Hospital in Atlanta, GA. A Sudanese-born physician, she earned her medical degree from the University of Khartoum and completed her residency at Atlanta Medical Center. With years of experience in healthcare, Dr. Ahmed is deeply committed to serving her community and advocating for refugee and immigrant rights.
In this article, Dr. Ahmed shares her journey and insights on how refugee women can overcome barriers to success, her contributions to the proposed medical licensing bill, and what it takes for immigrant and refugee communities to advocate for their rights. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to create positive change and lead with compassion.
What does it take for women from refugee and immigrant backgrounds to thrive?
- Access to Education: Educational opportunities empower women and open doors for success.
- Supportive Community Networks: Building strong networks with community organizations provides essential emotional and practical support.
- Economic Opportunities: Access to jobs with fair wages and job training programs is crucial for financial independence.
- Healthcare Access: Access to physical and mental healthcare is key to overall well-being.
What are some challenges immigrant and refugee women face?
- Cultural Adjustment: Immigrant women may struggle with cultural shock, social norms, and maintaining their cultural identity.
- Employment Difficulties: Finding suitable jobs can be challenging due to unrecognized foreign credentials, language barriers, and discrimination.
- Healthcare Access: Immigrant and refugee women may face limited access to healthcare services due to cost and lack of insurance.
What advice would you give to immigrant and refugee communities who are interested in advocating for their rights?
Build strong networks of support by connecting with organizations and individuals who share similar goals. Educate yourself about your rights and the legal protections in place. Knowledge is a powerful tool in advocacy.
Tell us about the importance of the *Medical Licensing Bill. How will it help immigrant communities? The medical licensing bill is vital for addressing challenges faced by immigrant physicians. It offers several benefits:
- Utilization of Skills: Immigrant physicians often have extensive training and experience. By allowing them to obtain limited medical licenses, the bill helps address physician shortages, especially in underserved areas.
- Enhanced Healthcare Access: Allowing qualified immigrant physicians to practice will improve healthcare access for immigrant communities, leading to better health outcomes and trust in the system.
- Cultural Competence: Immigrant physicians, sharing cultural backgrounds with their communities, can enhance communication, adherence to medical advice, and overall care quality.
Have you worked to advocate for the passing of this bill? If so, how?
Yes, I had the privilege of participating in the Business in Georgia: Maximizing Global Talent (BIG) event on January 24, 2025, where I served on a panel discussing challenges faced by immigrant physicians and potential advancements for the medical licensing bill.
How does Georgia benefit from refugee and immigrant communities?
Georgia benefits in several ways:
- Cultural Diversity: Immigrant and refugee communities bring unique traditions, cuisines, and perspectives, enriching the state’s cultural fabric.
- Economic Contributions: Immigrants and refugees fill essential jobs and support local businesses, contributing significantly to the state’s economy.
Why do you thrive?
I thrive because of my faith, the strong support system from my family and community, and a deep sense of purpose in caring for my family and contributing to the community—all for the sake of Allah.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to thank New American Pathways for their unwavering support and advocacy for immigrant and refugee communities. I’m grateful for the positive impact you continue to make and look forward to seeing your organization’s continued success.
* Note: The proposed medical licensing bill did not pass through crossover, but New American Pathways will continue to advocate for its enactment.