Malak Akl, 2024 Nehal Shah Memorial Global Health Award Recipient
As the daughter of Lebanese immigrants, Malak was exposed to the world of global health at young age during her visits to Lebanon. She witnessed firsthand the healthcare challenges faced by her family and community. These early experiences fueled her passion for global health that would shape her academic and professional journey. During her undergraduate years, Malak dedicated her junior year to help plan, fundraise, and travel to Nicaragua as part of the Global Brigades program. Her group successfully collaborated with local leaders and citizens in developing sustainable medical initiatives that aligned with their capabilities and needs. This transformative experience solidified her commitment to addressing health disparities on a global scale. Upon entering medical school, Malak joined the Global Health Distinction Track. She showed her dedication to Global Health by promoting awareness and engagement in global health issues by helping to launch and sustain the GlobalCats: Global Health Newsletter. As part of the distinction track, Malak will complete her global health rotation in Lebanon in April 2024. She is deeply motivated to investigate the ongoing healthcare challenges in the region. Malak hopes to continue her commitment to global health as a medical resident.