Dr. Sami Alahmadi: From Rhodes Scholar to Champion of Global Mental Health
Dr. Sami Alahmadi, a Rhodes Scholar from the 2020 cohort at the University of Oxford, shares his inspiring academic and personal journey through one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. His story is not just about academic excellence but also about perseverance, authenticity, and a vision to transform healthcare systems, particularly in the field of psychiatry and mental health.
“I first heard about the Rhodes Scholarship from a friend of mine who saw it advertised on Twitter. I immediately found it interesting as it seemed to be a fantastic opportunity for civic-minded people who are interested in making a meaningful change in their communities and beyond. I also felt that it was a really unique way to immerse myself among like-minded people from a variety of backgrounds and learn from their experiences,” Dr. Sami explained.
Reflecting on the application journey, he added: “The application process required me to think hard about my goals, the actionable steps I needed to take to achieve them, and what my impact may be in the future. I made it to the final stage of interviews the first time I applied but was actually not selected that year. However, I was ultimately grateful for this as it resulted in me introspecting deeply about my story and what I wished to achieve. This worked out for the best as I was able to speak about myself and my goals most authentically the second time around and ended up being selected.”
During his time at Oxford, Dr. Sami pursued two degrees: one in history and another in social policy with a focus on health inequalities. “Even before starting at Oxford, I knew I wanted to be a physician so these degrees were instrumental in helping me understand from a more fundamental level how to address disparities in medical care and see the ways that my medical practice could manifest beyond the walls of the hospital. I also really appreciated the ability to branch out a bit and explore interests that I hadn't had the chance to be exposed to before. The Scholarship is a fantastic chance to delve into disciplines that you find interesting and enriching.”
He added: “Being a part of the Rhodes community in particular is special as having the support of Rhodes House and the built-in network of your cohort allows you to have a uniquely social experience, often with friendships that last long after your time at Oxford.”
Reflecting on a pivotal academic moment, Dr. Sami recalled: “Writing my thesis at the end of my first year was undoubtedly a transformative experience. While it was certainly a stressful time, it was also the time where I was able to synthesize everything I had learned throughout the year and apply it to a topic I felt passionate about. I felt that I was doing exactly what I had set out to do when I first applied for the Scholarship: honing my abilities to create positive changes for my community by utilizing the skills that I attained throughout my education.”
He emphasized the unique learning environment at Oxford: “At Oxford, I was able to connect with and learn from leaders in the fields that I was interested in. The education itself was beneficial in equipping me with the skills needed to make positive changes for my communities and my patients. But the abundance of opportunities and faculty that are eager to work with and support students was invaluable. Being able to make long-term professional connections with prominent individuals in the field was extremely helpful.”
For aspiring students and future scholars, Dr. Sami had powerful advice: “My advice is to trust in yourself and the power of your story. I cannot stress that enough. Reflect on what your authentic story and goals are and how you plan to achieve them and put that on paper. Also recognize that this is a long, long process sometimes but in the end, it is more compelling than anything else you can offer.”
Looking to the future, Dr. Sami shared his professional vision: “As a physician, I plan to practice as a psychiatrist, and both serve my individual patients as well as to continue to immerse myself in larger population-level efforts to support the mental health of my community at large. In today's world, there are so many profound hardships people face around the world. I believe firmly that mental health is a prerequisite for engaging positively with the world around us; it is a means of empowerment for all other aspects of life, from physical, emotional, and spiritual health to social engagement and personal fulfilment.”
He concluded with a sense of mission: “As a Rhodes Alum, I have been given the knowledge and skills to create meaningful change, as well as the responsibility to do so. I plan to work more deeply in the field of Global Psychiatry and help establish sustainable mental health infrastructure in my home country and beyond.”
Biography
Dr. Sami Alahmadi is a Rhodes Scholar from the 2020 cohort at the University of Oxford. He is passionate about revitalizing health systems to ensure access to equitable and high-quality healthcare for individuals and populations that are most in need.
