NAAMA NextGen: Shaping the Future of Medical Education

An educational speaker event in collaboration with the National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) NextGen

What is NAAMA?

The National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) is the largest organization of Arab American healthcare professionals in the United States. NAAMA is a non-profit, non-political, and non-sectarian organization. Through educational, philanthropic, and service activities, NAAMA functions to promote the professional development and cultural identity of healthcare professionals with origin or affinity to the Arab World.

What is NAAMA NextGen?

NAAMA NextGen is the student section of NAAMA, dedicated to empowering Arab American healthcare students to pursue their career goals in the context of their cultural identity. Emphasizing education, service, and leadership, NAAMA NextGen supports chapters in community building and organization, fosters professional connections, and provides research and scholarship opportunities.

With over 35+ chapters nationwide, NAAMA NextGen chapters, such as the ones at the University of Michigan Undergraduate and Medical School, host professional development events, socials, mentorship programs, philanthropic initiatives, and other chapter-specific activities.

About the Author

Hi! I’m Deena Aboul-Hassan, a senior at the University of Michigan studying Movement Science with a minor in Writing. I plan to attend medical school in 2026 (fingers crossed!) and am especially interested in how community and representation shape the future of healthcare.

As Co-President of NAAMA NextGen National, I’ve worked to grow our national chapter network and create stronger connections between Arab-American students and professionals in medicine. I’ve really enjoyed leading this NAAMA NextGen Speaker Series—a platform for conversations around medical education, Arab-American health, and global health.

My goal for this speaker series is to make real-world insight more accessible to students like me, who are figuring things out and looking for guidance from those who’ve been there. To me, this project is both necessary and personal, and it’s something I hope to continue throughout my career in medicine.

NAAMA NextGen National Executive Board

This event would not have been possible without my incredible team, whose support and enthusiasm have brought my vision for this event to life. I want to give a special shoutout to my Co-President, Ryan Jaroudi, who has consistently supported my vision, along with my project consultant, Omar Fehmi, who trusts me to carry forward the mission of NAAMA NextGen and always offers guidance every step of the way.

I'm beyond grateful to work alongside such a dedicated group of individuals who believe deeply in the mission and values of NAAMA NextGen. Their passion and commitment continue to inspire me, and I’m excited for what we’ll build together in the near future.