Before the NEOMED Class of 2026 starts their journey, we wanted to learn more about students from this group. We invited them to share their stories. Here is one response:
Meet first-year medicine student Marian Khalil, who is also known as Maro, of Strongsville, Ohio. Maro received a Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences from Cleveland State University and a Master of Leadership in Health System Sciences from NEOMED.
What compelled you to pursue a degree in health care?
I enjoy serving others and my community. While so many other jobs and professions do that, I think the health care field has the most lasting effects in the long term.
Why did you choose NEOMED?
I love that NEOMED is a community and patient-centered school. It also provides so many opportunities to serve the urban community of Northeast Ohio, which I am grateful to be a part of.
What specific career do you hope to pursue? Or where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to see myself as a successful happy physician, wife, and hopefully a mom too in 10 years from now. Currently, I am not 100 percent sure of what specialty I want to pursue. I am open to all fields! However, I am waiting until M3 or M4 rotations to live the day-to-day life and see what ignites my passion the most.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher and/or an actress. I guess I am not too far off from being a teacher though because educating patients is a part of the job.
What is your favorite thing to eat and why?
I would say Panera Bread’s mac and cheese.
You are handed a plane ticket to anywhere in the world. Where are you going? Why?
Dubai for sure! I think it’s a great place to visit at least once and there is a lot to do there.
If time and resources were no object, what skill or hobby would you pursue? Why?
I would definitely start roller skating. I think it is super cool and it gives me a sense of freedom!
What’s your hype song? Why?
I am sure that I have more than one hype song, but one that I can think of right now is “Pepas” by Farruko. Either that song or any Spanish song.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I guess one surprising thing is that I got a tattoo when I was only 10 years old.
Read Maro’s reflections on the MLHSS program.