Meet Marian Khalil

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.