#United States #Texas #medical scholarship #ApolloMD #Dr. Omar Haggaz

A Journey of Dedication and Resilience

Dr. Omar Haggaz is on the path to achieving his dreams in emergency medicine, receiving the prestigious 2025 ApolloMD Emergency Medicine Scholarship. Currently in his fourth year at the Sam Houston State College of Osteopathic Medicine based in Texas, Dr. Haggaz's passion for medical practice is built on a foundation of personal experiences, early influences, and a commitment to serving the underserved.

Growing up, Dr. Haggaz's interest in medicine was sparked by his father, who worked as a medical technologist. "My dad took me into the field with him when I was young, which opened my eyes to the medical profession," he recalls. This early exposure set the stage for a career dedicated to healing and health care.

During his undergraduate studies in biomedical science from 2016 to 2019 at the University of Texas at Dallas, Dr. Haggaz volunteered at Parkland Memorial Hospital, which is acclaimed for its bustling emergency department. This experience was pivotal for him. "I was fascinated by the amount of research being conducted there, alongside caring for an underserved population. I remember a patient who had to leave the ER after waiting for nine hours because he needed to get to work," he shares.

The challenges faced by patients in emergency care truly resonated with him and fueled his motivation to pursue a residency in this field. Dr. Haggaz not only focuses on immediate medical emergencies but also pursues research on broader issues in medicine, including vaccination perceptions and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle chronic healthcare challenges in rural contexts.

Reflecting on his experiences in the emergency department, he elaborates, "As an ER physician, you are there for someone on the worst day of their life. You're not there to hear the best story; you're there to make a significant impact. The sense of purpose I find in emergency medicine is irreplaceable."

In his scholarship essay, Dr. Haggaz expressed deep-rooted values that define his pursuit of emergency medicine: the importance of trust, the responsibility to care for the vulnerable, and the power of connection. He articulated, "The practice of resuscitation is a science, but connecting with individuals in critical moments is an art. I strive to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors have a safety net when they seek help."

Dr. Haggaz's journey has also seen him receiving a service-learning scholarship from the United Health Foundation. This initiative is focused on providing better healthcare access to those living in medically underserved communities, reinforcing his dedication to making healthcare more equitable.

The ApolloMD Scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by medical students, enabling them to focus more on their education and commitment to patient care. Scholarship applications typically open in mid-March, with a deadline of June 15 each year.

ApolloMD is committed to improving healthcare quality through partnerships with over 100 hospitals across the nation. With a focus on integrated physician services in Emergency Medicine, Hospital Medicine, and practice management, the organization emphasizes development opportunities for eligible healthcare professionals.

In conclusion, Dr. Haggaz's story stands as a testament to the power of dedication and resilience in the medical field. As he continues his journey, he exemplifies the ideals of compassion and commitment to those in need, driven by a lifelong desire to save lives and make a meaningful difference in healthcare.