(1/7) This isn't my usual kind of post but I feel like now is a good time to reflect. I graduated fellowship last week from a powerhouse medical institution that I first stepped foot into six years ago. It has been nothing but a privilege to spend these years learning from

(2/7) and being guided by, some of the world's most renowned physicians, while serving patients very near to my heart at @UTSWNews and @Parkland hospital. I am extremely grateful to the patients who entrusted me with their care during some of the scariest moments of their lives.

(3/7) Thank you to my mentors and colleagues for the McWhorter Award for outstanding fellow. I couldn't have done it without the most phenomenal group of cofellows from around the world, alongside whom I've had the honor to work.

(4/7) I was born in Elmhurst, Queens to Afghan refugees who had nothing to their name, but everything to give. I didn't have mentors to guide my path or role-models in the field to look up to. All I had were my roots and my father's work ethic. I watched him wake up at 3 am every

(5/7) day to commute into Manhattan in order to get his food truck out on time. Never a sick day and never a complaint. While I was in medical school he was diagnosed with metastatic gangliglioblastoma, and passed away in my third year. His dying wish was for me to finish

(6/7) med school and follow my dreams.

Today, I'm still following those dreams, and I'll be continuing my training at Harvard BIDMC. But I wouldn't be the physician I am without training at @UTSWnews. Thank you to everyone who got me to where I am. A special thank you to my

(7/7) amazing wife and partner for all the love, sacrifice and support throughout all these years. She deserves every bit of this as much as I do. This has been 14 years in the making and counting.