A Journey of Determination: Leen Hussein’s Story
The Cleveland Clinic laboratory buzzed with activity as Leen Hussein carefully prepared her samples for another day of cancer biology research. Two years ago, she couldn’t have imagined herself here, pursuing her medical dreams in a new country.
“In Syria, we’re not heavily focused on lab work” Leen reflected. Back home, due to limited resources from the ongoing war, students rarely got hands-on experience. “The professor would do the experiment in front of the class one time during the whole semester and that was it. We weren’t able to actually do it ourselves because we didn’t have the material.”
That reality made her current position all the more meaningful. After completing six years of medical school in Syria, Leen moved to Cleveland to join her family and pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor in America.
The path hasn’t been easy – she needed to pass board exams, build research experience, and compete for the limited residency spots available to international medical graduates.
“It’s going to take many years,” she admitted with a smile, “but I’m very excited.”
Leen’s journey to medicine began when she was just 12 years-old. Though her father was a doctor, she initially resisted following in his footsteps. “I always told him I don’t want that, It’s too much studying. It seemed too boring for me.”
Everything changed when she developed psoriasis as a preteen. Unable to find a female dermatologist, she felt uncomfortable and embarrassed during her treatments.
“That’s when I realized we needed more female doctors!” Leen said. “I decided I needed to become a doctor to support other girls like me, who felt uncomfortable, shy, or embarrassed.”
Now, as she prepares to apply for residency, Leen divides her time between research and volunteering with Rise Up Northeast Ohio, helping underserved schools with science education.
“We create plans for the students for their research projects,” she explained. “These students are very smart, so they know what to do. We’re basically there to answer their questions, see if they need any help, make it seem more fun and enjoyable, and throw some fun facts that might make them laugh.”
After a long day at the lab, Leen met with a group of middle school students who had questions about pursuing careers in medicine. One girl, hesitant to speak up in the male-dominated classroom, finally raised her hand.
“Do you think I could become a doctor too?” she asked quietly.
Leen’s eyes lit up. “Of course you can do it!” she said emphatically. “It might seem tough, but honestly, look around you, women are excelling in research, medicine, pharmacy, and beyond.”
She has advice for boys as well. “Success is all about how hard you are willing to work! You have to believe in yourself because you are capable of achieving great things.”
One student asked how she stayed motivated through all the challenges.
Leen smiled, remembering her mother’s words of encouragement. “My mom always tells me that whatever happens, it’s meant for you. Don’t worry and don’t stress over it.”
The journey for Leen is long, but her determination has never wavered and she urges students today to stay strong: “Keep working, keep showing up, believe in yourselves! It might be tough sometimes, but we’re all gonna reach our goals.”