Billal Saidi

Education: University of Minnesota
MD Mentor: Dr. Siu-Hin Wan
Staff Mentor: Melanie Sun
Project: Stratification of Risk for ATTR-CM utilizing cardiac MRI

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

I first heard about the MHIF internship from a cardiologist I shadowed at the hospital and later learned more about it from a friend who completed the program a couple years ago. After hearing about the experiences, mentorship, and opportunities the internship offered, I became very interested in applying myself. I wanted to be part of an environment where I could learn directly from healthcare professionals, contribute to meaningful research, and grow alongside students who share similar passions in medicine.

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

My interest in cardiology started when my grand uncle had a quadruple bypass surgery in his early forties. Seeing how much that surgery changed his life really stuck with me growing up. Over the past couple years, I’ve had the chance to shadow physicians in the ICU, and those experiences made me even more interested in the field. A moment that really stood out to me was watching a cardiologist care for a patient with an aortic aneurysm while leading the whole team so calmly during a life-threatening situation. Seeing the way physicians can impact patients and their families during moments like that is a big part of why I’m interested in medicine and cardiology today.

What is your desired career in medicine?

Right now, I am interested in cardiology and orthopedic surgery. I know my interests may change as I gain more experience throughout medical school and shadowing, but I’m excited to continue exploring different specialties and finding the path that fits me best!

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I’m really looking forward to meeting and learning from the other interns, mentors, physicians, and staff throughout the program. I’m also excited to get more exposure to clinical environments, especially shadowing in the OR and cath lab. I think this summer will be a great opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to gain a better understanding of cardiology, clinical research, and how research can directly improve patient care. I also hope to build meaningful connections with other interns and healthcare professionals while learning as much as I can from everyone around me.

What are your plans after the summer?

After the summer, I plan to return to the University of Minnesota to continue pursuing my degree in Biomedical Engineering. As I continue through college, I also plan to keep preparing for medical school while staying involved in research, volunteering, and clinical experiences.

What is a fun fact about you?

I enjoy Arabic calligraphy and have sold some of my artwork!