Masooma Sayeda

Education: University of Minnesota
MD Mentor: Dr. Nedaa Skeik
Staff Mentors: Opeyemi Akindumila
Project: Diagnosis, management and outcome of aortitis at a single center

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

While researching cardiology-focused research programs online, I discovered the MHIF internship and was drawn to its strong emphasis on clinical research, mentorship, and hands-on learning. The program aligns perfectly with my interest in cardiovascular medicine and my long-term goal of becoming a physician-researcher dedicated to improving outcomes for underserved communities.

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

Shadowing a cardiologist during an emergency procedure showed me how critical and precise cardiovascular care can be. Watching the team stabilize a patient in distress and make rapid, evidence-based decisions inspired me to pursue a career where I could combine clinical expertise with research to improve outcomes in high-stakes situations.

What is your desired career in medicine?

I hope to become a physician-scientist who combines patient care with clinical research to improve health outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. I also want to mentor future underrepresented students in medicine and help build a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I’m most excited to work alongside MHIF researchers and physicians to contribute to cardiovascular research, gain hands-on experience with data collection and interpretation, and shadow surgical procedures to better understand the real-world application of research and medicine.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to strengthen my research skills, learn from experts in cardiology, improve my scientific communication through poster presentations and case reports, and gain mentorship that will guide my path toward medical school and a career in cardiovascular medicine.

What are your plans after the summer?

I plan to continue my current research at the University of Minnesota, stay involved in my volunteer work, and seek out new opportunities to grow personally and professionally. I'm excited to explore new experiences that broaden my perspective and prepare me for medical school.

What is a fun fact about you?

I recently discovered I’m surprisingly good at Flip Cup even though I had never played it before!