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Audience inspired by experiences, struggles of NOI female doctors

By J.A. Salaam -Contributing Writer- | Last updated: Feb 20, 2019 - 12:21:26 PM

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Panelists of women physicians in the Nation of Islam present during Ministry of Health workshop. Photos J.A. Salaam

CHICAGO—Three female medical doctors from the Nation of Islam shared experiences and struggles about finding balance as physicians, mothers, wives and being Muslims during a Ministry of Health workshop at Saviours’ Day 2019.

The panel consisted of Dr. Ameenah Muhammad, Rialto, Ca., Dr. Mayyada Muhammad of Atlanta, and Dr. Patrice Muhammad of Chicago. The workshop was moderated by 17-year-old Imani Muhammad of Atlanta.

Dr. Mayyada Muhammad completed the Cuba Doctors Program introduced to the Nation of Islam by Min. Farrakhan and has since furthered her practice to include stem cell research and natural approaches to wellness.

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Young Muslim girls listen to guidance about the medical field.
“This presentation was very important to inspire the young MGT (Muslim Girls Training) who were present to let them know that they can, in fact, become doctors, no matter what route they choose. They can become a physician and it can be done. Not only doctors, but doctors who are Muslims who have our core beliefs and values that we can use to make our patients better,” she said.

Imani Muhammad facilitated the workshop and encouraged young women to go for their dreams and not to be discouraged as they set out to reach their goals.

“It was an experience to shed light on (Muslim) women in medicine and the different struggles that they go through,” she said. “The workshop was designed for the young females in the audience to connect with older practitioners, those female doctors who are seasoned and who have set a wonderful path for us to follow in the field of medicine.

“The workshop was also designed for us to seek mentors who can help us and also for us to let them ask questions. Usually our parents don’t know the answers because they haven’t experienced it. For the younger ones in the audience, it helped them to be persistent and not give up. It is common for Black females who are younger to start out wanting to become a doctor, but when they get older, they are faced with a lot of responsibilities and they change to becoming nurses or a CNA (certified nurse assistant). They don’t have to change their career choices or miss their dreams as a doctor,” Imani Muhammad said.

The panelists said the teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad is the best foundation that kept them focused on their studies and away from worldly influences while in medical school. “It’s good to put in a lecture by Minister Ishmael (Muhammad), and listen to Minister Farrakhan’s lectures to help you to stay focused and away from distractions,” said Dr. Patrice Muhammad.

“The book written by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, ‘How to Eat to Live,’ is not just what we consume through our mouths, but what we consume mentally and spiritually, which honestly will make a difference and will affect health care and wellness today and in the future,” Dr. Mayyada Muhammad said.

The panelists stressed the importance of staying spiritually grounded and connected to their creator. “When you are struggling and faced with trials and difficulty the most, that is when Allah is right there for you,” said Dr. Ameenah Muhammad.

Yusef Muhammad added that the need to enlist more doctors to ensure health and wellness in our communities is strongly supported by Min. Farrakhan. He said, “The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan says that we are a very sick nation and that we need thousands of doctors to help with our healing but that we need doctors that look like us and who have our best interest at heart.”

“Today’s workshop was really insightful. I think everyone benefitted from taking a little something whether you’re suffering from a particular illness or if you are looking for an ambitious thing like studying medicine. You have to rely upon both your education and your spiritual nature to be able to make it compatible with where you’re going and they were able to provide a sense of enlightenment,” said Sasha Castle of Bermuda, Virgin Islands.

For more information about the Cuba Doctors’ Program, visit ifconews.org.