In the Halls of Hematology: Meet Dr. Rahma Warsame, M.D.

Background Dr. Warsame is an Associate Professor of Oncology and Senior Associate Consultant of Division of Hematology at the Department of Internal Medicine. Her research focuses on amyloidosis and multiple myeloma. Dr. Warsame is interested in investigating existing health care delivery systems to improve patient-reported outcomes and quality of life. She is also working on incorporating patient perspectives into clinical practice and determining its effect on clinical outcomes.

Rahma Warsame, M.D

Q&As 1. Why did you choose to be a physician? - I was a refugee from Somalia and my parents told me and I saw what an impact physicians have to those in need, and I wanted to be able to do that for others when I grew up. 2. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a physician? - It has been the challenge of being discredited or rejected for being Black, Woman, Muslim, Immigrant or other things that are not relevant and learning to manage that positively. 3. Message to future physicians: - Kindness and empathy are as important as knowledge in this field and you can always heal even if you cannot treat the patient by being kind.

4-When you are not practicing medicine, what are some of your hobbies?

Movies and literature. I am a huge reader. To the point where I have started my own book club. It started with just my husband and I but grew out of request. A true lover of literature has many favorites, but if I had to pick one it would be the Alchemist by Pablo Cuelo.

I love movies also, and the Oscars are a crazy time for me because I enjoy trying to see all of the movies up for best picture. I don’t always agree with the nominations for best picture though, some movies you wonder to yourself, ‘how did this movie get nominated?’ I also love the musical scores of films, especially Last of the Mohicans. When I am not reading or watching a movie I love to travel and see and experience new places and cultures.

5- From refugee camp, to Canada, to learning a new language, to medical school. That is quite the progression.

My parents were strong advocates for education. They felt passionate that our opportunity for career and social mobility would be through education. Physicians are highly regarded in developing nations. They not only treat your illnesses, they often are one of the only friendly faces you see. My mom always talked so highly of them growing up.

I grew up in Toronto, but I didn’t get in to medical school in Canada. I couldn’t afford medical school in the United States due to the international fees, and so I decided to go to medical school in the Caribbean. I wanted to do something that was going to make an impact. I felt compelled to take advantage of my opportunity coming from a refugee camp. We were lucky, not everyone gets out.

6- After medical school on a small island in the Caribbean, how did you find your way to Mayo Clinic Rochester?

When you are in medical school, Mayo Clinic is regarded as a mecca of medicine. You hope to one day even be able to visit, so when I got my invitation in residency it was such an honor. I thought, ‘well at least I’d get to visit Mayo Clinic if I get an interview.’ The interview process was an exceptional experience. It was supportive, evidence-based and about the patient. I ranked them number one and prayed. I was so excited when I matched with Mayo Clinic.  I still remember that day so fondly!

7- Diversity played a large role in your upbringing and journey through medicine. How has that helped you in your career as a healthcare provider?

When you are a refugee, you have very little to fall back on. I felt like I had no choice but to be driven and successful. Because of that, and my background, I am the diversity leader for the division of Hematology. Before that, I was the diversity co-chair on the Mayo Fellows Association. We host(ed) events focused on diversity and inclusion, monthly dinners for visiting medical students, and surveyed people on their perceptions of diversity and inclusion and potential barriers at Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic is a unique place, where even if you are the only person from a particular culture, it’s OK, because we will support you. Diverse ideas and different points-of-view make things better. You get employees that are more comfortable which leads to patients being more comfortable. Mayo Clinic fosters so much support, I feel honored I have the opportunity to help make things better in areas not everyone may know or understand. I think we all have areas in our own life that we can do better, and that is what I am trying to do.

Sources: 1, 2 (for more questions and information about Dr. Warsame, go link 2)