Pursuing a medical career with a public health focus
Sania Farooq, BS ’21
Public Health Sciences
Sania Farooq, BS ’21, a dual American-Canadian citizen, grew up alternating between Southeast Michigan and her mother's family in Vancouver.
Growing up in Michigan and the multicultural community in Vancouver—a true crossroads of cultures—immersed her in the traditions and perspectives of people from all walks of life.
This bicultural upbringing further provided her with a nuanced perspective on the contrasting healthcare systems and public health disparities in the United States and Canada.
Born and raised in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Farooq wanted to pursue a career in medicine to achieve something unique within her family.
She said that while many South Asian families encourage careers in medicine, law or engineering, she was driven by the challenge and the opportunity to carve out a new path.
Learning to advocate for myself and others at Michigan Public Health has been empowering.”
Her ambition was fueled by personal experiences and the realization of the vital role healthcare plays in people’s lives.
“The differences between US and Canadian public health systems sparked my interest in connecting the two,” said Farooq, an MD candidate at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.
This curiosity paved the way for her academic pursuit at the University of Michigan.
At first, Farooq had no plans to venture into public health.
“Before starting university, I had no idea what public health was," she said. “It was a very foreign path that I learned about once I got into undergrad.”
Her trajectory took a turn when her peers introduced her to the concept, describing public health as “social justice for the health world.” It resonated with her and ignited a spark that would define her career.
Initially, she hoped to be a neuroscience major, but Farooq soon found herself frustrated by the grueling pre-med courses.
A pivotal moment came during her sophomore year when she diversified her studies, balancing biochemistry with social psychology and public health classes. This combination of hard science and human-centered courses revealed her true calling.
“I found my first years at Michigan to be unfulfilling because the majority of my classes were science-based, and I didn't feel any connection to them at all,” Farooq said. “All I was doing was checking off some boxes. When I learned about how there’s this other facet of the health world, where we focus more on people rather than just science, that’s what really drew me to public health.”
Everything changed when she joined the School of Public Health, where the sense of community and mentorship she received were transformative.
“Those two years were some of the best years of my life,” she said.
Her involvement in Michigan Public Health extended beyond academics. Alongside classmates, she founded a mental health club for South Asian students, Dil Se, tackling cultural stigma around mental health.
“My friends and I started a mental health club for South Asian folks since mental health is taboo in many communities, especially in ours,” said Farooq, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Sciences from Michigan Public Health.
Her engagement didn’t stop there.
Farooq’s coursework involved real-life impact projects such as health education initiatives during COVID-19. These experiences cemented her commitment to a career that marries public health with medicine effectively. She also delivered a graduation speech to her classmates during the virtual ceremony in 2021.
Farooq ultimately decided to pursue a doctor of medicine at Michigan State but has continued integrating public health principles into her studies and clinical practice.
Her medical school experience has mirrored her undergraduate experience: The first two years were science-heavy and missing the human connection she cherishes.
Yet, Farooq’s third year reignited her passion as she engaged in clinical rotations. A memorable encounter with a diabetic patient highlighted the powerful mix of medical knowledge and public health education.
“I explained to a patient in detail, but in lay terms, what exactly was occurring inside his body with diabetes,” she said. “It was like a light bulb had turned on in his head. He finally figured out what was happening, and it felt uplifting to both of us.”
Farooq’s journey is not without its hurdles. As a Muslim, Pakistani American woman, she confronts unique challenges.
I explained to a patient in detail, but in lay terms, what exactly was occurring inside his body with diabetes. It was like a light bulb had turned on in his head. He finally figured out what was happening, and it felt uplifting to both of us.”
“My identities have their own battles,” she said, noting that the socio-political climate over the past several years has added layers of complexity to her educational and professional path.
Despite these challenges, Farooq’s resolve remains unshaken.
“Learning to advocate for myself and others at Michigan Public Health has been empowering,” she said.
This advocacy extends into her medical training at Michigan State, where she participates in the Medical Partners in Public Health certificate program in Flint. Here, she tackles health disparities in a community known for its public health crises.
Outside the classroom and clinic, Farooq channels her creative energy into a small jewelry business she started during the COVID-19 pandemic called Sxnix Jewelry.
This venture isn’t just a hobby—it’s a vehicle for social change. Through fundraisers, she has supported various causes, including mental health services for Black women and girls,resources for South Asian women facing domestic violence, and education initiatives for young Jordanian and Syrian children.
Her business has allowed her to merge her love for crafting with her commitment to public health and social justice.
“Integrating public health principles into my business practices makes it all the more rewarding,” she said.
Farooq’s vision for her future is as dynamic as her past.
Public health has taught me how to connect science to humanity. I want to use that skill to uplift patients, enabling them to take control of their own health.”
“I hope to be known as a health educator,” she said, “whether as a physician or through another public health avenue.”
The drive to empower others, instilled during her time at Michigan Public Health, serves as her inspiration.
“Incorporating public health training has set me up to do so much more,” Farooq said.
She plans to bridge the divide between medicine and public health, ensuring that her work elevates the standard of care and advocates for equity and justice.
“Public health has taught me how to connect science to humanity,” Farooq said. “I want to use that skill to uplift patients, enabling them to take control of their own health.”