New ACEP Fellow Dr. Mohamed Hagahmed’s background informs his unique perspective. He fled Sudan in his early teens and lived in Germany before coming to America, so he knows what it’s like to feel out of place. He works to increase inclusion inside and outside the ED because he believes feeling seen, heard and supported can make all the difference.

Q: What does inclusion mean to you?

Dr. Hagahmed: One thing we can do is simply acknowledge what’s happening in that person’s life. I’m originally from Sudan, and right now the country is going through a lot of turmoil. There is an uprising, dictatorship, reckless killing and rape. It’s been going on for months and months. I feel stressed and uneasy about what’s going to happen to [my family members in Sudan]. I go to work, and I feel lonely. I think to myself, ’Should I talk about it?’ I need to hear a word of support.

Dr. Hagahmed

One morning, my colleague texted me to ask how I’m doing and what the situation is like in Sudan. That simple text message kind of turned a switch in my mind. I felt like, ’Wow­—somebody else cares?’ And to me, that feeling and message gave me hope. A simple text message has the power of completely transforming how you feel. He asked me what he could do to help me or support me. I said, ’Brother, you have no idea. You helped me so much with just a simple text. You helped me so much because now I don’t feel alone anymore.’

And that’s what inclusion means to me. Inclusion means that I know how to pronounce your name, the way you want it to be pronounced. That you are part of us. Your needs are also our needs. Your emotional support is our emotional support.

5 Fun Things with Dr. Hagahmed

1. Listening to: Miles Davis if I’m relaxing. Hip hop, like DMX, when I’m working out.
2. Reading: Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown. She’s my new favorite author.
3. Watching: Scrubs—I’ve been watching and re-watching the show since medical school. It’s so funny. It lifts my spirits.
4. Caffeinating with: Big Dog Coffee—It’s a local place here in Pittsburgh. I grind my own coffee at home—it’s a ritual that brings me joy … and smells amazing.
5. Dreaming of: Traveling to Europe—specifically Germany, where I lived after fleeing Sudan as a young teenager. And I’d like to tell some of the people who doubted I would ever make it in medicine: I’m here now. I made it.