PA Student Named Rising Health Leader

February 7, 2023

PCOM Georgia first year physician assistant student Gazang Abdulla (MS/PA ’24) was recently named the 2022 Rising Health Leader by the Amed Medical Foundation. The foundation, according to its website, provides a way for students from underserved backgrounds “to access quality mentorship and networking opportunities and learn about health education and prevention in order to serve their communities.”

The award is given annually to one healthcare student, trainee or early career professional who has shown “impactful community service, leadership and dedication to improving education and health in underserved communities.”

Born in Connecticut shortly after her parents arrived from Kurdistan as refugees, Abdulla said she found it “difficult at times to navigate through my life and education.” She is grateful for the opportunities and support that allowed her to pursue a career as a physician assistant.

She said she became involved in the Kurdish American Medical Association, a similar organization based in Georgia, in order to connect with Kurdish professionals who had interests in the medical field. She began participating in projects to educate the Kurdish community and accepted the responsibility of establishing the new Kurdish physician assistant branch. 

Abdulla was nominated for the Rising Health Leaders award by Heval Kelli, an Atlanta cardiologist and the president of KAMA. He said, “I had the pleasure to meet and mentor Gazang when she was an undergraduate student. We both are Kurds and share the same struggle of the Kurds fleeing their homes and land over the years.”

Kelli is a former refugee who resettled in Clarkston, Georgia. He co-founded KAMA to provide mentorship and networking for the Kurdish American community.

He said, “When I met Gazang, I noticed her passion for service and giving back. We also noticed the limited number of Kurdish American PAs and students, likely less than 15 in the country.”

Kelli praised PCOM Georgia for educating “the wonderful students and future leaders like Gazang.” 

Abdulla said, “Regardless of what specialty I end up pursuing, I look forward to advancing and growing as a provider. I hope to make a meaningful impact as well as provide quality care to my patients, my family, and my community.”

You May Also Like:

• Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Donald Dickert's Path to Global Medical Impact
• PCOM Georgia Rallies for Breast Cancer Awareness
• DiCecco Named Interim Chair of PCOM Georgia Physical Therapy Dept.