A new generation of physicians

Among the class of 2024, there is no shortage of fearless leaders, bright minds and inspiring advocates. While most have rural roots, they are a diverse group of left- and right-brain thinkers, differing in age, expertise and ethnicities.

These future physicians have all worked hard for their spots in this highly competitive program and are exceptionally poised to be the driving forces behind innovation and advancement in the region’s struggling medical landscape.

They represent an equal mix of men and women who have chosen to pursue a degree in osteopathic medicine after receiving their undergraduate degrees from institutions in the state and around the world.

Meet the SHSU-COM Class of 2024

Jamila Raja, Houston — The road less traveled

A child of immigrants, Raja credits many opportunities to her parents’ hard work and unwavering support.

Though she does not know where her medical journey will take her, she welcomes the prospect of adventure and the chance to travel this path.

Raja’s first experience working in healthcare began right before her senior year of high school, when she traveled to Yemen to volunteer at a local community clinic. What started as an obligation brought great joy to Raja’s life and created an unexpected career trajectory.

“The setting and the people made the work enjoyable. There was also this continuous chaos of people — entire villages, coming in for their checkup or visiting for a procedure, which I really thrived in,” Raja said. “From then on, I decided I would try to continue to find work in healthcare. Luckily, I found what I love to do.”

Meridith Buzbee, Tyler — All in the family

Meridith Buzbee believes her journey to SHSU-COM was predestined. She is a Bearkat by birth; her parents attended SHSU for their undergraduate degrees before pursuing medical careers. Today, her dad is an internal medicine physician in a rural Texas community, her mom is a physician assistant, and her sister works as a nurse.

As Buzbee embarks on her own journey to become a physician, she is grateful for the many opportunities to learn and grow. Buzbee aims to pursue a residency program in pediatrics and hopes to perform medical mission work in underprivileged countries for those who do not have access to healthcare.

“In college, I served as a Young Life leader at Navasota High School, where I mentored high school kids,” she said. “I connected with these students and families from this small, rural town through shared dinners, sports and other activities. Here, I learned the importance of caring for others, especially the vulnerable. Each time I returned to Navasota while in college, I had a reality check. Now that I’m in medical school, I plan to spend my time learning about how I can provide medical care to these community-rich areas in Texas that are lacking in medical care.”

Amir Rasheed, Katy — Selfless service

Despite the pandemic, as a member of the first class of SHSU-COM, Amir Rasheed is optimistic about his new learning community.

“It is a unique experience that very few physicians have,” Rasheed said. “While I am nervous about not having upperclassmen to look up to for advice, I am anxious to get started and prove myself. As student doctors, we have an opportunity to lead the community by example to combat this virus.”

His goal for the future is to start multiple free-health clinics in underserved Texas communities along with other practicing physicians.

“I have worked with primary care physicians as a volunteer in college. Seeing the disparities for people who do not have access to primary care solidified my pursuit of a medical education,” Rasheed said. “I believe that primary care and preventative health education should be a right, not a privilege and I will work hard in narrowing this disparity.”

Preeyalak “JuJu” Jiamjid, Bangkok, Thailand — Adapt and overcome

Adapt and overcome. This has become JuJu Jiamjid’s personal mantra after facing unexpected challenges in life. In 2010, she completed her undergraduate degree in contemplative psychology and was considering pursuing psychotherapy when the sudden loss of her husband made her realize there could be a greater way to help people — becoming a physician.

“I struggled a lot while dealing with losses in my family,” she said. “Moreover, as a nontraditional student who moved around often, it was difficult to build relationships with schools to get a traditional committee letter. I essentially dealt with each problem at the time, which delayed my application process for a few years to the point where some people thought that I might not make it. However, I never gave up.”

Jiamjid, a first-generation international student from Bangkok, Thailand, believes a medical degree is a privilege and plans to use it to do good.

“I shattered the glass ceiling in my family,” Jiamjid said. “My parents did not even finish high school, but they were self-learners. Because of that, they always told me that education is important since knowledge is the only thing no one can take away from you.”