In the suburbs of Damascus, where Ahmad Zamzam, M.D. grew up, a local expression was loosely translated into English: “Stroke? No treatment.” I decided I wanted to make a difference. Currently, Zamzam is one of his Vascular Neurology Fellows and serves as a “pre-examination” member of the Stroke Service. This Week’s SpotlightIn his interview, Zamzam explains the constant pursuit of localization that led him to neurology, his plans to establish his own practice, and his fascination with watchmaking when he’s not working. tell us about being
What are your current responsibilities as a Vascular Neurology Fellow? What does a typical day look like for you?
I usually start the day early with baklava and Turkish coffee because of the tests and imaging done at night for my stroke service patients. Visualize your plans for the day, then drive to work. As a Stroke Fellow, my responsibilities include leading inpatient stroke services at DUH as “readiness” and creating an educational environment for all team members. We have the nicest people in the world!
How did you become interested in neurology?
The eternal pursuit of neurologists and their “localization” – we run around looking for parts of the nervous system that may be broken and determine the likelihood of neurological damage based on the location of the part that seems to be broken. Visualize gender. Then, attempt a treatment based on the location of the suspected broken component. As you can see, this requires a lot of imagination and mental drawing of models and figures. It’s all about “localization”. This is essentially a cartoon. my favorite hobby. Hence my passion for neurology.
How did you decide to specialize in stroke and vascular neurology in particular?
My little hometown in Arnabek, a suburb of Damascus, Syria, has a metaphor translated from my native language into English. Oh, don’t even bother with therapy. Comparing stroke to an untreatable condition always stunted me growing up, especially after losing a loved one to a stroke. I decided that there was room for faith and hope in stroke treatment and that I would make a difference.
In addition to the obvious differences you mentioned, how do trends in stroke incidence, treatment, and recovery in Syria compare to the United States?
Stroke is a poorly understood disease in Syria. As such, quantifying the incidence and impact of stroke can be imagined as difficult. Much of this is due to a lack of emphasis on preventive medicine (primary or secondary) and a lack of resources for rehabilitation. P.Rather than being discharged to acute rehabilitation or skilled nursing facilities, patients suffering from severe deficits are discharged home. It also adds an additional burden to already socio-economically struggling families. All these factors, and others, add up to The community’s defeatist view of stroke. I am determined to build a better future for all by working with other aspiring healthcare providers towards much-needed change.
What are your plans after finishing your fellowship?
Before starting my practice, I will go on a world tour starting in Istanbul, Turkey.
Where would you like to establish your practice?
It depends a lot on where I am in my professional career. For the time being, I would like to practice in a location with access to major international airports serving destinations around the world. It is very convenient to be able to fly directly to my parents’ homes in Canada and the Middle East.
If you could do any job anywhere in the world, what would it be?
Mediterranean taste tester.
Please list one experience as a fellow that has been particularly memorable or useful to you.
We work with leading professionals from different departments to help patients suffering from CRAO regain their sight. Having so many treatments available, from IV tPA to hyperbaric to amazing nursing care, is really heartwarming to me.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Great friendships and all the learning here at Duke.
What is the hardest part of your job?
I know there are communities out there that have yet to reach comprehensive stroke centers in a timely manner. I am optimistic about the future of stroke education and treatment, and care outreach.
What other passions and hobbies do you have outside of your studies?
I like watches in general. I spend hours reading blogs and watching vlogs about watches. We can talk non-stop about the making and functioning of mechanical watches. It’s art at its best. So enchanting!
Zamzam shared a photo of himself in Georgetown, Washington, DC on game day.
