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Event

Career Exploration Panel : Webinar on Sunday, October 22nd 2017 – Forensic Psychiatry, Digital and Web Literacy, Veterinary Medicine and Architecture

“Career Exploration Series” is back!! Learn from this diverse panel representing the areas of Forensic Psychiatry, Digital and Web Literacy, Veterinary Medicine and Architecture. The panelists will discuss their education journey and work experiences as well as will provide insights into what a typical day looks like and the current and emerging opportunities in these respective fields.

Target Audience: Senior Secondary and Post-Secondary Students and their Parents
Date and Time: Sunday, Oct 22nd 2017 at 1:00 PM EST, 10:00 AM PST, 11:00 AM MST
Limited spots are available

Objectives:
• To learn about the fields of Digital & Web Literacy, Forensic Psychiatry, Veterinary Medicine and Architecture
• To gain insights into the educational requirements, growth opportunities and practical tips for navigating these fields
• To broaden perspectives and create awareness of diverse career paths

Register by clicking Here.

Panelists:

Amira Dhalla- Lead of Gender and Education, Mozilla Foundation
Amira Dhalla works at the Mozilla Foundation as the Lead for Women and Web Literacy programs that focus on providing an accessible, safe, open and innovative web for women. She develops programs, writes curriculum and runs trainings, all with the help of key collaborators like UN Women, Web Foundation, Ford Foundation, World Economic Forum, ITU and others.

Like many others, she loves the Internet and the power it gives to individual people. And like Mozilla, she wants the Internet to remain an open and innovative place that is accessible to all people.  Amira has worked for many years building communities and movements among nonprofits, startups, social enterprises and technology-focused organizations. She is a skilled facilitator and presenter who speaks about her passion on protecting the web, creating change for social good, developing inclusive learning spaces and female empowerment.

Izzy Hirji- Veterinarian, Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary
Izzy (Ismail) Hirji is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and holds an honours B.Sc. in Zoology. With a passion for primate conservation and medicine, he has worked with many apes, monkeys and other wildlife around the world. Most recently, he held the role of resident veterinarian and assistant camp manager for the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone, caring for over 80 chimpanzees and managing both the staff and grounds. Over the last decade, he has gained extensive experience through training and volunteering with several wildlife centres, sanctuaries and zoos around the world. He currently acts as the primary veterinarian for Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary in Durham, Ontario.

For the past decade, Izzy has been actively engaged with local and global organizations involving the environment, social justice, animal welfare, politics and faith. He is extremely passionate about environmental conservation and One Health – integrating animal health, human health and environmental health.

Alia Noormohamed- Senior Designer, FNDA Architecture Inc.
Alia has been an artist and a designer since childhood. Growing up in a household with both parents being designers, and encouraging her artistic side, she was able to nurture and explore her creativity through art and design. This nurturing and exploration led her to scholarships and awards for her art in high school and has since sold many works. As an artist, she has been participating in group and solo exhibitions since 1999. Her other work includes furniture design, custom cabinetry, light fixtures, photography, clothing,
costume and graphic design, with undergraduate studies in architecture, receiving her degree from Carleton University.

She received a 2007 ADEX award for design excellence for her coffee table and lamp design and a 2013 Northwest Design award for best contemporary room design for a house in North Vancouver. Her paintings, furniture, and lighting have also been published in 4 magazines, and a project was featured in September 2014 on television. She had the privilege of taking part in an event named “dinner by design”, where selected designers are given a 12x12x12 space in CBC studios to design a structure or space with a dining space and an intricate “table scape” for a large charity event. Most recently, she was named the winner of the Fantini Design award, which she will be receiving in Milan in October 2017. In addition to many different types of projects she has been the design lead for 4 Jamatkhanas: Kingston JK, ON, Calgary Westwinds JK, Alberta, Downtown Toronto JK, ON, and Ottawa JK, ON

Dr. Sameer K Bandali- Forensic Psychiatrist, Essex National Health Service Trust
Dr. Sameer K Bandali graduated in 2007 from the University of Liverpool with Honours in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB Hons). Post graduate he completed his 2 year foundation training with the Mersey Deanery across multiple specialities including trauma and orthopaedics, Upper GI surgery, general medicine and Accident and Emergency medicine before settling on a medical career in Psychiatry. He spent the subsequent 4 years training as a Junior doctor in psychiatry with the London Deanery across a number of sub-specialities including general adult psychiatry, old age psychiatry,child and adolescent psychiatry and high secure forensic psychiatry. In 2014 he gained membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and spent the next 3 years doing higher training as a forensic psychiatrist across male and female low and medium secure services.

In July of this year following the completion of his training he took up his first Consultant position as Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist for Low Secure Women’s services. Aside from this position he has special experience and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorder. As a forensic psychiatrist he works with Courts (both Crown and Magistrates), Barristers (both prosecution and/or defence) as an expert witness to identify mental health issues relevant to the case, its impact on ones offending, potential future risk and to advise on sentencing options if necessary.

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Spotlight

Dr. Rasul Ramji

IPN Spotlight: Dr. Rasul Ramji (Assistant Dean For Global Affairs, The University Of Louisville)

Dr. Rasul received his Doctorate of Public Health from Texas A & M University in 2013. He assumed his position as Assistant Dean for Global affairs at the University of Louisville in 2013 and is currently an active member involved in Higher Education Solutions Network (HESN) which is a USAID initiative. In 2000, Dr. Rasul received his Master of Public Health, and in 1997 he was a recipient of Doctor of Chiropractic from Texas Chiropractic College. His International academic career achievements include Bachelor of Science with honors in Entomology/Horticulture from the University of Sind in 1971 and high school graduation diploma from The Aga Khan High School, an affiliate of Cambridge University, UK.

What skills have helped you in your career?
Rural Development Education, interacting with and participating in Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) – Interacting with rural farmers and agriculture workers.

What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
Nothing really – was blessed to have direction.

What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
Take CE courses and teach.

What is next for you in your career?
Continue as Assistant Dean for Global Affairs – Lecture Internationally on Rural development and assist in rural development projects in Georgia (country) Lahore and parts of India.

What advice would you offer to others?
Identify your goal and make sure the goal is not leading to a dead end – must chose a career with a “broad spectrum” Have multi specialties – not just one specialization.

Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• University admission
• Guidance in admission to higher education
• Emphasize research based careers

If you would like to nominate someone to be a part of the spotlight, click Here.

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Spotlight

Abida Taher Jooma

IPN Spotlight: Abida Taher Jooma (Nuclear Radiologist, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute)

Abida Taher Jooma is an MD PHD from Tulane University School of Medicine. She is currently working in private practice as a Nuclear Radiologist for Florida Cancer Specialists.

What skills have helped you in your career?
• Good communication
• Adaptability
• Networking
• Being open to new and different opportunities
• Expanding your skill set

What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
I wish I had known how important it is to have a senior mentor who could guide you in the career choices within the field of medicine.

What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
Attend meetings specific to my specialty, CME and consistent reading to keep up with new data and advances in my field.

What is next for you in your career?
Exploring options to teach medical students and allied health professionals.

What advice would you offer to others?
Build a network of peers and mentors throughout your career that you can lean on and will help you advance your career goals.

Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Mentor students looking to enter the field of medicine or thinking about getting a PHD
• Mentor medical students for residency selection and programs
• Job placement

Please provide the link to your LinkedIn profile:
Abida Taher Jooma

If you would like to nominate someone to be a part of the spotlight, click Here.

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Spotlight

Adiba Karimi

IPN Spotlight: Adiba Karimi (Care Manager, Independence Care System)

Adiba grew up in Khorog, Tajikistan. She currently works as a Care Manager at the Independence Care System, Medicaid Health Plan. She has a Master’s of Social Work from Columbia University in New York and a Bachelors degree in Linguistics from Khorog State University. Her previous professional experience includes positions at UNICEF Health and Education Programs, AKDN AKF Health Education Program, ACTED Hygiene Program and Project Hope. Adiba has experience in management and working with non-profits.
Her seva work started in 1995 when Mawlana Hazir Imam for the first time visited Tajikistan. Currently she serves as a member of the National Council developing strategies for IFF (Inter Faith Families) and murids from Afghanistan, Iran, Syria and Tajikistan (AIST).

What skills have helped you in your career?
• Speaking Russian, Tajik, Farsi and English
• Teamwork
• Problem solving
• Using ethics in my work

What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
Internationally managing health centers

What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
Every single day is learning process for me, reading books, conversation with others, learning from my colleagues. Thinking of pursuing PhD

What advice would you offer to others?
I would quote Mawlana Sultan Muhammadshah (Salawat) “Life will have many disappointments. If one fifth of one’s hopes is realized one is extremely lucky and fortunate, so do not be discourages by disappointments.”

Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Remember you are unique as a human being and you can bring unique skills and ideas to bring changes and improvements
• Do not be afraid to make mistakes or fail
• Treat every single employee with dignity, be it your boss or the cleaner, or the security

If you would like to nominate someone to be a part of the spotlight, click Here.

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Spotlight

Dr. Zarin Gillani

IPN Spotlight: Dr. Zarin Gillani (Certified Life Purpose Coach Therapist)

Dr. Gillani has a background as a Clinical Psychologist She has a strong background as an Educational Psychologist, which gives her an edge as a Life Purpose Coach Therapist. As a Certified Trainer in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and a member of Toastmasters since 2001, training in people skills and leadership skills are her forte. She has created custom tailored trainings for various organizations, sales people, HR departments, and Executives in Effective Communications and Conflict Resolution, Time Management, Conducting Effective Meetings, Leadership Skills, and more.

What skills have helped you in your career?
• Effective communication
• Leadership skills
• Time management
• Team building
• Facilitation skills

What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
Realizing how rich life has been sooner than later, would have lead Dr. Gillani to begin writing earlier. Looking back, she wishes she would have appreciated her mother’s wisdom much earlier.

What is next for you in your career?
Last year, Dr. Gillani decided to educate herself further and transition her career from a Psychologist to a Certified Life Purpose Coach. She is also a Leadership Index Assessment Master Programmer. Her next goal is to become a published author.

What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
Dr. Gillani constantly searches for ways to better herself and learn! She truly is a lifetime student. She teaches, reads, attends classes, seminars and other continuing education opportunities as they become available.

What advice would you offer to others?
Be a lifelong learner, continue to educate yourself. Always err on the side of caution. Keep the mindset of gratitude all the time. Live in the present.

Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Coach through career transitions
• Guest speaking on various topics
• Assist in professional development

If you would like to nominate someone to be a part of the spotlight, click Here.

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Spotlight

Kamruddin Shams

IPN Spotlight: Kamruddin Shams (Entrepreneur at The Shams Group)

Originally from Chittagong, Bangladesh, Kamruddin Shams came to USA with $29 in his pocket and the American dream. In his early years in the country, he started off as a janitor and then got in to Minneapolis Fed which got him interested in technology and innovation. He studied BS Quantitative Methods and Information Systems and MA in Health Administration. Early in his career he was in to IT and transformational management for health systems in ILL and CA. In 1989 he founded and is currently the Chairman of The Shams Group, a healthcare consulting and software firm which serves hospitals around the world and has operations in North America, & Asia. Since then he has been a serial entrepreneur engaged with IT, healthcare, education and real estate start-ups, investments, and innovations. Kamruddin Shams’ volunteer roles include IHPA, YSB, Past Chairman Nizari Progressive Federal Credit Union (NPFCU), IPN Bootcamp, & Chairman Worldwide Education Fund, providing education opportunity to over 2000 orphans and needy children around the world.

What skills have helped you in your career?
The ABCDE of skills that has helped me are:
A—ability to self-assess, be accountable for ones goals, be adaptable
B—be bold, big vision, balanced, benevolent and blissful
C—communication, collaboration, computing and critical thinking
D—disciplined, decisive, determined, dependable and dedicated
E—engaged, efficient, energetic, endurance, empowered and entrepreneurial driven

What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
No second guesses and regrets. Every career has its share of challenges, struggle and adversities. I have had my share, and I have always tried to be self-aware, knowledge driven, and adaptable to adjust the best I can, so I would not change a thing.

What is next for you in your career?
I look at each 10 year as a chapter in one’s life. The next chapter for me can be called the 3Vs. The 3Vs stand for Volunteering (transforming poor children lives via education and vocational training around the world http://wef.world , Vacationing (Travel the world, & learn), and Venturing (entrepreneurship and investing). I try to do this via a balanced lifestyle, and a philosophy of Tan, Man, Dhan and Fun.

What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
Read ferociously, travel extensively, network, stay humble, be open minded and non-judgmental and constantly learn from others.

What advice would you offer to others?
Understand who you are, and what your ‘calling’ is. Assess yourself, skills, potentials, abilities periodically, and know the difference between what you want, and what you are willing to work for. That is often the difference between success and failure. I coach a lot of professionals, who want to pivot in their career or become an entrepreneur, and I ask them—do you have the Phd (passion, hunger and discipline). We all have Phd for something. The question is finding out what that something is, and then executing it the best way you can, to be the best you can be.

Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Career Coaching
• Business Strategic Planning
• Mentoring on how to be the CEO of your life
• Entrepreneurship

If you would like to nominate someone to be a part of the spotlight, click Here.

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Spotlight

Dr. Zohray Talib

IPN Spotlight: Dr. Zohray Talib (Associate Professor of Medicine & Health Policy, George Washington University)

Dr. Zohray Talib is Associate Professor of Medicine and of Health Policy at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She practices Internal Medicine and is a leader in global health with expertise in health workforce, community engagement and medical education. Dr. Talib is a Member of the National Academy of Science Global Forum of Health Professions Education and currently serves as the Honorary Secretary of the Aga Khan Health Board for the USA. She has worked with leadership of medical schools in Africa to improve the quality of their education programs. She currently leads a study across ten countries examining the value of bringing students and academic rigor to community health facilities. Dr. Talib has consulted for programs in Central Asia and Africa and has published on different aspects of building capacity within health system in low-resource settings. Dr. Talib received her B.Sc. in Physical Therapy from McGill University and her M.D. from the University of Alberta.

What skills have helped you in your career?
Being able to develop my career in multiple dimensions simultaneously – as a clinician, as an educator, as a program director, and as a global health researcher.
Balancing the urgent daily tasks, while also investing regularly in a longer-term goal and keeping my eye on the ball of what contribution I would like to make.
As a mom of three kids, the balancing act can get complex so I have embraced creative ways of managing at home including scheduling meals in advance, shopping online for groceries and getting the kids involved in housework.

What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
There were times during residency training that I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. The days seemed long and I was not able to nurture any other part of my career path. At those times, I needed reminders that it is important to embrace certain phases of learning and dive deep in skill-building. In hindsight it is much easier to appreciate the value of having immersed myself in clinical training for that time.

What is next for you in your career?
I would like to continue to strengthen the academic health sector in low-resource settings. I feel strongly that strong academic institutions can underpin and sustain development. Strengthening academia will require diversifying partnerships (e.g. to include the private sector) and innovative thinking on how we teach and evaluate education programs. I would like to continue to build the evidence and advocate for decentralizing academia. Bringing academic rigor and resources to low-resource communities and under-served areas creates a vibrant environment where there is synergy and efficiency between teaching, learning, service and research.

What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
I am constantly learning. I am an ad hoc reviewer for several medical journals which is a way to keep abreast of what is happening in my field of work. My research and teaching roles require me to read the literature regularly and I often read about the conditions my patients have. Like many others, I also watch TED talks and enjoy reading articles on social media.

What advice would you offer to others?
Allow for creative paths to achieve your career goals – don’t assume just because you can’t see the path that there isn’t one. Career paths are rarely linear. New doors often open at unpredictable times, so allow for that while working diligently towards the goals you set. Work hard and smart but also seek mentors to guide you in different aspects of your career. It is very uncommon to find one mentor who can advise on everything and often it takes time, effort and patience to find the right mentor. Be bold and ask those you admire if they can guide you on your path.

Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
•Mentoring professionals interested in global public health
•Finding opportunities to get involved in our community service
•Monitoring and evaluation

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Spotlight

Ambreen Shahabuddin

IPN Spotlight: Ambreen Shahabuddin, MS, LLP (Third year doctoral fellow in the Clinical Psychology Program at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in Ypsilanti, Michigan)

Ambreen is currently in her third year doctoral fellow in the clinical psychology program at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in Ypsilanti, Michigan. After receiving her Masters degree in clinical behavioral psychology from EMU in 2011, Ambreen was employed at the University of Michigan where she worked with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specifically, she implemented behavioral interventions to reduce aberrant behavior problems such as self-injurious behaviors (SIBs). Ambreen decided to return to school after 3 years to obtain her PhD, and to continue working with children with ASD.

What skills have helped you in your career?
• Effective communication
• Confidence in myself
• And the desire to learn and become knowledgeable in my field

What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
Have confidence in yourself; don’t question your ability to achieve your goals.

What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
Attend conferences/workshops, and conduct research.

What is next for you in your career?
The next step in my career is to apply for pre-doctoral internship, graduate with my PhD in 2018, and continue working with children with ASD in an outpatient facility.

What advice would you offer to others?
Continue focusing on your goals, practice self-care, and receive comfort and support from your support system.

Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Prepare for graduate school admissions in psychology
• Job placement within the field of psychology
• Professional development

If you would like to nominate someone to be a part of the spotlight, click Here.

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Spotlight

Dr. Henna Budhwani

IPN Spotlight: Dr. Henna Budhwani (Assistant Professor & Deputy Director, University of Alabama at Birmingham)

Dr. Henna Budhwani, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy and Deputy Director of the UAB Sparkman Center for Global Health (School of Public Health), holds a Ph.D. in Medical Sociology and an M.P.H. in Health Care Organization and Policy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Budhwani works closely with community partners in the United States and abroad that are interested in improving health outcomesof vulnerable populations through public health practice. Dr. Budhwani’s research interests include health disparities, with an emphasis on immigrant and minority health, and international health, in the areas of reproductive health and infectious disease.

What skills have helped you in your career?
My first job out of college was with a sales and marketing firm. There I learned to gracefully take no for an answer and to accept that not all rejection was personal. I learned perseverance, which is particularly important in academia. I often tell my students (who are interested in careers in international development) to learn to be likable or quirky or both. Global work is built upon relationships, so if a potential partner, such as a Ministry of Health, doesn’t like you or doesn’t find you compelling, they’re not going to work with you. However, if the partner likes you, they’re typically willing to assist in any way possible. Personal dynamics matter.

What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
Not a thing. It’s been a great ride so far.

What is next for you in your career?
Keep doing what I’m doing – build a research portfolio, continue to teach, and work as a public health practitioner collaborating with community partners.

What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
Since I’m working in the Dominican Republic, I’ll probably have to learn Spanish. Since, I’m constantly running research studies, I have to stay up-to-date on the current literature. I’ve also started running my work by an external colleague for feedback. What comes back may be ego-crushing, but inevitably leads to a better product.

What advice would you offer to others?
Say yes. I’ve had opportunities that I felt I was slightly less than qualified for, but I always said yes. After acceptance, I made sure I wouldn’t disappoint. Someone took a chance on me; thus, it became my responsibility to ensure I lived up to his or her expectations.

Additionally, regardless of your professional accomplishments and personal commitments, always serve the Jamat – always. Your success is not only yours; it is critical to the upward trajectory of the community, and service is also good for your personal development. Seva will make you a better person. Always give back, and do so with grace, humility, and a touch of humor.

Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Guidance on careers in academia
• Assistance with doctoral applications
• Possibly engaging masters or doctoral students on select studies