About ASN

Arab American Heritage Month

ASN celebrates Arab American Heritage Month by highlighting influential Arab American members within the nephrology community.

April 2026

Arwa Nada, MD, MSc

Introduction

Dr. Arwa Nada, MD, MSc, is a distinguished pediatric nephrologist, clinician-scientist, educator, innovator, and academic leader whose career has been devoted to advancing the care of children with kidney disease. As Division Chief of Pediatric Nephrology at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, she has built a reputation for excellence in clinical care, program development, mentorship, research, and innovation. Originally from Egypt, Dr. Nada brings to her work a deep sense of purpose, resilience, and service. As an Arab American physician, she represents the strength and impact of diverse voices in academic medicine and the important contributions of Arab American leaders to healthcare, science, and education.

What inspired you to pursue a career in nephrology?

I was inspired to pursue a career in nephrology by seeing the profound impact kidney disease can have on the lives of children and their families. Growing up and training in Egypt, I witnessed how devastating kidney disease could be, not only medically, but emotionally, socially, and financially. I saw how a child's illness could affect the entire family, and how access to specialized care, early recognition, and long-term support could make a life-changing difference.

I was also fortunate to be guided by great mentors, both in the University of Alexandria and at Nationwide Children's Hospital, whose dedication, compassion, and commitment to children with kidney disease left a lasting impression on me. They showed me that pediatric nephrology is a field that requires not only knowledge and technical skill, but also patience, humanity, and advocacy. Their example inspired me to follow this path and to dedicate my career to improving care for vulnerable children.

What continues to inspire me is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families during some of their most difficult moments, while also working to advance the field through innovation, education, and better systems of care.

Can you share a moment in your career where DEI made a meaningful impact—on you, a patient, or the field of nephrology?

One of the moments that has stayed with me most was seeing the expression of relief on a mother's face when she realized that I spoke her language and understood her culture, values, and background. In that moment, the clinical encounter changed completely. She was no longer speaking only to a physician; she was speaking to someone who truly understood where she was coming from, how she expressed fear, and what certain words, pauses, and concerns meant beyond their literal translation. I could feel her trust grow almost immediately.

That experience reminded me that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not abstract ideas. They can directly shape the quality of care, the comfort a family feels, and the strength of the therapeutic relationship. For many families, especially in vulnerable moments, being seen, heard, and understood in a culturally meaningful way can reduce fear and help them engage more openly in their child's care. It can make medicine feel more human.

DEI has also been meaningful to me through mentorship. Over the years, I have had Arab and other underrepresented young physicians and trainees share with me how important it was for them to see someone who looked like them, spoke like them, or came from a similar background in a leadership role in academic medicine. Some have told me that it made their goals feel more possible, and that it gave them reassurance that they, too, could belong, contribute, and lead without having to leave behind an important part of who they are.

Those moments have been deeply meaningful to me because they show that representation matters not only for visibility, but for trust, belonging, and aspiration. In nephrology, and in medicine more broadly, DEI strengthens our field by helping us care for patients more compassionately and by opening doors for the next generation of physicians to thrive.

What advice would you give to the next generation of diverse professionals entering the field?

My advice to the next generation of diverse professionals entering the field is to hold on to your identity with pride. Your background, your culture, your language, your life experiences, and the values that shaped you are not obstacles to overcome; they are part of your strength. They give you perspective, depth, empathy, and a way of connecting with patients and colleagues that can make you a better physician, scientist, educator, and leader.

There may be times when you feel pressure to blend in, to become quieter, or to reshape yourself to fit what leadership or success is supposed to look like. But some of your greatest value will come from the very things that make you different. Medicine needs excellence, but it also needs authenticity, humanity, and voices that broaden how we think, care, teach, and lead.

At the same time, keeping your identity does not mean standing still. Continue to grow, stay open to learning, and pursue excellence with discipline and humility. Let your identity ground you, not limit you. Bring your full self into your work while also building the skills, knowledge, and resilience that will help you thrive.

I would also say: find mentors who truly see you, support you, and challenge you in the right way. And when your time comes, do the same for others. Representation matters, but mentorship and sponsorship matter too. Sometimes one encouraging voice, one open door, or one person who says "you belong here" can change the course of a career.

Most importantly, do not let difficult experiences convince you that you have to erase parts of yourself to succeed. The field is stronger when people from different backgrounds enter it with confidence, purpose, and integrity. Your identity is not something to hide. It is something to honor, protect, and carry forward as part of the contribution only you can make.

April 2023

Nada Alachkar, MD, FASN

Self-Introduction

• Associate Professor of Medicine. 
• Transplant nephrologist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
• Clinician with clinical and research focus on recurrent GN post transplant and incompatible kidney transplant.

As a Syrian immigrant, I acknowledge the significance of Arab American Heritage Month as an essential step toward promoting the inclusion of Arab physicians in diversity initiatives within academia and other scientific organizations. Historically, Arab physicians and scientists have been classified as part of the white race; however, they have frequently been treated as foreigners, which has led to their exclusion from the advantages and opportunities offered to other diverse groups. Consequently, it is crucial to recognize and address these disparities to ensure equitable representation and support for Arab professionals in the scientific community.

How has ASN impacted you as an Arab American?

As an Arab American, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has positively impacted my professional growth. Through the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion, I have connected with fellow professionals with similar backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the nephrology community. Furthermore, ASN's dedication to providing educational resources and networking opportunities has facilitated my career advancement and enabled me to contribute my unique perspectives and expertise to the field. Overall, ASN's efforts have not only enriched my experience as an Arab American nephrologist but have also paved the way for greater representation and inclusion of diverse voices in the scientific community.

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

I would appreciate seeing the following additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support from the American Society of Nephrology (ASN):

• Targeted mentorship programs: Establish mentorship programs specifically aimed at underrepresented minorities, including Arab Americans, to facilitate connections with experienced professionals in the field who can provide guidance and support.
• Cultural competency training: Offer workshops and webinars focused on cultural competency to educate members about the unique challenges faced by diverse populations, foster empathy, and promote inclusive practices within the nephrology community.
• Diversity scholarships and grants: Provide scholarships, grants, or funding opportunities specifically for underrepresented minority students and professionals, enabling them to attend conferences, pursue research projects, or engage in other career-enhancing activities.
• Networking events: Organize networking events or social gatherings at conferences that cater to diverse groups, allowing for relationship-building and the exchange of ideas among professionals with similar backgrounds.
• Highlight diverse voices: Feature the work and accomplishments of underrepresented minority professionals in ASN publications, webinars, and conferences, showcasing their contributions and inspiring others from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in nephrology.
• Collaborate with diverse organizations: Partner with other organizations that represent and advocate for diverse populations, sharing resources, best practices, and creating opportunities for collaboration.
• Periodic assessment and feedback: Regularly assess the effectiveness of diversity initiatives and gather feedback from diverse ASN members to continuously improve and adapt the organization's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.

Nader Ismail, DO

Self-Introduction

I am a first-year nephrology fellow at the University of Chicago. I am also Arab American. I grew up only speaking minimal Arabic at home. Still, I am actively working on improving my Arabic language skills and trying to practice it with my Arabic speaking patients when I can. I have found this language journey much like fellowship; challenging but rewarding. It is a great way to build rapport with patients to make a more personal connection and hopefully improve their difficult experience, even if only a little. Like my nephrology training, my Arabic skills still have a ways to go, but I am enthusiastic about the journey and remind myself to try to enjoy every day.

What does Arab American Heritage Month mean to you?

I appreciate highlighting the contributions of our rich communities. There are many who came before me and paved the way for my generation of doctors. Arab Americans played an important role in the American tapestry and our contributions should be celebrated. It inspires me to try to make my impact and pave a path for others to come after me.

How has ASN impacted you as an Arab American?

ASN has been a great resource for me in my fellowship with its online education component. Arab Americans are represented in the organization and educational roles. I appreciate the representation and enrichment it brings to the profession.

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

Community based mentorship programs would be great.

Naeim Salah, MD

Self-Introduction

I am a proud Arab and Muslim nephrologist who is lucky to have a great wife and kids, surrounded with great mentors and friends. I consider myself a patriot. I worked very hard to establish myself and be a successful nephrologist.

I studied in the former USSR, graduated from Latvia, completed my medicine and nephrology training in Jordan. I worked in several countries in the Middle East, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia. I applied to many programs in North America, to get the best knowledge to be able to help my community. After more than 10 years of working hard and never giving up, I got accepted to the nephrology program at the University of Toronto. Since then, I was lucky to get, and still receive, full support from my mentors and colleagues. 

I hope that I can help and support my people the same way my mentors did and still do.

There are no limits to whatever I can and want to do as long I am breathing.

That is my story in brief.

What does Arab American Heritage Month mean to you?

Acknowledgement, celebration, contributions, continuation of Arab culture, and achievements across North America.

How has ASN impacted you as an Arab American?

ASN has provided continuous education for me to support my community in North America and in the Arab world.

Rabia Sbaiti, MD, FASN

Self-Introduction

• Practicing nephrology in central Pennsylvania since 2004. 
• Chief of nephrology and medical director of acute dialysis services at UPMC Central Pennsylvania.

What additional diversity initiatives, programming, and support would you like to see from ASN?

I appreciate the gesture and the recognition of Arab American Heritage month by the ASN.