Barbara Walters chats with Forward Syria
Swaying between art and seduction
Discussing monetary policy with the man in charge
Where the earth screams in horror
11/02/2010 - Issue 44
Lina Almarestani
With a PhD from the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University in Canada, Lina Almarestani is the latest addition to Syria’s expat talent pool pushing the country forward.
What drove you to your PhD?
My father pushed me to it. I was teaching at Choeifat International School and my father asked me ‘till when?’ and we talked about continuing my studies. From that time on everything worked out smoothly, though the first year was very difficult as the professors were sorting the students out, by testing and overworking; however, we were given a chance to realize whether we actually wanted to continue our studies or not.
I originally wanted to be an MD Pediatrician but I couldn’t cope with people being in pain so I found this the best way to realize my potential and desires.
Why was your PhD on Neuropharmacological change in arthritics (pain receptors)?
I was always into sciences; I was the only girl talking physics classes in my grade. I also always liked biology; I was driving my family crazy telling them about the biological processes taking place in their bodies whenever we’re having lunch.
Though my research on ‘Pain’ came by mere coincidence, where I had created an animal strand of a human inflammation by mistake and that eventually led me to conduct behavioral tests.
Do you find difficulties carrying on your maternal duties as well as your career?
I was concerned about my career as it is known that it is hard for women to retain their careers after having kids, though things turned out differently and I’m happy with my current standing as a professor at the University of Kalamoon.
What message do you give out to those planning to go for higher education?
There is a lot of potential in the students here, though I want to focus on the females who are not going abroad to continue their studies from fear of defying their parents and their culture.
I tell them that if their parents would see us – girls of the same background who graduated abroad, they would change their minds.
I encourage them to work hard for the continuance of their studies, and travel, graduate and come back as role models.
Higher education is really important. It is not only about learning academics; it also teaches you discipline, patience, and overcoming pressure and hardships. You will always have good and bad experiences; it will be a tough ride, but you will learn from it.
