We recently connected with Hurairah Faatimah Muzammil and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hurairah Faatimah, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Life has been a constantly evolving path for me, and with every twist and turn, I’ve carried forward a new lesson to shape who I am becoming.
Many instances and experiences have carved me into a newer version of myself that has both excited and improved me.
One such moment is my first step into the world of innovation and R&D. Back when I was in school and UAE had set out the creation of Amal, the Emirates Mars Mission, in 2014, I recall creating a model depicting how Mars might appear when the UAE entered its orbit, along with the potential for life on the planet. It was some parts of a microchip, a few lights, a vivid image of how Mars would look and a lot of hope and imagination. From that day, I never looked back in the field of innovation. I went on to create Disaster Display, an Acougizer, a neonatal Jaundice kit and so much more. That spark and zeal for research and design has never trickled down.

In fact, I then broadened my horizon. I looked at tree plantation, that I used to do as a child, differently. I not only understood the importance but shifted my focus to sustainability. It’s the need of the hour and a thought that needs to be on our minds always. From creating posters and spreading awareness, I went on to take the Global Stage as a Panelist in the COP28. It was a huge opportunity for me alongside pioneers in the field and gave me a platform for advocacy and becoming the change we wish to see. I took it as a stepping stone to do better in the field of sustainability and reach out to the masses for which I received the Youth Sustainability Leadership Award at the Youth Sustainability Leaders Symposium.

I’ve always heard, “Every word carries power; it can wound, heal, or ignite change,” and having that engrained, only encouraged me to dabble a bit in writing. What started off as a hobby and an interest in literature, grew to become a medium of expression to me. From poems in classes to newspaper articles to becoming a Published Author, I learned the art of weaving words to tell a story, I can still remember the day I read my piece to the audience and was welcomed with applause and emotion. It wasn’t just a comforting feeling, it was a feeling of contentment, success and accomplishment. It was that day, that I fell in love with the art of writing all over again.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a medical professional and a passionate advocate for sustainability, education, and social impact. My journey has never been confined to one straight path. I’ve always believed that learning extends beyond textbooks, and every curve of life has given me valuable lessons that shape both who I am and the work I do.

My entry into medicine was driven by a deep desire to make a difference in people’s lives, not just through clinical care but also by addressing the bigger picture of public health, mental well-being, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. Over time, I expanded my scope by taking part in international conferences such as COP28, COY18, and various medical and academic panels. These opportunities allowed me to merge science with advocacy, creating conversations that inspire real change.

Volunteering has been one of the most defining parts of my journey. From supporting research projects and leading peer tutoring initiatives to conducting workshops, awareness campaigns, and community programs, I have dedicated myself to giving back wherever I can. Volunteering not only allowed me to serve but also to learn from diverse communities, deepen my empathy, and apply my medical education in meaningful, practical ways. Whether working with youth, patients, or international collaborators, I see volunteering as a bridge that connects knowledge with humanity.

In terms of services and contributions, my work spans across multiple areas:
Healthcare and Medicine: I focus on education, awareness, and patient-centered approaches, ensuring that medical knowledge is not only applied but also understood by the communities it serves.
Sustainability and Advocacy: Through workshops, campaigns, and collaborations, I raise awareness on climate change in medicine and beyond.
Creative Communication: Whether through public speaking, writing, or organizing innovative initiatives like integrity-themed student projects, I aim to make learning engaging and relatable.

What sets me apart is my multidimensional approach. I don’t just view myself as a doctor-in-training or an academic. I combine my medical expertise with leadership, creativity, volunteering, and a human touch. This blend allows me to connect with people from different walks of life including patients, students, professionals, and global advocates to create meaningful impact.

I am proud and grateful for receiving honors such as the Diana Award, Sheikh Hamdan Award, Sharjah Excellence Awards, and being featured in the Wonder Book of World Records. The principle that always guides me is the contentment I feel when my work uplifts someone, whether that is alleviating a patient’s pain, guiding a student, or inspiring someone to take action for a better world.

For anyone new to my journey, I want them to know that my work is about impact. My brand is built on integrity, compassion, and innovation, and my mission is to bridge the gap between medicine, humanity, and sustainability.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

A hundred times over. Medicine is not just the art of curing diseases, it is the art of healing, hope and empathy. Through my years as a medical student, I’ve learned that alleviating pain and being the human touch amidst the ocean of sterility and medical jargon, is what truly makes a good doctor. We often times think, that doctors treat diseases but I’ve seen the humanity behind doctors, their effort in doing their best for the patient and never giving up hope until the very end.
An instance that truly touched my heart was when my dad, who is a neonatologist, was recognized by a police officer in the airport as the doctor who saved his daughter. What seemed like a profession to millions, was the art that saved his daughter’s life and a thread of hope in the darkest times. Medicine taught me that life is the greatest gift, one that must be protected and one which is transient. It only emphasized the importance of cherishing my loved ones everyday.
So, yes I’d choose this giving profession a hundred times over.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

COVID-19 was a time that demanded change. Not just versatility, but crude change; and this time came in my defining years when I was in my final schooling years. Online classes and school at first seemed like a chill option, promising an ease while we prepared for university. But, all of that came crashing down when learning changed, when studying became a challenge, when unease of the mortality was rising and we had to get online schooling yet take offline exams. From long answers to MCQs, we were in new waters and didn’t know how to keep afloat. Luckily, my teachers in the 11th and 12th grades were a blessing. They not just taught us how to adapt to these changes but were in touch with us 24/7. From zoom classes at 6am to answering doubts at 12am, they were there at every step.

However, that time, taught me resilience. A kind that stands against every storm. COVID-19 didn’t just alter our immune systems but affected people’s mental health greatly. Being boxed up at home, to the uncertainty of life, everything was taking a toll on people’s mental health. I learned the art of being optimistic and forming bonds with family at that time. I learned to enjoy the little things and indulged in baking, cooking and art that was a welcome reprieve.

COVID-19 changed the way of communication and outreach. From doing online awareness sessions to establishing Unfurling Universe, an Instagram platform that quickly became a creative outlet, I learned flexibility and adaptability. It taught me the oneness of human emotions and the strength in networking and relatability. While it was a hard time, it taught me unforgettable lessons that have rebranded me into who I am today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: 35s_hurairah.m & unfurlinguniverse
• Linkedin: Hurairah Faatimah Muzammil: www.linkedin.com/in/hurairah-faatimah-muzammil-76b5282a4