Yasir Jawaid on Mentorship, Innovation and Advancing Patient Care in Medicine

Yasir Jawaid was born in Houston, Texas, but moved to Pakistan during his early years. He grew up in a small company town in the desert Sindh region of Pakistan, where he spent his childhood playing sports and making lifelong friends.

Eventually, Jawaid’s family settled in the bustling city of Karachi, a place that held special significance for him because of its dynamic energy. After pursuing his graduate medical training in the United States, he embarked on a journey that took him from the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia to the vibrant streets of New York City, and finally to Washington, D.C. Throughout his career, he encountered diverse cultures. and communities, all of which influenced his professional and personal life. today, Yasser Jawad He continues to make significant contributions to his field, focusing on medicine, counseling, and personal growth.

Early influences and lessons learned

Who has been the most influential mentor in your career, and what lessons has she taught you?

It is difficult to mention just one of them, as I have had the pleasure of having many influential mentors who have shaped my growth. One of the most impactful lessons they taught me is the importance of adaptability. In a constantly changing environment, the ability to learn new skills and adapt to evolving conditions is essential. Another key lesson was the value of empathy, as understanding different points of view and connecting with others on a human level fosters cooperation and trust. Finally, I learned the importance of flexibility; Setbacks are inevitable, but the ability to persevere, learn from mistakes, and continue moving forward is what ultimately leads to growth and success.

Counseling approach

How do you approach mentoring others within your organization or industry?

When mentoring, my approach focuses on creating an open, supportive and collaborative environment. I believe in leading by example and focusing on building trust from the beginning. One of my main priorities is to understand each individual’s unique strengths and challenges so I can tailor my guidance accordingly. I also refer to promoting independence. Instead of just providing answers, I ask questions that encourage critical thinking and problem solving. Ultimately, I see mentorship as a two-way relationship, where both parties benefit.

How do you cultivate relationships with mentors and mentees to ensure mutual growth?

I adapt my approach based on individual needs, offering guidance that suits their learning style and circumstances. Regular self-reflection and celebrating accomplishments, whether big or small, helps keep the relationship dynamic and productive. In addition, I commit to long-term communications, checking in even after formal mentorship ends, to foster continued growth for both sides.

What qualities do you look for in a mentor or advisor?

I am looking for a mentor who is experienced, compassionate, and provides honest and constructive feedback. They had to be patient, encouraging, and adaptable to my unique needs. Integrity is key – Trust is essential in any mentorship.

Evolution of guidance style

How has your mentoring style evolved over time?

My mentoring style has evolved from a more directive approach to one that is collaborative and adaptable. Early on, I focused on providing clear instructions and solutions, but over time, I learned the importance of empowering trainees to think critically and solve problems on their own.

What impact has mentoring had on your personal and professional development?

Mentoring has had a profound impact on my personal and professional development. On a personal level, it has helped me develop stronger communication and empathy. By listening to and mentoring others, I gained new perspectives and learned to be more patient and understanding. It also kept me engaged and up to date with new trends and ideas, as interns often bring new insights. Ultimately, mentoring has made me more reflective, adaptable, and aware of my growth, while reinforcing the importance of continuous learning.

Identify and support potential trainees

How do you identify potential trainees and foster their growth?

I identify potential interns by looking for individuals who demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and a desire to learn. They often demonstrate a strong work ethic, ask insightful questions, or proactively solicit feedback. I also look for those who demonstrate self-awareness and a desire for personal or professional growth, as these traits make mentoring more impactful.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a mentor?

The most rewarding aspect of being a mentor is seeing my mentees grow, gain confidence, and achieve their goals. Watching them overcome challenges, develop new skills, and reach milestones they previously thought were out of reach is a lot of fun. It’s not just about sharing knowledge, it’s about empowering others to realize their potential and make tangible progress in their careers and lives. Knowing that I played a role in that growth is what makes mentoring truly rewarding.

Experiences and achievements

What specific accomplishments in your career are you most proud of and why?

In my career, one of the accomplishments I am most proud of is successfully leading a multidisciplinary team to implement a new model of patient care, which has dramatically improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. This achievement was particularly satisfying because it required collaboration between different departments, integrating diverse perspectives and experiences. He has demonstrated the power of teamwork and the importance of holistic approaches in health care. Additionally, being able to mentor and monitor the growth of junior associates as they develop into confident and skilled professionals is extremely enjoyable.

Can you share a piece of advice that significantly changed your perspective or career path?

definitely. One piece of advice that profoundly changed my perspective is: “Don’t be afraid to embrace uncertainty; It is often the only path to growth. This advice resonated deeply with me, especially in a field like medicine, where rapid developments and unpredictable challenges are common. Embracing uncertainty has allowed me to remain open to new opportunities and innovations, ultimately enriching my career and personal development.

A vision for the future

What are your future goals and aspirations in your field?

My future goals include continuing to innovate in patient care while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within my team. I aspire to expand my mentorship efforts, reach more emerging professionals in the field, and help them navigate the complexities of modern healthcare. In addition, I aim to contribute to the development of policies that support equitable access to healthcare, ensuring that quality care is available to all individuals, regardless of their background.

How do you stay in touch with previous mentors and continue to learn from them?

I stay in touch with past mentors by maintaining regular communication through check-ins, whether it be via email, occasional calls, or meetings. I make an effort to keep them informed of my progress and challenges, while keeping the relationship active and showing my appreciation for their prior guidance. I also seek their advice when facing new career decisions or challenges, as their insights are invaluable.

What steps do you think are necessary to develop your field in the coming years?

Progress in this area requires a multifaceted approach. We need to invest in the latest research and technological advances to stay ahead of evolving medical challenges. It is equally important to prioritize education and training, and to ensure that healthcare professionals are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt to new developments. Furthermore, promoting a more comprehensive and equitable healthcare system is crucial. This means addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that the benefits of progress accrue to all segments of society.

Yasser Jawad He continues to inspire and catalyze positive change within the medical community through his dedication to innovation, mentorship, and equitable healthcare practices. His vision for the future reflects a commitment to professional excellence and societal well-being.