Hala Rashad Makhlouf is a Pathologist currently based at the NIH/NCI in Maryland, specializing in Liver and Gastrointestinal Pathology. With a dual background in Pathology and Cardiology, she holds an MD and PhD from Ain Shams University Medical School in Cairo, Egypt. Her medical training began in Egypt, followed by fellowships in Pathology at the University of Maryland and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) in D.C. She also served as a staff member and Professor of Pathology at Ain Shams University Medical School.

She relocated to the USA in 1995 at the age of 29, after completing her medical degree in Egypt, to pursue further specialization in Pathology. Her primary motivation was to gain advanced training and experience, which she achieved through fellowships at the University of Maryland and AFIP. The transition proved challenging due to cultural differences, adapting to a new healthcare system, and being separated from her family and homeland. “I was very homesick during that time,” she says.

When she first moved from Egypt to the USA, Hala noticed significant differences in cultural norms, lifestyle pace, and social interactions. The USA offers diverse opportunities and a fast-paced environment, contrasting with Egypt’s rich traditions and strong close-knit community feel. Work in the USA is demanding and leaves little time for social life, whereas in Egypt, there’s always time for friends and family. “In Egypt, it’s easy to call a friend or family member and visit them without much planning. In the USA, however, you often need to make arrangements and set appointments because everyone is so busy with their own lives.”

Hala keeps Egyptian culture alive at home by cooking traditional food, playing Egyptian music, and celebrating holidays. She tries to speak Arabic with her kids as much as possible, though finding time can be challenging. However, her busy schedule limits her ability to engage more actively with the Egyptian community in the USA.

Hala has two sons: her older son, aged 25, is pursuing a law degree, while her younger son, aged 23, works as an aerospace engineer. When they were younger, she made sure to enroll them in Arabic and Sunday Islamic schools. Balancing these commitments with her busy work schedule was challenging, making it difficult for them to become fluent in Arabic. Additionally, her husband doesn’t speak Arabic,  which also made it harder for them to practice the language at home.

Despite these challenges, she tried her best to ensure her sons learned the basics of the language and their religion. Her efforts paid off, as her oldest son pursued a minor in Arabic in college, significantly improved his proficiency.

One of the greatest challenges in raising her kids was ensuring they maintained a strong connection to their Egyptian heritage while integrating into American society. Balancing cultural identities and navigating occasional cultural misunderstandings were part of this journey.

To make them  proud of their Egyptian heritage, Hala regularly takes her kids to Egypt, at least once a year. Celebrating Egyptian holidays and preparing traditional meals are also wonderful ways to keep the culture vibrant. She always reminds them that they are the sons of two of the greatest civilizations in the world, which fills them with pride for their Egyptian heritage and ancestors.

Maintaining their Egyptian identity and heritage is important to Hala. She achieves this through several ways. At home, she emphasizes speaking Arabic as much as possible, “which helps keep the language alive for my kids.”

They celebrate Egyptian traditions, from holidays to daily customs, which creates a strong sense of cultural continuity. Additionally, she educates her children about Egypt’s rich history and culture, sharing stories about their ancestors and the importance of their heritage. Through these efforts, she ensures her children understand and appreciate their origins, and feel a strong connection to their roots.

Hala occasionally watches Egyptian television to stay connected with current events and cultural programs from back home. She cooks Egyptian food when she has time. “To be honest, I’m not the best cook, but I try my best.” She still remember some of her mom’s recipes and believes that food is one of the best ways to connect with their culture. Her oldest son is a big fan of Egyptian cuisine, and her husband enjoys dishes such as falafel, molokhia, moussaka, and stuffed grape leaves. Cooking these meals helps maintain a sense of cultural continuity and also provides a taste of home for her family.

Seeing the Egyptian flag or hearing the anthem fills Hala with pride and nostalgia. “Honestly, I get butterflies in my heart. My youngest son, who now lives in another state for his job, hangs the Egyptian flag on the wall behind his bed. My husband always jokes that I’ve never really left Egypt and that I still live there in spirit,” she says.

Among her numerous professional achievements, Hala feels most proud when contributing to high-impact publications, speaking at national and international conferences, and receiving various achievement awards. She is particularly proud of completing her fellowship at the prestigious AFIP and starting her work at NIH/NCI. This achievement not only marked a significant milestone in her professional growth but also symbolized the strength and resilience of Egyptian women on the global arena. “Every time I publish in high-impact prestigious journals, I feel incredibly proud and grateful to Egypt for providing me with a quality, free education, especially in medical school. It’s remarkable to think that education, which costs so much here in the United States, was accessible to me back home. Now, I’ve reached a level where I’ve surpassed even American educational standards. This always makes me feel a deep sense of pride and indebtedness to my homeland.”

On a personal level, raising her children to be successful and proud of their heritage is incredibly rewarding for Hala. Witnessing them excel in their careers and embrace their cultural roots fills her with a sense of accomplishment as a parent. “Balancing a demanding career while nurturing a strong sense of identity and pride in my kids is something I cherish deeply.”

One of Hala’s most memorable experiences that highlights the intersection of your Egyptian identity and your life in the USA, was at her wedding reception. She wore a dress inspired by ancient Egyptian style, and their wedding cake featured both the Egyptian and American flags. This was in 1996, a time when Egyptian culture was not widely known before the widespread use of the internet and social media. It was a beautiful way to blend both cultures and share her heritage with their guests.

Another memorable experience for Hala was hosting a traditional Egyptian dinner for her colleagues at work. It gave her an opportunity to share her culture, cuisine, and stories, fostering mutual respect and understanding among them. “These moments not only allowed me to celebrate my heritage but also forged lasting impressions and connections with those around me,” she explains.

Hala encounters stereotypes, especially during initial interactions at work and in society. “People often don’t take you seriously at first and make silly comments like, “What do you wear back home?” or “Are you allowed to go out on your own?” There’s still this ignorant misconception about the superiority of white people and the inferiority of people of color. This is especially frustrating considering Egypt’s impressive history speaks for itself. I address these stereotypes by demonstrating through my work and interactions that Egyptian women are capable, educated, and can excel in any field. By showcasing my professionalism and achievements, I aim to challenge and change these misconceptions,” she explains. 

Hala believes in the importance of integration for new immigrants. Learning the language, participating in community activities, and embracing local customs while preserving their own culture are crucial steps to achieve it. Building a supportive network is also essential.

She noticed that “some new immigrants tend stay in their own shells and avoid interacting with the broader community including Americans,” which can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for cultural enrichment. Hala emphasizes the importance of interacting with people from different cultures, as it broadens perspectives, instills tolerance, and enhances personal growth. “Unfortunately, some immigrants live here for years without learning much about the culture, only interacting with people from their own background. This can keep them narrow-minded and limit their experience,” she says. 

She encourages immigrants to engage more with the wider community to deepen their understanding and expand their experiences. She also advices Egyptian women who are considering moving to or are currently living in the USA to be proud of their heritage, stay connected to their roots, and take advantage of the opportunities available in the USA. “Balancing cultural identities can be challenging, but it’s essential for both personal and professional growth,” she says. 

Finally, Hala emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience. “You need to work harder than anyone else due to the stereotypes and preconceived notions about women, especially those from the Middle East,” she explains. “My journey has been filled with challenges, but each step has been rewarding.”

Celebrating our achievements and sharing our stories can inspire future generations of Egyptian women. I have great admiration for the role your publication plays in promoting the right image of Egyptian women and educating people both inside and outside of Egypt since it is in English. Good job, and I truly commend your efforts.