Aisha Mahmood, a dedicated medical student at the University of North Carolina with a keen interest in neurology and global health equity, has been awarded the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Medical Student Research Award. This honor recognizes her significant research proposal aimed at improving stroke care in underserved regions globally.
Mahmood’s research tackles a critical disparity in healthcare. “Stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide, with disproportionately higher burden in low-income countries due to limited access to specialized care,” she explains. While specialized stroke units have proven effective in improving patient outcomes, Mahmood points out that “the existing evidence is predominantly derived from high-income settings.” Her study seeks to address this critical gap through a “systematic analysis of stroke unit interventions and outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.”
Driven by her experiences “working with immigrant and refugee communities in the U.S. and abroad,” Mahmood developed a strong commitment to global health and equity-driven care. Her path towards this research was further inspired by learning about the work of Dr. Saylor in Zambia, presented through the 大象传媒 Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN). This sparked Mahmood’s interest in “understanding how to develop and implement sustainable healthcare models in resource-limited settings.”
Central to Mahmood’s research philosophy is the concept of empowerment. “What excites me most is the challenge of capacity-building,” she states. “How do we empower communities by strengthening existing systems rather than imposing external solutions?” Through her project, she is “eager to learn how to amplify local expertise and infrastructure to create lasting, meaningful improvements in health outcomes.”
Mahmood also highlights the crucial role of mentorship in her journey. “In the short time I have worked with Dr. Saylor, she has been an exceptional mentor, genuinely invested in my growth as both a medical student and a researcher,” she shares. “She consistently makes herself available to answer questions and guide me through the research process. Dr. Saylor has already played an active role in my professional development, and I am excited to continue learning under her mentorship.”
The AAN Medical Student Research Award was designed to assist up to 15 medical students across the country with limited research experience relevant to clinical or neuroscience fields who have a supporting preceptor and a project with clearly defined goals. Receiving this award underscores Aisha Mahmood’s dedication to addressing major global health challenges through innovative research.