Dr. Muhammad Harirah: Rohrich Family Excellence in Plastic Surgery Award
An aptitude for art and design since childhood coalesced into a career for Dr. Muhammad Harirah after a fortuitous lunch meeting on campus. Dr. Harirah, who will stay at UT Southwestern for his plastic surgery residency, is the 2020 recipient of the Rohrich Family Excellence in Plastic Surgery Award.
What this award means: “I’m truly honored to receive this award, and even to be considered for the award is really humbling. While I’m very proud of my achievements thus far, I believe this award reflects the sacrifices that my family, close friends, and mentors have made for me over the years. I don’t think I could have even been considered for this award if it weren’t for them.”
Mentor comment: “Dr. Harirah is a great example of how hard work, dedication, and focus can create opportunities for everyone and anyone. We believe Muhammad has the aptitude and attitude to be a leader in the field. In fact, we were very excited to learn just a few days ago that he matched in our residency program. We are looking forward to being part of Muhammad’s education as a physician, surgeon, and leader – being part of his journey.” – Dr. Shai Rozen, Professor and Vice Chair of Plastic Surgery and Medical Student Director
Background and family: “I was born in Brooklyn, New York, after my parents emigrated from Egypt for my father’s residency and fellowship training in obstetrics & gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine, respectively; my mother completed her training as a veterinarian back in Egypt. I am the second of five children. Two siblings are also in the medical field, one in health care administration and one as a third-year medical student here at UTSW.”
What led to your career path: “For me, art, design, and thinking creatively have been integral parts of my personality since I was a child. When I arrived at UTSW, I knew early on that my love for anatomy would lead me to surgery. I serendipitously attended a lunch meeting for the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Interest Group, where Chair of Plastic Surgery Dr. Jeffrey Kenkel was speaking. I immediately saw the similarities in our interests. He connected me with Dr. James Thornton, Professor of Plastic Surgery. I was in sheer awe at the creative and detailed lengths he would go to in order to restore a sense of normalcy to patients’ lives. Plastic and reconstructive surgery seemed like the perfect fit for me.”
College: “I graduated from Rice University in Houston, where I was awarded the John McGovern Outstanding Pre-Medical Student Award. I explored all my interests there – psychology, human factors, ergonomics, biochemistry, cell biology, neuroscience, and art history.”
UTSW activities: “I’ve had leadership roles with the Cardiology Interest Group and Simulation Interest Group. I’ve also volunteered with No One Dies Alone (NODA), an organization that supplies an end-of-life companion for terminal patients without family or friends at their bedsides. I also participated in the (SPAM) Comedy Troupe and the annual Multicultural Show.”
Surprising fact: “Aside from dancing and boxing, I absolutely love baking and cooking. I made my first chocolate souffle using a fork from the dining hall to whip the meringue, which took almost 45 minutes.”
Future plans: “I hope to practice and teach at an academic institution, where I can be involved in developing medical student and resident curricula, as well as be a part of research.”
About the award: The award recognizes a student who demonstrates superior dedication and achievement in research and clinical work. It was created to honor Catherine and Claude Rohrich – the parents of former Department Chair Dr. Rod J. Rohrich.