At the end of 2021, Nadia Nadim will join the tens of thousands of medical students who will exchange their short white coats for the long ones of practicing physicians. Unlike other future doctors, this soon-to-be reconstructive surgeon has also been wearing a uniform that’s more than white. She has donned brightly colored red, purple, or blue jerseys as a striker for teams in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League and the Danish National football team.
The 33-year-old found her way into medicine after a harrowing childhood. Following the murder of her father by the Taliban, Nadia, her mother, and her four sisters fled Afghanistan in fear for their lives. They sought refuge in Denmark, where Nadia first discovered football [soccer] and a growing call to become a humanitarian activist.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Question: Would you mind telling us a bit about your background and your journey into medicine?
Nadia: I was born in Afghanistan and was raised there until I was 10 years old. Then we had to flee the country because of war. We came to Denmark at the start of sixth grade. At that point, I didn’t really understand the language. I didn’t understand a lot of things. The only thing I kind of knew was math because my mom was teaching us at home.
My mom had always emphasized the importance of education. She said that it can get you out of any situation in your life. If you’re having problems or are in poverty or whatever, education is the key. She was the first kid in her family to get education. No one before her ever went to school, especially not girls.
My mom wanted to become a doctor, but then she got married and her plans changed. She always had this dream and then wanted one of her kids to become a doctor. When I heard that I was like: “Hell no, I’m not gonna. I’m not gonna fulfill your dreams.” My older sister wanted to become a doctor, and I was like: “I’m not gonna become a doctor. I’m gonna do something else. I’m gonna try to become rich.”
I remember in ninth grade, we had this one week where you get to choose what you want to do. I chose to go to the clinic close to our house, not because I had the biggest interest but because it was close and I could sleep in longer.
The week that I was there, I was really surprised. I thought: “Wow, this is really cool to be in the hospital.” I saw some cosmetic operations and eye surgeries. I could see myself in that environment. I love the fact the doctors are able to help people, especially the ones who are really in need. I thought “Maybe I should give this a go.”
So I signed up (for medical school). I got in. I didn’t tell my mom. I told her that I applied to business school and was accepted. She’s was half-heartedly saying: “Oh, I’m so proud of you!” She didn’t really mean it.
I remember being in the first semester and thinking: “I’ve chosen so right.” I loved everything about med school, from the blood to the conversations that you have with your patients. I love it.