Today, Dr Mariam Mansouri celebrates her PhD in Medicine from Queen's University Belfast – a remarkable achievement made even more inspiring by her battle with cancer.
Despite facing personal health challenges, Mariam's determination to complete her studies has propelled her into a leadership role in public health in Kuwait.
A medical doctor from Kuwait, Mariam came to Belfast in 2019 to study toward a PhD related to her work in communicable disease preparedness and response at Kuwait’s Public Health Directorate. By then, she was an established figure in the Public Health Directorate of Kuwait and one of only 22 global experts on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome MERS-CoV.
However, this PhD journey took an unexpected turn when, in her final year, Mariam was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Yet, despite the challenges, she chose to stay in Belfast, continue her treatment for cancer, and complete her research.
Miriam said: "The kindness and understanding of the people at Queen’s were incredible. From my supervisors to my friends, everyone supported me – some even came with me to medical follow-ups. Their encouragement kept me going.”
Mariam's toughness in fighting cancer had much to do with her background. When she was young, both her parents died from cancer, leaving her to take responsibility for raising her younger brothers and sisters. Becoming a caregiver for her younger siblings shaped her will to persevere whenever things seemed too hard.
Looking back at her diagnosis, she recalls, “I was advised to take a break, but I decided to keep going. Being far from home and my family made it hard, but working on my PhD gave me purpose. On days when the treatment was harsh, I reminded myself I was doing this for my siblings, to show them I was fighting and that I would win.”
Now, after completing her PhD and overcoming her illness, Mariam has returned to Kuwait and is head of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at the Kuwait Centre for Disease Control. Her days spent studying in Queen's and the lessons she learned during her study have so far proved irreplaceable in her work.
“My degree and experience at Queen’s helped me become fit for being the Head of Public Health Emergency Operations at the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control.”
She explains: “The tools and skills I learned during my PhD – statistical analysis, stakeholder engagement, leadership, have been invaluable.”
As she graduates, Mariam reflects on how her journey has shaped both her personal and professional life: “Cancer took my parents too young, and I wouldn’t allow it to take me.
Finishing my PhD was my way of giving my siblings hope and showing them that even in the toughest circumstances, you can overcome.”
Today, Dr Mariam Mansouri stands as a true testament to resilience, proving that even in the face of adversity, determination and the support of a community can lead to incredible success.
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