Her Story
About Iqra
Witnessing healthcare disparities, limited access to genetic services, and the stigma surrounding genetic conditions while visiting family in Pakistan profoundly shaped this prospective genetic counselor's perspective on healthcare. Those experiences inspired a passion for expanding awareness of genetic counseling and genetic testing, particularly in communities where these services remain underrecognized, inaccessible, or unavailable. They are committed to advocating for culturally sensitive genetic counseling that empowers individuals to make informed healthcare decisions while honoring their language, culture, and values.
They believe that meaningful change extends beyond patient care alone. Through advocacy, education, and mentorship, they strive to increase awareness of the genetic counseling profession, inspire students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in genetics, and help cultivate a workforce that better reflects the communities it serves. They are particularly passionate about mentoring aspiring healthcare professionals by sharing guidance, resources, and encouragement, recognizing that every future provider has the potential to improve access to care and reduce health disparities within their own communities.
Their vision is to help build a future where genetic counseling and genetic testing are not only more accessible, but also more widely understood. By advancing education, reducing stigma, and promoting equitable access to culturally sensitive care, they hope to empower individuals and communities around the world to benefit from the life-changing impact of genomic medicine.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Iqra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute most of my success not only to the prayers of my parents but also to having that undying passion for the field. When you pursue what you crave, days that are tougher are more digestible, knowing there is a greater goal you are working towards. No amount of people telling you your goals are "unachievable" will break your momentum.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To never take advice from individuals who have not been in my position. You can not take advice from someone who has never been there in your circumstances, your struggles, they do not understand the level of risks, discipline, and self-battle it takes to get to where you would like to be.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never take " no" for an answer, keep digging and find the reasoning behind anything and everything. Make yourself comfortable in being uncomfortable and ask the "why" the "how". The world rewards a woman with audacity, never those who stay silent and assume.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are staying up to date with the scientific advancements that are occurring in the field, including gene therapies, clinical trials, and international efforts associated with genetic conditions. New genetic conditions are being discovered, and their research is ongoing. One must stay educated to provide patients with up-to-date information.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I find respect, discipline, and professionalism to be the most important values in my personal and work life. It is impossible to build sustainable relationships without respect, as it sets the tone for each interaction one has with another. Discipline is a virtue that allows one to excel in all facets of life; there has to be constant movement day in and day out to see change eventually. Lastly, professionalism is a spectrum; it entails the way one speaks and dresses, and encompasses all interactions. Without a professional, it is difficult to be taken seriously. Taking a moment to think of our actions before, or pausing in conversations to allow someone to finish their thoughts, are important values to me.
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