• Current Scholars
• Alumni
• Dream Big
• Scholar Travels
• Scholar Art & Music
• Scholar Stories
• The Scholar Experience

Mohamed Abdihalim

Biography

Until 10th grade, Mohamed Abdihalim attended school in a tent in a Kenyan refugee camp for Somalians. The tent school had no chairs, tables, or electricity. But the refugee camp did have Doctors Without Borders, for whom Mohamed became a translator. The doctors introduced Mohamed to the concept of treating patients without first asking their tribal affiliation. As a result, he says, he "decided to work hard to be part of the solution rather than to accept the prevailing problem of tribalism and lack of excellent medical care in my community." His goal is to practice medicine in both the US and his native Somalia, treating and researching infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

Mohamed finished high school in Minneapolis, taking college courses during his senior year. By the time he enrolled at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, the university had named him a Distinguished Presidential Scholar. In college, he worked as a nursing assistant in emergency services and pediatric oncology, and as a research assistant in a campus biochemistry lab, presenting his findings at an undergraduate research symposium.

Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the US, and Mohamed has helped many young Somali Americans, mentoring them and promoting discussions to reverse misconceptions about Islam. He also continues to try to unite his own family. Earlier this year, he was able to bring his mother and six younger siblings to Minnesota, and he continues to support three siblings who remain in the refugee camp.

Other Scholars Like Mohamed