Teaching Fellow – Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University
Over the past year, Dr Zainab Al-Shawaf, a graduate of Al-Quds University – Abu Dis Faculty of Medicine, worked as a Teaching Fellow supporting medical students during both their pre-clinical and clinical stages, with a particular focus on paediatrics.
Through the support of the Hanoon Foundation, Dr Zainab delivered in-person lectures, coordinated academic activities, and supervised students during their practical clinical training. Through this experience, she further developed her teaching and communication skills while working closely with students and specialised physicians across different medical fields.
Reflecting on her experience, Dr Zainab described the role as creating “a noticeable transformation” in her personality and professional confidence. Despite the difficult circumstances of the war in Gaza, she explained that the experience gave her “strength, structure, and a sense of purpose” that positively impacted both her personal and professional life.
Dr Zainab also highlighted the important role of the Hanoon Foundation, describing the Foundation’s support, organisation, and encouragement during difficult situations as making “a real difference”.
She described the experience as “unique and meaningful”, adding that it left “a lasting impact” on her academic and professional path.
Dr Zainab’s full testimonial is available below.
Testimonial
“My name is Dr. Zainab Al-Shawaf, a graduate of Al-Quds University – Abu Dis Faculty of Medicine. I had the privilege of working as a teaching fellow for one year, supporting medical students during both their pre-clinical and clinical stages, with a particular focus on paediatrics.
My role included delivering in-person lectures, coordinating academic activities, and supervising students during their practical clinical training. Through this experience, I significantly developed my teaching and communication skills, not only with students but also with specialised physicians across different fields.
This journey created a noticeable transformation in my personality and professional confidence. Despite the challenging circumstances of life during the war in Gaza, this experience provided me with strength, structure, and a sense of purpose that positively impacted both my personal and professional life.
The Hanoon Foundation played a key role in making this experience exceptional. Their organisation, continuous support, and genuine appreciation—especially during difficult situations—made a real difference.
It was truly a unique and meaningful experience that left a lasting impact on my academic and professional path. I am deeply grateful to The Hanoon Foundation.”
Zainab
