Medical Student
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Hussain Alkhafaji is a second-year medical student at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW). He currently serves as the President of the student-run free smoking cessation clinic at two housing shelters in Dallas, Texas. His leadership in this role focuses on addressing the health disparities faced by vulnerable populations through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates clinical care with public health strategies.
Hussain's academic journey began at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Journalism, certificates in Business of Healthcare, Social Inequality Health & Policy, and a minor in Health Communications. As a Clinical Research Associate at Dell Medical School, Hussain has been actively involved in translational research, including pioneering studies on next-generation screening technologies for acute pediatric infectious diseases. His contributions extend beyond the lab, having engaged in policy and legislative internships at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Research!America, and the Texas House of Representatives, where he gained firsthand experience in healthcare reform and advocacy.
Hussain’s leadership roles at UT Austin, including his tenure as President of the Student Foundation and as a representative on the President’s Student Advisory Committee, highlight his dedication to fostering inclusive and equitable educational environments. He is deeply committed to community service alongside his research and policy work. Hussain has volunteered extensively, notably at Camp Kesem, where he supported children affected by a parent’s cancer, and at Helping Hand Home for Children, where he spearheaded a STEM engagement course. Hussain loves to discuss current events, play basketball, and marathon documentaries.