Salma Amin is a medical student at Meharry Medical College and a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Scholar. She was born in an Afghan refugee camp in Pakistan and immigrated to the United States a little over a decade ago. Her lived experience has shaped her passion for refugee health and her dedication to improving healthcare access for underserved communities.

 

She completed her undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at Mount Holyoke College. With a strong interest in cancer prevention and treatment, she conducted qualitative research in Botswana on cervical cancer and HPV vaccination, earning first place in oral presentation at Meharry’s Research Day. She is currently an ASTRO Medical Student Fellow, conducting radiation oncology research focused on gynecologic cancers and treatment-related toxicities. She plans to pursue residency training in Rad Onc.

 

In addition to her research, Salma is the founder and Executive Director of Health Equity Allies for Immigrants and Refugees (iHEAR), the first Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) chapter established at an HBCU, with Dr. Caldwell serving as the faculty advisor. iHEAR is dedicated to educating future healthcare professionals about immigrant and refugee health challenges—particularly barriers linked to immigration status—while also offering free health screenings, educational resources, and referrals to community clinics across Nashville. The organization partners with local groups to address healthcare disparities and strengthen community health access.

 

Outside of medicine, Salma enjoys spending time with her cat, Mateo, as well as her family and friends. She is also an avid hiker.