Wafaa was born and raised in Gaza, Palestine, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in medicine. Currently, she is pursuing an MSc in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Healthcare at Imperial College London, where she is exploring the depths of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, and the importance of quality improvement in clinical care. Through her studies at Imperial, she is particularly focused on understanding how healthcare systems in the UK implement evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for patients with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The UK’s integrated approach to healthcare, including its emphasis on patient-centred care and multidisciplinary collaboration, offers valuable insights that she can adapt to improve clinical standards in Gaza.

Witnessing the devastating impact of the ongoing war and the lack of resources in Gaza, she is more determined than ever to return home and contribute to building a more resilient healthcare system. 

Wafaa believe that with the knowledge she is gaining at Imperial, she can help address critical gaps in cardiovascular and respiratory care in Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories. By improving clinical practices, training healthcare professionals, and advocating for evidence-based care, she hopes to strengthen the healthcare system and improve outcomes for patients in the region.