My name is Ilaha Isali, and I recently matched into urology at Weill Cornell Medicine, becoming the first Azerbaijani to match into urology in the US. Here I want to briefly share the key highlights of my journey in urology.

I was born and raised in Azerbaijan, one of the post-Soviet Union countries. In 2011, I was accepted into Azerbaijan Medical University for medical school. After 2 years, per the State Program for the Education of Azerbaijani Youth Abroad from 2007 to 2015, the Ministry of Education, I was transferred to continue my medical education at the Faculty of Medicine of Istanbul Medical University, which is the first medical school in Turkey and highly ranked.

Less than 1% of practicing urologists in Azerbaijan are female. Today, embarking on a journey to become a urologist is still regarded as a “brave” choice for women in both my homeland and in Turkey, where I earned my medical degree. The urology department was composed exclusively of men, and I never encountered any female attendings or residents. However, since my first urology rotation began, I have been fascinated by its various procedures. From placing Foley catheters to making stones disappear, seeing patients become relaxed and comfortable has been gratifying. I quickly realized that this field is a perfect fit for my personality. Urology is not just about procedures and surgeries; it’s about understanding patients’ deeply personal and often sensitive concerns and addressing them with compassion, empathy, and humor when appropriate. The satisfaction I derive from making a tangible difference in someone’s quality of life, combined with the technical challenges and innovations in the field, makes urology the perfect fit for me.

I knew that I needed to surmount numerous obstacles to accomplish my aspiration of becoming the first Azerbaijani urologist in the US, and I believed that I could succeed. My family tried to persuade me to give up on this idea as I had no financial resources to support my presence in the US. I started to work 18-hour shifts each day as an emergency medicine physician in a high-volume hospital to save money to prepare for my travels to the US. My fiancé, who is now my husband, was my greatest supporter. He always believed in me and supported my dreams, even though we were apart and did not see each other for more than 4 years. I dealt with a multitude of high-pressure situations, and the skills I gained through this journey will undoubtedly translate to my composure in the operating room.

After arriving in the US, I sought to demonstrate my passion for both urology and academics, learning science in a new language. I found my start in tissue engineering/regenerative medicine for urologic applications in the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) urology lab under Dr Adonis Hijaz (Figure). For women, mentorship is particularly important in finding guidance and navigating this historically male-dominated field. Drs Laura Bukavina and Shubham Gupta have consistently provided me with support and guidance throughout my research at CWRU. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have them as my mentors.

I challenged myself to complete a master’s program in regenerative medicine and entrepreneurship while working as a full-time research associate. I have improved my leadership skills by coordinating multiple projects and have learned how to formulate questions, answer them efficiently, think critically, and carry out tasks to completion. My first research project on developing a collagen mesh for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence also resulted in technology transfer. Additionally, being a part of the CWRU Translational Fellowship Program has allowed me to think about commercialization and innovation in urology. My role as a part-time venture fellow at Cleveland Life Science Advisors has also been invaluable. Through this position, I’ve had the privilege of offering feedback to emerging medical startups in Ohio. Receiving my first independent research grant award from the Society of Women in Urology gave me hope for the future of those who aspire to become an entrepreneurial urologist-scientist.

I am drawn to urology because I seek a diverse surgical career and have realized that my diversity of experience will ultimately make me a successful urologist. Whether at the benchtop or the bedside, I strive to discover the best direction for projects and patient care. I am excited to bring my humanity, tenacity, and innovator’s mindset to this family of surgeons, educators, and patient advocates. I will bring over the knowledge and experience I gained clinically and academically at CWRU. I am a fighter in my professional and personal life. This determination has prepared me to overcome obstacles, including the financial hardships of coming to the US to pursue my medical career. I am committed to a lifelong career in bridging the health inequity gap by providing quality urologic care, advancing the field through research and innovation, and fostering mentorship for those following my path. Thank you once again to Weill Cornell Medicine Urology for believing in me and allowing me to become the first Azerbaijani to match into urology in the US.