Student Spotlight: Fares Awa, MD’26

From Inspiration to Surgery: A Path Forged at Geisel

For Fares Awa, the journey to medicine began with an example of perseverance, sacrifice, and resilience. Born in Syria and raised in the United States, Fares remembers his father, an international medical graduate, studying for his U.S. licensing exams during the day and working evenings at a local pharmacy. Balancing career ambitions with the responsibilities of supporting a family in a new country, his father’s quiet determination became a powerful example.

“Watching him commit to medicine while navigating a new language, culture, and system was inspiring,” Fares reflects. “Seeing his success as he passed his boards and completed residency when I was in high school was a huge motivator for me. He is still one of my greatest role models.”

Now a fourth-year medical student at the Geisel School of Medicine, Fares has found his own path, one that reflects not only a dedication to medicine but also a belief in the power of community. He was drawn to Dartmouth for its close-knit environment and emphasis on social context within medical education.

“I loved how faculty here saw students as both learners and future colleagues. Dartmouth also understands that health care doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Patient outcomes are shaped by the communities and systems we live in. That emphasis on the social determinants of health really resonated with me.”

Through his clinical rotations, Fares found his passion in surgery, fueled in large part by the mentorship and camaraderie he experienced with Geisel’s surgical faculty and residents.

“They’ve been such strong sources of support, learning, and inspiration. Watching their commitment to both patients and teaching has made me consider staying involved in academic medicine, particularly in educating future medical students and residents.”

Fares’ time at Geisel has been defined by strong connections, not only with mentors but with peers. From the very first weeks of orientation, he was struck by how quickly his class bonded.

“There was such an effort to help us get to know each other early on. I felt like I had a personal relationship with nearly every classmate before our first block ended. It really feels like a family.”

His clinical training has been equally formative. Fares particularly enjoyed his surgical and OBGYN clerkships in Concord, New Hampshire. These experiences solidified his desire to pursue surgical residency.

“There are fewer residents rotating in Concord, so I had the chance to serve as first assist in many cases and really take on meaningful roles in and outside the OR. I grew tremendously as both a student and future clinician during those rotations.”

Outside of the hospital and classroom, Fares makes the most of the Upper Valley’s natural beauty. You can often find him kayaking, hiking, or exploring local farmers markets. One of his favorite ways to unwind is renting a cabin with friends for a weekend of lake swims and campfires, a small escape from the demands of medical school life.

Looking ahead, Fares plans to pursue a career in surgery, with growing interests in surgical oncology, access to cancer care, and healthcare policy. His advice to future Geisel students is simple but powerful.

“The best part of Dartmouth is the community. Get to know the faculty, the staff, the people who live and work here. Building those relationships will make your time in the Upper Valley feel deeply personal, and it just might become a new kind of home.”

Written by: Mia Soucy

POSTED 8/27/2025 AT 11:13 AM