Internal Medicine resident Mohammad Hamza finds community at TidalHealth

Family and medicine have always been closely connected in Mohammad Hamza’s life. Now a physician, he grew up in metropolitan Pakistan, where his father practiced dentistry. His older brother and sister went to medical school before him, and his wife is also a physician. 

It’s no surprise that family played a role when he began searching for a residency. He started by focusing on the East Coast, where both of his siblings work. After researching hundreds of programs, he chose TidalHealth for its location and the opportunity to help shape the program for future residents. 

What surprised him most was the atmosphere, support and camaraderie he found as an internal medicine resident, which gave him a different kind of family while he was away from his own. 

“When I visited here, I really liked the people and the culture,” Dr. Hamza said. “Now, in my third year of training, I know I made the right choice. The people were really welcoming, and they were open to teaching us, but allowing us room to grow. In the beginning, the learning curve was pretty steep. And then because of them being so open, I felt very comfortable, and I felt like I developed relationships here with not only the physicians and nursing staff but all the ancillary staff. I have really enjoyed that part.” 

A Manchester United fan, Dr. Hamza has even found more companionship and an outlet for his love of soccer with a group from TidalHealth that gets together weekly to play at Crown Sports Center.  

“Everyone is invited — residents, fellows — and even some of the attendings come by,” he said. “It's a good game, good exercise and good fun.” 

He doesn’t see his brother and sister as often as he did when he first moved to the region since they now both work in Georgia. On weekends, he often makes the trip to Baltimore to relax with his wife, Javeria, who is completing a pediatric residency at Sinai Hospital. 

As he completes his third year of the TidalHealth Internal Medicine Residency, serving as one of the chief residents, and prepares for his cardiology fellowship, he’s grateful for the relationships he’s built with patients. He knows those connections are essential to a great patient experience. 

“I’ve kept some of my patients since my first year,” he said. “We’ve had good relationships, and I’ve gotten to know them as they have gotten to know me. Some have brought me gifts during the holidays, like sweets. It’s been fulfilling to have them say that they only want to follow up with me because you know they want that connection as well.”