Graduate Ready

For Ali Daoud ’26, the path to medicine began with a personal experience that inspired a passion for helping others. Growing up in rural Lebanon, Daoud battled Cushing’s disease and underwent three surgeries before receiving successful treatment in the United States. That journey shaped his commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.

At Illinois College, Daoud turned his passion into opportunity through hands-on research and close faculty mentorship. Working with Miranda Karban, associate professor of biology, he performed microsurgeries on tadpoles to study tissue regeneration, gaining experience rarely available to undergraduates.

“I never thought I would be performing microsurgeries at the undergraduate level,” Daoud said. “This experience not only prepared me for medical school but also sparked a passion for research that I hope to carry into my future career as a physician-scientist.”

A biology major and IC Scholar, Daoud presented research at national conferences, co-authored five peer-reviewed publications and earned a national championship in collegiate speech and debate. He also served as president of Alpha Lambda Delta honor society and advocated for patients with Cushing’s disease.

Now attending Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Daoud is pursuing his dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. Through hands-on research, personalized mentorship and leadership opportunities at Illinois College, he gained the skills, confidence and experience to take the next step toward a career dedicated to helping others.