Sally Abou Melhem, Office of Communications, communications@aub.edu.lb
As war casts a shadow over Lebanon, one remarkable story of resilience and achievement shines through: Sara Amro, a final-year medical student at the American University of Beirut (AUB), has been awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. This honor, which is offered to individuals committed to changing the world, will enable her to continue her studies at Oxford University. In any context, this scholarship is a distinguished academic milestone; yet, against Lebanon's backdrop of compounded crises and instability, it holds even greater significance.
Balancing the demands of her final year in medical school with her work at AUB Medical Center—including treating victims of the ongoing conflict in recent months and enduring the pressures faced by medical professionals in crisis—Sara navigated the rigorous Rhodes application process with resilience and determination.
The First Step: A Statement of Commitment
The Rhodes Scholarship is a symbol of global leadership, awarded to individuals who aspire to improve the world around them. Sara, who applied within the “election constituency" of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, represents her region with a unique vision: to advance cancer care through radiation oncology and bring back solutions for Lebanon's struggling healthcare system. “Over-reliance on diesel generators in the past five years has doubled the risk of cancer in Beirut," she explained, adding, “The more I learned, the more frustrated I became with how unattainable most cancer therapies are for patients in everyday practice."
Driven by her experiences, Sara embarked on the challenging Rhodes application, submitting both academic and personal statements that articulated a clear and determined vision for change. “My experiences in medical school propelled me to find oncological treatments that can serve communities like mine, where cost is a deadly barrier to treatment," Sara shared.
She also highlighted Lebanon's urgent need for structural healthcare improvements, writing in her statement: “Having lived in Lebanon, where access to advanced medical technologies is limited, I bring firsthand insights into the challenges faced by healthcare systems in low-income countries. These challenges are rooted in structural and systemic inequities that scientists cannot afford to abstract themselves from."
On the Frontlines: Working at AUBMC Amid War While Preparing for the Final Interview
By the time Sara was selected as one of nine finalists for the scholarship, Lebanon's situation had become dire, with the healthcare system overwhelmed and resources stretched thin. “Being a medical student in Lebanon over the past two months has been challenging for all of us as we balance our duties with the emotional toll of witnessing the war's impact," Sara commented. “Every day feels like we've seen the worst, but each new day somehow brings even greater challenges."
While dedicating her days to treating patients affected by the conflict, Sara spent her nights preparing for the Rhodes interview—a unique process that demanded intense reflection. “This was like no other interview I'd prepared for," she explained. “It required me to dig into my values, my goals, and my commitment to Lebanon and the region." Late-night preparations, with guidance from the AUB Abroad team at the Office of International Programs, helped her persevere through exhaustion, determined not to let the opportunity slip away.
Facing Challenges to Reach Amman: “I Had to Be There in Person"
The final interview was scheduled for October 26 in Amman, Jordan. However, by that time, travel complications out of Beirut had become a major obstacle, with flights regularly canceled due to the ongoing crisis. Sara's own flight was among those affected. “Travel agents and airlines told me the only available flight was on the morning of my interview," Sara recounted. “It would have been a very stressful option." That's when she began considering the possibility of traveling by land through Syria, navigating the complex logistics of such a journey. “I knew that even if I could request an online interview, it would put me at a disadvantage," she explained. “I had to be there in person, and I was determined to do whatever it took to make that happen."
A few days before the interview, after hours spent refreshing flight schedules, an opening finally appeared. Sara seized it immediately, overcoming both logistical and emotional hurdles just to reach Amman.
The Final Interview: A Conversation of Values and Vision
Arriving in Amman, Sara joined a rigorous selection process that included meeting other candidates and a panel of renowned experts and previous Rhodes Scholars. Despite her anticipation of discussing her academic goals in radiobiology and medical physics —along with her deeply held mission to transform cancer care in Lebanon and the wider region— the conversation took a turn, shifting toward Lebanon's ongoing crisis and the challenges facing its healthcare system.
“Coming from clinical in Lebanon straight to the interview, these things don't really leave you once you leave the country," Sara stated.
She spoke candidly about her work at AUBMC and the resilience of her colleagues, who, despite enduring personal hardships from the war, continue to care for patients grappling with the same realities. “These are the people I wanted the interviewers to know about—the healthcare workers who show up every day, despite facing the same hardships as our patients," she shared.
Her reflections on her community's resilience resonated deeply with the Rhodes Trust's mission of “fighting the world's fight." “This was about more than just me," Sara explained. “It was about telling the story of my community and the incredible challenges we face."
Sara also addressed the long-term issues Lebanon's healthcare system will face after the war. “What's happening now is very immediate and severe, but it will have far-reaching effects on healthcare here. Facilities that were underfunded before are now on the verge of collapse," she said. Looking to the future, she expressed her commitment to bringing back knowledge, funding, and clinical trials to Lebanon, where they are critically needed.
“Fighting the World's Fight": A Commitment to Change
Sara's journey to the Rhodes Scholarship is a testament to the strength of a generation that refuses to yield in the face of adversity. Her story is one of perseverance, embodying the core values the American University of Beirut strives to instill.
Dr. Lina Choueiri, deputy provost at AUB, expressed profound pride in Sara's accomplishment. “Sara embodies the values we want to nurture in our students at AUB. She is driven, accomplished, and deeply committed to her community, whether at AUB or beyond," Choueiri commented. “The credit goes to her for investing time and great effort to earn this scholarship—she is a fast learner with a track record of outstanding academic achievement, but it is her character that truly sets her apart. Sara has the vision and the heart, and she wants to make a real difference. She wants to change the world! She wants to cure cancer!"
Sara Amro's journey from Beirut to Oxford is more than a story of academic excellence; it's a story of hope, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to change. Her achievement speaks to the strength of those who continue to serve, heal, and inspire amidst unimaginable odds. As she steps into this new chapter, Sara carries with her the spirit and determination of a community determined to rebuild and reach for a brighter future.