Guest Blog: Meet Chaden Noureddine, AAPAL’s Medical Student Representative
As part of PRMS’ ongoing commitment to mental health, we are pleased to feature Chaden Noureddine, fourth-year medical student at Rutgers Medical School and the Medical Student Representative for the American Association for Psychiatric Administration and Leadership, as a guest blogger this month. Ms. Noureddine reflects on her experience working with AAPAL and her goals with the organization.
My name is Chaden Noureddine, my pronouns are she/her/hers, and I am a fourth-year medical student at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. At 17 years old, I emigrated from Lebanon to the United States. I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ, where I majored in Biology and minored in Psychology, Chemistry, and Honors Studies. My interest in psychiatry was kindled from an early age when I saw the adversities patients with mental illnesses had to face on a daily basis in the Middle East. I am also passionate about technology in psychiatry, as well as peer wellness and advocacy, namely for members of the LGBTQA+. From 2020 to 2022, I served two terms as the PsychSIGN Region 3 Chair, as well as the PsychSIGN Magazine Editor-in-Chief. I also serve as the Medical Student Representative for the American Association for Psychiatric Administration and Leadership (AAPAL), and as medical student committee member for Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists (AGLP). Currently, my interest in psychiatry has not led me to a specific subspecialty; however, I know that I wish to pursue a fellowship and expand upon my interests in technology and in LGBTQIA+ advocacy.
My involvement with AAPAL began after the pandemic began, in April 2020. Therefore, I have not yet had the privilege to attend any in-person meetings. That being said, I look forward to the AAPAL Member Meeting and Reception on Monday, May 23 to finally meet many of the psychiatrists whom I admire and have met virtually through AAPAL. One of the benefits of the virtual meetings is that it allows us all to connect from the comfort and convenience of a computer, wherever we are located. I admire how AAPAL has continued to offer educational and informative scheduling and organize several seminars throughout the past two years. It has been wonderful to meet and connect with individuals from across the U.S. and the world!
In April 2020, Elizabeth Fam, the previous AAPAL Medical Student Representative, approached me to tell me more about the organization and how she thought I would really enjoy and appreciate its mission. When I joined an AAPAL board meeting, I was automatically drawn to how friendly and approachable the faculty on the board were. Everyone was warm and welcoming, and I was inspired by everyone who shared their vision for the organization. It was great to see Dr. Victor Buwalda’s passion for administration and Dr. Tobias Wasser’s dedication to the organization, and to hear Dr. Manish Sapra and Dr. Luming Li brainstorm ideas to increase engagement, all while staying true to the organization’s mission. Through AAPAL, I also have had the opportunity to manage the website, which has helped grow my trouble shooting skills and learn more about coding. I’ve attended most of the events hosted by AAPAL since joining in 2020 and helped organize some of them. My favorite aspect has definitely been the collegiality among psychiatrists.
As I intend to specialize in psychiatry, I wish to continue my involvement with AAPAL throughout my career. One of my goals is to contribute more to the organization by expanding AAPAL’s involvement in educational programming, as well as its focus on diversity and representation in leadership. I have learned so much about psychiatric leadership and administration as a medical student through AAPAL and have also been blessed with the opportunity to meet wonderful mentors. I hope to learn even more through residency, fellowship, and as an attending, and to continue nurturing the mentorships AAPAL has allowed me to cultivate.
Chaden Noureddine
Fourth-year medical student at Rutgers Medical School and the Medical Student Representative for the American Association for Psychiatric Administration and Leadership
You can learn more about AAPAL and its mission at https://www.psychiatricadministrators.org/.
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