Conversations from the Leather Lounge: Mohammad Zare, M.D., ’94
Residency: The University of Texas Medical School at Houston – Family Medicine, 1994
Current Position: Chief of Staff at Harris Health Community Health Program, Assistant Professor of Clinical Family Medicine, Vice Chair of Community Health—Family Medicine
What is your fondest memory of your time at McGovern Medical School?
My fondest memory was the humbling experience as a student at an institution where all the professors profoundly ingrained in us a sense of integrity, and a love for medicine. I remember my friends and I spending hours together at LRC and in our beautiful Leader Lounge room reviewing those old slides and VHS tapes that had been prepared by our own instructors.
What are your hopes for today’s McGovern Medical School students?
My hopes and wishes for the students is that they may be included in the sense of belonging to such an elite school, one that integrates the concepts of cutting edge research to the quickly changing world of medicine and its modern technology to better serve mankind.
Who is your mentor?
My Father was my mentor and hero, a hardworking man who inspired me with his legacy of integrity and generosity for his family and community. It was never about him but instead about the blessings that not only could, but should be of service to others.
What’s a day on the job like?
It’s a position where you are devotedly seeing to the development of future doctors, as well as their educational program and the voice of patients. I enjoy having time set aside to see my patients, whom I have had the opportunity to care for in the community health centers for the last 18 years. I have the good fortune of working with administrators and leaders of three major organizations to improve the health of our population in the county. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to work with our teaching physicians and leaders to make certain we are taking time to really educate our future doctors. It is a great joy and pleasure to be able to give back, as I was not long ago offered the same opportunity by this great institution of ours.
What skill is most vital to your job?
It is vital to be objective, and to have a vision of providing the best that we can for our patients. I have been able to work in an environment where the doctors, nurses, students, administrators, and organization all dynamically work collaboratively together as a team for the improvement of the community’s health and allowing us to enhance the education of our future physicians.
What is the one thing you can’t live without and why?
Hope. It’s funny how hope is at the core of all people, hope for your children, your wife, yourself and hope for the patients we serve.
What has been your greatest adventure?
Adventure, hmm? Your mind goes through quite the roller-coaster challenge enduring cancer; it’s a ride not like any other. Staring death in the face and moving forwards, challenging fear and coming out successful. To live life to the fullest as if every day comes with the urgency of no tomorrow. It is definitely bitter sweet. It’s a good thing we are not alone on the roller-coaster; your boss, colleagues, children, wife and friends are there on it as well. Never being alone, with an every day reminder from your loved ones about the power of unconditional love.
What are your three all-time favorite books/magazines/blogs for leisure reading?
I love to read our FM medical Journals and books, but I really enjoy farming, gardening, and also any magazines that convey modern management, technologies, and innovations.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Estes Park in Colorado to see the Rocky Mountains trails with my family.
What is your favorite word?
Peace, it reminds me that we can all prosper and become the best that we can be.