My Story: From Childhood on a Farm to a PhD in Poultry Diseases
I grew up in Al-Saklawiyah, Anbar, Iraq, a town where the calm of rural life blends with the energy of the city. From an early age, I was surrounded by animals—sheep, cows, and a vast poultry house holding thousands of chickens. Life on my father’s farm taught me responsibility, patience, and the quiet joy of nurturing living creatures. Looking back, those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for veterinary medicine, setting me on a journey that has now led me to a PhD.
Even as a child, I was immersed in the daily rhythm of the farm. After school, I tended to the sheep, and by middle school, my responsibilities expanded to caring for the cows. Eventually, I managed the chickens—starting with layers and later broilers—especially during school breaks when I stepped in for full-time workers. I oversaw broiler farms from day one until marketing, managing the entire process independently. Those formative years taught me discipline, practical problem-solving, and the art of animal care—lessons that have guided every step of my career.
Choosing to study veterinary medicine felt natural. I began at the University of Mosul, College of Veterinary Medicine, and completed the remainder of my undergraduate studies at the University of Fallujah. Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, I had the privilege of learning under Dr. Ziad Khalaf-Challoub, a professor of poultry diseases whose mentorship profoundly shaped my academic and professional path.
In 2013, I moved to Baghdad to pursue a Master’s degree in Poultry Diseases, studying with remarkable professors such as Dr. Balqis Hassan Ali, Dr. Imad Jawad Khammas, and Dr. Abdul Ameer Hussain Zahid. Their guidance deepened my knowledge, honed my research skills, and provided practical experience that continues to influence my work. I am deeply grateful for their support during this formative stage of my career.
In 2017, I joined the staff at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Fallujah, the very college where I had earned my bachelor’s degree. Working alongside my former mentors was both an honor and a privilege. Over the years, I progressed through academic ranks—from assistant lecturer to lecturer, and then to assistant professor—all before completing a PhD. Each advancement reflected not only my dedication but also a growing expertise and a deepening commitment to teaching, research, and veterinary practice.
Today, September 1st, 2025, marks the beginning of my PhD journey—a moment filled with both excitement and reflection. This chapter is particularly meaningful because I am returning to the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Mosul, where my journey in veterinary medicine first began. It feels like coming full circle, blending the lessons of my past with the aspirations of my future. I look forward to expanding my knowledge, pursuing advanced research, and contributing meaningfully to veterinary science.
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