Yumnah: In the Spotlight

A Passion for Medicine, a Heart for Community 

University of Chicago Medicine’s Connect for Cancer Prevention Study is fortunate to have a vibrant, dedicated research assistant named Yumnah, whose life experiences and personal values fuel her drive to make a difference in healthcare. At just 23 years old, Yumnah brings a wealth of curiosity and compassion to her role—qualities that shine through as she balances her responsibilities in the clinic, her journey toward medical school, and her commitment to family. 

Exploring Science 

Yumnah grew up alongside four sisters in a tight-knit family. Early on, she gravitated toward the sciences and took advanced chemistry and biology classes “just for fun.” In high school, she tutored fellow students in chemistry—an early hint at her passion for both teaching and learning. In college, her enthusiasm for research grew. She began her research journey by working in a lab studying blood samples from turtles to identify parasitic infections. That hands-on lab experience opened her eyes to the power of scientific inquiry and set her on the path toward a career in medicine.

Witnessing Compassion in Action

As an undergraduate, Yumnah worked in a nephrology clinic as a medical scribe, collaborating with different physicians and patient populations. She saw firsthand how economic and social status, language barriers, and health literacy can impact patient care. Growing up in a low-income household herself, and within a culture where health concerns can sometimes be overlooked, she immediately recognized the value of patient education and empathetic communication. 

The doctors she worked with demonstrated a nurturing approach—spending extra time with patients, explaining medical issues in plain language, and adapting their styles to meet each patient’s needs. These experiences solidified Yumnah’s determination to become a physician who serves different communities, bridging gaps in health literacy and creating a safe space for patients to share their concerns. 

A Personal Connection to Cancer Prevention

Unfortunately, like many of us, cancer became an all-too-real reality for Yumnah’s family. After losing two grandparents to cancer, recently Yumnah’s grandfather- who she lives alongside- was also diagnosed with prostate cancer. Seeing him go through treatment at age 90 is both heartbreaking and motivating for Yumnah. Working on Connect allows her to contribute to critical cancer prevention research that can have lasting impacts. She wants to help others who have experienced a personal connection to cancer within their families.  

As an observational cohort study, Connect collects information from participants over time and tracks changes in their health to better understand the factors that may affect disease risk and health status. Yumnah believes in the importance of this work and its potential to make a difference for participants’ families, communities, and future generations — an ethos that resonates powerfully with the work of the Connect team. 

Contributing as a Connect Research Assistant

After graduating from college, Yumnah sought more clinical experience and jumped at the opportunity to work at the University of Chicago Medicine—despite the lengthy train and bus commute from her home. She took a three-month phlebotomy course, earning a national certification so she could expand her skill set. Now, she performs blood draws for Connect participants, assists with urine and saliva collection, checks in patients, and helps them complete surveys. She has a special knack for helping participants feel at ease—whether by chatting about their day or simply offering a comforting presence for those who might be anxious about any part of the process.  

In addition to working in clinic, Yumnah helps with recruitment events and call-center outreach, exemplifying the adaptability required of a Connect research assistant. “Working with participants has been an incredible learning experience,” she says. “I see people from all walks of life. Everyone has a different story and motivation for joining the study.” 

Looking Ahead 

Yumnah’s goal is to attend medical school, though she hasn’t settled on a specialty. She hopes to focus her future practice on supporting communities and improving health literacy, drawing on her own family’s experiences and her deep empathy for patients. “Healthcare can be so divided,” she explains. “I want to be the kind of doctor who meets patients where they are, listens to their concerns, and fosters a comforting, inclusive environment.” 

In her free time, Yumnah indulges her love of baking—experimenting with French pastries, cakes, cookies, and unique desserts. She also enjoys reading dystopian romance novels on her daily commute, listening to spirituality podcasts, and exploring local cafés to sample coffee and matcha. She’s an avid traveler too, and enjoyed a tripe to Turkey with her sisters just last year.  

A Lasting Impact 

For Yumnah, working on the Connect for Cancer Prevention Study feels like a step toward a more hopeful future—one in which fewer families experience the pain of losing a loved one to cancer. By greeting participants with compassion, helping them navigate study activities, and drawing on her personal experiences to build trust, Yumnah is making an impact on the study’s success and on the lives of those she meets. 

Her journey has just begun, but her commitment to helping others will undoubtedly guide her into the future. As Yumnah continues to pave her way toward a career in medicine, her warmth, determination, and dedication to community serve as an inspiration for all of us at Connect.  

If this story inspired you to share your personal journey and / or motivations for contributing to the study, we’d love to feature you! Consider sharing your interest by contacting our team at the Connect Support Center.