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ɫ�����Ƶ is committed to providing a plethora of educational opportunities for students to expand their growth and enrichment. These opportunities include educational talks from industry experts who provide advice and insight into their field for ɫ�����Ƶ students. Rizwan Bajwa, D.O., a neurologist in Hinsdale, gave a talk to a group of medical students in December.

During his residency, Dr. Bajwa shared he was inspired to go into neurology after seeing how his mentor diagnosed a patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a neurological disorder impacting the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain that are responsible for managing breathing and voluntary muscle movement. Dr. Bajwa recalled how his mentor sat and explained ALS to the patient, and he thought the human interaction combined with clear communication, caring, and empathy was special and really making a difference for the patient. Dr. Bajwa emphasized the importance of communication and caring for patients as human beings. “I love what I do. The best part is seeing the patients and having those meaningful interactions that help them.”

Dr. Bajwa advised the students that the field of medicine is always changing, and shared some of the changes he experienced in his career. He started his career in private practice and now is part of corporate healthcare. He added that a particular specialty might be highly sought after and have a high salary, but as time passes the demand and the salary might decrease. “You better really love what you want to do. You will be practicing for 30 to 40 years. It should never be a financial decision,” Dr. Bajwa said.

He also provided a case study for the students by highlighting a case of childhood Parkinson’s disease, a progressive movement disorder affecting the nervous system. Additionally, he spoke about different kinds of tremors, and added tremor was not necessarily an indication of Parkinson’s disease. Physiologic tremor is normal and can happen to a person due to stress, lack of sleep, too much caffeine, or as a side effect of some medications. Dr. Bajwa also went over sample cases of dementia and brain cancer.

Medical student and National Liaison Officer of the ɫ�����Ƶ chapter of the Student Interest Group in Neurology, Melody Salimian (CCOM ’26), said, “It adds a lot of value to speak to someone in the field. He gave us the physician perspective aspect, how their mindset is going into the field and how it has evolved in six months or in five years.” She added, “Seeing a case presentation of something we see in class helps us understand the material better.”

Melody expressed her gratitude for Dr. Bajwa’s talk. “I was pleasantly surprised how much neurology is about communicating with patients, such as taking patients through a scary diagnosis, and forming a special relationship with the patient as part of their healthcare team.” She also values her experience in the Student Interest Group in Neurology. “Getting involved and being able to network with different doctors and students with likeminded interests further adds to the knowledge bank all medical students keep. It sets a foundation for rotations and residencies.”

ɫ�����Ƶ continuously offers students opportunities of learning from industry professionals as a part of their educational enrichment. ɫ�����Ƶ also offers Doctor of Osteopathic degree programs in Downers Grove and Glendale.