My name is Ahmed Al-Aizari, and I was born in Sana’a, Yemen, and came to the United States at the age of four. My family settled in Dallas, Texas, where I spent most of my life growing up, learning, and discovering my passion for service. From an early age, I found myself drawn to the world of health and healing. In high school, I was fortunate to attend a health science magnet program in Richardson, Texas, which gave students like me the opportunity to shadow healthcare providers and gain early exposure to the hospital environment. That experience planted a seed that would grow deeper with time. I went on to study Biology with a minor in Business Administration at the University of Texas at Dallas. After graduating, I took a two-year gap to explore the healthcare field more fully working as a pharmacy technician at both Walgreens and then Kroger. During that time, I also volunteered at local hospitals and incredible organizations like the Ronald McDonald House and St. Vincent’s. Those years gave me time to reflect, to serve, and to seriously consider the commitment that medicine demands. Then COVID-19 changed everything. Watching the world come to a halt and seeing the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of frontline workers was the turning point. I wanted to be someone who showed up in times of uncertainty, who made a difference when it mattered most. That’s when I applied and decided to enroll at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Smith, AR.

I spent my first two years there and completed my clinical rotations in Central Arkansas and Dallas. It was during this time that I truly fell in love with Arkansas. It’s a place that many overlook, but to me, it’s a hidden gem—full of breathtaking natural beauty and some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Conway, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. The community’s warmth, the down-to-earth spirit of the people, and the quiet charm of the town all spoke to me on a deep level. When I interviewed at Conway Regional, I knew it was different. What struck me most was how everyone, from leadership to staff, seemed genuinely committed to your success—not just professionally, but personally and emotionally too. It felt like a place that didn’t just want residents, it wanted to grow with them. Conway Regional isn’t flashy, but that’s what I loved about it. It has everything you need, and more importantly, the right people in all the right places. Just like Arkansas itself, it’s a place of quiet excellence. A hidden gem. And I’m proud to be part of it.