Rahma Warsame, MD, is an appointed member of ASH’s Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She is an associate professor of medicine and oncology and a consultant in the Division of Hematology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota.
1. If you were to compile a bucket list, what would top that list?
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
2. What ASH luminary do you most admire? (Who’s your ASH-lebrity?)
Dr. Alexis Thompson, a former president of ASH. A Black woman who achieved so much, Dr. Thompson made such an impact on me. I heard her speak at a women’s event and was so impressed. It made me think I could be ASH president one day.
3. What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Always take at least a day to respond. If you are mad, this allows you time to cool off and not send an email you may regret. If it is an “opportunity” that may not be in your best interest, you can give it thought and decide on how to proceed. You will never regret waiting a day. This has saved me in the past from making decisions based on emotion.
4. When I’m down, _____ brings me up.
Music: Beyonce, Motown, Eminem, Lizzo, Billy Joel, Dolly Parton, show tunes — Hamilton!
5. What’s your one can’t-miss presentation or event at the ASH annual meeting?
The DEI reception on Saturdays. So much young potential and excellence among individuals supporting each other and providing sponsorship, mentorship, and guidance about so many personal and professional topics. It inspires me!
6. What’s your hidden talent?
Netflix guru. Really! I can find the right show for just about anyone to stream. It’s a weird gift but was super-helpful during the pandemic.
7. If you could wave a wand and change one thing about the practice of medicine, what would that be?
Documentation burdens! I want more time with my patient and the EMR working to help me not add hours to my already busy schedule.
8. What do you see as the next big advance in hematology?
Therapeutically, CAR T-cell and immune therapy targeting more receptors and impacting more patients. I am amazed at the growth since I graduated fellowship. Policy-wise, I hope there is more to ensure that more patients have access to these novel, exciting therapies. It’s not helpful to advance these therapies if they’re only available to those privileged enough to get them.
9. When starting my career, I wish I had known …
Your career will ebb and flow, and that is okay. There are phases to a career, and sometimes you are not at the podium or an industry-sponsored event, but that can change. Just keep contributing when you can, and it will all be okay. Also, develop real hobbies. Don’t assume you will have time in the future — invest in yourself and wellness now!
10. What’s your favorite movie?
This is hard! I love so many movies, but the most recent movie I absolutely LOVED was American Fiction. Highly recommended satire.
