July 2022
Bashir Al Hussein Al Awamlh, Onc Fellow
Hey Bashir. Thank you for agreeing to the interview. Excited to get to know more about you. Tell us a little bit about where you grew up and what you think of Nashville? I suspect it's quite different from NYC.
Hey Shaan, thanks for taking the time! I grew up in Amman, Jordan. Moved to New York for 9 years before coming to Nashville. Amman and New York are both huge cities - Nashville has been a delightful transition from New York! Such a fun town with great people and always something going on. Nashville definitely has a much slower pace, and I’m starting to love it!
The department was eager waiting for your arrival! What were you up to while waiting to start? I hope something fun and relaxing.
Believe me, so was I! Was really excited to start but had the opportunity to spend time in Jordan with family and friends that I haven’t seen in a long time. Lots of grilling at a farm we have a little outside the city and lots of family quality time!
What inspired you to be an oncologist?
My mentor in residency was a urologic oncologist who loved what he did and inspired me to do the same. In addition, the research involved in oncology, with the opportunity to meaningfully impact lives is what made me want to pursue it.
Where do you think you will end up landing after fellowship is over?
Too early to tell Shaan, know anyone hiring??
Aside from work, what are your other interests? Any secret hobbies? Read any books? Play any sports?
Yes, read some books here and there, two recent favorites are the Almanack of Naval Ravikant and Think Like a Monk.
I play basketball but haven’t in a while (planning on dunking over Dr Barocas soon, I wish) and I’m huge European soccer fan. Love Italian food (pizza specially).
That’s great! You have to tell me where to eat pizza in New York. Are there any pizza places in town that live up to your high standards?
So many great spots in New York for Pizza. Hard to tell which is best but one of my favorites is tucked in Brooklyn and is really famous and worth the long line it’s called Lucali. In Nashville, Urban Cowboy in East Nashville has a pop-up pizza place called Roberta’s, you’ll have to try it. Make sure you get the chilly oil.
Are there any other restaurants in Nashville that have been memorable so far?
Folk is a great one and Rolf and Daughters is my favorite. Must try!
Ok, let’s do some rapid-fire questions.
Favorite bar in Nashville? 12/30
Last movie you saw in a theater? Wow, pre-pandemic and sadly do not even remember (probably some chick flick ha)
Name the next place you want to travel internationally? Barcelona is on the very top of the list
Favorite band? U2
Last one. Favorite attending at Vanderbilt? (answer carefully) Dr Amy Luckenbaugh said she will cover my call if I say it’s her
Thanks for taking the time, Bashir. Appreciate it.
Interview conducted by Shaan Setia, MD