MEET THE PROFESSIONAL
February 2020
Mona Shaban, MD
Dr. Mona Shaban is a Nephrologist at Metrolina Nephrology in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Shaban treats a range of disorders including chronic kidney disease in clinic, end stage renal disease in her two dialysis units, and acute kidney injury and electrolyte disturbances in the hospital setting.
We are very excited to feature her as our professional in this month’s “Meet the Professional” series.
Below are a few questions to help facilitate this interactive connection. At the end of the page you will have an opportunity to post your own questions for Dr. Shaban.
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Describe your current Occupation & Degree/s and Universities.
- Fellowship: Nephrology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
- Residency: Internal Medicine at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
- Medical School: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (San Antonio, TX)
- Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Biophysics from Davidson College (Davidson, NC)
Please list any awards/recognitions/honors:
- Renal Physicians Association (RPA) Fellows Scholarship (2018)
- Nephrology Business Leadership University (2017)
- Emergency Medicine Off Service Intern of the Year Award (2013-2014)
- Jane Belcher Trust Scholarship (2009-2013)
Discuss a moment or turning point in your life that led you to your career path:
After completing my degree in Biophysics, I initially delved into basic science research, however quickly realized that I wanted a job with direct patient care. I was fascinated by renal physiology in medical school and after working alongside great Nephrologists in residency, I decided pursue a fellowship in Nephrology. It has been a pleasure to serve this complicated, but gratifying, patient population.
Discuss a role model or mentor who influenced your career choice:
Dr Wafaa Shaban is my mother, best friend, and the ultimate role model. She has a PhD in mathematics and is currently a professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the Actuarial Science Program Director. She exemplifies work-life balance and was able to raise a family while pursuing her goals.
Do you recall any specific challenges you encountered and overcame?
Pursuing a career in medicine is a long road filled with challenges from mastering the volume of information in medical school to staying awake for 24hr during an ICU rotation. At this point in my career, I am a female physician who is freshly out of fellowship facing new and unique hurdles. One of these challenges is gaining the confidence and trust of an older generation of patients. I have been called “that nurse” and “sweetheart” more time than I can count. While I have had to work a little harder than my male co-workers to gain the respect and trust of my patient population, I feel that this has made me a stronger clinician and I will continue striving to break stereotypes about gender roles.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be working as a Nephrologist at my current practice with a larger leadership role in the hospital.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
Stay open-minded in medical school and residency. Go into every rotation with enthusiasm and curiosity, it will make the month more enjoyable and you might surprise yourself! As a resident and fellow, it is very easy to get overwhelmed and burnt out with the seemingly endless volume of work. It’s important to have an outlet, whether its exercise, friends, or a pet. Also, stay humble and never forget what a unique privilege it is to care for people at their most vulnerable.
Tell us a little bit about your hobbies outside of your field:
I love exercising, nothing is better than a long run to decompress after work. I also enjoy traveling and hope to take more international trips now that the training portion of my career is (finally!) over.
A Q&A form will be uploaded shortly. In the meantime feel free to send any questions you would like to ask Sam to admin@network1017.com
Click here if you would like to connect with Dr. Shaban