Suha Abushamma, M.D., Ready to Resume Medical Career, Caring for Patients
Cleveland Clinic News Service | 216.444.0141
We’re available to shoot custom interviews & b-roll for media outlets upon request.
CCNS health and medical content is consumer-friendly, professional broadcast quality (available in HD), and available to media outlets each day.
images: 0
video: 0
audio: 0
text: 0
Suha Abushamma, M.D., a 26-year-old Cleveland Clinic internal medicine resident who had been denied entry to the United States by an executive order 10 days ago, has returned to Cleveland, where she will resume her medical career.
“I am excited to continue my work here at Cleveland Clinic, where I can focus on my medical career and most importantly caring for patients,” Dr. Abushamma said during a news conference at the Cleveland Intercontinental Hotel and Conference Center Tuesday afternoon.
Traveling with a Sudanese passport, Dr. Abushamma was unable to enter the United States on Saturday, Jan. 28, due to an executive order blocking travelers from seven countries, including Sudan.
She was able to return Monday, Feb. 6, through the help of friends, colleagues, a team of attorneys and the U.S. Attorney Office for the Eastern District of New York.
Dr. Abushamma offered the following remarks during Tuesday’s news conference:
First let me start by saying how happy I am to be back here in Cleveland with my friends, my fiancé and all the people I consider a part of my family. I missed everyone so much.
I am excited to continue my work here at Cleveland Clinic, where I can focus on my medical career and most importantly caring for patients.
I always wanted to be a doctor, like my parents who are both doctors and internal medicine physicians and internists. My three siblings are also in medical school.
I chose training in the United States because it’s the best medical training in the world.
Cleveland Clinic stood out, not only because it’s a leading medical institution, but also because the Clinic embraces diversity and considers residents from all over the world.
I am beyond grateful to the entire team of individuals who worked so hard on my case. I especially want to thank this special group of lawyers who put their time and energy into getting me back home to Cleveland.
Also, my longtime friend and colleague, Faris Elkhider, who helped me initially contact my legal team and share my story.
I would personally like to thank Dr. Spencer for taking time away from family and work to meet me at JFK.
Also, thank you to my fellow residents for their infinite support.
I would also like to thank Dr. Cosgrove and the Cleveland Clinic, I am beyond thankful for your support and never giving up on me.
While this has been a challenge for me in many ways, today I am feeling much gratitude and I’m looking forward to getting back to work and putting “Patient’s First.”
Dr. Suha Abushamma being welcomed by a Cleveland Clinic colleague
Dr. Suha Abushamma (R) with Dr. Abby Spencer, director of Internal Medicine Residency Program, Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Suha Abushamma being welcomed by a Cleveland Clinic colleague
Attorneys David Wolfe Leopold (L), of David Wolfe Leopold & Associates Co., and Jennifer Kroman, director of Pro Bono Practice, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Dr. Suha Abushamma, during news conference on Feb. 7, 2017.
*NOTE: Members of the media may download broadcast quality video and audio. Please email us at missone@ccf.org for a password.
Video 1: Press conference HD (1 of 3)
Video 2: Press conference HD (2 of 3)
Video 3: Press conference HD (3 of 3)
Video 4: Suha Abushamma, M.D. greets colleauges
Audio: Press Conference (MP3)
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 82,600 employees worldwide are more than 5,786 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,700 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,728-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 280 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2024, there were 15.7 million outpatient encounters, 333,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 320,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 112 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at x.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources are available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
Editor’s Note: Cleveland Clinic News Service is available to provide broadcast-quality interviews and B-roll upon request.