Personalized guidance from someone who's lived the journey — Columbia MD student, SNMA Chapter President at Columbia VP&S, former NIH research fellow, and dedicated mentor to hundreds of pre-med students across the country. As a pre-med and now an M1, I've been fortunate to build relationships with admissions officers and deans at medical schools nationwide — and I'm here to share the insights I've gained to help you maximize your application.
MD Candidate, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons
Former NIH IRTA Fellow — National Eye Institute · Travel Grant Awardee
ARVO 2023 & 2024 Presenter · First-Author Research
AAO 2024 Poster Presenter · McCormick Place, Chicago
3× SNMA AMEC Speaker (2024, 2025, 2026)
SNMA Chapter President at Columbia · National MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students) Post-Bacc Co-Coordinator
✦ MD Student · NIH Fellow · SNMA Chapter President
Fares Siddig
Columbia VP&S · National Eye Institute / NIH · SNMA
3×
AMEC Speaker (2024–26)
2yr
NIH Research Fellowship
20+
Research Posters & Speaker Presentations
100s
Students Mentored
Columbia VP&S
NIH / National Eye Institute
SNMA · Chapter President at Columbia
University of Michigan-Flint · MAPS Founder
3× AMEC Speaker · 2024, 2025, 2026
AAO 2024 Poster Presenter · Chicago
NIH IRTA Fellow · National Eye Institute
Panels w/ Deans from Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, Penn
Founder MAPS Chapter · University of Michigan-Flint
Fares Siddig
MD Candidate · Columbia VP&S
Columbia University VP&S
NIH · National Eye Institute
2025 Application Cycle · Personal Results
My medical school application — by the numbers
20
MD Programs Applied
5
Interview Invites
1
Matriculated · Columbia VP&S
View full school list applied to →
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons Matriculated
Duke University School of Medicine
George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Harvard Medical School
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Stanford University School of Medicine
University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences The Pritzker School of Medicine
University of Michigan Medical School
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
Wayne State University School of Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine
Yale School of Medicine
About Fares
Mentorship rooted in lived experience
My path to medicine began at 12, watching over my grandmother in an under-resourced hospital in Sudan. That experience — and every one since — has shaped how I guide students today.
I immigrated to the US from Sudan in 2013 at the start of high school. I navigated the pre-med journey as a first-generation student, without a roadmap — overcoming a 2.7 freshman-year GPA to graduate with 3.73 GPA and university Honors, and earning the Outstanding Student Award — the most prestigious honor at the University of Michigan-Flint, chosen by faculty and advisors.
I graduated from University of Michigan-Flint in May 2022 and founded the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) chapter to support aspiring physicians. The chapter grew from 5 to 50 members in a single semester. That same year, I was awarded a competitive NIH Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) fellowship at the National Eye Institute under Dr. Emily Chew — a globally recognized leader in ophthalmology research and the AREDS2 trials.
Today I'm an M1 at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons on a full cost of attendance scholarship, where I serve as Global Health Organization Chair and Chapter President of SNMA. I speak Arabic and English fluently, have traveled to Tanzania for a global health service trip, and I'm committed to paying forward every opportunity I received. I'm also open to collaborating on webinars, panels, and speaking engagements with student organizations and pre-med platforms.
Currently enrolled at one of the nation's most prestigious medical schools. Global Health Organization Chair and SNMA Chapter President at Columbia.
🔬
NIH IRTA Fellow — National Eye Institute (2022–2024)
2-year competitive research fellowship under Dr. Emily Chew (AREDS2). 3,000+ hours researching Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Geographic Atrophy. Completed the NIH Academy's 9-month Health Disparities course.
📚
National Research Posters & Publications
First-author presentations at ARVO 2023 (New Orleans), ARVO 2024 (Seattle), AAO 2024 (Chicago), AMEC, Pediatric Academic Society (Denver), and the New England Ophthalmological Society. Multiple publications in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (IOVS).
🎙️
3× SNMA AMEC National Conference Speaker
Invited speaker three consecutive years — AMEC 2024 (New Orleans, "Research Exploration at the NIH"), AMEC 2025 (St. Louis, "Beyond the Handshake"), and AMEC 2026 (Pittsburgh, "From Introduction to Impact"). Currently serves as SNMA Chapter President at Columbia VP&S. Served as the 2024–2025 SNMA National MAPS Post Co-Coordinator, where my role was to support hundreds of pre-meds nationally and host/lead webinars to help them through their pre-med journey.
🤝
Founder, MAPS Chapter — University of Michigan-Flint
Founded and chartered the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) chapter — SNMA's national pre-med arm — growing it from 5 to 50 members in one semester. Continues to serve as external faculty advisor to pre-meds at the institution.
🌍
Global Health & Advocacy
Tanzania global health service trip (Arusha, 2019). Active in humanitarian work supporting Sudan through the Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA). Fluent in Arabic and English.
Personalized pre-med consulting — from personal statements to NIH applications, MCAT prep, and mock interviews.
What I Offer
Comprehensive pre-med support at every stage
Whether you're building your foundation or polishing your final application, I've navigated every step of this journey and can guide you through it.
✍️
01
Personal Statement Editing
As someone who successfully applied to Columbia VP&S and has helped hundreds of students, I know what makes a personal statement land. We'll sharpen your narrative, your voice, and your story.
Course strategy, GPA guidance, MCAT planning, extracurricular curation, and timeline management tailored to your background — including non-traditional and post-bacc applicants.
I've spoken at AMEC three years in a row (2024, 2025, 2026) including "Interview with Integrity: Navigating the Ethics Questions of the Medical School Interview." Get realistic MMI prep with detailed, honest feedback.
I held an NIH IRTA fellowship at the National Eye Institute and have helped 3 students successfully land NIH positions. I'll walk you through finding the right institute, contacting PIs, writing your research statement, and navigating the portal.
I gave a workshop at AMEC 2025 titled "Beyond the Handshake: Mastering Meaningful Networking in Medicine." I'll teach you how to build relationships that open real doors.
Strategic guidance and editing for waitlist update letters, letters of intent, and letters of interest. Crafted to make admissions committees take a second look — especially crucial for borderline decisions in the late cycle.
Available to speak at conferences, host pre-med panels, lead webinars, and collaborate with student organizations or premed-focused platforms. Reach out to discuss formats and dates.
Secondary essay deadlines hit fast — slow turnaround can cost you interview slots. Get prioritized 24–48 hour edits on your secondaries during the application crunch (July–October). Available as an add-on to any package.
How to land NIH research — from someone who did it
I was awarded a competitive NIH Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) fellowship at the National Eye Institute, where I spent two years conducting research with first-author presentations at national conferences including ARVO and AAO.
🔬 NIH IRTA Fellow · NEI / NIH · 2022–2024 · 3 Students Placed at NIH
1
Identify Your Institute & Program Type
NIH has 27 institutes. I'll help you match your interests to the right IC — and the right program (IRTA, SIP, Postbac CRTA).
2
Craft a Standout Research Statement & CV
Your statement must signal scientific curiosity and readiness. I've written these myself and know exactly what PIs and program coordinators are looking for.
3
Contact PIs Strategically (Not Cold)
Warm, targeted PI outreach is an art. I'll provide templates, timing, and help you identify labs with funding and space — and I know how to write a cold email that gets a reply.
4
Navigate the NIH Portal, Interview & Onboard
I'll walk you through the NIH JOBS system, stipend structures, Bethesda housing options, and exactly what to expect once you arrive on campus.
NIH Programs I Can Guide You Through
Undergrad
NIH SIP
10-week paid summer internship for undergrads
Post-Bacc
IRTA / CRTA
1–2 year intensive training — ideal gap year
Gap Year
Postbac Program
Structured postbac with full-time bench research
Clinical
Clinical Center
Patient-facing roles at the world's largest research hospital
Health Equity
Health Disparities Academy
NIH course on health equity & disparities research — completed during my IRTA fellowship
The MCAT is more about strategy than just hours studied. Here's how I approached it — and the resources that actually moved the needle for me.
🎯
Blueprint MCAT Scholar
Selected as a Blueprint MCAT Scholar — given access to their full MCAT prep platform and mentorship resources for high-performing pre-meds preparing to take the exam.
01
MCAT Scheduling Strategy
When to take it, how many months to prep, ideal score timing for your application cycle, and how to plan around school, work, and gap years. I'll help you map out a realistic timeline that doesn't burn you out.
Choosing your test date based on application timing
3-month vs 6-month prep schedules
When to push back vs commit to your date
How to balance MCAT with full-time school or work
02
Resources That Actually Helped
I'll share the specific MCAT resources that were genuinely useful for me — and honestly, which ones I felt weren't worth the cost. No affiliate-link recommendations, just what worked.
Webinars, conferences, publications, school acceptances, and what students are saying.
Track Record
National webinars, panels & conferences
I've organized and led national pre-med events featuring Deans of Admissions and faculty from the country's top medical schools — bringing the inside scoop directly to students like you.
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About AMEC: The SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC) is the largest gathering of underrepresented pre-meds, medical students, and physicians in the country, with over 100 medical schools and residency programs present at the exhibition hall each year.
ARVO 2024 Poster
ARVO 2024 · Seattle, WA
First-Author: Diabetic Retinopathy & Dietary Fat Intake — ACCORD Study
First-author poster at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2024. Recipient of the ARVO Foundation Travel Grant. Research from the NIH National Eye Institute.
ARVO 2024 · National Eye Institute (NEI/NIH)
AAO 2024 · Chicago, IL
Poster Presenter — American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting
Selected poster presenter at AAO 2024 "Elevate" — the premier global ophthalmology conference. Presented research from the National Eye Institute alongside leading vision scientists.
American Academy of Ophthalmology · Oct 2024
AMEC 2024 · New Orleans, LA
Research Exploration at the NIH — Panel Speaker
Invited by SNMA to lead a session at the sold-out AMEC 60th Anniversary conference with over 3,000+ attendees — the largest gathering of underrepresented pre-meds, medical students, and physicians in the country. Shared insider perspectives on NIH research opportunities as an IRTA fellow.
SNMA AMEC 2024 · 60th Anniversary
AMEC 2026 Pittsburgh
AMEC 2026 · Pittsburgh, PA
From Introduction to Impact: Mastering Networking in Medicine
Speaker at the SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference 2026. Session on networking strategy for pre-med and medical students.
SNMA AMEC · Columbia University, Speaker
AMEC 2025 St. Louis
AMEC 2025 · St. Louis, MO
Beyond the Handshake: Mastering Meaningful Networking in Medicine
Workshop speaker at the SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference on building lasting professional networks in medicine.
SNMA AMEC 2025
NIH Application Workshop
SNMA MAPS Post-Bacc Initiative
From Application to Acceptance: Your Guide to NIH Research Opportunities
Led by Fares Siddig as a recent NIH IRTA fellow. Covered cover letters, lab searching, interviewing, and the onboarding process at NIH.
National MAPS Committee · Nov 6, 2024
Pathways to Medicine 101 - Yale
SNMA MAPS Post-Bacc Initiative
Pathways to Medicine 101
Featured speaker: Darin Latimore, MD, Deputy Dean for DEI at Yale School of Medicine. Q&A with Yale medical students on the path to medicine.
National MAPS Committee · Oct 30, 2024
Networking for Future Physicians
SNMA MAPS Post-Bacc Initiative
Networking for Future Physicians: Building Connections, Expanding Opportunities
Workshop on confidently navigating conferences, engaging meaningfully with mentors, and building lasting professional relationships.
National MAPS Committee · Mar 19, 2025
Keys to Becoming a Successful Pre-Med
Hosted by Fares Siddig
The Keys to Becoming a Successful Pre-Med & Medical School Applicant
Featured panelists: Deans from Harvard, Stanford, Penn, and Yale. Live Q&A with admissions leaders and Michigan med students.
Hosted by Fares Siddig, MAPS Chapter Founder · Mar 19, 2024
Medical School Blueprint
SNMA MAPS Post-Bacc Initiative
The Medical School Blueprint: Strategies from Admissions Deans and MD Students
Panelists: Deans of Admissions from Case Western, Columbia VP&S, and UChicago Pritzker. Insider tips on standing out in the application process.
National MAPS Committee · Apr 2, 2025
Primary Application Workshop
SNMA MAPS Post-Bacc Initiative
Medical School Primary Application Workshop: Work & Activities Section
With Sara Roser-Jones, MS, Associate Director of Admissions at UChicago Pritzker. Expert tips on highlighting experiences for admissions committees.
National MAPS Committee · Mar 5, 2025
Navigating the Application Process
SNMA MAPS Post-Bacc Initiative
Navigating the Medical School Application Process as a Non-Traditional Applicant
Fares and co-presenter shared their personal journeys as non-traditional pre-medical applicants, debunking myths and sharing lessons learned.
National MAPS Committee · Feb 5, 2025
Personal Statement Guide
SNMA MAPS Post-Bacc Initiative
Writing Your Future: A Medical School Personal Statement Guide
Co-organized with Dr. Elizabeth DeLyria, expert science editor and writing coach, for a workshop on crafting a compelling personal statement that showcases your story.
National MAPS Committee · Jan 8, 2025
Northwestern Feinberg Q&A
University of Michigan-Flint MAPS Event
Northwestern Feinberg SOM Q&A with Dr. John Franklin
Hosted virtual Q&A with Dr. John Franklin, MD — Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. An admissions committee member sharing insights with University of Michigan-Flint MAPS pre-meds.
University of Michigan-Flint MAPS · Feb 16, 2023
UChicago Pritzker Q&A
University of Michigan-Flint MAPS Event
Understanding & Maximizing the Medical School Application Cycle
Hosted virtual Q&A with Sara Roser-Jones, MS — Associate Director of Admissions at UChicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Covered primaries, secondaries, and interview prep.
University of Michigan-Flint MAPS · Mar 22, 2023
U of M SOM Q&A
University of Michigan-Flint MAPS Event
University of Michigan SOM Q&A with Carol Teener, MA
Hosted virtual Q&A with Carol Teener, MA — Director of Medical School Admissions at the University of Michigan Medical School. Direct insight from the decision-maker on what makes a competitive applicant.
University of Michigan-Flint MAPS · Mar 29
Alternative Pathways
SNMA MAPS Post-Bacc Initiative
Beyond the Stethoscope: Alternative Pathways in Medicine
Panel webinar featuring Dr. June McKoy (Northwestern), Dr. Dominique Woods, and Dr. Alannah Mack. Exploring non-traditional and alternative careers in medicine and healthcare.
National MAPS Committee · Feb 19, 2025
Pre-Medical Q&A
University of Michigan-Flint MAPS · In-Person Event
Pre-Medical Q&A: Learn How to Be a Competitive Applicant
In-person Q&A panel with accepted medical students sharing application tips, lessons learned, and pathways to becoming a competitive pre-medical applicant.
University of Michigan-Flint MAPS · Thursday, March 13 · MSB 390
Hosting Deans of Admissions from Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford & Penn
A short clip (33:13–33:55) from the pre-med panel Fares hosted. When leaders of the nation's top medical schools agree to show up for his events, it says everything about the relationships and credibility he brings to his consulting work.
"Fares is an emerging young leader in medicine. He is highly intellectual, deeply passionate, and singularly committed to marshaling the next generation of young doctors. He has outstanding interpersonal skills, resilience, adaptability, professionalism, empathy, and integrity."
J
June M. McKoy, MD, MPH, JD, LLM
GeroScientist · GeroOncology Researcher · Palliative Medicine · Northwestern Medicine
"Fares has built lasting relationships with top physicians, researchers, and medical students nationwide, securing prestigious opportunities at the NIH, SNMA, and beyond. Through his mentorship, he has helped countless pre-medical and medical students effectively engage with mentors and physicians, opening doors to research, leadership, and career-defining opportunities."
S
SNMA National MAPS Committee
Student National Medical Association — national_snma_maps
Speaking Moments
From the podium
AAO 2024
American Academy of Ophthalmology
McCormick Place · Chicago · Oct 2024
ARVO 2024
First-Author Research Presenter
Seattle, WA · ARVO Foundation Travel Grant
SNMA AMEC 2024
Research Exploration at the NIH Panel
New Orleans Convention Center · 60th Anniversary AMEC
AMEC 2026
From Introduction to Impact: Mastering Networking in Medicine
Pittsburgh, PA · Pre-Med Networking Workshop
AMEC 2025
Networking Workshop — Panel Host
St. Louis, MO · National MAPS Pre-Med Workshop
AMEC 2025 · Award
Distinguished MAPS Committee Leaders
For serving 100s of pre-meds as National MAPS Co-Coordinator
Institutional Network
Schools I've worked with & hosted panels with
Through SNMA, MAPS, AMEC, and my own initiatives, I've built relationships with Deans of Admissions, faculty, and student leaders at many of the nation's top medical schools.
H
Harvard Medical School
Panel · Dr. Andrea Reid, MD, MPH
C
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons
Current Home · M1 Student & SNMA Chapter President
Y
Yale School of Medicine
Panel · Dr. Darin Latimore, MD & Linda Jackson, MS
S
Stanford School of Medicine
Panel · Dr. Iris Gibbs, MD
P
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Panel · Dr. Horace DeLisser, MD
M
University of Michigan Medical School
Alma Mater Region · MAPS Chapter Founder (University of Michigan-Flint)
U
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Panel · Dr. Keme Carter, MD & Sara Roser-Jones, MS
N
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Panel · Dr. John Franklin, MD
W
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Panel · Dr. Lina Mehta, MD
Research Portfolio
National conference presentations & publications
Beyond mentorship, I've built a substantial research portfolio in ophthalmology and health disparities — the kind of track record I'll help you understand how to develop for yourself.
Multiple
Poster Presentations
3,000+
Research Hours at NIH
Multiple
First-Author Publications
6
National Conferences
Complete conferences & speaking history
Full record of national conferences attended, presented at, or spoke at — organized by year. Tags indicate audience focus.
Invited speaker — "From Introduction to Impact: Mastering Networking in Medicine" + "Interview with Integrity: Navigating the Ethics Questions of the Medical School Interview"
2025
SNMA / MAPS
SNMA AMEC 2025 · St. Louis, MO · April
Invited speaker — "Beyond the Handshake: Mastering Meaningful Networking in Medicine"
Leadership
SNMA National Leadership Academy Panel · AMEC 2025 · St. Louis, MO
Invited speaker on the National Leadership Academy panel event — sharing insights with selected pre-med and medical student leaders from across the country
SNMA / MAPS
National MAPS Webinar Series · 2024–2025
Hosted as Post Co-Coordinator: Personal Statement Guide (Dr. DeLyria), NIH Application Workshop, Non-Traditional Applicant Panel, Medical School Blueprint Panel, Primary Application Workshop, Networking for Future Physicians, Beyond the Stethoscope: Alternative Pathways
2024
Ophthalmology
AAO 2024: Elevate · Chicago, IL · October 18–21
American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting — poster presenter & floor manager for "Sustainable Ophthalmology" panel
Ophthalmology
New England Ophthalmological Society — 796th Meeting · Boston, MA · June 7
Co-author presenter — Longitudinal Study of Ocular Manifestations of von Hippel-Lindau Disease (30-Year Follow Up)
Ophthalmology
ARVO 2024 · Seattle, WA · May 5–9
4 abstracts presented · First-author for "Diabetic Retinopathy and Dietary Fat Intake in the ACCORD Study" · ARVO Foundation Travel Grant recipient
Ophthalmology
Rabb Venable Excellence in Ophthalmology Meeting
Co-author — "Macular Thickness and Associated Factors Among African-Born Immigrants"
SNMA / MAPS
SNMA AMEC 2024 — 60th Anniversary · New Orleans, LA · March
Invited speaker on "Research Exploration at the NIH" panel · 3,000+ attendees · Largest gathering of underrepresented pre-meds, med students, and physicians in the country
Medical Education
The Keys to Becoming a Successful Pre-Med · Webinar · March 19
Organized & moderated mini-conference with 300+ pre-meds nationwide · Panelists: Drs. Andrea Reid (Harvard), Iris Gibbs (Stanford), Horace DeLisser (Penn), Linda Jackson (Yale)
Medical Education
"From Application to Acceptance: Your Guide to NIH Research" · Webinar · November 6
Speaker — sharing IRTA fellowship insights with national pre-med audience
2023
Ophthalmology
ARVO 2023 · New Orleans, LA · April 23–27
2 first-author abstracts: "Progression of Retinal Thickness in HIV-Positive Subjects" + co-author on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Diabetic Retinopathy
Medical Education
East Kentwood High School HOSA Chapter · January
Speaker — pre-medical panel for underrepresented high school students
Medical Education
University of Michigan-Flint MAPS Webinar Series · 2023
Hosted virtual Q&As with: Dr. John Franklin (Northwestern Feinberg, Feb), Sara Roser-Jones (UChicago Pritzker, March), Carol Teener (U of M Medical School)
2022
SNMA / MAPS
SNMA AMEC 2022 · Orlando, FL · April 13–17
Research presenter · Selected to National Leadership Academy (1 of 30 students nationally) · Successfully chartered University of Michigan-Flint MAPS chapter
Medical Education
Pediatric Academic Society (PAS) 2022 · Denver, CO · April 21–25
Poster presenter — "Primary Care Follow-up After ED Visit for Pediatric Asthma Patients"
Medical Education
Health Professions Recruitment & Exposure Program (HPREP) Conference · April
Panelist — mentoring underrepresented high school students pursuing medicine
Medical Education
Stanford SUMMA Conference · February
Attendee — Stanford Medicine's Minority Medical Alliance focused on belonging and minority representation in medicine
Leadership
National Leadership Institute (NLI) · Columbus, OH · January
Attendee — health equity, community advocacy, and disparities programming · Connected with SNMA & MAPS leaders nationally
SNMA / MAPS
SNMA Region X RMEC · January 7–9
Research presenter — Outstanding Undergraduate Poster Award · Live poster symposium
SNMA / MAPS
SNMA Region IV RMEC · Duke School of Medicine · February 4–6
Research presenter — Sickle Cell Anemia treatment practices study
SNMA / MAPS
SNMA Region VII RMEC · January 28–30
Research presenter — Sickle Cell Anemia ED treatment study
2021
SNMA / MAPS
SNMA AMEC 2021 · Virtual · April
Attendee — first national SNMA conference · "Redefining Obstacles as Opportunities to Transcend"
2019
Medical Education
Michigan Health Sciences Research Symposium · July 30
Poster presenter — University of Michigan Medical School · MHSURA program
About ARVO
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest and most respected eye and vision research organization in the world, with over 11,000 members in 75+ countries. The ARVO Annual Meeting is the premier gathering for ophthalmology researchers globally, and Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (IOVS) is its flagship peer-reviewed journal.
ARVO · Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
Publications & Abstracts
Peer-reviewed research in IOVS — the official journal of ARVO — alongside presentations at national ophthalmology meetings.
Co-Author · 2026
Modest and Variable Correlations Between Geographic Atrophy Enlargement Rates in Fellow Eyes in the AREDS2 Study
von der Emde L, Vance E, Mukherjee S, Hou J, Agrón E, Siddiq F, Domalpally A, Chakravarthy U, Chew EY, Keenan TDL; AREDS2 Research Group. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2026 Apr 2:e260540. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2026.0540. PubMedJAMA Ophthalmology · 2026
First Author
Progression of Retinal Thickness in HIV-Positive Subjects and Negative Controls
Siddig F, Soifer M, Agron E, Dietrich D, Nath A, Chew EY, Smith B. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2023;64(8):3674.ARVO 2023 · New Orleans, LA
First Author
Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy and Dietary Fat Intake in the ACCORD Study
Siddig F, et al. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2024.ARVO 2024 · Seattle, WA · ARVO Foundation Travel Grant
Co-Author
The Role of Inflammatory Biomarkers on Diabetic Retinopathy Status in Type 2 Diabetes
Soifer M, Agron E, Siddig F, Ambrosius W, Lovato J, Chew EY. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2023;64(8):558.ARVO 2023 · New Orleans, LA
Co-Author
Evaluation of Oral Minocycline Treatment on Macular Sensitivity in Geographic Atrophy
Published in Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2024.ARVO 2024 · Seattle, WA
Co-Author
Association of Structural and Functional Parameters in Age-Related Macular Degeneration for Progression to Late-Stage Disease
Published in Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2024.ARVO 2024 · Seattle, WA
Co-Author
Diabetic Retinopathy Progression and Health-Related Quality of Life in the ACCORD Trial
Published in Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2024.ARVO 2024 · Seattle, WA
Co-Author
Symmetrical Progression of Geographic Atrophy in Bilateral Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Insights from AREDS2
Manuscript in preparation.AAO 2024 · Chicago, IL
Co-Author
Longitudinal Study of Ocular Manifestations of von Hippel-Lindau Disease: A 30-Year Follow Up
Presented at the 796th meeting of the New England Ophthalmological Society.NEOS · Boston, MA (2024)
Co-Author
Macular Thickness and Associated Factors Among African-Born Immigrants
Presented at the Rabb Venable Excellence in Ophthalmology Meeting.Rabb Venable Meeting
Co-Author
Enhancing Large Language Models with Domain-Specific Retrieval Augmented Generation
Manuscript submitted — evaluating evidence factuality, selection, and attribution trade-offs for AI in medicine.NIH · AI/ML Research
A 30-minute conversation to understand your background, goals, timeline, and which services will make the biggest difference for you. Book directly via Calendly below.
II
Personalized Action Plan
Based on our call, I create a custom roadmap — school list, milestones, application strategy, and specific recommendations tailored to your profile and timeline.
III
Active Consulting & Editing
Regular 1-on-1 sessions with real-time document editing, interview preparation, and ongoing strategic guidance throughout your cycle.
IV
Interview & Acceptance Support
Mock interviews, thank-you note strategy, waitlist coaching, and celebration when that acceptance letter arrives.
Student Voices
What students say about working with Fares
Real stories from pre-meds Fares has guided through the journey.
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Real student testimonials coming soon
Fares is currently collecting reviews from students he's worked with — including those who've earned NIH placements, gained medical school acceptances, and navigated the application process with his guidance.
Start with a free 30-minute discovery call. No pressure — just honest advice from someone who's been exactly where you are and made it to Columbia VP&S.
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Free 30-Min Discovery Call
We'll talk through your situation, goals, and how I can help. No obligation.
✦
Flexible Scheduling
Book at a time that works for you via the Calendly calendar.
✦
Direct Access to Fares
You're not working with a middleman — you're working with me directly.
Currently accepting students applying this cycle until August 30th.
Also accepting students applying next cycle (2027).
Limited spots — sign up or come chat for a free 30-minute consultation to see if we're a good match.
I've lived the journey as a first-generation immigrant from Sudan. I navigated the process without a roadmap, earned an NIH IRTA fellowship, founded a MAPS chapter, organized national webinars with Deans of Admissions, spoke at AMEC three times (2024, 2025, and 2026), and am now an M1 at Columbia VP&S.
Absolutely — this is a specialty of mine. I was a non-traditional applicant myself, and I've led national webinars specifically on navigating the medical school application process as a non-traditional student. I understand the unique challenges and how to frame your story compellingly.
Yes — I held an NIH IRTA fellowship at the National Eye Institute for two years and have presented research at ARVO 2024 with an ARVO Foundation Travel Grant. I've also led a national webinar specifically on NIH applications, and have personally helped 3 individuals successfully start and land positions at the NIH. I know the programs, the portal, the PI outreach process, and the onboarding experience firsthand.
Ideally 12–18 months before you want to matriculate. But it's never too early or too late. Whether you're planning your freshman year or submitting secondaries right now, I can add value at any stage.
Yes. I offer flexible payment arrangements for the Complete Cycle and Elite packages. Let's talk about what works for you on our discovery call.
I've spoken at AMEC 2026 on "Interview with Integrity: Navigating the Ethics Questions of the Medical School Interview." My mock sessions use realistic MMI stations and traditional panels with structured written feedback — not just impressions.
Book Fares
Available for speaking & collaborations
Pre-med organization, conference, podcast, or webinar series? I'm available to speak, host panels, and collaborate on programming for pre-med, post-bacc, and underrepresented student audiences.
🎤
Conference keynotes & panels
3× SNMA AMEC speaker on networking, NIH research, and interview ethics. Available for AMEC, regional MEC, and university symposia.
🖥️
Webinar collaborations
Co-host or lead webinars with student orgs, pre-med platforms, or content creators. Topics: medical school application advice, NIH research, networking, and pre-med pathway guidance.
🎙️
Podcasts & interviews
Available for medical education podcasts, pre-med interview series, and content focused on first-gen, immigrant, or underrepresented student journeys.
🤝
Student org partnerships
MAPS chapters, SNMA chapters, university pre-med organizations — open to mentorship sessions, Q&As, and recurring collaborations.
I'm building an ongoing series of free workshops, live Q&A sessions, and pre-med deep-dives designed to help you navigate every stage of your journey. Drop your email to get notified when the next one drops — plus exclusive tips, early-bird access to new programs, and behind-the-scenes from my own application cycle.
🎓Monthly workshops on personal statements, NIH applications, secondaries, and interviews
📩Insider tips straight from my inbox — what's actually working right now
⚡First access to new services, group cohorts, and discounted offerings
🎙️Event invites for upcoming webinars, panels, and AMA sessions
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime. Approximately 1–2 emails per month.
Your white coat is waiting. Let's figure it out.
Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Fares to see if we're a good match.
