By Julia Colecchi

When a student arrives at Northeast Ohio Medical University, they often do so with a passion for helping others. But for Abdelrahman Boghdady, a second-year medical student, that passion extended beyond the clinic and into the heart of the community.

Boghdady spent his undergraduate years volunteering with a Habitat for Humanity chapter at Kent State University, and he noticed a gap at NEOMED. While many service opportunities existed, they were often one-time events that filled up quickly. He believed a new student organization was needed to provide consistent, long-term involvement—a place where students could see the tangible, lasting impact of their efforts. Inspired by this realization, the NEOMED Habitat for Humanity chapter was born.

The organization’s mission is built on four core pillars: Direct Service, Fundraising, Education and Advocacy. These goals go together with the curriculum in NEOMED’s College of Medicine, which emphasizes the impact of social determinants of health on patient outcomes. By directly supporting the creation of safe and affordable housing, members gain a firsthand understanding of a key factor that influences a person’s well-being. This is more than just community service; it’s an extension of students’ medical training, strengthening both the community and their future practice.

“As future healthcare professionals, it is essential to understand the broader challenges our patients face,” Boghdady said. “Through Habitat, we gain perspective on the barriers people encounter in accessing safe and stable housing. It helps us see beyond the clinic, practice empathy and develop the habit of shifting perspective when working toward solutions.”

Being part of the Habitat chapter also offers professional and personal growth. On a build site, people from all backgrounds come together to work toward a common goal, fostering collaboration, teamwork and communication. Challenges are solved together, teaching members to adapt, support others and think critically as part of a team.

For students, one of the most rewarding parts of the experience is the hands-on work, said Boghdady. Working alongside a construction leader and fellow students, they might be installing drywall, painting, or framing.

And the best part?

“We often get to meet the families who will call these houses home,” said Boghdady, sharing his enthusiasm for seeing directly how his hard work will benefit members of the community. “It’s a refreshing break from the academic grind and a chance to learn new, tangible skills.”

Creating a Lasting Legacy

Boghdady hopes that the NEOMED Habitat for Humanity chapter creates a lasting legacy.

“We envision it as a meaningful bridge between NEOMED’s students, faculty and staff, and the wider community,” he emphasized. “The long-term goals are to continue recruiting committed members, raising funds for Habitat’s projects, educating the campus about housing challenges, and advocating for safe, decent and stable housing for all.”

Ultimately, the NEOMED Habitat for Humanity chapter is building more than just homes; it’s building a community, fostering a culture of empathy and helping to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to see the patient as a whole person with human needs, and not just medical needs.