Meet NYCHA-CUNY Scholar Nada Elkallini 

During her teen years living at NYCHA, Nada Elkallini got on a path to become a dedicated medical professional.  

Acting as a primary caregiver for her father, the young resident would help him manage mobility impairments, offer aid, and ensure he made it to medical appointments for treatment. Having become a certified medical assistant in high school, Ms. Elkallini would share some of her knowledge of ailments, impressing clinic doctors with her skills at such a young age.  

Ms. Elkallini has lived with her family in an apartment in Manhattan’s Lower East Side since the age of 13. It was there that she first learned from a fellow resident about the CUNY School of Medicine’s Sophie Davis Biomedical Program and decided to take a serious step toward her vision of becoming a doctor. Students can earn both a bachelor’s and medical degree through the seven-year Sophie Davis program, which is based at the CUNY City College campus.  

“I’ve always wanted to offer care to others,” Ms. Elkallini said of her interest in pursuing a medical career.  

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical science this past spring. Now, after recently entering her first year of medical school in the Sophie Davis program, Ms. Elkallini has been named a 2024 NYCHA-CUNY Scholar, along with a record 90 other scholarship recipients.  

She was among 15 CUNY City College students who were selected for the Levine Family Scholarship – funded by former NYCHA resident and CUNY alum Jeffrey Levine – which provides NYCHA residents and Section 8 participants with $1,000 for education-related expenses such as tuition, books, and fees. This year’s NYCHA-CUNY Scholarship awardees were celebrated during a ceremony at NYCHA’s central office in Manhattan on October 18.   

Ms. Elkallini, who said the scholarship honor for NYCHA residents is particularly meaningful, is the first in her family to pursue a medical degree. She is followed by her younger sister, currently an undergraduate in the Sophie Davis Biomedical Program, who was also recognized as one of this year’s NYCHA-CUNY Scholars.  

“Living in public housing and attending a CUNY college have not only helped me achieve my professional goals but have also instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to my community,” Ms. Elkallini said. “Together with my younger sister, we represent the hopes and dreams of our family, striving to become primary care physicians. Our story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the opportunities that public housing and CUNY colleges provide.” 

The aspiring physician credits her past experience as a volunteer at Manhattan’s Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center with helping to shape her passion for providing compassionate healthcare. Working with a diverse range of patients, including seniors and children with developmental disabilities, Ms. Elkallini said she learned about the importance of connecting with patients and making them feel comfortable and supported like being at home.   

“It was fulfilling, and it made me feel grateful every day,” she said of volunteer work with patients. “In my future career, I plan to leverage my education and experiences to serve as a compassionate and effective healthcare provider in underserved communities.”  

Over her years in the CUNY School of Medicine, Ms. Elkallini said she has enjoyed studying alongside fellow students from across the city who may have some experiences in common. The school’s unique integration of undergraduate and medical education has allowed her to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which she believes will be essential for her eventual career as a physician.    

“At Sophie Davis, I found myself among peers with similar backgrounds and stories,” she noted. “Our shared experiences as residents of public housing and members of low-income families created a bond that transcended the classroom.”  

Aside from her demanding graduate studies, she has continued to do volunteer work at clinics to build her resume. While she is still years away from carrying the title of medical doctor, Ms. Elkallini knows that she will be committed to providing compassionate care, and she credits her upbringing for setting her on a career path of helping others.      

“I am proud of where I come from and excited for what the future holds, knowing that my journey will inspire others to dream big and strive for greatness,” she concluded.  

To learn more about the NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship, click here.    

To learn about the 2024 scholarship awards ceremony, click here.

Photo caption: The 2024 NYCHA-CUNY Scholarship honorees were celebrated during a ceremony on October 18.