Muataz Lafta Exclusive Interview - 'Nothing Worth Having Comes Easily, And Your Hard Work Will Never Be In Vain'

Muataz Lafta was recently interviewed by RootsAndRoutesMag.com and below is the Q&A session we had with him.

Muataz Lafta As Cover Story – July 2024 Edition

Briefly describe your background, interests, and significant life experiences.

I am Muataz Lafta, and I am 26 years old. I was born and raised in Iraq and moved to Sweden with my family when I was 13 years old in 2011. I have always wanted to become a doctor, ever since I can remember. I am the first-generation doctor in my family. My father had several health issues that gave me an early insight into healthcare. His medical history not only inspired me to become a doctor but also serves as one of my greatest motivations to honor his memory and make him proud through my work. Currently, I am a medical intern at Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden, and at the same time, a PhD student in neuroscience and a teacher in the medical program at Uppsala University. I am deeply fascinated by the human brain, and my goal is to become a neurosurgeon-scientist. I enjoy combining my clinical work with research, teaching, and volunteering.

Major Challenge: What has been a major challenge in your life and how did you handle it?

Moving to Sweden as a teenager at 13 years old and learning a new language while adapting to a new culture was not easy. Shortly after we moved, my father was diagnosed with cancer and passed away at the young age of 51 in 2017, only six months before my graduation from gymnasium. It was tough in school as I had to work harder than my peers due to the language barrier and being unfamiliar with the system. It was also tough at home, seeing my father suffering from his battle with cancer. I had no choice but to keep my steadfast focus on my goals and dreams and make the best out of the situation. I refused to be a victim of outer circumstances. I am never afraid to work harder or spend more time to achieve my goals.

Proud Moment: Share a personal or professional achievement you are proud of.

The first major proud moment was graduating from gymnasium with the highest marks despite the short time in Sweden and the tough family situation. I secured my entry ticket into the medical program, where I enjoyed very successful years. The difficult start in my life helped me build strong momentum and made me more resilient and determined. I am particularly proud of being named Uppsala Student of the Year in 2021 out of more than 50,000 students at Uppsala University, and being the first recipient with both parents of Arabic background. Another honor was receiving a diploma from His Majesty the King of Sweden for my value-based leadership in 2023. In 2024, I was awarded the Career Scholarship for Young Professionals in Sweden, recognizing me as a promising talent with big career ambitions.

Daily Motivation: What keeps you motivated and inspired each day?

My continuous hunger for achieving excellence and making an impact in the world is what keeps me motivated. I feel a strong obligation to use my capabilities, knowledge, and experiences to pave the way for those who come after me. My mottos are to “be the reason” and to “leave things better than I found them.” My inner motivation stems from my challenging experiences. Being born and raised in another country has helped me appreciate the rich opportunities I have in Sweden and not take them for granted. I am deeply grateful to my parents, who made big sacrifices to ensure a bright future for me and my siblings. Through my work, I want to honor my father’s memory and acknowledge him and my mother for dedicating their life to supporting me and my siblings.

Community Contribtion: How do you actively give back to your community or support others?

Navigating toward my goals has not always been straightforward. I have sometimes taken detours before finding the right path and made mistakes that could have been avoided with better guidance. However, I always try to learn from each experience and never believe in failure. Either I win or I learn.

I am proud of the many initiatives I have taken based on the lessons I have learned, to support those around me. I am the founder of two student associations at Uppsala University, one for surgery and one for research. I have also served as an ambassador for Uppsala University, sharing my knowledge with others and actively engaging on a national level to support interest in surgery and research. Additionally, I am a co-founder of a student association for medical students and junior doctors interested in neurosurgery called the “Dandy Neurosurgical Society Sweden,” and I am currently the founding president of Swedish Young Neuroscientists (SYNS), a network for neuroscience and a branch of the Swedish Society for Neuroscience (SSFN). Furthermore, I am an active lecturer in public science, both through organizations and as a freelancer, discussing neuroscience and bringing awareness to mental health, addiction, and the risks associated with drug abuse, including tobacco, alcohol, and narcotics, to empower the younger generation with knowledge.

Message to Readers: What message or advice would you like to share with our readers?

There are many lessons I have learned throughout my journey so far. The first is that nothing worth having comes easily, and your hard work will never be in vain. Always stay curious and have high ambitions in life. Never be a victim of external circumstances. Decide what you want in life, and remember that where there is a will, there is always a way. Be the captain of your own ship and don’t let anyone else take the wheel from you. Last but not least, remember that discipline is much more important than motivation. Motivation fluctuates, but you must remain disciplined and pursue what feels meaningful to you. Interest usually follows as you learn more and make progress.